Newbie system to sharpen small blades?

Dornblaser

Dornblaser

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I was searching the forum for some recommendations for a sharpening system that would be appropriate for a newbie to sharpen small blades, 3" and under? No recurves, two of my knives have serration but I am not concerned with those. I have been using a two sided Smith Sharpener but as my knife collection is starting include better knives it is probably time to upgrade my sharpening system as well. Thanks.

- David
 
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The Spyderco Sharpmaker has a pretty good reputation among many here. It might be worth a look. It's among one of the easiest types of sharpeners to learn, and comes with some well-documented instructions (including a dvd). It's angled rods are triangular in cross-section, which makes touching up smaller blades much easier (on the 'corners' of the rods). The rods' corners, by the way, can also be used on your serrated blades. It can also be upgraded with diamond rods (they're not cheap), for some heavier-duty work, if needed.

And, there's a LOT of information here on BF regarding the use of the Sharpmaker. Many folks here have done quite a lot with it, and there's a wealth of knowledge/experience here regarding this sharpener.

Not to be too critical, but I think a lot of the sharpening nuts here would think just about anything would be an 'upgrade' from the Smith's pull-through sharpener you've been using. You'd do yourself a big favor to move on up & put that one away ;).

Good luck and best wishes, from one David to another...
 
Thanks, Dave. I should have stated that the Spyderco Sharpmaker was what I was looking at unless there were other suggestions.
 
How many knives are you looking to sharpen, how fast paced is your lifestyle, and how much money are you willing to spend?
 
BladeChemist said:
How many knives are you looking to sharpen, how fast paced is your lifestyle, and how much money are you willing to spend?
Click to expand...

Interesting and thoughtful question. I prefer that knife sharpening does not become a "mini-hobby". I have knives from Vic Cadets to Fallkniven P3Gy. I just ordered a couple of gentleman folders. All of my knives will, generally, be 2 1/2 - 3". I don't use knives heavily - hiking, fly fishing, gardening, light EDC. If I am pruning, etc., I will use lopers, pruners; or, a saw. If I am cutting up a lot of cardboard, I will use a box knife. I don't use a knife as a "do-it-all" tool but will reach for more specialized tools if they are available. I expect to sharpen 1 - 3 knives a month? I would like to keep the sharpener/whetstones, etc., under $100.00.
 
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Well I believe you just described the Sharpmaker perfectly then. If you go that route I see it often mentioned that it pays to get the fine ceramic rods as well, but that's up to you. Good luck!
 
My most often used knife sharpener is a short length of wood (cut from a piece I bought from a hardware store for about $3) and a length of old belt that broke and some contact adhesive to hold the 2 together + some green polishing compound. This is my home made strop and it cost very little - it can keep my knives sharpened quite nicely and it works just fine on small blades. This is the only sharpening tool I need for my SAKs or Multi-Tools. For heavier duty sharpening there are many options (I have a DMT Aligner that can handle almost anything) including the Sharpmaker.
 
Either the Sharpmaker or the DMT Aligner will do just what you want to. The DMT will give you a little more versatility than the Sharpmaker (with its choice of angles,) and the Sharpmaker will give you absolute ease of sharpening, albeit at only two angles. Both are inexpensive and easy to use, and both are very effective.

Stitchawl
 
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