fixed rod style sharpeners

You can get a Spyderco Sharpmaker for around $50.I'm not sure if that is in your range but it will sharpen anything well including serrations.
 
Hard H2O said:
I wouldn't drag any of my blades through a carbide scraper type sharpener.
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I second that thought. They have never seemed to work like all they say they will. I would go with the Sharpmaker. I have one and it does work on all types of blades. It can be a little difficult with large blades though.
 
the sharpmaker is excellent. i also use a big john sharpening stick from smkw, and it works much better than i'd ever imagined. perfect for big blades.
 
Those carbide scrapers really trash your blade.

Any sort of crock stick sharpener would be better. The spyderco sharpmaker is really good.
 
The pull through sharpeners, may be "ok" for some soft steels in kitchen knives, but should never be used on harder steels in other knives. Do yourself a favor though, and buy a Sharpmaker. You won't regret it.
 
coolcrow said:
The pull through sharpeners, may be "ok" for some soft steels in kitchen knives, but should never be used on harder steels in other knives.
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What are the negative side effects? I don't really even like this thing... I just need something to give me an edge back before taking the blade to my DMT Diamond stone.
 
THG said:
I have a Smith's carbide sharpener. I use it to get an edge and flat bevels back if I have a really dull blade. Is this not a good idea?
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It is much easier to maintan a blade through the use of strops, stones, sharpmaker...than it is to bring back a dull edge.

If you have a dull edge you need to sharpen it. The carbide pul throughs might be a quick and dirty shortcut but they shorten blade life and do not give you a nice even bevel.

For your knives it might be a good idea and it might wrk for your needs. For my blades I use the strop, the GATCO, the KME, and the Arkansas stones.
 
If you already have a diamond stone that will put an edge on anything !! My most used sharpener is an old Eze-Lap 4" rod that I've had for a LONG time !Now worn fine it's just right.
 
The carbide slot gadgets are a quick and dirty sharpening method. I think they have their place for really trashed edges or beater knives. I would not use one on a premium-steel knife since those are more valuable and also more likely to chip.

Not all of the carbide slot gadgets are equal and I believe the Accusharp is the best. I have used one to good effect on many kitchen and steak knives with minimal time invested.

I use my Sharpmaker on my personal pocket knives that I value, but there are many other knives that I just don't have the time or motivation to sharpen on the Sharpmaker. I also don't care if the resulting working edge on those knives is imperfect in some way. They always cut much better than before I Accusharp them and I don't Accusharp them like a gorilla, either. A light touch is best.
 
They work well, for what they were designed for. Cheap knives that won't hold an edge no matter how much time you put in on a hone.

I use them for knives that aren't worth wasting my time and effort on. They are quick and will provide a working edge. They will also take nicks out without wearing down your stone.

In short, it's a good tool to have in your drawer but it is not a substitute for a good set of hones.
 
THG said:
What are the negative side effects? I don't really even like this thing... I just need something to give me an edge back before taking the blade to my DMT Diamond stone.
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Do you care what edge angle is created? If not, then following the pull-thru sharpener with the DMT diamond stone AT THE SAME ANGLE should work. If you want a more accute angle than the pull-thru sharpener, using it will actually create more work for the DMT. The pull-thru sharpener also creates a scratch pattern parallel to the edge which makes for a weaker edge.
 
@THG:

Most of these slot gadgets are set up to give you an edge angle of about 45 degrees inclusive. Even if you want a more acute edge than that, I think it will save you time and effort to sharpen it with the slot gadget first. IMO, honing a very dull knife takes longer than thinning a sharp but wide edge.

The final scratch pattern left on the edge will be determined by what you do with your diamond stone in the final step and not the slot gadget.

I think your method is just fine as long as your edge is not chipping out when you use the slot gadget. This will be determined by the type of steel and how much pressure you use with the gadget. If it is chipping, you can feel it by running your finger nail along the edge or see it, especially with a magnifying glass.
 
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