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Quick Sharpmaker Question
- Thread starter JMFWSU
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 4,271
When I use the flats on my Sharpmaker, there is no gap between the knife edge and the rod. The flat sides of the rods should be... flat. The edge of your knife should contact all of the flat side of the rod, assuming that there is no problem with the blade itself.
Does this happen on all 3 flat sides? Does it happen on both sets of rods? Have you tried sharpening a different blade to verify that it happens on more than one knife?
If the rod flats really are concave, I'd first try returning it to the seller for another one. Failing in that, I'd contact Spyderco about replacement rods.
Does this happen on all 3 flat sides? Does it happen on both sets of rods? Have you tried sharpening a different blade to verify that it happens on more than one knife?
If the rod flats really are concave, I'd first try returning it to the seller for another one. Failing in that, I'd contact Spyderco about replacement rods.
FoxholeAtheist
Basic Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2003
- Messages
- 2,328
How is it that you're telling that it's only hitting the edges? Do you just see the metal streaks on the edges? If so, it's very possible that (having just gotten it) that you're holding the knife at a slight angle to the stones (i.e. not at a perfect right angle), which would cause it to hit the edges rather than the flats.
I think the important bit about the flats is that if you're doing it right, you're putting less pressure per unit area on the edge, therefore making for a smoother cut. I wouldn't worry too much about this unless the stones are actually malformed. Take the two stones out of the base and put them together flat-to-flat.... they should fit together smoothly. If they do, then it's your technique.
I think the important bit about the flats is that if you're doing it right, you're putting less pressure per unit area on the edge, therefore making for a smoother cut. I wouldn't worry too much about this unless the stones are actually malformed. Take the two stones out of the base and put them together flat-to-flat.... they should fit together smoothly. If they do, then it's your technique.
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2005
- Messages
- 4,271
Jason...
I checked my Sharpmaker just to be sure when I went home for lunch. The flat sides of my rods really are flat and yours should be, too. Like Fox said, make sure it's not your particular angle or technique that's causing the problem first. If you've angled the knife left or right a bit, it will only contact the corner of the rod.
You might want to try sharpening in front of a mirror to check your angle from the front side until you get used to how the proper position feels to you.
I checked my Sharpmaker just to be sure when I went home for lunch. The flat sides of my rods really are flat and yours should be, too. Like Fox said, make sure it's not your particular angle or technique that's causing the problem first. If you've angled the knife left or right a bit, it will only contact the corner of the rod.
You might want to try sharpening in front of a mirror to check your angle from the front side until you get used to how the proper position feels to you.
Esav Benyamin
MidniteSuperMod
- Joined
- Apr 6, 2000
- Messages
- 90,915
Since the blade is not clamped in the Sharpmaker system, each stroke will be slightly different from the last. This means that sometimes you will notice hitting the edges more than the flats, but you should still be getting most of the effect on the flats anyway.
I like to work with the Sharpmaker about elbow height, and sitting down at my desk with it is most comfortable. Then if it's off a bit, I just touch the base to shift it slightly.
I like to work with the Sharpmaker about elbow height, and sitting down at my desk with it is most comfortable. Then if it's off a bit, I just touch the base to shift it slightly.