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Sharpeners In Michigan
- Thread starter jefffoxsr
- Start date
I'd do it for you if you want. I'm near Ann Arbor.
I just use the Spyderco Sharpmaker system. I would suggest investing in something like that instead of shipping your knives out all the time. You can get knives extremely sharp on the Spyderco sytem with a little practice. I'd do it for you if you included return shipping.
Let me know...
I just use the Spyderco Sharpmaker system. I would suggest investing in something like that instead of shipping your knives out all the time. You can get knives extremely sharp on the Spyderco sytem with a little practice. I'd do it for you if you included return shipping.
Let me know...
Jeff-
You can easily do it, and do it right. It isn't brain surgery. Look at the Spyderco Sharpmaker as a good all around sharpener for anyone including a beginner. Really, it isn't hard to put a very nice wicked sharp edge on a knife.
If you shop around you can usually find these new for about $40. It comes with everything you need including an easy to understand DVD showing the process. Basically all you do is slide the edge of the knife down a ceramic rod. Not too difficult.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=77
In no time you will be the sharpening wizard of the neighborhood. If you have a very expensive or antique knife then you might consider a pro who will probably put tape on the blade so as not to accidentally scratch it.
You can do it!!!
You can easily do it, and do it right. It isn't brain surgery. Look at the Spyderco Sharpmaker as a good all around sharpener for anyone including a beginner. Really, it isn't hard to put a very nice wicked sharp edge on a knife.
If you shop around you can usually find these new for about $40. It comes with everything you need including an easy to understand DVD showing the process. Basically all you do is slide the edge of the knife down a ceramic rod. Not too difficult.
http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=77
In no time you will be the sharpening wizard of the neighborhood. If you have a very expensive or antique knife then you might consider a pro who will probably put tape on the blade so as not to accidentally scratch it.
You can do it!!!
There's just something about having someone show you (in person) how to do something. Be it how to play a guitar, cook, woodworking, working on a car, or sharpening a knife. No matter what you do, there are tricks to the trade and little techniques that can make a huge difference between success and failure. Or being able to help folks avoid the pitfalls which lead to frustration and possible failure. Especially when you don't have the confidence even after reading everything you can or have the resources to gamble with an equipment purchase. As we know, everyone has different budgets, and not every system work for every person.
Wouldn't it be cool to put together a list of people in different states, and what equipment they use who would be willing to show folks how to sharpen their knives? The reason for listing their equipment is so that if you're looking at "X" piece of equipment you could find someone who has it, see it in action and maybe try it too.
Wouldn't it be cool to put together a list of people in different states, and what equipment they use who would be willing to show folks how to sharpen their knives? The reason for listing their equipment is so that if you're looking at "X" piece of equipment you could find someone who has it, see it in action and maybe try it too.
Yam -
Good point. One of the reasons I'm a big fan of the Sharpmaker is that the DVD that comes with it shows you by example. Mine came with a video tape but the new ones come with DVD.
Most gun shows have a knife sharpening guy or the guy selling knives there will advise you.
It really is easy. There is another thread here that speaks to a first timer using a Sharpmaker. He started with all the kitchen knives and had no problems.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389027
Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
umm.. I didnt really find anything confusing cause Id read alot about them online already plus the book and dvd are pretty clear.
The leathermans main knife blade was pretty worn and the primary bevel wasnt less then 40 degrees anymore.. my buddy had sharpened it without too much thought out in the field so some grinding was required.
Ive got an aluminium carbide wheel on my grinder with a veritas hard felt wheel on the other shaft which i use veritas green honing compound on.
works wonders once youve got a burr up but its kinda hard carrying the bench grinder around with me lol.
The sharpmakers great to carry around but like all the guys have been saying.. you gotta have the primary bevel more acute then the sharpmakers settings first.
Good point. One of the reasons I'm a big fan of the Sharpmaker is that the DVD that comes with it shows you by example. Mine came with a video tape but the new ones come with DVD.
Most gun shows have a knife sharpening guy or the guy selling knives there will advise you.
It really is easy. There is another thread here that speaks to a first timer using a Sharpmaker. He started with all the kitchen knives and had no problems.
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=389027
Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 10
umm.. I didnt really find anything confusing cause Id read alot about them online already plus the book and dvd are pretty clear.
The leathermans main knife blade was pretty worn and the primary bevel wasnt less then 40 degrees anymore.. my buddy had sharpened it without too much thought out in the field so some grinding was required.
Ive got an aluminium carbide wheel on my grinder with a veritas hard felt wheel on the other shaft which i use veritas green honing compound on.
works wonders once youve got a burr up but its kinda hard carrying the bench grinder around with me lol.
The sharpmakers great to carry around but like all the guys have been saying.. you gotta have the primary bevel more acute then the sharpmakers settings first.
