Oh Phooey, about to pop for the Sharpmaker

L

Lavan

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
Messages
2,301
All my blusterings about duct taping stones to sticks and stuff.

But.........I...did...see a (think it was "Smith") sharpening "system" at Sportmart. Stones on rods with blade clamp.

Question: Wouldn't sliding rods CHANGE the angle of the sharp if they were used in any manner EXCEPT sliding horizontally along the edge? I have always sharpened freehand OR crockstick by cutting the edge ACROSS the grit....not WITH it.

Anyhow....after I hear the answer, I will probably STILL buy the dang 204 as I.....want....one, and if I don't get it I will just end up paying 10-12 thousand dollars on substitutes before getting it anyhow.

STILL can't justify price on the EDGE PRO. Cheap old coot.

;)
 
Skip the Smith! Get a sharpmaker and a large coarse hone (sounds like you might have one of those already.) Use the coarse hone for repairing edge damage and thinning out edges. Use the Sharpmaker to quickly set and maintain edge microbevels. I.E., use the coarse hone to set 15 degree inclusive edge bevels, and then use the 30 degree setting on the sharpmaker to set a 30 degree inclusive microbevel.

But keep saving for that Edge Pro! I ordered mine yesterday :)
 
Lavan,

Yes, you do go 'north,south' with an Edge-Pro not 'east, west.' At the point, however, I might change my stroke a bit to keep from rounding the tip.

Like all things, this is NOT a simple mechanic fix. Buying a cold chisel does not make you Michaelangelo anymore than buying a black knife makes you Jerry Vancook.

You have to get some old knives and practice, watch the videos, talk to other craftsmen.

You mention the Edge-Pro and cost. It reminds me of my old Harley-Davidson customers at Deckers'. They would ride me like an old horse to make sure that the latest and best techniques were used on their expensive bikes. Then they would run of the K-Mart to buy 79-cent oil because it was cheaper.

If you have several high-dollar knives, then the cost of a 300 dollar sharpening fixture is cheap. Go to your workshop and add up the cost of all those woodworking tools you used to make a 30 dollar cabinet.
 
I understand where you are coming from trying to justify the cost of the Edge Pro, believe me I do. But if you are interested in the ultimate edge (as I believe you are from your recent posts), you won't be happy with anything else. The Sharpmaker is great, no doubt about it, but I have yet to see any system that holds a candle to the Edge Pro. At least send a knife to Ben for a demo so you can see what the system can do. It will open your eyes, prior to the demo I sent I wasn't aware knives could be that sharp. It still requires skill and effort on your part, but with practice you can produce some amazing edges.
 
>> Stones on rods with blade clamp.
>> Wouldn't sliding rods CHANGE the angle

Yes the angle changes.

Well, I'll post this diagram again:

gatco.gif


Steve
 
You're going to get the Sharpmaker and the EdgePro (probably the Apex with the upgrade kit). Why?

Your blades will not only be at their sharpest, they'll also still look wonderful (assuming you use tape on your blades with the EdgePro).

Otherwise, if you truly are only interested in sharp and cosmetics aren't a concern, you'll still get a Sharpmaker and start practicing your skills with a belt-sander. Why? To get your primary bevels thin like 15-inclusive degrees Crayola recommended and then use the 30 degree setting on the Sharpmaker for an edge that is highly effective and easily maintainable (also like Crayola recommended). And the Sharpmaker is great with serrated knives, too.

My guess is that you want most of your knives to be demonically sharp and yet still look pretty. For that, the EdgePro (and tape on the non-edge part of the blade) is almost mandatory. The Sharpmaker will do, too, and do really well, but the EdgePro works quicker and is more adjustable.
 
Any suggestions on WHERE to order the 204?

I see bunches of prices and very little info as to whether the video is included or not.


TIA
 
with a forum search. Handy.

bestknives.com is sending a 204 tomorrow.

Gettin out da butter knives now, boss.

:D

Gonna sharpen the CAT too.
 
and if I don't get it I will just end up paying 10-12 thousand dollars on substitutes before getting it anyhow
Click to expand...

Yep! Don't it always go that way? That's what I did. I'm glad you saved yourself the trouble and got the 204. You'll like it a lot. It's quick, easy, and practically idiot-proof.
 
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