Need help sharpening

[kenshomi]

I have a number of knives from Benchmade and spyderco that I am trying to keep sharp.
Two months ago I bought a smith's kit with 4stones and an angle device and rods to do my sharpening. My issue is I can do a ok job on then spyderco but can't get an edge on the benchmades. The griptilian and persideo have harder blades then the spyderco's but wtf.

is there a better way for a newb to sharpen his blades, or should I stick with the smiths system?

 

[newcoyote]

I am no expert but I bet it has something to do with the relief bevel. BM put ridiculously shallow bevels on at the factory (IMO) where as Spyderco does it right. Someone will give better advice than me I'm sure but that is my 2¢.

 

[aznpos531]

As mentioned, you're probably not hitting the edge. Get a sharpie or other marker and color the bevel right to the edge. Sharpen as you would normally and see where the marker is being worn off. If it's on the bevel but not touching the edge, there's your problem. Adjust the angle until you are hitting the edge and check to see that you've developed a burr on the opposite side before flipping the knife over.
Good luck.

 

[cziv]

As newcoyote mentioned, you're having more success on the Apydercos because most production run Benchmades come with a very shallow grind. They'll come shaving sharp, but lose the edge a couple of times and get into a good sharpening, you have a lot of shoulder on them and not much beveled edge. Usually guys re-profile them right away with good equipment or over time, with conventional "kit sharpener" and a lot of elbow grease.

I've got some nice Benchmade edges out of the box and some really rough ones that had to be re-profiled to be of any use as a knife.