Sharpening the 0551 and 0560 using Sharpmaker?

KLJTech

KLJTech

Joined
Aug 26, 2005
Messages
1,180
What angle/setting on the Spyderco Sharpmaker do you guys recommend for the 0551 and 0560? I use the 30 degree (combined) on my A.G. Russell Acies but both these blades are a bit thicker and wondered what angle most have found to work best or if Thomas has already commended on this subject?

I haven't sharpened either knife yet, does the Elmax sharpen easier than the ZDP-189 of the Acies? The more I use the 0560 the more I love it....I think its the most fun/enjoyable to use folder I've ever bought. I hope ZT keeps cranking them out because I need to pickup a 0561 to keep my 0560 company.
Thanks guys!
 
from what i have read, zt usually puts a edge between 18-22 degrees. so i would think the 40 inclusive would be the best bet. i'm getting ready to sharpen my 550 via sharpmaker in a couple of days.
 
I'm told the Elmax is a bit easier to sharpen, yes. ZDP-189 is something like 63 Rockwell.
 
Like the OP, I'd love to hear from someone who uses a Sharpmaker or Wicked Edge to sharpen their 0550,0560, or 0561.
 
I'll have to give the 40 degree (combined) 20 degree per side angle tonight. I've never had any trouble keeping my knives razor sharp with the Sharpmaker as long as I touch them up often enough as to not let them become dull in the first place.

Hand me a sharpening stone and a knife and I'd never get any knife sharp...I just don't have that skill set for whatever reason.
Thanks for the feedback!
 
I use the 30 degree on my 0560 and only give it a few swipes at 40 degrees to take off the burr. I follow that up by stropping on some leather loaded up with Flitz.
 
I use a KME, and it gets a 50 degree inclusive.

I like a strong edge. Started with a reprofile, finished with my fine india, and then a quick strop.

Shaves like a Gillette.

Moose
 
Moosez45 said:
I use a KME, and it gets a 50 degree inclusive.

I like a strong edge. Started with a reprofile, finished with my fine india, and then a quick strop.

Shaves like a Gillette.

Moose
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Funny you should mention that, this past year I finally got fed up with paying so much for Mach III blades that I threw away my disposable razor and bought a Merkur DE Safety Razor. Now I can buy 100 blades for about $15 online and can justify more money being spend towards knives AND I get a much better shave.

I realize this is off topic BUT still "blade" related. :D
 
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Thanks for the information guys, the white rods set at 20 degrees (per side) worked great and the 0560 is extremely sharp once again. No problems at all...
 
KLJTech said:
Thanks for the information guys, the white rods set at 20 degrees (per side) worked great and the 0560 is extremely sharp once again. No problems at all...
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Glad to hear KLJTech. I plan to use my Sharpmaker on my 0560 when it needs touching up.
 
I used the 40 degree inclusive on my ZT 0551 and it worked great. I know it's S35 V and not Elmax but with the ultra fine rods and a strop I can get a pretty wicked edge.
 
Anyone else want to share some success stories or tips. I broke out the Sharpmaker today and touched up some blades, but have not used it on the 0561 yet.
 
KLJTech said:
Thanks for the information guys, the white rods set at 20 degrees (per side) worked great and the 0560 is extremely sharp once again. No problems at all...
Click to expand...
Congrats,when the ZT 561 becomes readily available guess I'm gonna get one.:D
 
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40 Degree inclusive on the Sharpmaker worked great for my 0560. Slowly working my way to a polished edge with the Extra Fine stones :)
 
I have an EdgePro Professional with Chosera stones down to 1 micron grit. I just got my 0550 and 0560 in the past week and was determining what angle was best. 20 degrees on each side (40 inclusive) seemed best for this steel. It cuts very well but the steel is high performance enough that 20 degrees isn't too acute.
 
I did my 0561 on my Wicked Edge set at 40 inclusive and this edge is pretty much at the same angle as it was from the factory but one side was a smidgeon thinner from the factory - they are both pretty even now. I'd say mine was around 18 degres before I started ... Here are some pics:

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Rolex John said:
Like the OP, I'd love to hear from someone who uses a Sharpmaker or Wicked Edge to sharpen their 0550,0560, or 0561.
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skyhorse said:
Congrats,when the ZT 561 becomes readily available guess I'm gonna get one.:D
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Yeah, same here. I've gotten tired of searching and finding all 560/561 out of stock, and bought a 550 that I found a decent deal on. Maybe some more 560's will hit the street and I can pick up one then.

ETA: I freehand all my blades on Spyder DoubleStuff ceramics, or their multiprofile traveling kit. I have always found it impossible to sharpen all the way to the tip on the Sharpmaker, WITHOUT rounding the tip.
 
rockspyder said:
Yeah, same here. I've gotten tired of searching and finding all 560/561 out of stock, and bought a 550 that I found a decent deal on. Maybe some more 560's will hit the street and I can pick up one then.

ETA: I freehand all my blades on Spyder DoubleStuff ceramics, or their multiprofile traveling kit. I have always found it impossible to sharpen all the way to the tip on the Sharpmaker, WITHOUT rounding the tip.
Click to expand...

bladehq has 0560's in stock right now
 
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