Sharpening System Help

Uncle Timbo

Uncle Timbo

Joined
Nov 23, 2005
Messages
5,302
Guys, I have a friend who is just starting to enjoy knives at about age 55. He's been asking me how to sharpen knives and I told him I use a stone just like Dad showed me when I was a little feller. (64 years ago)
His problem is that he was in a motorcycle wreck and it really messed him up. He can't use his left hand like he used to. I loaned him a KME system I bought here on sale but that left hand messed with him.
Can anybody recommend a system where he could primarily use his right hand? He also is not a rich man if you get my drift.
Thank you. UT
 
One of the clamp jigs with a 180° pivot should work, but they're not inexpensive except for one that is not recommended. Maybe search for a used one, or if you have the skill build something similar?

A Wicked Edge system, also not inexpensive, could work if mounted on a turntable. To switch sides you could spin the whole thing around, tip toward or away from you.
 
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if the KME has the base, I don't see much of a problem using his right hand, i'm a lefty and I primarily use my left hand to sharpen with the KME, sharpmaker is a good system but has it's limitations, it should be called the sharpkeeper, to re-profile a knife is a nightmare even with the diamond rods.
 
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With a gimp left hand it is work to get knives clamped in KME. It took me several tries to figure out mechanics of clamping with my limitations. Once clamped everything is easy, and I test slice in clamp by sliding paper across edge. I use Sharpmaker for restoring edges easypeasy. Worksharps new A frame sharpner might also work and is less expensive? It would be cool if he could borrow a Work Sharp Ken Onion as well.
 
TSPROF is the only system I have used that is almost foolproof. A few simple tips if you decide on one- reinforced springs ($15 upgrade) and an angle cube and you are good to go.
You can buy a variety of setups now and always add stones if the set that comes with them isn't enough.
I love Ron from KME he is a friend and lives near me but even with him watching me use the system we couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting results.
I would respectfully disagree with using any power sharpener.
If he can get the KME to work, great, but I couldn't.
 
Motega said:
TSPROF is the only system I have used that is almost foolproof. A few simple tips if you decide on one- reinforced springs ($15 upgrade) and an angle cube and you are good to go.
You can buy a variety of setups now and always add stones if the set that comes with them isn't enough.
I love Ron from KME he is a friend and lives near me but even with him watching me use the system we couldn't figure out why I wasn't getting results.
I would respectfully disagree with using any power sharpener.
If he can get the KME to work, great, but I couldn't.
Click to expand...

The problem isn't with the KME itself. The person mentioned has limited funds and a bad left hand that made using the KME too difficult. Hence the power sharpener, more or less one-handed, suggestion.
 
Lansky guided system. It’s inexpensive. I use one. It works pretty good. Not as good as expensive guided systems of course. But It gives you a guided system the once clamped on the knife he can just flip it over and do the other side all with the same hand. He would need to buy that base for it as well.
 
I too second the sharpmaker, it's probably a less expensive option, and requires no knowledge on how to properly setup for different knife via a clamp.
 
Sharpmaker. Best bang for the buck there is in a (semi) guided system. IMO it's far better than Lansky. I have both.
 
Sharpmaker all the way.
They only one you can easily set up, sharpen, and put away one handed.
On top of that, it provides excellent results.
Get the diamond/cbn rods too.
 
I want to thank all of you who responded.
I prolly should of stated this guy has no sharpening skills whatsoever. But he has a desire to learn. Also, all of his knives are like Gerbers or Kershaws or the like and he's happy with them. (Man do I kind of miss those days) :)
A belt driven system scares me for him. But I guess he could buy some inexpensive knives to practice on.
Not sure why I didn't think of the Sharpmaker. He could use his good hand for that and fortunately he's right handed and his left is the one giving him grief.
If you have any more suggestions, please feel free. I'll keep you all posted as to his progression.
Thank you all kindly.
 
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