My trip to Knivesshipfree.com...

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seanuhthin

Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
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Alright everyone, it's decision time. Later today I plan to order two RC-4's, (one for me, one for dad) and a Spyderco Sharp Maker at Knives ship free. com.
We will use these things for camping, hiking, b atoning, and any and all out door activities that come our way including bush craft. I have posted and read a bunch of threads about the different RAT knives, and which one is best for all these things. I have come to the conclusion that the RC-4 will suit all of my outdoor needs. The only question now is if the Sharp maker is my best bet. I have no sharpening experience, no sharpening tools, and stupidly close to 10 knives in my collection. I don't know why I have been so hesitant, but hey, who knows? I just want to know how your sharp makers suit you...:D Thanks!
 
I've used everythring from benchstones, to lansky and gatco systems, to sharpening sticks, and even a few rocks.

The sharp maker is without question the most idiot proof system I've used. Also, the DVD that comes with it is prettyinformative.
 
Yes the sharpmaker is your best bet. It will come in handy even if you choose to go another route like convex. Okay - nobody does this, but watch the damn video that comes with the sharpmaker. First, you get to see Sal doing some cool shit, cutting out shapes in a free hanging piece of newsprint with an ultra sharp blade. Second, he does a great job of showing how to use the sharpmaker correctly.

Always be conscious of your tips when using the sharpmaker. That is the only drawback, if you aren't paying attention and draw the tip off the side it always dulls them and will do so in as little as 2 or 3 mistrokes.
 
I've been using my sharpmaker for about 5 months, after switching from a Lansky system, and I definitely like it more. If I use the sharpmaker, and a leather strop, I have no problems getting it to shave hair! Only downside is I have alot of bald patches on my arm,...
 
Seanuhthin, You have got a great combo ahead of you. The RC4 is awesome, and using the sharpmaker, you will have a sharp blade. Just 2 other points to make, #1) Dont forget to use a leather strope, thats important after using the SM to get your blade hair popin sharp. You can use an old leather belt and attach it to a piece of narrow wood (thats what I do). And #2) Do your self a favor, get an Izula :D
 
DKBrown said:
I've been using my sharpmaker for about 5 months, after switching from a Lansky system, and I definitely like it more. If I use the sharpmaker, and a leather strop, I have no problems getting it to shave hair! Only downside is I have alot of bald patches on my arm,...
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Dude, My arms and legs are shaved bare, now I'm workin on the hair around my belly button :barf:
 
onado2000 said:
Seanuhthin, You have got a great combo ahead of you. The RC4 is awesome, and using the sharpmaker, you will have a sharp blade. Just 2 other points to make, #1) Dont forget to use a leather strope, thats important after using the SM to get your blade hair popin sharp. You can use an old leather belt and attach it to a piece of narrow wood (thats what I do). And #2) Do your self a favor, get an Izula :D
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Is the strop like mandatory though? I only have so much money to work with...
 
Use a old leather belt (or a piece of leather from an old jacket, chair, pants (:barf: leather pants) and attach to a piece of scrap wood, there you go, a leather strope. I took an old belt and attached it to a piece of pine (from an old door frame) with duct tape at either end, works fine. You dont need to strope a knife, you really dont need a sharpmaker either, but if you want results then...
My knives are sharp and thats the method I have learned to use and what works for me. Others use sand paper and a mouse pad, which I tried also. Since you were getting a SM, figured I would mention a leather strope. Most times you really dont need to do more than just use the strope to get the blade hair poppin again. Time and practice will dictate what you end up using. Have fun.:thumbup:
 
The sharpmaker is great for maintenance, it takes some getting used to (like any method) but it's a simple system that works.
 
I love the combination of Fallkniven's DC4 stone and a leather strop. KSF leather strop system looks great.
 
Sorry to intrude, but I have the CRKT sharpener and don't like it that well. It seems wrather cumbersome. Is the Spyderco much different (pardon my ignorance)? I was looking into the Lansky, but this might be a second option. Don't know how talented I would be with a strop
 
schwome said:
Sorry to intrude, but I have the CRKT sharpener and don't like it that well. It seems wrather cumbersome. Is the Spyderco much different (pardon my ignorance)? I was looking into the Lansky, but this might be a second option. Don't know how talented I would be with a strop
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They are vastly different....(at least if the CRKT one is the one I am thinking of). the Sharpmaker is a great system.

As to whether you could master the strop system....no doubt, you could.
 
I always go to a strop after I sharpen my knives. Even if they are sharp enough, the strop makes them even sharper. :thumbup:
 
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