New knife or new sharpener?

J

jla3156

Joined
Jan 20, 2014
Messages
116
I have an ok sharpening system now but I want to get a sharpmaker but I also want another knife. Money is tight so which first?
 
A good sharpener is an important thing to get early on in the beginning of becoming a knife addict. Go for the sharpmaker, its more enjoyable when you can use your knife however you need/want and put a nice shaving edge back on them.
 
What sharpening system do you have now? If its just some decent stones then you may just need more practice. If all you have is pull through sharpeners then I definitely say get the sharpmaker.
 
I find many people fall into the trap of buying sharpening "systems" etc. instead of learning HOW to sharpen. (speaking from personal experience)

I say use what you've got provided it is of decent quality and buy another knife!
 
If you have decent sharpening equipment learn to use it to it's fullest or till your happy. If not invest in some decent equipment

No point in owning another knife if you can't keep it sharp when you could have bought a tool to keep your other knives sharp.
 
Although the Sharpmaker will allow you to achieve a usable edge on the limited angles that they provide for you, these may not be the angles that you require in the way that you use a particular knife. I am in the camp that you should learn to freehand sharpen on stones first and foremost. If your skill is not yet to the point of being able to grind and polish a suitable/usable edge, then by all means get a Sharpmaker to tie you over until you can. You can give it away or sell it in the future. You can probably pick one up used here at the forum for a very reasonable price. Always remember that sharpening is 99% technique and 1% the tool being used.
 
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