Need a starter sharpening kit...

[abiggs]

Currently I'm working with a two-sided stone and a steel. I have been able to get good, working edges on knives that have become dull, but I am not able to get a really good "shaving" edge on them. What else do I need? Is a Sharpmaker a do-all? Any advice would be helpful....thanks.

 

[STR]

I'd recommend getting the Lansky standard kit from New Graham if you just want something that works and is inexpensive. This system keeps a pretty good precision bevel on your blade for you at an affordable cost and it can bring a nice bite to just about any of them also. You have to watch the stones to make sure they are parrallel with the guide rod at times but otherwise its quite good.

For a few more bucks you can get the deluxe kit with five stones instead of three.

http://www.newgraham.com/detail.aspx?ID=4266

STR

 

[vic2367]

id recommend the sharpmaker,,,im not very good at freehand sharpening,,,but with the sharpmaker my blades are pretty sharp...

 

[Cliff Stamp]

The cheapest solution is to supplement your current stone with a set of crock sticks. You can buy them for $5 or less at flea markets. Regrind the edge on your knife to under the crock stick angle and then finish on the sticks. Cheap stones are also problematic in regards to burrs, so a better stone is nicer to sharpen with, especially on very hard to grind steels.

-Cliff

 

[michdad]

If you can hold a good consistant angle, you might try a tri-hone. I have had good luck with mine. I did recently buy a set of Arkansas stones that really seem to work great.

 

[STR]

If you just want some good inexpensive old style flat hones get you one each of the 6" Dry Hones from Razor Edge.

These work well providing you keep a steady angle and are practiced in doing it free hand. Otherwise something that allows you the ability to keep a perfect angle or near so, is the ticket.

STR