Sharpener Matrix

[Richardson1]

Hello,

I've been mostly a lurker here, and I appreciate the wealth of information.

Recently I started to consider sharpening tools beyond what I own (2 Arkansas oilstones). Everyone seems to have a favorite system, and I think most of them would probably meet 80% of most people's needs. Indeed, it sounds like just about any system can create a hair popping edge.

But instead of talking about which is "best", how about identifying what a system/product does well, what it can do if pressed, and where it's not a really good tool.

The categories I think would be helpful are:
1. New User skill/difficulty.
2. Is it good at forming or just maintaining an edge.
3. Size of blades handled.
4. Serrated Edge capability.
5. Steels (which blade steels are difficult for this product).
6. Cost.

Other categories are welcome, of course. But such a matrix would give a buyer more than opinions on what works for us. It would give them the ability to compare their needs against what's available.

Any takers.... errr, I mean contributors?

Richardson1

 

[Overgaar]

I only have a Edgepro so I can only contribute 1 column (or is it row?) in the matrix:

Edgepro Apex:

1. New User skill/difficulty.
Easy to use, easy to learn.

2. Is it good at forming or just maintaining an edge.
Excellent at forming (reprofiling), and maintaining. However it takes a few minutes to set up.

3. Size of blades handled.
Any.

4. Serrated Edge capability.
Not without special rigs (e.g. a sharpmaker rod attached to a plate)

5. Steels (which blade steels are difficult for this product).
I have reprofiled anything from POS, over ATS-55 to VG10. no problems.

6. Cost.
Expensive but worth it.

 

[T. Erdelyi]

Lansky sharpening system


1. New User skill/difficulty.

Because you have to use the clamp, and not all knives have square spines, I rate this section as Some skill with some difficulty, you have to clamp the knife consistantly to achieve the same edge everytime

2. Is it good at forming or just maintaining an edge.

Better at forming/reprofiling than maintaining

3. Size of blades handled.

Medium to small is it's most effective range, larger blades are more difficult due to the length and stroke of the stones.

4. Serrated Edge capability.

They do have serrated stones for the system, and next to the Sharpmaker, probably the second easiest way to do serrations.


5. Steels (which blade steels are difficult for this product).

None really

6. Cost.

Can be found for $50 and under

An extra criteria I'd add:

7. System shortcomings.

Because the system clamps the the blade fast,(unlike the EdgePro where the blade floats as you sharpen) the angle of the stone in relation to the blade changes as you reach the extremes of the hones guide rod. This tends to make the secondary edge wider as you sharpen the curved portion of most style blades.

I've tried freehand, EdgePro, Lansky, Sharpmaker, v rods and many others, if someone else doesn't chime in I'll write more later.(Damn I almost sound like I know what I'm talking about)

Hope this helps.