Sharpening - Is there a better way?

D

docbones

Joined
Jul 2, 2002
Messages
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For years, I have used a Lansky sharpener and it has, for the most part, met my sharpening needs well. However, I have fallen in love with the Benchmade Ares, which is made from 154CM steel. It just seems harder to sharpen than other knives. I usually use, depending on the knife, either a 20 degree or a 25 degree bevel angle. Any other new and better ways to sharpen? Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,
Docbones
 
Take a look at Edge-Pro if you're willing to spend some money. I can't remember the website address right now, but do a search and you'll find it. There have been several threads about the Edge-Pro recently. There have been a few good reviews too, they're in the archives if you want to look.

Also; welcome to the forums!
 
On a Budget: Spyderco Sharpmaker

Pros:
Idiot proof
Well make
Gets a blade wicked sharp
easy to care for
Safe to use
can be set up like a bench stone
easy to travel with

Cons:
Tends to round over the point s of blade if your not careful
Tends to round transition points of tanto blades if not careful
Only two angles to choose from
SUCKS to reprofile an adge
pain to take chips out of blades with it
Ceramic stones can shatter if dropped


NO Budget: Norton WaterStones is 220/1000/4000/8000 grit

Pros:
Any angle possible
HIGHLY polished edge
consistant results
more control over what finish your edge gets
hand sharpening can be relaxing

Cons:
Hand sharpening can be a headache
takes practice
stone hollow out over time
need to be soaked in water 10 minutes before use(except 8000grit. only needs to bet wet for use)
heavy and therefore make taking on trips more cumbersome.



There are hundreds of different products and systems to put and edge on a knife. Ranging from the dozens of differents benchstones to guided systems. Buffing wheels and slack grider belts, the list goes on. the best thing to do is find a system that works well for you. I use the two systems above with a great deal of success. I use the Waterstones at home and use the Sharpmaker when I travel.
 
Well as stated, Spyderco Sharpmaker should help. If you do need to take out chips or reprofile the blade (read: serious grinding of the blade), you can always get the diamond hones for the Sharpmaker.
You'll hear a lot of people who swear by the sharpmaker. A quick search (with the search function, upper right of the page) would give you more than enough information.
Benchstones are versatile, but it takes quite a bit of practice to hold the blade properly. I've been trying to learn it but I've yet to succeed.
Good luck and welcome to BFC.
 
Welcome to the forums!! I use the Spyderco 204 sharpmaker on all my ATS 34 blades and have had a lot of success. Use it on both fixed and lockblades. Mainly it's used to touch my AFCK up. ATS 34 and 154cm are basically the same thing so I'm sure the 204 would do the trick on your Ares.

As stated above though the ceramic rods will not suit you well for re-profiling when your blade is super dull. You have to make sure you touch it up fairly regularly.

It's a good system for what I use it for and it's very easy to use. That search function will greatly assist you in this if you're interested in the 204.

Hope that helps...
see ya round.:)
 
Read this Joe's Sharpening FAQ and look into getting a "fine diamond" hone for your Lansky. It should be fairly cheap and will work well since you are already used to the system. The Spyderco 204 is nice, but not necessary for you imo. You are getting into the world of "supersteels" and diamonds are pretty much what you need. Good luck.
 
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