SharpMaker 204- What do I need to know about it?

Soloman · Jul 13, 1999

I just ordered a Spyderco SharpMaker 204 (I know that some people despise the sharpening "gizmos" but I thought it would be a good way to learn how to sharpen)and I wanted to know if there was anything I need to know about it. I mean, is there any problem with it I need to know about or a defect of some kind. Don't take this the wrong way, I'm not suggesting that it is not of the highest quality, I just want to make sure that I don't ruin a blade.
Thanks a lot,
Sol

copfish · Jul 13, 1999

Sol, just remember to keep the blade straight up and down throughout the stroke. Also READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! It is a great sharpener. The only fault is the lack of real coarse rods or diamond sleeves. But I hear that there is a fix in the works.

Sal Glesser · Jul 14, 1999

We just finished the instruction video. Final editing now. should start shipping in the next couple of weeks.

Sol, the Sharpmaker will put you into the top 10% of people with sharpening capability. With a small learning curve, you will easily make knives sharp enough to shave hair. I think you will appreciate the design, enginnering & execution.
sal

Longden · Jul 15, 1999

On the widely popular shaving hair test, I took my new Delica and was able to dry shave a few hairs off my leg, with some effort... I don't have much hair on the arms to speak of (follicly impaired).

I just wondered if other people with soft hairs also have a hard time getting this test to work consistently.

swball · Jul 15, 1999

I don't have much hair on my arms, and the ones that I do are quite thin and soft. I don't really have a problem unless the knife is REALLY sharp; i.e. Calypso Jr. in flat grind. Otherwise, I can't shave too well there and have to move down to shaving chunks off of my leg.

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Shawn
"Earth has its boundaries, but human stupidity is limitless."

[This message has been edited by swball (edited 15 July 1999).]

Ron1 · Jul 15, 1999

Soloman

I assure you the Sharpmaker is not a "gizzmo"

I have an original that my Dad had. I guess it is about 20 yrs old, and it still works great. Even has original stones.

Although I have several different sharpeners, this is the one I use for most
knives. It is fast to set up and consistantly puts a good edge on my blades, inc the kitchen knives.

You won't go wrong with one after a little practice on using it.

Ron...

Bob Irons · Jul 16, 1999

You hairless (shaved) knifenuts crack me up!

Try this one instead, it works for me. One of the longtime knifemakers passed this one on - he probably ran out of hair to test on.

If you have enough hair on the back of your head to comb, this may work for you. Hold your knife like it's a comb and just lay it very lightly against the hair on the back of your head. Let gravity pull it down - if it catches it's sharp, if it slides on down without catching it isn't sharp yet.

Jeff Clark · Jul 17, 1999

I hear that is how the Stooges, Moe and Curly, got their distinctive hair styles.

David Rock · Jul 16, 1999

Stop when you get to bone.

David Rock

Heyns van der Merwe · Jul 17, 1999

I've heard that this also works well when you place the blade right under your chin against your neck...

CHILDREN, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!!!!

I prefer to stay away from the COMMANDCENTER with my sharpness tests. I usually do the nail-biting test, but my legs and arms DO show the occasional hairless spots, when I just COULD NOT resist!

My Military creates a surface on my calve that is as smooth as a baby's bum!!

Should maybe let the wife use my Military for shaving... At least we'll save a lot on razors!

David Rock · Jul 17, 1999

I don't know: you can buy a lot of disposable razor blades for $150.

David Rock