New 204 Sharpmaker questions.

R

Roger Blake

Joined
Oct 11, 1998
Messages
707
I recently purchased the 204 Sharpmaker. I was under the impression that the new additional 30 degree angle was for high grade steel such as ATS-34, 440v, etc which could be expected to handle the thinner angle. However, the manual has nothing in it pertaining to this. It only recommends the 30 degree for back bevelling and then only if the results of the 40 degree sharpening are not achieving the desired results.

I had planned to start with 30 degree throught the coarse stones with a few final swipes at 40 degree on the fine stones. Any comments?

Also, the manual recommends the initial use of the corners of the stones then going to the flat sides. It indicates that the corners give a coarser finish then the flats. Why is this?
 
Beam - The corner of the stone cuts faster because the single point contact of the corner generates more force on the blade. This force can also "break" of bend an edge if too much force is applied to the corner after the knife is "scary sharp".

The corner of the gray stone cuts faster after the surface is "cracked" and a little wear is achieved. I usually wear one corner,(the one opposite the groove) by rubbing the corner of the two gray stones together until some wear is exerienced. This will occur on it's own, but this helps it "crack"the surface quicker.

Regarding the 30 degree edge on better steels. Go for it. I have sharpened many "better" steels at the 30 degree angle. Very sharp! Usually doesn't hold up as well but the best way is to see for your self (and experience the very narrow edge) Use step one until the edge will "catch" finger nail before "gritting down" to step 2, etc.
sal
 
Sal, I am waiting to receive my 204. I ordered it with the Blue Native... sounds like another winner!
 
I also await my new 204 sharpener I ordered mine with a Rekat Pioneer II. I wasn't sure if you should order a knife with the sharpener, so I thought I'd better, hehehe
smile.gif

Looking forward to that Native showing up at my door.
 
When it comes to a knife that you are going to use, "Happiness with the knife is found in the sharpener".
sal
 
Sal,

Will you have the 204's and Starmates at the show? I need one (or two), as I gave my old Sharpmaker, as well as my new small Sebenza, to my dad for Father's Day. I needed room in my collection for a Starmate!

Later,
Chris
 
Chris - Michelle said she would bring a few pcs of a few models. I believe the Starmate was one. I need to inform you that if Spyderco makes any sales at the show (we usually don't), they will be at retail price.
sal
 
I just received my new 204 Sharpmaker, along with a Doublestuff 303MF. Gee... Now I've really given up on my diamond hones, and will probably be using them if something drastic happens to the knife edge that will require a re-bevel. But for maintenance purposes, I can now safely say that nothing beats these ceramic stones. Great work, Sal!
smile.gif


Dan

PS. Oh yeah, I also have my Profiler set with me too... talk about collecting knives AND sharpening tools! lol...
 
Hi Sal,
I have a question, too.

I noticed in the instruction manual of the new Sharpmaker they only recommend using step #3 (white stone corner)when sharpening serrations. The 203 booklet recommended using step #1 & #3. Is there a reason for this change? Do you all feel that step #3 is all the serrations need? If the knife is excessively dull do you recommend both steps?

Thanks,

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~Greg~


 
Greg - Step #3 should do the trick. Step #1 only if very dull and use very slowly. Step #1 removes a lot of metal, more than you would normally want to remove unnecessarily on a serration.
sal
 
Hey guys, for another view on how to use the 204, check out "How to Make the Benchmade Axis Perform" in Knife Reviews Forum. It is really as much about using the 204 as it is about the Axis. I use slightly different methods than Spyderco recommends, if you want to see another view on how to use it. I'm going to combine my 204 sharpening methods with the old "How to Make the Sharpmaker Perform" article, and end up with one huge 204 article at some point.

Joe
 
I received my 204 a couple of days ago. I ordered it because my 203 stone holder base became so sloppy that I was afraid it had become dangerous. The stones were still good but I was unable to obtain a new base so I went with the 204. I have a CPM440V Random Task that really needed a sharpening along with some assorted BM knivess that are hardened so hard that it is nearly impossible to sharpen them without a diamond sharpener.The 204 with the 30 degree angle made short work of these pieces. This one is a real winner. All I really wanted was a new base for my old 203 but now I'm really into the new 204. Whats left? Diamond hones for the 204 I hope?

lbwheat

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