help me spend my $250 on a sharpening solution

sliceofaloha

sliceofaloha

Joined
Oct 4, 2018
Messages
753
I just realized I have about $250.00 in gift cards at a large internut retailer that needs to be spent at some point. Been wanting a sharpening system for a while. I'm leaning to the Sharpmaker. Need to be able to sharpen up to M4, M390, S110v, 20cv but also basics like 440c. Give me your opinions! Mahalo in advance!
 
I like the Sharpmaker a lot. It's been my go-to system fooorrrrrr.... 20 years? Really?

Could be.

It's phenomenal for me on VG-10, 440C, 1095, AUS-8, D2, CPM 154, 154CM, ATS-34, VG-1 and M390 at the moment.
 
Depends on your needs:
  • Sharpmaker - fairly basic and easy to use. It's good for maintaining an edge, less good for re-profiling a blade, or fixing a damaged/chipped edge
  • KME - uses same basic concept as the Sharpmaker, but with a lot more flexibility (both rougher and smoother stones are available), and better control of the edge angle. If you want mirrored edges like you see on Instagram, this is a good way to get there. Does have a bit of a learning curve, and requires patience
  • Worksharp - powered system, so it works a lot faster than either the Sharpmaker or the KME. I'm not a fan of the guided Ken Onion system itself (works well enough for kitchen knives), but the blade grinding attachment is pretty awesome. Makes it a lot easier to re-profile a blade, but it's also easy to screw up and remove too much material. Because the belts have some slack, you'll inherently get some convexing in your edges
I'd say, if 1) you're going for mirrored edges, and 2) you typically are looking to sharpen 4" blades or shorter, get the KME. If you're just looking to sharpen knives to use, especially longer ones, get the Worksharp with the blade grinder.

I had all three systems. The Sharpmaker was just too slow for me, especially since you need to use it while standing up for best control - I'd get bored and tired. The KME was good, but it requires a lot of patience to use well, especially for mirrored edges. If you get lazy and go too fast, it's easy to screw things up.

I ultimately sold those and got the Worksharp. For everyday use blades, where I care more about a sharp edge than how good it looks, the Worksharp is great - works fast, puts on a killer edge, etc. If I want a pretty mirrored edge, I find it's easier to just send it to a professional to do it properly.
 
Last edited:
sliceofaloha said:
I just realized I have about $250.00 in gift cards at a large internut retailer that needs to be spent at some point. Been wanting a sharpening system for a while. I'm leaning to the Sharpmaker. Need to be able to sharpen up to M4, M390, S110v, 20cv but also basics like 440c. Give me your opinions! Mahalo in advance!
Click to expand...

If you cannot afford the cheapest Wicked Edge with diamond stones, get the KME with the base. The KME is right up there. I am saving for a Wicked Edge solution, but I may give up and get the KME myself.
 
Are you dead set on a sharpening system over sharpening stones? I have some basic stones and prefer the old fashioned way to sharpen knives. I can get a respectable edge on my knives. Old school baby...old school.

If you really want a system, I can't help you. Never owned one.

Nevertheless, good luck!
 
I'm seeing value in the sharpmaker, but realize that no mirrored edges are likely going to happen. That is a super cool thing to do, no doubt. I may someday go for a higher end system. I don't trust myself on basic stones after I futzed up the finish on my beater m390 (chinese folder, bought for experimentation and to eventually learn to sharpen m390). I was not completely sober or really paying attention when I duffed it, admittedly!

If I go Sharpmaker which stones to get from those in the know? I see something called cubic boron - probably takes a lot of material off, guessing for reprofiling. Regular set plus diamond stones enough? Add a strop?
 
I like Edge Pro, lots of stone choices, but I also use a Sharpmaker for quick touch ups
 
sliceofaloha said:
I'm seeing value in the sharpmaker, but realize that no mirrored edges are likely going to happen. That is a super cool thing to do, no doubt. I may someday go for a higher end system. I don't trust myself on basic stones after I futzed up the finish on my beater m390 (chinese folder, bought for experimentation and to eventually learn to sharpen m390). I was not completely sober or really paying attention when I duffed it, admittedly!

If I go Sharpmaker which stones to get from those in the know? I see something called cubic boron - probably takes a lot of material off, guessing for reprofiling. Regular set plus diamond stones enough? Add a strop?
Click to expand...

The diamond stones are a good addition. You wouldn't use the CBN stones if you got the diamonds. Yes, add a strop. I also have the ultra fine which don't get you to mirrored, but do make it shine nicely. Sharpmaker is fine for knife maintenance, but if you are looking to seriously re-profile an edge angle or get a mirrored edge, you need to jump to a KME or something similar. You "can" re-profile on a sharpmaker, but even with the diamond or CBN stones you will be at it awhile.
 
KME! Don't listen to anyone else. KME is the best guided system hands down. You will get a PERFECTLY symmetrical edge on Both sides every time and with the addition of lapping films to the stock kit you will have mirror polished edges like you see here on the BF. It took me only two knives to master it (kitchen knives) and now guys from work are paying me sharpen thiers.
HseqKfp.jpg
 
Last edited:
Edge pro is very good once you get the learning curve down. It took me about 4 knives to get it right, for scary sharp it's my go to.

For daily sharpening work sharp does ok and its fast

WS
 
I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker and like it but come on - it is pain in the butt to use it to reprofile blades, let alone those super steel ones. Even Lansky with diamond stones is a better setup than it for reprofiling.

OP - IMO freehand sharpening is the ultimate way to go and if you are willing to go that route, buy some nice stones including one or two diamond sharpening stones. Folks in the Maintenance & Tinkering subforum shall be able to offer more useful advice.

Otherwise, I have heard all good things about the Edge Pro Apex, which matches your budget. For folding knives, I have used Lansky sharpening system with diamonds upgrade (for my chefs knives I always use freehand sharpening stones).
 
Op just check out the systems on Youtube and you will see that the KME for $240 is a solid investment. Look up Danno or KnifeKrazy's vids on using it and you will see it is Far superior. Free hand and water stones or ceramic rods LOL. The Gold Series Diamond Stone 140 grit had no problem reprofiling CPM 20cv or S30v
 
Last edited:
Another vote for the KME.

I have the Sharpmaker and most of the mid and lower end sharpeners like DMT, Lansky, and EP clones. If I had to do it all over again, I'd get the KME

The Sharpmaker is great for maintaining a sharp edge. (I keep mine in the kitchen.) But for repairing or reprofiling, you need to buy the optional diamond rods or, preferably, the CBN rods. And for the modern steels, like those you list, you'll want diamond or CBN.
 
Last edited:
Just get a Worksharp with a blade grinding attachment. Easiest and quickest way to sharpen, it does both convex and flat grinds. I own the Spyderco triangle sharpener and the Edge Pro Apex, if you have the time and patience they'll work but I like to sharpen, have a beautiful edge, and move on with my life.

Something as simple as having the edge of the blade go past the handle will make the Edge Pro neigh useless for sharpening the entire knife.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top