Sharpening "machines"

T

tcc

Joined
Apr 10, 2008
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54
Currently have the Shallot combo blade, Ener-G II, and Blur (plan on getting more :D) and a couple of Japanese knives used for cooking.

Between the Spyderco Sharpmaker and EdgePro Apex which is better? I know there's a huge $$ difference but if it can be justified I may just bite the bullet :D

Also, I'm a noob at sharpening and have only used those ones where you slide/run the blade through a "V" like device.

TIA
 
Hey tcc,

Most of the sharpeners with a "v" that you pull the knife through can tend to remove quite a bit of metal. In my opinion, if you have a knife that has been severely neglected and really needs an edge to be rebuilt, it's ok to start with these, but after that, for regular maintainance, I think they're just too destructive.

If you touch up the edges on your knives often enough, you don't need to be that agressive. I would recommend the sharpmaker. It's easy to get good on it and it does the job right. Also, rather than buy any sharpener that uses a pull through method on carbide cutting heads, I'd suggest investing in a set of diamond coated rods for the sharpmaker. Just as easy to use as the ceramic stones and they do a fantastic job of putting a good working edge on extremely dull knives.

There are so many options out there that it can be dizzying trying to figure it out, but I know very few people who can't successfully sharpen on the Sharpmaker, so I think it's a good place to start.

Good luck with it, hope this helps,

Jon
 
Sometimes the Sharpmaker doesn't take off enough metal, like the first time you re-bevel a new blade. Now that the price has dropped to half, I plan to pick up those Sharpmaker diamond sticks.

:thumbup:
 
Thanks guys for your advice. I think I'll p/u the sharpmaker. As the EP would be good to have, I can't justify the $$ for the amount of use I would put it through. Maybe later on when I have more knives :D
 
I saw a Lansky sharpening system (pic). Seems like it's "almost" like the EP.

Anyone have an opinion on this?

lanskysharpenerqu0.jpg


btw, what angle is the blade on the above knives....40 (20/20)??
 
tcc said:
I saw a Lansky sharpening system (pic). Seems like it's "almost" like the EP.

Anyone have an opinion on this?

lanskysharpenerqu0.jpg
Click to expand...

If you like that one....don't get it.(JMHO) Get the DMT aligner kit. DMT makes
the best diamond stones and they last a lot longer. It's what I use and
I love it. I've had it about 10 years and the coarse stone is just now about
to need replacing. I re-profile all my knives so the coarse has seen a lot more
use then the medium-fine-Xfine. Also take note, a lot of these guys here
wouldn't trade there sharpmaker for anything. If you're a noob I would learn
to free hand first. You want always have your jig in your back pocket but
you can carry a diamond/ceramic rod/stone anywhere you go.
With that said, just go with what you think will serve you best.
 
sharpmakers are perfect for kershaws. all of my edges are either 20/20 or 15/15 because of the sharpmaker and reprofiling is easy with either the diamond rods or the medium grit rods.

plus its priced right and comes with instructions and a dvd to teach you how to use it.
 
As always, sharpening BEFORE they are completely dull will give you better results, with any sharpening system.

:thumbup:
 
I've got the lasnky pictured above, and the sharpmaker. Due to shipping companies that suck, I got them both on the same day.

I used the lansky once.

I've used the sharpmaker every week since I got it. I highly reccomend it - I now sharpen all of my knives and friends/family knives on it. It's just so simple - especially if you use it regularly...it'll keep you splitting hairs.
 
Thanks guys. Although I REALLY want the EP, I picked up the Sharpmaker. Watched the dvd yesterday and now am ready to sharpen all my knives. :D
 
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