I Finally Ordered a Sharpmaker!!!

TheBadGuy

TheBadGuy

Joined
Jul 24, 2002
Messages
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I finally bought a Spyderco Sharpmaker 204 today. When it arrives, Is there any tips that you experienced sharpeners have for me?? I know it comes with a video and all, But I would like to hear what you gentlemen and ladies have found works best. Thanks in Advance.
 
Just don't let your blades get too dull before you use the 204. It's not that affective for re-profiling. This I learned from experience.

But touch your knife up frequently and it works great.
 
I just ordered one myself. Price at New Graham too good to pass up.
And the picture in your avatar finally just clicked.

Arrr. Us Yellowbeards are never more dangerous than when we are dead!
 
Double check that your rod are straight. If they're not, they will obviously have a changing angle and definately would affect the resulting edge.
It's actually quite hard to get them straight, and there are certainly cases where ceramic rods from many companies have been crooked.
And yes, don't let your blade become too dull, unless you're planning to invest in the diamond rods.
 
TBG...

A good choice for a sharpener. It is a real versatile and simple system to use. I have had mine for about 6 months and it is great. No real tips or tricks. Like others have stated, it is slow at reprofiling unless you have the diamond rods. I use a small DMT folder for the heavy work. Also, you do not need a lot of pressure as you draw the blade down the rods.
Enjoy!

Gord
 
I usually use the corners of the rods, and not bother with the flats. It’s just too difficult for me to match the angle when progressing to the flats. I just lighten my final strokes to get rid of the burr.

Definitely don’t let the tip of the blade slip off the edge of the hones when you’re sharpening. Doing so will round off the tip badly. I learned this one the hard way. Work the tip separately from the rest of the blade.
 
Lots of great advice guys, Thanks allot. I hope this device is as idiot proof as they say, I probably should have waited until I got the Razors Edge in the passaround, But after some reading it seems the Sharpmaker is better for "maintaining an edge" So what would you guys recomend for reprofiling the edge?? Thanks again
 
Norton Medium Crystalon (silicon carbide) stone is good for reprofiling. Get the longest and widest one you can afford/find. I found a good selection of Norton stones at the local Granger Industrial Supply. I got the double sided Course/Fine India (aluminum oxide). It cuts quickly, but I think the Crystalon would cut faster. The black 220 grit DMT diamond stone should work too. I used the blue 320 grit DMT for a couple of years. Water stones are supposed to work very quickly, but I haven't used one yet. The more I look at my closet, the more I realize that I am more of a sharpener collector than knife collector. I have 3 separate sharpeners, and only regularly carry 1 of 4 or 5 knives. Go figure.
 
I reprofile with the new diamond rods on the sharpmaker. The magic marker can be quite helpful in regards to reprofiling. The diamond rods are expensive, but easy, $56.00 per pair from New Graham. I can get ATS-34 blades really sharp in a few minutes. I can get VG-10 blades incredibly sharp even faster. I had read previously other posts that it was hard to ever get a serrated spyderco as sharp as it came from the factory, but I honestly think that both my Calypso Jr. and my Veile (VG-10 blades!) are sharper than when they were new. Still haven't tried it on my Boa CPM-440V (hope it's not as bad as Buzzbait says, but he's been right on everything else I've read from him--think it's going to not be a fun one to sharpen).

My recomendation is to clean the stones as they load up with metal, the corners, the most useful part of the stone indeed, load up much faster than the flats. I use small pieces of scotch brite pads, with some soft scrub on them, but any abrasive cleaner would work, as would rags in place of the scotch brite. Your knives are going to be sharp very soon now! Best of luck.
 
I would like to just start of by saying thank you for all of your support, advice and recomendations. Since I have been in this community not to long ago I have learned so much. And with my next available funds plan on buying a gold membership. My last question is most likey the dumbest of them all, But since my only sharpening experience(Should say dulling experience) is with a cheap stone. If you use the Sharpmaker correctly, Can you even tell its been resharpened?? Such as scratches, bur, etc. Thanks again. I should have the Sharpmaker Monday, Tuesday at the latest in the mail. And I can't wait.
 
Another tip is to watch the video that comes with the Sharpmaker. IMO it is quite good.

If you use the Sharpmaker correctly, Can you even tell its been resharpened??
Click to expand...
It is possible to get a factory-looking edge on any knife you would want to use. The fine rod leaves the edge quite smooth but not highly polished. If you sharpen a high-end NIB knife with a fancy polished edge it will be obvious :D.
 
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