Looking for a decent sharpener

B

Brawny

Joined
Aug 6, 2018
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354
I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker that I'm not in love with. I bought it used here and it seems like there may be a chip in one of the stones that is catching on a knife so I can't compare this to a brand new one.
I've had a Worksharp and didn't care for the belt system.
I want a KME, but don't want to pay $250+ and I won't need to sharpen often or in volume.
Is there anything comparable to the KME system that is around $100?
Knives I need to sharpen are PM2 s30v, Lawman S35v, some D2, and a Cutco of dubious knifesteel (I know, it was a gift).
Thanks,
Stephen
 
Work Sharp makes a clamping system "similar" to a KME. Much cheaper, and does not allow for different stones. Comes with a "tribrasive" three sided stone with different grits on each of the three sides.
 
If it is only the chipped Sharpmaker rod you can always buy new sharpmaker rods from Spyderco. If you just don't like that style of sharpening system then I understand you looking for something completely different.
 
DavidABQ said:
If it is only the chipped Sharpmaker rod you can always buy new sharpmaker rods from Spyderco. If you just don't like that style of sharpening system then I understand you looking for something completely different.
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I've thought about that and I might, but I'm wondering if a system that takes most of the human element out is best for me.
 
stevekolt said:
Work Sharp makes a clamping system "similar" to a KME. Much cheaper, and does not allow for different stones. Comes with a "tribrasive" three sided stone with different grits on each of the three sides.
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That would be my recommendation, too. Apparently they're now making upgrade kits as well, so if it strikes a chord it's not a complete dead end.
 
Thanks guys, it looks like the Worksharp Precision Adjust is what I need. I'll do more research on the Lansky before I make a purchase though.
 
I have the KME and high hopes for Worksharps kit.
The Precision Adjust Elite kit is 120.00 at factory, big river n sharpeningsupplies, 70 bucks more gets more diamond grits + strop already on tri-stone cariers, case, etc. If you can spring for the extra scratch. If not get the solid value $50.00 kit, learn it n upgrade in a few months. Also, later, look at Thingiverse for 3D printing accessories n Gritomatic for potential accessories as you go along the journey. Use a deft hand to let stones do the cutting and extend service life of diamonds.
 
If you get the Worksharp precision for sharpening, still keep the sharpmaker for touch ups. That’s what it excels at.
 
The only thing I would say about the Lansky(I have used) and possibly the Worksharp(I've never used one, so correct me if I'm wrong) is that it will probably struggle to work well with blades that are bigger than about 5-6", so eg. 20-25cm chefs knives will be a pita.

I know it may seem to be in the too hard basket and not what you are looking for, but taking the time to learn to sharpen freehand will be worth it in the end. Get yourself some bench stones and you will never look back. Alternatively spend a bit more money for the KME or something even better and never worry about it again.

If you are committed to buying a guided system, I would strongly recommend paying for a premium setup and you won't regret buying a lesser system that may not do the job you expect.
 
OPTIONS? Look for a used KME as they have been around a while, save another 2 or 3 months for new, and start without a base saving 25 bucks.. Hapstone R2 base kit with extendable / adjustable magnetized table without clamps would be less expensive to start. Ask if you could start by using your Sharpmaker rods on R2 stone holder until you build your stone collection, though it is a maintainer without course stones. The Worksharp Precision is a new kit on market that has growing options though for 50 bucks. Screamin deal if stones n kit lasts, if not it is "just" a solid deal.

Lately I have been using Sharpmaker's "maintainer" Medium (medium ALO, 12-14 μm ~800-900 grit) rods for touch ups and am very satisfied. But I bought Spyderco's Ultrafine (ultrafines = 3-4 μm ~4-6k grit) rods, originally thinking "what a great stropping rod kit." Next, trying to expand Sharpmaker kits we have, I bought Idahone's Medium blue color (ALO 500 grit) to experiment for touch ups. For stocking stuffers there is one set of Idahone Coarse gray color (Alo 100-200 grit) coming to share. Hoping that notched holes will work to carry extra rods below in base.
 
A large DMT 10”x4” two sided plate set with a stand is within your budget and should provide nice results with most any knife.
 
Brawny said:
I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker that I'm not in love with. I bought it used here and it seems like there may be a chip in one of the stones that is catching on a knife so I can't compare this to a brand new one.
I've had a Worksharp and didn't care for the belt system.
I want a KME, but don't want to pay $250+ and I won't need to sharpen often or in volume.
Is there anything comparable to the KME system that is around $100?
Knives I need to sharpen are PM2 s30v, Lawman S35v, some D2, and a Cutco of dubious knifesteel (I know, it was a gift).
Thanks,
Stephen
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Why not look at getting a used Hapstone sharpener they are normally fairly cheap,I think you will like the longer edge pro format stones as well.
 
In my quick research on Hapstone, I came across Iki Ruixin Pro. Does that ring a bell with anyone? It is closer to my $100 budget.
 
Brawny said:
Ruixin Pro. Does that ring a bell with anyone? It is closer to my $100 budget.
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some hot gal on the internets wrote an epic leview of the Ruixin Pro III, with examples of sharpening the Leatherman Surge, Vinox Spirit X, and whatnot. mind you there are different models released under the Ruixin brand and one might think that IV is the successor model of III, III was the successor model of II, etc.

i think Work Sharp Precision sharpener is da best for ya. Made in USA (or Designed), and being the latest creation of its kind, after decades of Lanskys and Ruixins experience and product evolution. absolutely awesome!!
 
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kreisler said:
some hot gal on the internets wrote an epic leview of the Ruixin Pro III, with examples of sharpening the Leatherman Surge, Vinox Spirit X, and whatnot. mind you there are different models released under the Ruixin brand and one might think that IV is the successor model of III, III was the successor model of II, etc.

i think Work Sharp Precision sharpener is da best for ya. Made in USA (or Designed), and being the latest creation of its kind, after years of Lanskys and Ruixins experience and evolution.
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Yeah, my extended research proved that's not the direction I want to go in. I really like the Hapstone system. I might just up my budget and get an R2, or start with the perfectly sufficient and more budget friendly Work Sharp Precision.
 
Brawny said:
perfectly sufficient and more budget friendly Work Sharp Precision.
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that's very reasonable thinking, respect!

i never treid the WSP but it looks like an awesome engineered piece of equipment which will provide lifelong joy. you should check amzn customer reviews first tho
 
A budgetary compromise would be the Hapstone M3, it does away with the clamps of the R2 and instead uses magnets, think of it as an Edge Pro Apex on steroids. The great thing about the Hapstone system is that it’s modular, you can change out parts as your needs, or budget, requires.
 
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