Freehand vs rod system dilemma

J

J-P SAN

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Apr 23, 2013
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Is it considered degrading/shamefull to use fixed angle rod systems like sharpmaker? I've been freehanding almost a year now and just recently learnt how to achieve hair whitling edge. How ever I'm quite excited for Lanskys upcomming system (Link to that: http://lansky.com/index.php/products/masters-edge/#1 ).

Would it be dum to go from freehand to fixed angle system? Opinions?
 
That new Lansky is pretty sweet. I'll definitely be picking one up. As to your question, I don't think there's any shame in using any method that suits you to get your knives sharp and keep them that way. I think it is unfortunate when people never learn to freehand at all, as I find it a useful and actually enjoyable skill (once the horrible stage of "beginner's frustration" passes). There's just something "right" about being able to put edge to stone and create/maintain a knife with your own hands. If others don't share this view and wish to go straight to guided systems, that's their choice, and I think no less of them, but I do think they're cheating themselves out of a rewarding experience. I personally use a combo of freehand and guided, depending upon the knife and/or circumstances. I've recently been leaning more toward guided sharpening, but I still try to maintain my freehanding skills. I like the idea that were my guided systems unavailable I'd still be able to sharpen.
 
Do what works for you and helps you achieve the results that you are going after. If I need to sharpen a knife, I will choose the method that works for me regardless of what anyone thinks. I dont sharpen knives to impress people.
 
What shame? You maintain your knives that is far more than what the general population does. And you learned how to produce some very sharp edges while free handing, my advice use what you like it's your knives. One of the great things about this hobby there is a lot of variation and a lots of paths to take to get to the same outcome, in this case that outcome is a sharp knife.
 
It wont be dum, but your knives will be less sharp. Rod systems gives a little convex edge.

If you want go into better edges - move to guided systems (not good for large knives - in +6inches freehand rules)
 
J-P SAN said:
Is it considered degrading/shamefull to use fixed angle rod systems like sharpmaker? I've been freehanding almost a year now and just recently learnt how to achieve hair whitling edge. How ever I'm quite excited for Lanskys upcomming system (Link to that: http://lansky.com/index.php/products/masters-edge/#1 ).

Would it be dum to go from freehand to fixed angle system? Opinions?
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Certainly wouldn't be dumb, whatever works for you is good. My only concern is that if you're getting better at freehand, a system like that might take away time better spent learning to freehand faster and more consistently. That rod system, (and any other guided system) isn't doing anything that can't be done freehand for the most part, and in less time. Freehand is also going to be lot more versatile.

That said, there are plenty of folks that do most of their sharpening freehand and just use rod systems for quick touch-ups.
 
It's whatever works for you. While sharpening freehand is a great skill, it's the end result that counts.
 
I think its a personal preference. I freehand sharpen. For me, developing my freehand skills is nice because i have found my self in situations where someone's knife is dull. Being able to freehand an extremely dull knife on some make shift "stones" (did a cleaver on a cement sidewalk once) to get them functional again is an asset.

Ric
 
I'm really enjoying the art of freehand sharpening. It is a challenge that I'm getting better with, but it creates a closer bond, reward, and satisfaction than guided systems. My bevel edges are not as pretty as using a guided system, but function as well if not better. I find myself dulling my knives just so I can practice on my stones, I enjoy freehand.
 
J-P SAN said:
Is it considered degrading/shamefull to use fixed angle rod systems like sharpmaker? I've been freehanding almost a year now and just recently learnt how to achieve hair whitling edge. How ever I'm quite excited for Lanskys upcomming system (Link to that: http://lansky.com/index.php/products/masters-edge/#1 ).

Would it be dum to go from freehand to fixed angle system? Opinions?
Click to expand...

I don't consider it dumb to utilize whatever tools are available. Sometimes, a simpler or quicker solution is just more handy. These V-crock sharpeners are about the easiest and quickest touch-up tools on-the-fly, such as when quickly tuning up an edge in the kitchen, while fixing dinner. No reason to abandon all other freehand skills in using them either; I've found that a steady hand and good use of pressure stiill apply, either way, and using both options and any others is the best way to keep the hands tuned up to it all. I've noticed improvement in my own freehand skills from time spent on V-crock tools, and improvement in my use of the V-crock tools, based on what freehand practice has taught. One feeds off the other, and results from using any and all options get better all the way around.


David
 
Obsessed with Edges said:
I don't consider it dumb to utilize whatever tools are available. Sometimes, a simpler or quicker solution is just more handy. These V-crock sharpeners are about the easiest and quickest touch-up tools on-the-fly, such as when quickly tuning up an edge in the kitchen, while fixing dinner. No reason to abandon all other freehand skills in using them either; I've found that a steady hand and good use of pressure stiill apply, either way, and using both options and any others is the best way to keep the hands tuned up to it all. I've noticed improvement in my own freehand skills from time spent on V-crock tools, and improvement in my use of the V-crock tools, based on what freehand practice has taught. One feeds off the other, and results from using any and all options get better all the way around.


David
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Well put David, as always!
 
I use both ways. When at home, I soak my water stones and go to town. Now that isn't really practical at work when I need to touch up my Endura after slicing through a bunch of cardboard. I have my sharp maker in a grocery bag that I leave in our break room for lunchtime touch ups. I also have strips of cardboard with CrOx hidden everywhere around the shop. No shame at all! The average person that sees my knives are terrified by how sharp they are. It's hilarious!
 
With the amount of info on this forum its only degrading/shameful if you can't sharpen a knife. Use whatever method works for you. I use them all.
 
mattd88 said:
With the amount of info on this forum its only degrading/shameful if you can't sharpen a knife. Use whatever method works for you. I use them all.
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I agree that there is so much helpful information here but I don't think its degrading/shameful if you still can't sharpen a knife. Everyone has a different learning curve and it takes time.
 
I was just pointing out that if one couldnt take advantage of the information , pictures, and the overabundance of people willing to help provided here and learn how to sharpen a knife, reguardless of the learning curve, it would be degrading.
 
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