- Joined
- Mar 4, 2014
- Messages
- 3,646
I feel the OP's pain. I watched Spyderco's video early on, then picked up a SM thinking that would be a quick fix for all of my dull knives, scissors, axes, etc. Then the frustration set in. Remember that the original SM video is a "marketing" tool, and not much more. The Spyder guys could probably spend two minutes sharpening a spoon then slice newsprint.
It actually took a LOT of hours practicing with a guided system, before I really figured out what I was doing wrong....and what a jewel the SM really is to have around. In the end, it's never what I go to first if a blade needs a re-profile. But it is what I grab first if a well profiled edge needs to be touched up (or sometimes more).
Obsessed with Edges (and others) here will get you up and going in short order. But I will express that if you are anything like me, frustration WILL compound the problem. When that happens, step back and go read some more forum sharpening threads. Ultimately, it takes a lot of learning about both geometry and metallurgy (well, and eye-hand coordination) to be able to move from one knife to another on any sharpening system. Enjoy the ride!
It actually took a LOT of hours practicing with a guided system, before I really figured out what I was doing wrong....and what a jewel the SM really is to have around. In the end, it's never what I go to first if a blade needs a re-profile. But it is what I grab first if a well profiled edge needs to be touched up (or sometimes more).
Obsessed with Edges (and others) here will get you up and going in short order. But I will express that if you are anything like me, frustration WILL compound the problem. When that happens, step back and go read some more forum sharpening threads. Ultimately, it takes a lot of learning about both geometry and metallurgy (well, and eye-hand coordination) to be able to move from one knife to another on any sharpening system. Enjoy the ride!