Sharpener advice needed

D

DJM86

Joined
Jul 12, 2006
Messages
6
Hello all. I have researched a great deal about sharpeners on here. There is so much info it's almost overwhelming. I need some advice. I would like to get a sharpening system for various knives I have ranging from a Kershaw Leek, Gerber Parafine, Spyderco and a bunch of others. I have looked into the Spyderco Sharpmaker, DMT Sharpening Systems (diamond?) and the Lansky Sharpening systems. So, which system is the best? My knives have been kept relatively sharp, most likely no reshaping necessary. I would like to achieve as close to a factory sharpened blade as possible, if not better. My price range is up to $80. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!! :D
 
Sharpmaker, no question if you don't plan on reprofiling. For me it works way better than my Lansky. You will be very happy with your results after minimal practice.
 
I use the DMT Aligner--I like the diamond hones. I polish the bevel on a paper wheel ($10) using some polishing compound, and finish on a leather strop (leftovers-$2 at a craft shop).
Whatever you get, practice will give you better results.
Greg
 
Thanks for the replies. I like the idea of diamond hones too. I guess thats the way to go. I just want to be able to sharpen my EDC's and some hunting/fishing knives.

Greg - Can you please recommend some paper wheel equipment.

Thanks!!
 
I'm very pleased with my Spyderco Sharpmaker, although I did spring for the diamond rods which I think are necessary if you want to make any angle changes to blade edges.

I would recommend a leather strop and a Chromium oxide (the white compound) polishing compound stick to load it with. These are cheap additions to whatever sharpening system you choose and will really put the finishing touches on an edge.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
You can have the best of both worlds and it wouldn't be that great of an investment either. Get the Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker for your fine finish work. Then get a coarse to extra coarse diamond bench stone to do your reprofiling with. That is what I have mainly been operating with for some time. Other than the Edge Pro which a lot of these guys like, there is just no other sharpening system on the market that does the superb final finish job like the Sharpmaker does.

That is the Sharpmaker's only weakness in my opinion is the fact that you just can't do any aggressive re-profiling. Plus you might get a copy of John Juranitch's great book entitled "The Razor Edge Book Of Sharpening". Some vendors have that book as cheap as $12. That book will give you some great pointers on reprofiling and teach you about primary and secondary bevels. good luck
 
DJM86 said:
Greg - Can you please recommend some paper wheel equipment.
Click to expand...

Umm-no. I live in Australia and bought mine here. BTW a paper wheel is nothing more than a disk cut out of 'craftwood'--that pressed paper stuff that is now more common than particle board.
Have a search here on Bladeforums as I am sure I have seen recommendations before. Any good on-line knife equipment supplier should have them. While they are meant to be mounted on a bench grinder I just use mine with a variable speed electric drill clamped to the bench.
Since I discovered them I won't finish a blade any other way Good luck.
Greg
 
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