Grit progression Sharpmaker vs. Apex vs. DMT?

[6sigma]

I watched a video from a user of the Edge Pro Apex or DMT system; don't remember which & can't find the video again. In it the user followed a grit progression like 220 - 400 - 800 - 1200 - 2000 - 4000, etc. Comfortable with his method, it seemed the user was pointing to the progression through 5 to 7 grits as the "secret" to his sharpening prowess.

My question is this: Now that Spyderco offers CBN and ultra fine rods, is there a best method for progressing from CBN - medium corner - medium flat - fine corner - fine flat - ultra fine corner - ultra fine flat - strop?

In other words, can a progression on the Sharpmaker now accomplish "most" of what others get done with the Apex, DMT or similar systems?

Thanks.

[If I've violated a rule by mentioning specific brands of sharpeners, someone please tip me off. Again, many thanks.]

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

The major limitation of the Sharpmaker is the small honing surface area. In the most basic sense, with all the necessary rods (diamond/cbn, medium/fine/UF ceramics), it CAN do all that's needed to get the job done. It'll still be much slower though, just because the inherent design limits it's working speed (small surface area, designed to be used one short & light stroke at a time). The Sharpmaker isn't as conducive to the 'scrubbing' techniques often employed to quickly re-bevel blades, as might be used on larger & bench hones. And the heavy grinding pressure used on larger hones just won't work as well on the SM's smaller hones, as there's greater risk of damaging edges on the corners of the narrow hones, and the hones themselves will wear and/or load up with swarf much more quickly under heavy grinding pressure. The upright/diagonal orientation of the hones, and the lightweight base also makes heavy grinding awkward, at best.

BUT, having mentioned all that, the SM can be great at the routine maintenance & finishing end of the task, which is what it's designed for. I'm finding more and more, it's sometimes just too easy and effective not to use, when some quick refinement or restoration of some 'bite' in the edge is all that's needed.


David

 

[6sigma]

Thanks, David. Given all the "guided-sharpeners" that have come onto the scene, I've been wondering about an updated Sharpmaker with a progression of rods.

Your advice is sound and points toward bench stones for the re-profiling work & the Sharpmaker for the routine touch-up.

Time to hone some honing skills. Again, many thanks.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Thanks, David. Given all the "guided-sharpeners" that have come onto the scene, I've been wondering about an updated Sharpmaker with a progression of rods.

Your advice is sound and points toward bench stones for the re-profiling work & the Sharpmaker for the routine touch-up.

Time to hone some honing skills. Again, many thanks.

That's the route I'd take (and DID, actually... ). With the bench stones setting up the bevels and good geometry first, the SM becomes a GREAT finishing and touch-up tool. The better I've become with stones, the more I've appreciated the SM as a result. The same good technique and light touch acquired on the stones will bring benefits as well with the SM, and results will show it. :thumbup:


David