Razor Edge's clamps/guides question....

[Justin Moore]

Just curious about something: I have heard a bit about these clamps/guides here in the forums but have never really seen a description of how they work, not even on the manufacturers page

Does these help you to maintain a consisten angle while sharpening, and if so, how? Thanks for you help guys.

JLM

 

[jwilliams]

If I am thinking of the system you are I have used it for the better part of 6 years and love it. I have used it on just about every blade style there is. I haven't tried a recurve blade the stone is too wide and I am afried of destroying the knife. But to awnser your question the guide clamps on the spine of the blade and holds a consistant angle there are no markings to tell you what angle. The instructions say that its not the angle it that it is consistant. If you follow the instructions any one can get a hair shaving edge. I highly reccomend geeting his book. Either buy it or check out your local library. The Razor Edge Book Of Sharpening by John Juranitch. Here is thier website
http://www.razoredgesystems.com/

Jason

[This message has been edited by jwilliams (edited 03-11-2000).]

 

[Justin Moore]

So, does one side of the guide basically glide along the top of the stone? That's kind of what it looks like from the picture on their site. I'd be real curious to know what the resulting angle is, as well. If anyone knows, give me a holler

 

[TAutry]

I also have the Razor Edge system. The guides do ride atop the stones. The work angle is varied by the placement of the guide. When you start to grind relief, the clamp is placed as far back on the spine as possible and you use the coarse stone. When you change to the fine stone, the guide is moved toward the edge about 1/4 inch. This step increases the angle to remove the burr. I believe the relief angle is about 15 degrees and the final angle about 25 degrees.

Jwilliams is right about the book. If you want to use the system effectively you really need the book. Heck, after reading the book I began putting shaving edges on my knives without the system. I finally did buy the system and boy does it make it easier!

Happy Sharpening!

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Travis Autry
My knives are just like rabbits---they keep multiplying!!

 

[Crayola]

I have the Razor's Edge kit too and I must also say that it is awesome! Reading the bible (Razor's Edge Book of Sharpening) is essential for getting a great edge using any system.

I had a lot of trouble at first with those clamps and almost sent the whole lot back, but after practice,practice,practice my knives have never been sharper. You should know, however, that the guides do wear out. You are dragging them across the stone, do they wear. But the results more than make up for the wear and tear.

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"Come What May..."

 

[Codeman]

I, too, use one of their kits and highly recommend them. Besides the book, I also think the steel is indespensible. Before I bought the kit, I was not able to get a sharp edge at all, except by accident. Now, it's no problem. Once I get a good edge with RES's stuff, I use a Sharpmaker to keep it that way.

I've only got one thing that I can see RES improving on their guides - with the guide resting on the stones, it does wear out, though slowly. Unfortunately, making the guide withstand the stones would probably also result in the guides leaving marks on the blade.

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Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988

AKTI Member #A000831

[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 03-13-2000).]