Sharpmaker 204

[TANGUS]

Just received my 204 to replace my 203. Wow! what a difference! Stable base, better instructions, quicker results every time! If you don't have a 204, then you are really missing a quality product from Spyderco!

 

[Willie Boy]

Hey Tangus,

I bought a SM 203 q few minths ago because I could not find a 204 locally. It works very well for me. To what do you attribute the faster results you're getting with ethe 204? Could it be your old stones were worn out? I've always said there is nothing worse than to have one's stone wear out.

Willie Boy

 

[Johan]

The 204 is great! I've the original version since 1979 (passed down from father to son), but the 204 is way better. One of the things I learned from the video is all Spyderco (and many other brands) ship their knives with a 30 degree grind. The old sharpmakers were set to 40 degrees to provide a more durable edge (this is why it was always so hard to get that initial sharpness back). So, I started sharpening my knives at 30 (the risk is that the steel can't hold the thinner edge and the knife goes dull faster) and what a difference. My knives were always sharp before, but now they are truly scary sharp! It'll be the acid test now as to how long the edge lasts. I'm pretty optimistic because most of my knives are 440V, ATS-34, or AUS-8.

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"Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heav'n"
John Milton
There are only two types of people; those who understand this, and those who think they do.

 

[TANGUS]

Willie,
The fact is I just couldn't reproduce a similar if not exact duplication of the factory edge with the 203! In fact, I was swearing off of ATS-34 because I never could get 'em sharp enough. Working with the 204, I retrieved a mini stryker and was surprised that it developed so sharp so quick? (With ATS-34 you don't know how long that will last). This is probably the best equipment buy I have made all year (not counting the blades!) I haven't gotten the video offered by Spyderco for the 204 yet, but their handbook covers a lot (BIG PRINT and color). Try it --guaranteed you will retire your 203 the same night!

 

[TANGUS]

Willie,

Sorry I didn't mention this. the stones on the 203 are fine (they have been cleaned several times, but they still cut fine). It was the small unsteady base and the angles.