I just got a sharpmaker...now I have a few questions for the experts!

[Paul Janulis]

My Fiancee just got me the Spyderco sharpmaker for Xmas.

What do you guys think of thit tool. My personal opinion is that I think it rocks. I've been sharpening everything with it!

I watched the accompanying video, and I will say that I have a few questions. I was asking a bunch of sharpening questions here: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=284368

Now, I noticed that no one really mentioned the sharpmaker as their tool of choice, so I wonder what your opinions are on it.

Also, I am confused on the angling. I have read the around 22 degrees is the prefered angle for most knives. Sal on the spyderco video says 40 degrees, and 30 degrees for a double bevel if needed. The tool only allows for a 40, 30, or 11 1/2 (I think on the side), but primarily is designed to sharpen only at 40 or 30 degree angles.

So now I am confused on angling because I'm getting contrasting info. I have been going by 15-17 degrees as extreme razor, 17-20 scary sharp slicers but only with good steels, 20-23 most knives, 25 and up for cleaver type tools. Spyderco is telling me 40 degrees for most knives, 30 degrees for scalple type razors. Yet, the sharpmaker seems to get my knives scary sharp at 40 degrees. What gives? I am now completely confused.

Could someone clear up this angling issue I am having? Also, what methods would some of you use to sharpen at different angles then preset on the sharpmaker?

Thanks,

PAUL

 

[db]

Spyderco's 40 degrees = 20 degrees per side. 30 = 15 per side. Does that clear it up a little? 40,20 per side, should be fine for most.

 

[Paul Janulis]

Originally posted by db
Spyderco's 40 degrees = 20 degrees per side. 30 = 15 per side. Does that clear it up a little? 40,20 per side, should be fine for most.

Hugely... (so much so, that now I feel like an idiot )

Boy did that not seem right to me at all (I just watched the video last night!) but now it makes much more sense!

 

[Bruz]

Could someone clear up this angling issue I am having? Also, what methods would some of you use to sharpen at different angles then preset on the sharpmaker?

I also bought a Diamond Lansky to re-profile my knives to 30 degrees, then use the Spyderco to keep them at that angle. I mostly use my knives to Tactically open envelopes, cut strips of paper, and rid my hands of hair...they stay plenty sharp for self defense.