Freehand to Sharpmaker?

[kniferbro]

For Christmas someone gave me a $50 Gift Certificate for Blade HQ. Which is great. And of course after seeing it a whole mess of knives on my imaginary “Want To Buy” list immediately jumped out. Instead of landing on one of those I kind of decided that a good sharpening system may be the better purchase. I know there’s a ton of people that stand behind the Sharpmaker so that’s the one that I’m really considering. It’s one of the most recommended sharpening systems out there, for good reason I imagine.


I have a Lansky set up as well as a small collection of stones, and I much prefer the stones. I never liked clamping my knives down, and I always figured at least I’m learning to hone my freehand skills through trial and error, and for the most part I’m happy with my edges. They aren’t the prettiest or the shiniest, but they cut well and I can maintain a pretty consistent edge. Which is why I haven’t really committed to any particular sharpening system as of yet.

It’d basically be a free Sharpmaker, though without the Gift Certificate I doubt I’d really even consider it(more money for knives, of course). So I’m asking you guys if it’s a worthwhile venture since I already have a decent knowledge of freehand sharpening, would a Sharpmaker benefit me, or would it turn out like my Lansky and sit in it’s case while I break out my stones instead?

IMO all the guided (SM included) and/or clamped systems are a handicap (no offense intended to those who use one) for holding a consistent bevel angle. If you have that skill mastered, or are mastering it now, I don't see a reason you'd need that handicap anymore. That being said the SM is a little different in that you can change the angle of the blade as you sharpen to accommodate stuff, and it is invaluable at sharpening serrations.

I do not use one as my main sharpener and continue to free hand, but I have one because its useful in certain aspects. I could probably get by with just having the triangle stones, tbh.

 

[McFeeli]

My Sharpmaker was delivered today and I thought I might as well give it a shot. I rewatched the instructional DVD as I sharpened my Fayette Jack, GEC’s 1095. While the knife was decently sharp when I started, it turned into a legitimate razor by the time I was finished. It wasn’t the prettiest edge I’ve put on a knife, but it was definitely one of the sharpest. Practice should help with the appearance even though that aspect isn’t a main concern of mine. I do think the Sharpmaker and I will get along just fine, haha.

I really appreciate everyone’s input and thank all of you for it.

 

[McFeeli]

Because we are in the Spyderco sub, I thought it’d be fitting to get a snap of a Spydie freshly sharpened off of their Sharpmaker. I had a tiny, tiny chip in the edge of my K390 Urban. And I figured if the Sharpmaker could fix that for me I’d be set for life. I think it turned out pretty good. I’ll clean it up a little more, but for coming straight off the stones I’m thrilled.

Excuse the subpar photo, it’s a quick pic. Once again, thank you all for sharing your experience and opinions.

 

[Smaug]

I've got a few options here: Lansky with diamond hones, DMT stones, Ken Onion Worksharp and Sharpmaker.

Sharpmaker is the one I keep coming back to. It's easy, fast, and gives great results. The only thing it's not good for is re-profiling.

The next thing I think I'm going to do is to get a set of angle guides for my DMT stones, to quickly reprofile without a motor or need to buy belts.

 

[Winch]

I just received my new Sharpmaker. I like it a lot since I don’t let my knives get really dull before sharpening. Plus it’s intuitive for me.

 

[McFeeli]

I just received my new Sharpmaker. I like it a lot since I don’t let my knives get really dull before sharpening. Plus it’s intuitive for me.

I’m the same way. I try to keep my blades reasonably sharp so my Sharpmaker has been treating me well. I’m really happy with it. There was always this one knife that plagued my sharpening skills, my ZT 0900. I can’t explain why, but I could never work the edge freehand. After a few minutes on the Sharpmaker it turned into a beaut. I’d certainly purchase one again.

I still sharpen quite a few of my knives freehand, especially my high carbon blades. The ones I enjoy sharpening. The blades I don’t like sharpening get the Sharpmaker treatment, haha.

 

[5-by-5]

I was going to hold out for a gauntlet with the CBN rods. But I snagged a Sharpmaker off of the exchange with CBN.
I've been considering a sharpmaker for quite a while. My vision has been fading over the years and I have a hard time seeing my angles.

I'm reprofiling my Native S110V right now. Never had a sharp edge since I got it. I put it to Spyderco bench stones right away. I can see right now how horrible my angles were.
Clearly I convexed one side really bad, maybe to 45°. Ugh, so it's taking some time.

 

[jbmonkey]

older thread but still alive. I find the sharpmaker is the easiest way to begin freehanding. sure it has setup angles.......but knives dont. constantly have to adjust my hand to ht the angles. once I figured that out hitting regular bench freehand stones were much easier for me. I use the sharpmaker the most as its fast and easy on edges that need a touchup. if Sal and crew would get us some courser grits in diamonds I'd reprofile with it myself. due to setup and take down speed over the kme or wicked edge or other guided setups which I also use.