Sharp Maker Guard Rods?

L

LarryG

Joined
Mar 6, 2023
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I have a Sharp Maker that I use pretty often; always with the top clipped on and the brass guard rods. I just wonder though – how often do those brass rods do their job? I understand they are supposed to protect your hand, but what is the event that would result in cutting yourself? The only thing I can think of is the blade skipping over the top of the rod and coming down on your hand. But I never start sharpening at the top of the rod; always at least an inch down.
 
Good question and interested to hear the answers. I’ve never used them save for the very first time trying it out. My bad. However I am very mindful when sharpening and like you start the stroke a bit below the top.
 
I always put the guards in as well, but a person would have to be pretty careless to miss the stones completely and bring the knife down on their hand. It probably happens, though.
 
Can't remember how many years it's been since I last used them.
 
Hi LarryG,

We learned that it was not the beginner, but the experienced user that gets cut. Some, while sharpening very quickly, (to save time?) go over the top of the stone and hit the hand (6 stitches). Some slide off the stone and cut the thumb. Some pull the Sharpmaker over, like catching a sharpening coil on the corner of a stone, pull it over and and cut the fingers.

I always use the guards. A bad cut is inconvenient, at best.

sal
 
My set is at least 20+ years old and my brass rods are heavily scratched and nicked. I never sharpen without them.
 
Sal Glesser said:
Hi LarryG,

We learned that it was not the beginner, but the experienced user that gets cut. Some, while sharpening very quickly, (to save time?) go over the top of the stone and hit the hand (6 stitches). Some slide off the stone and cut the thumb. Some pull the Sharpmaker over, like catching a sharpening coil on the corner of a stone, pull it over and and cut the fingers.

I always use the guards. A bad cut is inconvenient, at best.

sal
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Thanks Sal. I pretty much always follow the instructions (I’m that kind of guy) but it’s always good to know why.
 
Sal Glesser said:
We learned that it was not the beginner, but the experienced user that gets cut. Some, while sharpening very quickly, (to save time?)…
Click to expand...

Sounds like airplane pilots who have many years of experience and become complacent and kill themselves. One always needs to remain mindful. My Sharpmaker must be near 25 years old now and I remain mindful and deliberate just as I do when we go into the wilderness at least twice a week. However the kitchen is the location that I seem to become complacent every couple years though and not while sharpening. lol
 
I can't remember the last time I used them. But, I have my Sharpmaker base screwed to my bench. It keeps my off hand well out of the danger zone.
 
LarryG said:
always with the top clipped on and the brass guard rods.
Click to expand...

I installed the rods when I first got the Sharpmaker. I promptly removed them and then brought the rods out to the garage where I could use them for parts in some project down the road.
 
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