Learning to sharpen knives

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Bill86

Joined
Jul 3, 2007
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So I realize that all the knives I ever own will not be Benchmade (though 90%+ will be because of their EPIC customer service) so I'm going to need to learn how to sharpen my knives.

Basically I only buy folders (no need for fixed blades, I HATE the outdoors) and only deal with quality steels (S30v / D2 / 154cm). So that being said what I am going to need to buy to learn how to sharpen these knives?

I don't necessarily have a budget but lets just say I'm new to this so explain everything like you were teaching a retard to play tennis (no offense) (note you wouldn't give him your best racket but at least a decent one *when thinking about budget*) So I'm going to need a recommended sharpener or equipment and a complete idiots guide to sharpening.

Please help! Thanks in advance guys, sorry about any typos I'm enjoying some delicious Three Floyds beer. (also sorry if this is in the wrong section move it if need be)
 
I’d buy a Spyderco Sharpmaker, its very easy to use, very versatile and can be upgraded. To help you learn it comes with a DVD with Sal himself demonstrating how to use it.
 
I started on a SM and it was a great device for teaching the basics and now I'm moving on to paper wheels when I can afford them.
Start on something simple and then you can move on to either paper wheels or a belt sander once you get comfortable with sharpening.
 
A few things so far, I'm looking for effectiveness not necessarily fun, also ease of sharpening. The easier and more effective the better. Also how do I tell what kind of grind or angle the blade edge is at? I never plan on owning more than say 5-6 knives at a time, and Benchmade takes care of my 3 I own of theirs. This is more for me purchasing autos or sharpening serrations ETC.

But thanks for the input so far guys, keep em coming.
 
SM makes serrations a breeze and is simple enough for just about anybody. It's not necessarily fun but it's effective for semi-dull knives but don't let your knives get really dull or it will be a pain to resharpen. The SM is great for maintainance but not heavy sharpening.
 
Many people here use the Sharpmaker (SM), however do not look at it as an all around sharpening tool. It is great for maintaining your edge (when it starts to lose its bite) but works slowly on extremely very dull damaged edges. The other sharpener other people tend to get is the Edge Pro. This system is much more precise and does a wider variety of tasks, however it cost more. The two systems complement each other very well.

Other options are freehand (from the sounds of it you won't want to do) and many people also enjoy the DMT aligner kit (no experience with it).

Do a search there are MANY threads about this subject.

Good luck! :thumbup:
 
Yea not sure I will ever have an EXTREMELY Dull edge. I don't punch my knives through car doors or anything stupid...just the usual tasks a knife is meant to perform.
 
if youre dealing with premium steels youre going to want something diamond. sharpmaker is pretty good, i didnt like it however, reprofiling suucks (i didnt have the diamond rods for it thought). i have a lanksy diamond kit i use and it works well- it's pretty much fool proof. You're also going to want to make a strop.
 
sweet_hitch-hiker said:
if youre dealing with premium steels youre going to want something diamond. sharpmaker is pretty good, i didnt like it however, reprofiling suucks (i didnt have the diamond rods for it thought). i have a lanksy diamond kit i use and it works well- it's pretty much fool proof. You're also going to want to make a strop.
Click to expand...

explain this Strop deal thing?
 
Greetings Bill86: For EASE and effectiveness, plus simple SERRATION sharpening, IMO, the Sharpmaker is about as close as you can get.
The following is a cut and paste job from a previous post.

If your primarily interested in making and keeping your knife sharp with the least amount of complications, get a Sharpmaker. Benchmade's "LifeSharp" services costs about $ 8.50 including shipping. They do a generally descent job. The factory edge is usually applied at around 40 degrees. It is sometimes less but OFTEN more. Current turn-around time is 5 to 7 business day. When you sharpen, even if you descide to reprofile, the turn-around time and the cutting edge angle are up to you. The knife in your pocket is a lot more handy than the knife in transit to or from the factory getting resharpened. The Sharpmaker 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 is very time consumptive. 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. At about $50.00, it comes with medium and fine grit ceramic rods, a case/base, hand guards, a DVD and instruction booklet. OldDude1
 
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