Recommendations for Guided sharpener for newbie?

G

gqllc007

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Oct 16, 2007
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I am looking for a guided sharpener for someone who is new to this. I am not looking for crazy razor edge hair removal....I am looking for something that takes about 10 minutes per knife and is relatively easy to use. I prefer simpler to complicated and this is for general use knives. Some kitchen, some utility etc. What is recommended??
 
There are many, many threads on this topic, even within the past several days. Please take a few moments to look through the last several pages on this forum, as well as taking a moment to use the search function.

If that doesn't get what you need, (I'll be surprised), please tell us what info you still require.

There are numerous right answers.
 
So, let's get back to your question...

Are you looking for a powered or manual system?

How much money, ballpark?

How much effort will the individual put into it...or will it just end up collecting dust?

An inexpensive powered setup that is popular around these parts is the Work Sharp. Those who like it seem very satisfied. (I've never seen one in person.)

Manual systems can be as basic as the Spyderco Sharpmaker, Lansky, GATCO, DMT Aligner...or...

...as involved as Edge Pro, KME, Hapstone, Wicked Edge and other guided systems.

We kind of have to have some parameters to work with, understanding that there is no "best" per se.

But, perhaps we can narrow it down if we know the types of knives, steels, condition etc. Will they require being overhauled or just a touch-up?
 
SO most of what I will do is kitchen knives. I would say touching up. Manual is fine. I have been looking at the Edge Apex. I do have a Spyderco Sharpmaker that has collected dust. Hoping to change that with a guided system. I am not great with complex...Under $400
 
I have an Edge Pro Apex and I think it's a great tool if you are willing to put in the time learning its nuances. It's pretty straightforward and foolproof. I don't use mine a whole lot, but I like having it available for those times when I want something to get me out of a jam, or to do better than I can do freehand. (If you care about cosmetics and scratches, you may want to tape up the blade with painter's tape or clear package tape. If not, no worries.)

If you do it, I recommend that you get the Slide Guide that David (@Diemaker) created for it, and the magnet to enhance the experience. They are a great addition, but can also be added after the fact.

If you do your base sharpening on the Edge Pro, especially at 15 or 21 degrees, you can use the Sharpmaker you already have to keep those knives sharp and touched-up in between sessions with the Edge Pro.
 
Depending on how simple you want to go, you could opt for something like the Worksharp guided "Precision" sharpener. https://www.worksharptools.com/shop/sharpeners/manual/precision-adjust-knife-sharpener/

Essentially it is working off of the same principle as any of the fixed angle, clamp and rod based sharpeners like KME/Edge pro etc but its coming in far cheaper at around 50-60$ and the stones are all contained within the same unit so no changing out or keeping track of multiple hones. Given you are just going to be working on relatively soft kitchen knife steel, the diamond and ceramic hones included in this kit really might be all you are going to need.
 
The number one problem I see with the new WS tool is the stone size. They are tiny and that means more time, especially if repairing or reprofiling, and an enhanced risk of instilling a recurve in the blade if you get overly focused in one spot.

There are more options today than there was years back when I was making my system selection but I still think that when all things are considered the Edge Pro and KME are really hard to beat. I opted for the KME and you can read about it here: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads...ew-years-in-the-making.1761852/#post-20161913

I don't think I mentioned it in the review but you can also flip the carrier upside and get even lower edges (jaw interaction depending).
 
You can get a Wicked Edge WE120 for $399. You can use a piece of plyboard or something for a base to start off with and upgrade it as you want to or when you can afford it.
 
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Everyone is going to flame me for this. In this type of situation there is a pull through that is passable. even I use it once in a blue moon. on inexpensive kitchen knives only. Not junk though. Say Chef's knife $400.00. Look at the big E-commerce site for "amsser diamond wheels". It is the one for $31.99. I wish you guy's would please not insist that is will destroy knives. Without having used it. It is something completely different than what is thought of. As a pull through by most of us here. Of course it is not a WE130. It is 32 bucks. It honestly does a great job with no effort. I have absolutely no reason whatsoever to "promote" this. Just offering a suggestion per the OP's request. You might be surprised that it is not setting the bar too low. I will not be around here for a while. Please try to be nice. I was only trying to help. If it is stupid, just disregard.
 
I like Hapstone's new modular system. One base with multiple heads that fit on it. You want a clamping system? Get the rotary head. Then there are several clamp packages that fit it. And extra clamps may be bought separately. Need to sharpen Scissors, chisels or plane irons? Get the scissor attachment. Do you like an edge pro style table? There are two options to choose from.

I like the V8 magnetic table module. I chose this over the Edge Pro Apex for several reasons. First: it is all metal construction. I think the extra mass makes for a more stable sharpening platform. Second; it comes with table magnets, and it's blade guide is similar to Edge Pro's slide guide. No need to spend extra to buy accessories. Third; the V8 table module comes with adjustable table extension, that can also be remove entirely. Set to their maximum width it makes a stable platform for a 10 inch or larger knife. Say a large chefs knife. Down to, with the extensions removed, the small secondary blades on my slip joint knives. That's another Edge Pro accessory I don't need to buy, the small blade attachment. I also like that I can buy this sharpener as a bare bones, ( no stones included), or pick from up to nine different stone bundles. Lots of options there.

O.B.
 
I've had gook results with the KME. The one with diamond stones. Also invest in a strop and compound.
Unless you're deforming the edges of your knives, the sharpmaker will give you what you need. Most of the time I use a ceramic rod and strop on my kitchen knives. It doesn't take very long to get them where they can push cut.
 
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