DGG,
A DVD or video is a big step up from just reading, that's for sure. In addition to having someone show you what to do, it's also nice to have someone watching you as you do it. They can see what you're doing (right or wrong) and comment on your technique, and help you make necessary adjustments. It allows you the opportunity to ask questions too. Then stick with you for awhile until you feel like you have it on whatever piece of equipment you're using. I think most folks could pick up freehand sharpening in less than 30 minutes if shown how to do it. Well enough to get a usable edge on one of their knives anyhow. This would probably be true for most any hand powered piece of equipment, Sharpmaker, EdgePro, Lansky, etc.
A DVD or video is a big step up from just reading, that's for sure. In addition to having someone show you what to do, it's also nice to have someone watching you as you do it. They can see what you're doing (right or wrong) and comment on your technique, and help you make necessary adjustments. It allows you the opportunity to ask questions too. Then stick with you for awhile until you feel like you have it on whatever piece of equipment you're using. I think most folks could pick up freehand sharpening in less than 30 minutes if shown how to do it. Well enough to get a usable edge on one of their knives anyhow. This would probably be true for most any hand powered piece of equipment, Sharpmaker, EdgePro, Lansky, etc.
Watching a DVD and being shown in person with vocal feed back to questions, then performing the task with someone who knows watching and offering encouragement and/or corrections ... amazing what you can learn in the last instance versus the former two.
It's like my response to the question how do I sharpen a knife? My response ... grind it thin. I mean it's true but it really don't help a hell of a lot does it now.
A good place to learn sharpening is a culinary course. See if you can audit just the two days they learn sharpening. Some night courses and general interest bladesmithing courses are offered by knife guilds or community colleges good places to check out. Look for a local knife maker a lot of them are willing to help learn a specific task if it doesn't take up too much time. If you're willing to pay 20$ an hour some sharpners will run you through the basics.
Check sporting goods stores. Put a "sharpening lessons wanted" on their bulletin board. Talk to the guys behind the knife counter you never know what will turn up. Don't try walmart and expect any thing but if you're there might ask once in awhile someone in walmart sporting goods actually knows something.
Problem is that many people that sharpen for a living really don't have time to teach. But you never know you could catch a great sharpener in a good mood and feeling generous with his or her time. Women make great sharpeners! I swear they have a better feeling for stones than most of us men and a better touch at it.
It's like my response to the question how do I sharpen a knife? My response ... grind it thin. I mean it's true but it really don't help a hell of a lot does it now.
A good place to learn sharpening is a culinary course. See if you can audit just the two days they learn sharpening. Some night courses and general interest bladesmithing courses are offered by knife guilds or community colleges good places to check out. Look for a local knife maker a lot of them are willing to help learn a specific task if it doesn't take up too much time. If you're willing to pay 20$ an hour some sharpners will run you through the basics.
Check sporting goods stores. Put a "sharpening lessons wanted" on their bulletin board. Talk to the guys behind the knife counter you never know what will turn up. Don't try walmart and expect any thing but if you're there might ask once in awhile someone in walmart sporting goods actually knows something.
Problem is that many people that sharpen for a living really don't have time to teach. But you never know you could catch a great sharpener in a good mood and feeling generous with his or her time. Women make great sharpeners! I swear they have a better feeling for stones than most of us men and a better touch at it.
MSCantrell
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
- Joined
- Mar 12, 2005
- Messages
- 1,213
This is funny- I agree with the posters above, the best way (and easiest, and cheapest in the long or even medium haul) is to learn to do it yourself.
BUT I also happen to know the answer to the question that you actually asked, namely who in Michigan can sharpen your knives for you.
Two forumites, TFin04 in Ann Arbor or me in Jackson. Or Don at the Knife Trader in Lansing. Good guy, a little gruff, and I've heard plenty of oldtimers say they've always taken their knives there for sharpening.
So, while I too recommend buying a kit, Lansky, Gatco, Sharpmaker, Edgepro, whatever... if you want the name and location of a real-live professional, it's Don at Knife Trader. East Michigan Ave, across from Frandor, in Lansing.
Good luck!
Mike
BUT I also happen to know the answer to the question that you actually asked, namely who in Michigan can sharpen your knives for you.
Two forumites, TFin04 in Ann Arbor or me in Jackson. Or Don at the Knife Trader in Lansing. Good guy, a little gruff, and I've heard plenty of oldtimers say they've always taken their knives there for sharpening.
So, while I too recommend buying a kit, Lansky, Gatco, Sharpmaker, Edgepro, whatever... if you want the name and location of a real-live professional, it's Don at Knife Trader. East Michigan Ave, across from Frandor, in Lansing.
Good luck!
Mike