Please compare/comment on ceramic rod sharpeners

S

Summerland

Joined
Oct 13, 1999
Messages
567
While everyone has their favorite sharpener (and some have ones they dislike intensely), I would like to hear some side-by-side comparisons of ceramic rod sharpeners.

What in your opinion makes one brand better than another--preset angle, multiple angles, stable base, portability, multiple rods, actual composition of the rods, smoothness of rods (see the recent Sharpmaker thread in General forum), etc.
 
I have not used a lot of different kinds, but what I did find surprising was that you can buy very cheap versions that still work well. I found a $5 sharpener common at flea markets that I had avoided because I figured the ceramic was low grade. However after I finally took a look at it, the rod was even and sharpened blades fine. The holes for the rod also perfectly fit a sharpening butchers steel and a DMT 600 grit 12" rod. Bit of a fluke there that turned it into one of the more versatile sharpeners I use.

-Cliff
 
I bought a ceramic rod from SMKW for a buck I think it was. Works well on thin stainless kitchen knives. Grit not as fine as I had hoped it would be, since I was looking for something comparable to a 600 grit Lansky ceramic stone. I can't get a "hair popping edge" with it, but for a dollar I won't complain.
 
I have had the Spyderco Sharpmaker for a few years, and have been impressed with versitility of the triangle shape. Puts a wicked edge on just about anything. The only pain is that I have to clean with fine stones with Bonami regularly since it glazes.

Scottsman
 
I only have the Sharpmaker 204 and I'm very satisfied with it. I'm not aware of any ceramic rod systems that have variable angles. By their very nature, they are fixed-angle (unless you are referring to the 30/40 degree slots on the Sharpmaker).
 
I can see how the shape of the rods (e.g. for serrations) and a preference for sharpening angle would influence the brand you use, but is there anything that makes one brand's ceramic "better" than another's?
 
I have recently purchased and started using a $10 inexpensive ceramic rod sharpener that holds two, 8 inch long, 1/4 inch round rods positioned like a V shape in a red plastic holder. I have sharpened folders and fixed blades, and as long as the primary edge is already on a blade, it will put a screaming razor edge on a blade with just a few dozen swipes. The rods can easily be cleaned with a large eraser. These sharpeners are very common and are awesome. Best money ever spent on a sharpener.
 
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