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Is the Spyderco Sharpmaker worth it?
- Thread starter SBaker34
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 16, 2005
- Messages
- 1,738
I have used it and it works yes. Is it pricey...Yes. All sharpening systems from freehand to these kits take a bit of getting use to. I ended up getting a Lansky Pro. I have also used Gatco system (similar to my lansky). They work great. I was use to freehand and it took a bit of getting use to but I got it now. Plus they are much cheaper.
I actually have a Lansky Pro but I have been told the angleing system can mess up an edge and I do not want to experiment with an expensive knife, Would it get a knife shaving sharp? I remember it getting a leatherman knife pretty scary sharp but that was my only experience I quit using it after It took the coating off the side of my KA-BAR
If your primarily interested in making and keeping your knife sharp with the least amount of complications, get a Sharpmaker. The Sharpmaker is also quite useful for maintaining your kitchen cutlery. It provides the SHORTEST learning curve and LEAST opportunity to screw up an edge. It is probably the EASIEST to use without prior sharpening experience. Another plus is a Small foot print, no oil, no water, no stone dishing, no break in period, no dislodged grit or dust. Even many who use other sharpening methods still find the Sharpmaker excellent for maintaining a sharp edge. It can also be used to reprofile but it will take quite a while. The Sharpmaker is however limited to two preset sharpening angles of either 30 or 40 degrees but you can adjust for more. Used as per the included video and printed instructions it will get the job done and produce a consistently even and sharp edge. OldDude1
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- Joined
- Apr 12, 2009
- Messages
- 13,540
The Lansky (& GATCO) are best suited for reprofiling an edge, i.e. grinding a new, precisely angled bevel on the blade. They are a bit cumbersome; there's definitely a learning curve to using them for what they do best. For general maintenance of an existing bevel/edge, something like a Sharpmaker is fine.
BTW, the answer is YES. The Lansky (and GATCO) absolutely will produce a shaving sharp edge (and then some). When used as it's designed, it'll produce an outstanding edge on a knife. In particular, the Fine/UF ceramic stones in the standard Lansky kit do an excellent mirror-polishing job on the bevel too.
Yes, but needs to be used within its capabilities. I use mine once a week, and keep it set up on an open shelf in the kitchen. It doesn't take up any room, can be used to touch up my kitchen knives quickly and easily. (I can do five knives [including one Chinese cleaver] in less than three minutes) And leaves me with a razor edge perfect for kitchen chores. Daily touch-ups with a steel (or glass) keep the knives in good condition all week.
The SharpMaker will NOT replace my EdgePro. It will not do half the things that an EdgePro can do. (i.e. reprofile, adjustable angles, larger and odd shaped blades, etc.) It will not replace my DMT Aligner. It's heavier and doesn't pack as small and light as the DMT+sandpaper.
But the SharpMaker IS a very, very effective and efficient sharpening device when used within its capabilities. It's perfect for 2"-12" blades that are somewhat on the thin side, such as pocket knives, kitchen knives, and light-duty camp knives. It's easy to use, almost fool-proof, and the cost is commensurate with the product.
Stitchawl
The SharpMaker will NOT replace my EdgePro. It will not do half the things that an EdgePro can do. (i.e. reprofile, adjustable angles, larger and odd shaped blades, etc.) It will not replace my DMT Aligner. It's heavier and doesn't pack as small and light as the DMT+sandpaper.
But the SharpMaker IS a very, very effective and efficient sharpening device when used within its capabilities. It's perfect for 2"-12" blades that are somewhat on the thin side, such as pocket knives, kitchen knives, and light-duty camp knives. It's easy to use, almost fool-proof, and the cost is commensurate with the product.
Stitchawl
- Joined
- Oct 7, 2006
- Messages
- 2,437
The Sharpmaker is worth every penny to me. I do enjoy the diamond rods for the system as well to increase efficiency. For hand sharpening, it is the most effective system I have used. I have used one since January 1996 and would not give it up. I have learned how to sharpen on stones, plate glass with sand paper and mousepad with sand paper. I am the happiest with the Sharpmaker for time required to learn the system and to produce razor sharp edges.
- Joined
- Mar 27, 2009
- Messages
- 5,975
The Sharpmaker is good for 'light maintenance.' If a knife is really dull, it's a LOT of work to get it sharp again with the sharpmaler unless you use the diamond rods (not included 
), and even these take quite a bit of time.
But for touching up, it's great, quick, convenient and very effective.
I now use an Edge Pro Apex, and I love it. It has replaced the Sharpmaker even for light chores. It's a lot more expensive than the Sharpmaker, but it can do everything I want, and do it consistently and well.
), and even these take quite a bit of time.But for touching up, it's great, quick, convenient and very effective.
I now use an Edge Pro Apex, and I love it. It has replaced the Sharpmaker even for light chores. It's a lot more expensive than the Sharpmaker, but it can do everything I want, and do it consistently and well.