I'm in the same boat. I bought a Lansky (the version with 5 stones) and while it seems to work, I get the feeling I'm doing twice the labor for half the results. I am a novice in this arena, but don't have the funds to go thru the trial and error phase. I know, I know...it takes time to learn the craft and to be able to get good results. I'm all for that, I just want to learn one method, that gives the best results, with the widest varity of blades. I would bet dollars to doughnuts, that is what every new member with sharpener questions wants to find out.
-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is available! Price is $250 ea (shipped within CONUS).
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/
Need to pick up a sharpener!
- Thread starter unclerod
- Start date
thats why i like the paper wheels. short learning curve and most guys get a shaving sharp edge right off the bat. i sharpened 241 folders in a total of 17 hours, some had 2-3 blades each. check it out http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651061
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2009
- Messages
- 316
:thumbup:
Alright, I'm starting to gravitate toward the paper wheel route. I went to a local Woodcraft store and they had them in stock so at least I have a source. Now, would you go for a buffer or a regular bench grinder to make best use of the paper wheel system? The buffer seems to give you a bit more room to work, but the bench grinder has some other benefits like a work light and adjustable speed. These were the ones at Sears, I'm sure I could save a few pennies at Harbor Freight.
- Joined
- Feb 4, 2009
- Messages
- 1,914
you should look at these threads
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=765002
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=578787
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2010
- Messages
- 756
Yes. It is the best
- Joined
- Mar 14, 2009
- Messages
- 1,679
Each system has its pluses and minuses.
Spyderco Sharpmaker
It's simple, quick to setup, easy to use, can handle long blades, and very portable. However, it's limited to 30 and 40 degrees inclusive, so if your knife bevel is not set at one of those angles from the factory, you'll have to use it like a traditional flat stone or spend a really long time reprofiling. It starts at about $50 with 2 stones. Additional stones are available.
DMT Aligner
It's a clamp system, so it has many different angle settings, it's very precise, almost fool proof, and also very portable. All the stones are diamond, so it will work fast on super steels. However, it takes time to setup and it's cumbersome to use on long knives (over 4"). It starts at about $50 with 3 stones and a rod (for serrated edge). Additional stones are available.
Edge Pro Apex
It's a large clamp system with even more angle settings, so it's very precise and almost fool proof. The large size means it can handle long knives with no problem. However, it takes time to setup and it's not as portable as the DMT Aligner. It starts at about $150 with 2 stones. Additional stones are available.
Paper Wheel system
This is the least expensive option for power sharpening. Since it's a power tool, it's much quicker than the previous three. The configuration also allows you to handle long knives without any problem. However, it is not portable and it does need a separate work area. If you live in an apartment this is probably not for you. As with any power tool, it is also less forgiving of mistakes. I believe it starts at around $50 for two wheels, and you have to buy the bench grinder separately.
Spyderco Sharpmaker
It's simple, quick to setup, easy to use, can handle long blades, and very portable. However, it's limited to 30 and 40 degrees inclusive, so if your knife bevel is not set at one of those angles from the factory, you'll have to use it like a traditional flat stone or spend a really long time reprofiling. It starts at about $50 with 2 stones. Additional stones are available.
DMT Aligner
It's a clamp system, so it has many different angle settings, it's very precise, almost fool proof, and also very portable. All the stones are diamond, so it will work fast on super steels. However, it takes time to setup and it's cumbersome to use on long knives (over 4"). It starts at about $50 with 3 stones and a rod (for serrated edge). Additional stones are available.
Edge Pro Apex
It's a large clamp system with even more angle settings, so it's very precise and almost fool proof. The large size means it can handle long knives with no problem. However, it takes time to setup and it's not as portable as the DMT Aligner. It starts at about $150 with 2 stones. Additional stones are available.
Paper Wheel system
This is the least expensive option for power sharpening. Since it's a power tool, it's much quicker than the previous three. The configuration also allows you to handle long knives without any problem. However, it is not portable and it does need a separate work area. If you live in an apartment this is probably not for you. As with any power tool, it is also less forgiving of mistakes. I believe it starts at around $50 for two wheels, and you have to buy the bench grinder separately.