New Sharpmaker Problems

R

razorhunter

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
470
Guys,
I just bought a brand new Sharpmaker 204 yesterday. I was so excited to use it, that up until now I thought everything was fine.
I just went to put the rods away, and I noticed that 1 of the medium grit rods is BENT! I first noticed this when I put the rod in the top storage groove. Immediately I noticed that it wasn't perfectly straight. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me, but I held it up to the light and noticed that it was nowhere near straight! I know that this cannot be good for sharpening, due to the angle not remaining the same.
I am writing to see if anyone else has had this problem? I sure hope Spyderco will help. I'm sure they will. Thanks for any help guys.
 
Well fellow forumites,
After posting my original dilemma, I got to thinking that I never checked the other 3 rods over. I just noticed the one and rushed in here to the computer to consult with you guys. I just finished looking them all over and both fine rods and one of the medium rods are bent (bowed). I can sit them all down on a countertop and "rock" them on the counter top. In other words, I can lay them down on the counter, and put my finger on one end, and the other end of the rod will be raised off the counter top approximately 3/16" - 1/4".
I am not trying to bash the Sharpmaker, because I ABSOLUTELY love it, but I just know that sharpening with a rod that isn't straight is messing the angle all up. Could this just be a lemon? Anyone?
 
Dude ~ Get in touch with costumer service.. ;) I'm sure they'll handle your 204 under warranty.. :D

Sam
 
Well,
I will have to send my new Sharpmaker in to Spyderco tomorrow. They said I would have to send it back to them first, and then get new stones sent out. I don't know what I'm going to do! Sharpening knives is part of my daily routine. I wish I had a place around here that carried extra stones.
 
If you bought it locally, wouldn't it have been easier/better to deal with the local retailer first? Even if it was an online retailer, I'm sure most places would not have a problem with exchanges.
 
It matters because it changes the "angle of attack". Instead of having two straight rods giving a 40deg or 30deg angle all along the rods surface, you end up with two curved rods that have a more parabolic shape to them - near the top of the rods, the rod-surface will be nearly perpendicular to the surface of the table, whereas near the bottom of the rods, the rod-surface will be nearly parallel to the surface of the table. There is no way one can achieve a proper bevel on the blade. You'll end up removing the bevel near the top of the rods, and dulling the blade as your reach the bottom of the rods, in one stroke. This can't be good for the blade. Just get the rods swapped out, it's not too difficult.
 
Guys,
Yes, I did buy it locally, but I drove about 3 hours to the only place around that carried the 204. I know it's hard to believe, but there is only 1 place that I know of in the Atlanta Metro area that carries the Sharpmakers. My work schedule just won't allow me to drive back up there anytime soon.
Nomaded is right about getting the wrong bevel. The rods need to be straight and remain the correct angle.
 
Boy thats one for the x-files, but I agree its best to send it back. Depending on where you bought it, they might not understand why thats a defect, but it is, a big one IMHO. Unrelated but similar in effect, using the grey stones on the edges for a lot of reprofiling, they will actually wear away enough they need to be replaced. They develope a shallow dished area. They are about the only ones that wear out. I had a few nicks in the white stones in one of the 204's I have and that did not effect use.
 
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