Reagan-era Sharpmaker

[KarlMaldensNose]

An old model #203 recently fell into my lap, the one with only 1 set of holes. Anyone know what angle these are set at, 30 or 40 degrees? The dog ate my protractor, but I think it might be 40. I need a definite answer though, as I don't want to mess with the 30 degree bevel Benchmade spits out the Rittergrips with. Or are there any Rittergrip-ers out there who can testify to the effictiveness/safety of swiping them on ceramics set at 40? One more question: Does anyone know what angle the Tenacious comes out of the factory with? Thanks for your time.

 

[yablanowitz]

The rods on the 203 were set at 40 degrees includes (twenty per side). The goal on the Tenacious is 30 degrees included, as it is on all Spyderco knives except the Hossums (which have a convex edge). However, the final sharpening is done by hand, so the actual edge angle will vary a bit from knife to knife.

Touching up your 30 degree edge on the 40 degree 203 will work just fine...for a while. Eventually, you will end up with a 40 degree edge and need to cut a whole new edge bevel.

 

[KarlMaldensNose]

Okay, now I get it. With the #204, the 30 degree holes are to set the bevel angle and the 40 degree holes do the edge. That's the only way I know how to phrase it, as i'm still if-y with the terms "micro bevel", "relief angle", back bevel", etc. Thanks.

 

[BenchmadeBoy]

I need a definite answer though, as I don't want to mess with the 30 degree bevel Benchmade spits out the Rittergrips with. Or are there any Rittergrip-ers out there who can testify to the effictiveness/safety of swiping them on ceramics set at 40?

It's a knife. Go ahead and sharpen it. I use the 40 degree Sharpmaker angle for my Ritter Grip all the time. Worst case scenario you really muck it up and have to send it to Benchmade for sharpening. As for the tenacious, I'm pretty sure 40 degrees will do it. The Sharpmaker is designed by Spyderco . . . .

 

[kamagong]

I have one of those. The angle is set at 40.

 

[yablanowitz]

Okay, now I get it. With the #204, the 30 degree holes are to set the bevel angle and the 40 degree holes do the edge. That's the only way I know how to phrase it, as i'm still if-y with the terms "micro bevel", "relief angle", back bevel", etc. Thanks.

The terms can get confusing, but it sounds like you have a grasp on the concept, which is far more important.