Good Knife Sharpener?

S

sidon86

Joined
Dec 6, 2005
Messages
11
Hey, I recently got a Mini-RSK Mk1 (Benchmade Model 558-400) and it's coming to the time that I should probably do a little cleaning and resharpen the blade as well. A lot of people seem to recommend the Spyderco Sharpmaker and I was just wondering if it would be fine for my blade. From the factory, the blade has a high flat grind with 30º plain edge, 6.9º bevel. The blade material is CPM S30V stainless steel hardened to 58-60 HRC. Also possibly if there are better angles to use for sharpening the knife for better edge maintenance. Thanks!
 
I recommend the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It cost about $40 and has medium and fine grit sharpening rods that are very easy to setup and store. It works well very well on both plain and serrated edges and comes with a good instructional video. It can sharpen all kinds of things.
 
I've got the full size ritter-grip and the sharpmaker works great. i use the 40 degree angle, and only use the 30 after several sharpenings to knock back the shoulders. great knife though. do a little stropping after sharpening and you'll be amazed at how sharp it'll get.
 
Thanks guys,
The sharpmaker appears to be the one every one is recommending. They seem to be about 40$ on ebay and amazon, so Im looking into that. Thanks!!
 
Clost to the topic: I have been loking for the sharpening FAQ, but the link I keep finding doesn't work. Does anyone know where it is?
 
So what's the word on the Lansky Dlx Turnbox (NGraham has it)? Two sets of ceramic sticks, medium and fine @ $14.95.

Lots cheaper than the Sharpmaker. So is there a catch?
 
I've tried just about every type of sharpening device known over the last 35 years and the Sharpmaker is by far the best thing you can buy for under a 100 bucks. Most of the "cross stick" style sharpeners will do a decent job sharpening knives but the sharpmaker will give you outstanding results.

Not sure why the Spyderco triangular stones work so much better, but they do... Absolutely the best 45 dollars I've ever spent on a non-knife item.
 
Boozoo Chavis said:
I've tried just about every type of sharpening device known over the last 35 years and the Sharpmaker is by far the best thing you can buy for under a 100 bucks. Most of the "cross stick" style sharpeners will do a decent job sharpening knives but the sharpmaker will give you outstanding results.

Not sure why the Spyderco triangular stones work so much better, but they do... Absolutely the best 45 dollars I've ever spent on a non-knife item.
Click to expand...

I agree. The Sharpmaker is amazing!
 
I love my Sharpmaker. Unfortunately I got mine back before they came with the instructional video but I think I have her figured-out anyhow. I even sprung for a set of extra-coarse (diamond grit) and extra fine ceramics to go along with the medium and fine that come with the package. I have only used the diamond-grit rods once and that was to put an edge back on a friends USMC Ka-Bar which was duller than any butter knife in our silverware drawer. I also just ordered a cross-rod-style sharpener from Smith's Abrasives. It "won" top-honors in an evaluation of six sharpening systems done in the most recent issue of Blade. It was only 15.00 too. I'll report-in on how it works when I get it. Jim SEMPER FI
 
ive been in this same boat, i bought a lansky for cheap ($18 at academy) and i just cant get used to it, feels too clunky and cumbersome to me, so im going to be getting a sharpmaker, they look easy to use and come with an instructional dvd
 
Get the Sharpmaker. Especially if the included angle is as low as 30 deg.
 
Doesn't anybody believe in learning skills anymore? Why rely on something you may not have when you need it?

I keep a small diamond sharpening "stone" in my pocket at all times. It takes up little space and weighs very little. I always have it.

I have taught many people from 7 year old cub scouts to 70 year old retirees to sharpen knives, scissors, razors, needles and just about everything else using a simple flat stone.

I tried several different systems that my friends showed me. Always it was "how do you use this thing?" I don't. I showed them how to sharpen and they never look back. One guy at work said "sure you have that diamond thing, what if you didn't"

I finished my coffee and turned it over to use the unglazed ceramic surface on the bottom. Sharpened his knife to razor finish in a few minutes.

There are fine sharpening tools all around you. Learn to use them and free yourself from one dimensional thinking.
 
frugalweaver said:
Doesn't anybody believe in learning skills anymore? Why rely on something you may not have when you need it?
Click to expand...

Because it is the 21st century.
We don't have to use a rock to sharpen on anymore.
You are free to do that if you want though. :rolleyes:
 
MikeV said:
Because it is the 21st century.
We don't have to use a rock to sharpen on anymore.
You are free to do that if you want though. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Well, I think it's a good idea to know both. Just because there are quicker ways doesn't mean they're better. The Sharpmaker is a wonderful tool and I'm glad I have it. But, I love to sharpen knives, and when I have time I'll get out the benchstones and go at it. Great fun.

But, if I actually need to sharpen a knife and use it, the Sharpmaker is quick and easy.
 
The Sharpmaker is a great system, but I sure wouldn't refer to it as quick, not compared to a bench stone. The Sharpmaker maybe takes less time to learn how to use but I even think a stone is easier to use also.
 
I have a sharpmaker and it works great. However, it just seems right to use a stone on a slip joint especially if it has 1095 or CV steel.
 
frugalweaver said:
Doesn't anybody believe in learning skills anymore? Why rely on something you may not have when you need it?

I keep a small diamond sharpening "stone" in my pocket at all times. It takes up little space and weighs very little. I always have it.

I have taught many people from 7 year old cub scouts to 70 year old retirees to sharpen knives, scissors, razors, needles and just about everything else using a simple flat stone.

I tried several different systems that my friends showed me. Always it was "how do you use this thing?" I don't. I showed them how to sharpen and they never look back. One guy at work said "sure you have that diamond thing, what if you didn't"

I finished my coffee and turned it over to use the unglazed ceramic surface on the bottom. Sharpened his knife to razor finish in a few minutes.

There are fine sharpening tools all around you. Learn to use them and free yourself from one dimensional thinking.
Click to expand...

is there any webpage which teaches sharpening skills using a simple flat stone? thanks. :thumbup:
 
MikeV said:
Because it is the 21st century.
We don't have to use a rock to sharpen on anymore.
You are free to do that if you want though. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

I use a computer to write but that doesn't mean I'm throwing all my pencils away. :yawn:
 
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