How quickly did you buy a sharpening system?

I tried a clamp system and it was alright, I noticed right away that the clamp would not hold the knives in a way that I would consider consistent. I bought a Sharpmaker, I was able then to maintain a screamin sharp edge on already sharp knives. It was the best $50 I could spend at the time. The DVD included was also very infomrative, Sal provided some great instruction and I ended up sharpening everything in the kitchen. Later on, I invested in the Edge Pro Apex. I noticed that some knives after so much use and neglect needed a slight reprofile. This device is excellent to create an all new edge on any knife (except really small slipjoints maybe). It's an investment for certain, but I own so many knives (180+) that I figured it was worth it in the long run.
5.56 said:
I've found that I appreciate my knives more when they are properly sharpened.

I enjoy my $40 Leek just as much as my $400 Sebenza, no joke.

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That Leek looks fantastic, I want one now, lol. I'm also really enjoying that Pyrex casserole dish too :thumbup::D
 
I get the best results using a Pyrex® dish. When your wife isn't home, check the kitchen cupboard for this brand. The common housewife will usually have one stashed there. :D
 
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5.56 said:
I've found that I appreciate my knives more when they are properly sharpened.

I enjoy my $40 Leek just as much as my $400 Sebenza, no joke.
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I can see myself in that edge Rob! :thumbup: :D

Can you embellish a bit on the technique? I've got pyrex.
 
Planterz said:
A couple hundred bucks.

The Professional has a different base that uses suction to anchor it to a surface for stability. It also accepts the scissor sharpening attachment. It's mainly intended for people who sharpen lots of knives (perhaps professionally).
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There are some other perks as well. It also has full tilt/lean adjustment of the sharpening table, the blade table is much deeper to accept huge meat cleavers and even small hatchets, the stone holder is spring loaded for quick on/off. Might be some other features I'm forgetting.
 
cziv said:
Can you embellish a bit on the technique? I've got pyrex.
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First you'll need an Edge Pro Apex 4 and a Pyrex® casserole dish. *Be careful obtaining the dish, housewives seem to relish them*

Set the angle at 18degrees inclusive, then begin with the 120grit stone until the new edge is set. Then proceed with 220, 320, 600, 1000, and move on to the 2000 and 3000 tapes. Finish on a loaded strop.

:)
 
5.56 said:
First you'll need an Edge Pro Apex 4 and a Pyrex® casserole dish. *Be careful obtaining the dish, housewives seem to relish them*

Set the angle at 18degrees inclusive, then begin with the 120grit stone until the new edge is set. Then proceed with 220, 320, 600, 1000, and move on to the 2000 and 3000 tapes. Finish on a loaded strop.

:)
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I thought you were using the glass! :o
 
For 90% of my sharpening needs I use the following combination:
Small piece of wood from the hardware store (approx 1/2" x 1 1/4" x 12")
Contact adhesive
Piece of leather belt that broke
Green compound

Putting those items together in that order has given me a paddle strop that seems to work well enough to keep any of my knives sharp (from my 1 1/2" blade tiny pocket knife to my 18" machete) as long as they are already OK.


For getting a knife into reasonable shape initially I have a DMT Aligner for V-grind edges, a Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener for convex edges and an Otter Box from Knivesshipfree with leather strop & sandpaper for field sharpening.

For a newbie starting out on a limited budget I'd suggest a leather paddle strop + sandpaper + mousepad. You can get wet/dry sandpaper in various grits and some 400 + 800 + 1200 + 2000 could pretty much handle anything you need to convex your edges and have them polished enough to only need stropping to finish them off. This should be acquired once you have a knife to sharpen - why wait?
 
I've heard some say the Edge Pro can scratch the blade steel during sharpening. Can you guys speak that for me as I want more than the SharpMaker too. Looking at the Edge Pro and Wicked Edge. Not sure there is anything better out there. I would think the edge pro would have the upper edge just because it's not a clamp system.

Thanks
 
The Edge Pro does not scratch the blade, the user does. That's the easiest way to explain it.

If you take the necessary steps, like masking the blade and knife table, and take care during the sharpening process, you will be fine.
 
Reeek said:
I've heard some say the Edge Pro can scratch the blade steel during sharpening. Can you guys speak that for me as I want more than the SharpMaker too. Looking at the Edge Pro and Wicked Edge. Not sure there is anything better out there. I would think the edge pro would have the upper edge just because it's not a clamp system.

Thanks
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As far as the EP is concerned (I own and use one), if you do not use too much water there is nothing to scratch your blades. When you have water just dripping off the stones, it creates a slurry that can and will scratch a blade.
Practicing on inexpensive knives is recommended for many reasons (technique practice, as well as this).
 
It took me a while to buy a sharpening system. I don't know why but I just didn't think my knives were that dull. Now I know better
 
Like bh49, I bought my first Sharpmaker when I bought my first two Spydercos, a pair of Spyderco CF Delica 3s. I've always kept some benchstones around because I've carried a folder of some sort since I was about 5 YO, but I wanted to try a more precise system with the Delicas.

My advice is... if the two knives you have now are decent, they deserve a good sharpening system and an owner who knows how to use it. And even if they're not high quality, this is good time to learn to sharpen so you're ready for the high end stuff when you get them.
 
I bought a Wicked Edge after my first knife. A Benchmade 755 it was sharp from the factory but the edge was very uneven. The Wicked Edge made it perfect. Cost alot but so what its only money.
 
Time is not important... Knives are. ;)
So I belive it is necessary to find the way to keep your knives sharp. If you have had just one-two knives and did not care about them much - sending them to the manufacturer for resharpening might have worked. But even then it would be nice to be able to sharpen them by yourself.
To learn to do it freehand (preferably using some cheap blade), or to use some of the systems available in the market - is up to you really. And if you decide to buy a system - it is never too late... As you can see, people try many system until they find the one they are happy with. I thing each of the systems will do the job.
 
And I have tried a few and I have yet to find one I like. The one I have now is called Justin. I hand my knives to my son and I say, "I want a Justin Edge on it" I do not know how he does it but he keeps the perfect width and angle matching both sides. I dare not touch them to hard. My years while not to many, but I have Aurthur to deal with. Many broken bones and thrice operated on backside has let that bad person into my body. My hands hurt to much and after I sharpen a knife I can hardly get them to open LOL. That is Why I use a Justin sharpening system. But I am curious now that I have replied to see what everyone else recomends and see if there is one I may like. My Justin system is not around as much, he has something prettier than a knife to look at now, and I really take pride in doing my own sharpening. I used to make them pop hairs and not even feel it. Ahh what can I say.

cajun



SteeleySawyer said:
I only have like two knives at the moment which is pathetic haha. I guess I kinda want to build my collection before buying a sharpening system ( sharpmaker ). Is this a wrong way to go about things?
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