Redi-edge

J

jius

Joined
May 13, 2014
Messages
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Anyone tried one of these Redi-edge sharpeners? Look like they would fit in altoids tin, but are they any good with Beckers, such as BK2?
 
I dont really understand the hatred for carbide sharpeners. Misuse can be bad but all sharpeners remove metal. I use one with the lightest touch to put a micro bevel on the blades i have a hard time sharpening. Granted, this is done when reprofiling a knife for the first time and I get lazy. Of course when sharpening any knife, beware of abusing the tip
 
So I guess its a No No. If they shave what we talking about? Couple of microns - so a Becker would only last 107 years rather than a 110? Hahaha or longer, that's the knife not Uncle.

I just liked idea of dead easy 40° edge in the field, I have no experience with carbides at all so why I asked. I saw a review of SHOT show showing these green rod ones, (Edge Maker) looked nice, but I don't see BK2 fitting in gap for fine rods like a small SAK.

I have considered the Work Sharp Guide Field Sharpener, again for 20° guide helps.
 
cEdge said:
I dont really understand the hatred for carbide sharpeners. Misuse can be bad but all sharpeners remove metal.
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Carbides, especially in pull-through sharpeners, don't just remove metal, they 'tear' it off. IIRC, there's a thread or YT vid that shows micro images of the damage done.

I've used a carbide pull-thru (Wal-Mart $2) on a cheapo mystery metal knife and noticed bits of metallic powder on the carbide.

Again, I wouldn't use one on any knife I cared about.
 
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those kind of sharp pull-through sharpeners will enlarge chips rather than sharpening them out by digging it out from the inside of the cavity.

The portable DMTs are excellent pocket tools. I'd prefer an un-perforated one for dressing the tip, but the perforated ones will do fine.
 
Here's how I look at it.....

Using a stone or KME system, you are creating micro striations perpendicular to the edge, give or take. It's basically creating a micro serrated edge. When drawn through on a slice, or pushed through on a cut, the striations are working in a direction making it easier to seperate whatever you're cutting.

Pull through carbide sharpeners, create striations parallel with the edge. Essentially creating small "speed bumps" that work opposite of whatever you're cutting. Slices are missing that "dig in" and push cuts the bumps are creating more resistance. Thus making the edge wear down faster.

And they chew the shit outta your blade.

Just my perspective.

Moose
 
I prefer a DMT Duofold in the 325/600 grit combo. Folds up to about 4". A mirror finish edge is beautiful to look at and shave your arm hair with, but in real life I prefer a good working edge, and a 600 grit DMT fits the bill. Another good choice would be the Spyderco Double Stuff stone. Both about the same size, flat and compact, and unless you are batoning your knife through a railroad track, should be more than enough for edge maintenance. They are compact enough to be "ranger band"-ed to a sheath or tucked in a pack or pocket.
 
jius said:
So I guess its a No No. If they shave what we talking about? Couple of microns - so a Becker would only last 107 years rather than a 110? Hahaha or longer, that's the knife not Uncle.

I just liked idea of dead easy 40° edge in the field, I have no experience with carbides at all so why I asked. I saw a review of SHOT show showing these green rod ones, (Edge Maker) looked nice, but I don't see BK2 fitting in gap for fine rods like a small SAK.

I have considered the Work Sharp Guide Field Sharpener, again for 20° guide helps.
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Get the Worksharp. It's a great all in one portable sharpener, and it's pretty easy to use. It will also give you some experience "hand" sharpening and let you get a feel for what a 20° feels like. The small DMT aligner kit works pretty well, too, if you want more accuracy - but, it isn't really "portable" in the out-in-the-woods sort of zeitgeist. Plus for the $, the WS is hard to beat.....and it has a strop, to boot. Mine goes in my EDC bag. One other nice thing about the WS is that the diamond plates are removable so you can take the stones to the knife on bigger blades rather than the other way 'round. In case you haven't guessed, IMO WS has made a very well designed tool with their Field Sharpener.
 
Sounds good Granitestateofmind!! I do like the idea of the strop too which has all guides too.
 
The WS field sharpener is nice & well thought out however IMO a little large for the field unless it is a extended trip or you expect heave use.
 
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