Sharpening systems - which do you recommend?

B

Benelli Shooter

Joined
Jun 23, 2009
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I have a few 4" folders and a couple 6" fixed blades. If you are new at sharpening knives, which system would you recommend?

P.S. I tried the Sharpmaker about 15 years ago and did not do that well with it. I am sure it was me and not the system that was messing things up.

Thanks.
 
I was going to suggest a Sharpmaker. You might want to consider it again, we can always give you tips on what you might be doing wrong once you have it. I learned on a Sharpmaker and I messed up in the beginning. But I worked at it and was able to get my knives pretty sharp after that. The EdgePro seems to work great for many here. It's more expensive than the Sharpmaker. I always suggest that people try freehand. I started with zero knowledge and learned everything I needed to know from these forums.
 
I didn't like the play/slop in the DMT Aligner so I returned it. I've bought or used just about every sharpener from the major guys, DMT, Smith, etc. The Sharpmaker is the best cheaper solution but you can't beat the Edgepro. I finally bought one and got it last week and I'm already amazed how great my edges are now.
 
I've only used a sharpmaker, but it works great for me. Like everything else you have to practice with to be good at it. I've heard really good things about the Edgepro. Someone posted that if your going to change angles go for the Edgepro, to maintain an edge go for the sharpmaker. I think that makes sense.
 
I recommend you buy the "Lansky 4-rod Turn Box Crock Stick Sharpener" it is less than $20 just about anywhere but i recommend you use the rods and lay or hold them vertical and then free hand sharpen your knife
this is essentially the same as using a bench stone but its much easier to get the angle right
Note: it will only get a knife with a decent edge sharp because the ceramic rods are very fine in grit (even the "medium" grit one)
 
Splat said:
I didn't like the play/slop in the DMT Aligner so I returned it. I've bought or used just about every sharpener from the major guys, DMT, Smith, etc. The Sharpmaker is the best cheaper solution but you can't beat the Edgepro. I finally bought one and got it last week and I'm already amazed how great my edges are now.
Click to expand...

Where was the play / slop in the aligner? I just ordered an aligner to try out and my reasearch showed it was the better one in its class compared to lansky, Gatco, etc..
 
DennisStrickland said:
dmt diamond bench stones oldtimers will show the method
Click to expand...

Agreed.

IMHO, toss the gimmicks, buy some decent plates/stones and teach yourself (or use the wonderful amount of info on this forum or the rest of the internet) to free hand.

Start on some cheap knives and practice.
It ain't rocket science.

An easily learned motor skill. :thumbup:
 
I have to side with the others on freehand sharpening. Yes there is a learning curve, and yes your results will be unpredictable...at first. It's also a little frustrating to learn, but once you do, you can sharpen your knives quickly, effectively, and easily, and all with -0- set-up time. You also don't have a bunch of equipment to lug around. It's well worth the effort to learn, and no one who ever learned ever regretted it. I promise you you won't regret it, and lots of people here can help you through the learning curve. But make no mistake, your results WILL be predictable, and quicker. Just my .02 cents. Good luck with your decision, if I can be of any help, feel free to P.M. me.
__________________
Smitty
 
Freehand is my suggestion as well. It takes the same amount of coordination to use the sharpmaker, and you are not locked into one position. Also its harder to round out the tip freehand.
 
Another vote for the DMT aligner.If you choose, the diamond stones can always be removed from the holder to freehand sharpen.
 
Spyderco Sharpmaker does everything I need to keep all my edges sharp. :thumbup:
 
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