Halo getting dull - looking for first sharpening tool

J

Jack Bauer

Joined
Jul 10, 2006
Messages
28
I have 0 hrs of experience sharpening so I'm looking for something that I can use on a few different blades I have that are starting to get dull and most importantly something that will make the process easy for a new user.

I've seen a few decent things about the Spyderco Sharpmaker but I'm open to other suggestions. I have a few different blades so I'd prefer something that will accommodate them all but this is mostly for my MT Halo and UT.

Thanks!
 
The Sharpmaker will handle most every blade, but if their edges are thicker than 40 degrees, it'll take either patience of skill to sharpen such things. If you also buy a coarse or extra coarse (or extra extra coarse) hone to go with your Sharpmaker (such as a diamond hone or a 200 grit waterstone or Razor Edge Systems coarse hone), you can thin the blade so that every knife will take a 30 or 40 degree edge.

If you have the extra money, and your MT Halo suggests you do (or did), get Apex Kit 3 from EdgePro Inc. Also get a flat patio block and learn the time honored tradition of flattening waterstones (don't worry, little ones take barely any time). The EdgePro Apex will handle everything short of hawkbilled blades (I've never tried their serration sharpening method, but it'll handle non-serrated edges in amazing ways) at any angle and any level of sharpness. If you search posts around here and knifeforums from Nosmo and MeDoctor (and QuietOneD and cbwx34 and TedGamble and....), you'll find a treasure trove of info.

For initial cost, get the Sharpmaker; for overall satisfaction, you're doomed. Just accept that you're done for. You'll end up with an EdgePro and be psyched about your edges, but then you'll read about the edges Jeff Clark gets with his Sharpmaker and want that. Sanding with a belt-sander works great as does stropping with fine, diamond compound and that'll get you. Then the appeal of traditional oilstones will have you chasing down crystolon and India hones from Norton as well as an array of Arkansas stones (soft, black, translucent - they'll all be great, but too slow on 154CM and S90V and whatever else Microtech cooks up) and then diamond hones and waterstones for speed or speed and highly-polished edges. By that time, you'll be beyond insane; able to sharpen everything in your house with something else in your house; and wonder if ceramic benchstones from Spyderco or DeGussitt are the 'answer.'
 
Concurring with cbwx34. Despite not being able to slow or stop the sickness, the EdgePro is the quickest way for an absolute beginner to get a hair-popping edge and then get even sharper ones as time progresses.
 
Thanks for the quick responses!

The EdgePro does look pretty sweet and very easy to use. Does it clamp on to a table or something? The video looks like it is locked down pretty good.

Second question - Is there an easy way to determine edge angle°

Even with my green status I can easily see a need for both:rolleyes: The Sharpmaker looks more portable and easy to use on the go... break out when camping etc. while the EdgePro looks overall easier to use but more suited for home use... at a glance anyway.
 
The Edge Pro uses suction cups to hold it to the table. One of the tips I learned is to mount it in a baking dish, and put a non-skid pad between the dish and table. Allows you to set up in a lot of places, and makes cleanup a breeze.

There is an angle guide that you use to set the angle... it's quick and easy.

cbw
 
Jack Bauer said:
Second question - Is there an easy way to determine edge angle°
Click to expand...

A magic marker ran along the edge will help. If you have an extra arm, an LED will help you see if you've met the edge angle by the amount of light escaping or not escaping.
 
JB -

The Edge Pro is a great way of making and keeping a very sharp edge! The Sharpmaker works well, but the Edge Pro is amazing!

Once you get your knife sharpened up again, the best way to keep it sharp is not to let it get dull! Learn to strop the edge on a leather pad, maybe charged with a fine grit paste, and you will have to do very little real sharpening.

Cheers!
Steve
 
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