Newbie here: Need sharpening advice

S

Snowwolfe

Joined
Jan 13, 2008
Messages
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My first post after lurking for about a week. I am new to the world of custom knives but have recently ordered several and am learning as I go.
I have never acquired a good ability to sharpen a knife. I have tried numerous gadgets such as crock sticks, lanskies, etc but never felt I was doing it correctly.
Recently I been reading about a sharpener called an Edge Pro Apex and it looks very promising.

Has anyone here used this and what is your opinion of it?
 
I've never used it, but I think the reply that everyone is going to give you is that the Edge Pro is hands down one of the best sharpeners on the market today.
 
Thanks. Managed to go back a few pages and found a thread on it. I should of done more looking than typing:)
 
You are likely to feel the same way about using the EdgePro system. If you are using the other systems incorrectly, then it is likely that you will make the same mistakes with the EdgePro, or lack the same confidence in the EdgePro. You need to develop an understanding of edge geometry and picture in your head the effect the stone and varying angles have on that edge. With the systems, you need to understand how small inconsistencies in how you use them will effect your results. I'm not trying to steer you away from the EdgePro, I'm just suggesting you take the time to learn how to use the tools you have so as to give you the basic understanding of how to sharpen, and then you can apply that to using the EdgePro.
 
Not trying to be the goat here, Snowwolfe, I would recommend you learn to sharpen with stones and hand...

REASON: it can be done wherever you are with smaller versions of your shop stones. The ability to sharpen in the field or outside the limiting apparatus in your shop/home is very important. Being able to sharpen and retain an edge 'on-the-fly' is a skill people who use and enjoy good steel and all types of edges should attain...good luck, Snowwolfe, whatever path you decide to move down...


DISCLAIMER: The preceding personal opinions are just that -- opinions. They were derived through study & reading, from conversations with other firearm enthusiasts, and by finalizing my own experiences regarding the subject at hand; the comments are not intended as a slight against any other opinion/opinions from forum members or administrators...

COLTM1911A1
 
The Apex is a great tool, but it doesn't replace an understanding of sharpening. However, a little bit of study and practice will allow you to get superb edges pretty easily. There's nothing to say you can't continue to practice freehanding in an effort to get better, but there's no good reason to have dull knives for ten years while you learn!:D
 
Agree with learning to freehand sharpen.

Suggest a Norton India coarse/fine [IB6 or IB8] use dry and get a Old Hickory paring knife at the hardware store and a magic marker, and magnifying glass.

Use glass to inspect edge and study it.
Run the marker along edge.
Let the stone do the work, so light strokes to see if you are removing where marked, or above, or below the marker edge - adjust to fit .

Go slow, and have fun. If tired, in a hurry, stop, and continue later.
No need to instill bad habits , Instead instill positive, correct basic fundamentals .

Piddle with what works for you, you might do better with small circles, or with single strokes.

I hold the stone in my hand most often, I seem to be more in touch with the stone, knife, and process.
Out in the woods, one will most likely be holding the stone in hand anyway...nice to be able to touch up and maintain freehand, anywhere .


Best of Luck!

Steve
 
Free handing is good for the soul and is a wonderful skill. However, you said you were new to this. The Apex would be a great way for you to get into knives without ruining some blades. I highly recommend the system. It is a no-brainer for angles and the learning curve is quite short. Practise on some crap knives before taking your new collectors to the stone.

That said, once you get into this, you *will* want to learn free handing. A very good instructional DVD just came out and is available here: http://www.japaneseknifesharpening.com/ Apparently it isn't even on the site yet so if interested, email Dave at the link provided there.

If you have a few hundred dollars to spend, you can go beyond the EdgePro and get Ken's Precision Sharpening Device. Imagine a large EdgePro holding full size eight inch stones with angle capability from zero to forty-five. Outfit this with a full set of Shapton Glass Stones and you have the Mercedes Benz of sharpening equipment.

Buzz
 
I have Dave's DVD on the way, too!:D I'll probably buy the PSD eventually (btw, not because of any failing of the Apex- it's great. I just gotta tinker...).
 
Rob Babcock said:
I have Dave's DVD on the way, too!:D I'll probably buy the PSD eventually (btw, not because of any failing of the Apex- it's great. I just gotta tinker...).
Click to expand...

I've watched the DVDs twice already. Although I've never seen the Murray Carter DVDs or any of the others, Dave's are all you need. The information provided is very complete.

I have the PSD on order and am really looking forward to using it on some special projects that will require more exacting angles than I am able to produce free hand. The flexibility of being able to use nearly any stone you want is a huge draw. :)

Buzz
 
I come at this with the perspective of being older (i.e- not as steady handed as I once was, & poor eyesight) I have done a BUNCH of research & seeking advice on these forums, and I have come to the conclusion that the "EdgePro" system is about the best you can do, hands down, bar none. I KNOW, a lot of the fellas here swear by doing it "by hand". That's all well & good, but not practical for me, and I suspect, a lot of folks. I think it's one of those things like playing an instrument, either you've got the feel for it, or not. I've tried a few times when younger, and I'm just not willing to risk a $200 knife on less than competent skill. I don't think you'll be at all disappointed with an "Apex". I bought a "Sharpmaker" to save a few bucks, sold it, and I'm ordering an "Apex" myself as soon as I get the $$$.
 
If you are getting started, I would suggest a magnifier of some type. Nothing beats being able to see what is really happening at the edge. I use a pocket microscope from Radio Shack. The magnification goes from 60-100x, which is quite high, maybe too high. However it was essentially free, so its what I use. Try to find something in the 10-20x range and that should suffice until you get better and then get really fussy about your edges. A binocular microscope like used in dissections is ideal, but quite pricey, at a couple hundred bucks at least.
 
I have always been fair at using freehand and Arkansas Stones, but recently tried using a Buck Honemaster with the stones and it works like a charm. Easy to use and works with any stone.

Anyone else tried a Honemaster?
 
I appreciate all the comments. I learn something new every day. Edge Pro is at my house and I am on vacation. I will devote some serious time to learning how to use it.
Thanks for the comments about using stones and doing it by hand but I have no desire to go that route.
 
Normally the thought of ones vacation coming to an end is a bummer, but at least it gives you something to look forward to!:D
 
i suspect the edge pro is a fine tool with an unseen benefit.

it very likely will prevent you from getting a runaway rock habit.

you won't be (as) motivated to buy "Just One More (tm)" good waterstone..

count your blessings. seriously. you think KNIVES are addicting?

you think some guys put KNIVES away and don't touch 'em?

i got rocks my kids are instructed not to use for 20 years after I'm dead.. lest i HAUNT them..

course i don't have ENOUGH either, but one more and i'll be set.. ;)
 
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