Sharpening Question: When to use what?

[Johnny_Z]

This is related to the "How often should I sharpen?" Question. How do I know when I should use the medium sticks vs only a touch-up with the fine sticks or using both? I have the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204.

 

[yoda4561]

This will seem like a copout answer, but whatever works best for you.

Depending on the condition of the edge, how long you want to spend touching it up, and how fine an edge you want to end up with all dictate which rods to use and when. If you just want to "freshen up" an edge that still shaves hair, I'd use the whites. If you have some kind of rope cutting job you're in the middle of I'd use the mediums for the better slicing ability, if the edge is visibly damaged I'd go with the mediums until you're satisfied that the worst of it is sharpened out, etc.

 

[WadeF]

I can tell you what I do personally, but it may not be best for you. I usually finish my EDC on the ultra fine white rods. When I feel my knife's cutting performance isn't where I like it I give it a few swipes on the ultra fine rods. Since they are a fine grit they don't remove a lot of metal and mostly just straighten and polish the edge, much like a smooth steel would do. If you do this regularly it will require less work each time. If I were to let the edge get to dull I'd have to start with the grey rods and work my way back up to the ultra fine rods.