Sharpener Base Problem

[28gauge]

I have used the sharpener for many years and it serves me well. My only criticism is with the base. The receptacles for the stones are too shallow and imprecise. They therefore wear easy which changes the angles. Measuring mine now there is a 2 degree variation between the right and and the left on both the 30 degree and 40 degree stations. That's enough to produce an asymetric edge. The base should be re-designed for better support and angle accuracy. Also, can we buy the base only? I really don't need the stones. I'm thinking about possibe mods to correct this as well. Any thoughts welcome.

 

[TravisH]

No help with the replacement and would encourage any mods you have in mind.


But, generally speaking, there is a an issue with ALL the systems concerning accuracy of the actual angle. Rods bend and flex, plastic flexs and wears, blade position can vary.

It's basic trigonometry. Any change in sides a b c will result in a different angle A.

Ex: given side b = 4", a variation of just .13" in side a will induce a 2° difference in angle A

 

[28gauge]

No help with the replacement and would encourage any mods you have in mind.


But, generally speaking, there is a an issue with ALL the systems concerning accuracy of the actual angle. Rods bend and flex, plastic flexs and wears, blade position can vary.

It's basic trigonometry. Any change in sides a b c will result in a different angle A.

Ex: given side b = 4", a variation of just .13" in side a will induce a 2° difference in angle A

I understand why it's happening, the issue is how to remedy or improve the problem. I think it would be reasonable to be able to purchase a base only from Spyderco. Many of us have accumulated a bunch of stones over the years that last forever. As far as mods in the design, I think if the receptacles for the stones were partially deeper for rear support (on the outsides only so it would not subtract from stone length) the original angles would not grow from use/pressure as quickly. But again, absent of any new version if one could just purchase a base after some use to bring things back to spec, that would be fine. I think this V sharpener design is an excellent one and in the perfect world it would be great to have a V mount for stones that was adjustable for any angle, or fine tuning a repetitively used angle. I see it with sturdy stones and mounts with a sold feel. Maybe like the bench stones but perhaps half the width. I'd pay some money for something like that. I know it works since I've been using the Spyderco for many years.

 

[JD Spydo]

I've thought about putting something around the base of the stones to make them more snug and hopefully stabilize them. Albeit I've had really good results touching up and tuning up plain edges with the 204 Sharpmaker just the way it works out of the factory with no modifications.

As with any tool or any innovation there is always room for improvement>> because overall I do believe that the 204 Sharpmaker is a great invention and a great sharpening tool overall. But again if there is a way to snug up the stones/rods at the base I do believe it could help with consistent results IMO.

Because look at how much better the 204 unit was over it's predecessor the 203 unit>> and you can see there was definitely some progress made. And for people who just can't master the skill of using freehanded benchstones it's sure a great way to put a workable edge on a knife. But I'm sure open for any improvements or modifications that could be implemented on the 204 Sharpmaker.

 

[RayseM]

I've thought about putting something around the base of the stones to make them more snug and hopefully stabilize them. Albeit I've had really good results touching up and tuning up plain edges with the 204 Sharpmaker just the way it works out of the factory with no modifications.

As with any tool or any innovation there is always room for improvement>> because overall I do believe that the 204 Sharpmaker is a great invention and a great sharpening tool overall. But again if there is a way to snug up the stones/rods at the base I do believe it could help with consistent results IMO.

Because look at how much better the 204 unit was over it's predecessor the 203 unit>> and you can see there was definitely some progress made. And for people who just can't master the skill of using freehanded benchstones it's sure a great way to put a workable edge on a knife. But I'm sure open for any improvements or modifications that could be implemented on the 204 Sharpmaker.

Perhaps square (or rectangular) holes in the plastic base into which metal inserts with the correct angle rod support holes could be set. Over time the inserts could be replaced without needing to toss the entire base. Maybe by the 2nd or 3rd generation of inserts one would need to glue them into the plastic square holes but that would still add years to the useful life of the set up.

 

[JD Spydo]

Perhaps square (or rectangular) holes in the plastic base into which metal inserts with the correct angle rod support holes could be set. Over time the inserts could be replaced without needing to toss the entire base. Maybe by the 2nd or 3rd generation of inserts one would need to glue them into the plastic square holes but that would still add years to the useful life of the set up.

That's a really decent suggestion and one that could be implemented without a great deal of difficulty. I've thought a lot about movement of the stones within the base unit all the times I've used mine over the years but I pretty much thought the the movement of the stones could be compensated by the consistent angle of the stones>> because I really don't believe that they will vary that greatly. But it just stands to reason that the more secure they are the better overall results you're going to have.

Again I'm wondering if a not of those concerns are going to be addressed and solved with the upcoming of the new GAUNTLET sharpening System. But I'm sure it won't render the 204 Sharpmaker obsolete by any means.