sharpening

J

Jack2U2

Joined
Aug 13, 2007
Messages
3
I'm new to this, and have been trying to research knife sharpeners. The Gatco and Edgepro seem to come up alot. The Edgepro has me confused, though. Two models - the Apex and the Professional. Is the Apex sufficient for most jobs? Mostly kitchen knives and pocket knives. I don't want to get into motorized equipment yet. Any advice on the best all around sharpener? what about Gatco - I read that you have to move the knife if it's longer than a couple of inches. I cut a lot of meat, and also thought I might sharpen neighbors knives. Any info is appreciated.
Thanks!
 
I think the main difference between the Apex and the Pro is the base. The Apex has foldable plastic legs where the Pro has a metal suction base.Apex should do the job you describe.
 
Thanks! It's all a little overwhelming. I intend to learn more, but ya gotta start somewhere!
 
There are some excellent books on sharpening, one from Lee Valley Tools, another from Razor Edge. Buck's website has a good how-to-sharpen section. It's not difficult. My preference is a set of flat bench stones (DMT diamond hones seem to last forever - I've had them for 10 years and they still all work fine). The systems help you maintain a consistent angle, which you can achieve with a steady hand or one of the simple clamp-on angle guides. These are most useful for establishing a bevel.
 
Yes, I planned on getting a good book. Read a couple of how to websites that explained a lot.
Any thoughts on which clamp on. There's the Lansky I saw, and the Gatco. Either one better than the other, or better than the edge pro?
 
I've got an ancient Buck angle guide; I think Razor's Edge had one. You might do OK with a big paper clamp, too.
 
The clamp systems are pretty inferior in most aspects unless you plan on using them only for small (4 inches or less) blades. The stones are too small to do anything quickly, and because of the way you hold them if you try you may end up cutting yourself. There is one really nice clamp system but it's really more suited for sharpening alot of larger knives in sucession, and costs more than an apex does.
 
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