sharpener better than 204???

[Junkyard]

I ran several searches for sharpeners and I didn't come up with much.
I was wondering if anyone had suggestions or links to old threads. I have a Spyderco 204 and I love it. I also own (and can use) stones, but I was wondering if anyone makes a better sharpener

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Josh Feltman]

I've not used one, but the Edgepro apex receives quite a bit of praise on bladeforums. I'm sure a search will turn up more info than you wanted to know.
--Josh

 

[Jeff Clark]

For rough work even an $80.00 bench sander from Home Depot works faster than any manual hone.

 

[Sid Post]

Depending on what you want to do a a belt sander with the proper belt to sharpen knives works great for slack belt sharpening to a convex edge.

The EdgePro products are a step up from the SharpMaker which is no slouch in its own right. Edgepro runs $125 and up. Checkout the link EdgePro

 

[Steelwolf]

I wouldn't really suggest a belt sander (if you're talking about the hand-held varieties). They could be used by a skilled person, but they are more trouble than their worth.

But if you're talking about the fixed pedestal type sanders which knife makers use in the stock removal method, then those are great. I think they are called belt grinders though (please correct me if I'm wrong). You should ensure that there is some form of speed control.

In terms of hand powered sharpening, I think nothing beats a Sharpmaker for simplicity in keeping the edge shaving sharp, but they really need those diamond hones! In the meantime, as we wait for those hones to be delivered by Spyderco, I use the coarse and medium DMT diamond hones and just lay them on top of the Spyderco hones to get the correct angle.

I can tell you not to bother with the Lansky Diamond hones system, but if you use their standard stones, you get a better result though you need to replace the stones as they become worn out.

 

[Jeff Clark]

I was talking about a cheap bench model belt sander. If you aren't doing serious grinding they should work ok. They don't have variable speed and tend to be slow. See a typical example:

http://www.delta-tools.net/del311belsan.html

 

[Knife Outlet]

Junkyard,

The Spyderco V sharpener is excellent for edge maintenance. It isn't so good for regrinding a bevel when a blade finally gets dull. For that you need a stone or Lansky sharpener or, as others have mentioned, grinder or something of the sort. In other words, the spyderco needs a companion for bevel grinding. I usually recommend the Lansky system because it is inexpensive and will regrind bevels effectively. It is fussy and slow to use but it will get the job done. Then you can use the Spyderco for quick touch ups. Take care.