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Sebenza on the sharpmaker

draggat

Gold Member
Joined
Jul 26, 2010
Messages
3,004
I just got my first Large 21 last week and was a bit disappointed that it didn't come hair popping sharp like my small 21 did. There was a lot of talk in another thread about how the sharpmaker doesn't keep the bevel even, or something like that. I have to say, I was hesitant to use it to sharpen my new 21 with it. I suck at freehand, and before I get a pile of responses telling me I need to learn it, let me just say, maybe I will at some point, but the sharpmaker & edge pro are what I know right now. Anyway, I sharpied the blade and went to work. I had to work on the belly and tip on one side a bit, but after about 20 minutes, I got her hair popping sharp and the bevel is nice and clean and even. Looks the same as when I got it except it's no longer convex. Oh well. Anyway, I just wanted to say that if there's anyone out there who questions using the sharpmaker on their sebenza, don't worry, it works fine. If there's any learning curve, I guess I learned fast. Oh, and I don't turn the blade at all. I just pull it straight down and through and hold the blade very lightly against the stones. I also use the ultra fine rods to get it insanely sharp. On another note, it seems like S35VN is easier to sharpen than S30V. Or maybe I'm just better at sharpening now!

Would love to hear any other tips or suggestions regarding the sharpmaker!
 
I sharpen my CRK on the sharpmaker. No real problems and I can get the blades ultra sharp. I do videos on youtube and people always leave me goofy comments about using the sharpmaker with my expensive knives. I don't care because it just works.
 
I strop with bark river compound then finish up with the sharpmaker, this helps maintain the convex edge
 
I've used the Sharpmake for a few years now and can get an excellent edge on all my CRKs. It did take me a while to nail down a technique though.
 
I have used the ceramic crock sticks sharpening systems for 25 years with perfect results. The sharpmaker is the best of this type of knife sharpening system. I use the sharpmaker for sharpening ALL my knives; fixed blade or folders, the sharpmaker is used for them all. If used correctly, you will not find anything better.
 
I just got a small Insigno. When it comes time to touch up on the Sharpmaker, do I use the 30 degree or the 40 degree side?
 
The sharpmaker says to use the 30 deg side to make a back bevel or to re-profile, which takes FOREVER even with the diamond rods. I only re-profile with edge pro and then touch up on the sharpmaker. So, long story short, use the 40 deg for your sebenza. Mine came out perfect. Also, as others have mentioned, use the sharpie technique and watch the DVD!!!!! If you've never used the sharpmaker, I recommend starting with a lesser quality knife first too. There are a lot of videos online too.

Hope this helps, and good luck!
 
I ONLY use the 40 Degree Side for ALL my CRK. I only use the 30 degree side for fillet knives, paring knives, etc. that have super thin blades. Otherwise its 40 Degrees all the way. I don't agree with all the 30 & 40 degree back bevel crap. Just use the 40 degree setting and you will be fine..........I just sharpened the project I I just got on the sharpmaker. It only took maybe 15-20 swipes down each side with the fine white rods with no pressure, only using the weight of the knife and its now hair popping sharp.
 
Bought the Sharpmaker and I was too imprecise with it on a Chicago Cutlery steak knife to even think about using in on a Sebenza. That experience was enough to scare me into shelling out for a Wicked Edge. The Sharpmaker is apparently good in more able hands than mine and I think part of it's allure has something to do with the cheap price. In theory it seems like a no brainer with its constant angle abilities and serrated edge capability. But after using it I was pretty much done f'ing around.
 
I also have used the crock stick for while now with very good results. The bevel on the Sebenza match almost perfect with the 20 degree setting.
As long as the bevel is close to that than this sharpening system will work. Ive decided though I want to start free hand sharpening. I feel you can get a
more refined edge and you have 100% versatility instead of being limited to only a couple of settings. I plan on buying the Spyderco 306UF stone here soon.
 
I also have used the crock stick for while now with very good results. The bevel on the Sebenza match almost perfect with the 20 degree setting.
As long as the bevel is close to that than this sharpening system will work. Ive decided though I want to start free hand sharpening. I feel you can get a
more refined edge and you have 100% versatility instead of being limited to only a couple of settings. I plan on buying the Spyderco 306UF stone here soon.

I also bought the ultra fine stones when I got my sharpmaker. They will put a mirror edge on your knife. I mostly use the regular fine white ones that come with it as I don't let my knives get too dull. If they do, then I go to my brown ones. If I am reprofiling an edge, I pretty much do the work with the brown ones, then the fine white, then the ultra fine to put that mirror edge on it and finnish it off......I do not have the diamond rods though. I don't reprofile that much and the brown ones have worked wonderfully for me, though it is slower. I love the sharpmaker and have no complaints.
 
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