Sharpmaker + Boa = Frustration

calyth, the video is a step-by-step tutorial on how to use the Sharpmaker. (And when I say step-by-step, I MEAN step-by-step.) It also shows how you can sharpen other tools, like chisels, hatchets, even screwdrivers! Basically anything with an edge.

I've never been able to achieve razor sharpness like I have with the 204, and the video only enhanced what the instruction book shows. The secret to keeping that edge razor sharp is to never let it go dull.

Those rave reviews that you've seen, are all TRUE. ;)

If you don't have the Sharpmaker, I suggest that you look into it. Whatever the price, it's worth it.:D
 
I got my 204 Sharpmaker at a local shop for around $50 or so. Excellent buy.

Recently I have been reprofiling an older version Benchmade Stryker BT2 plainedge version. It came with very steep, narrow edge bevels at probably about 30 degrees each side, at least. I took it upon myself to reprofile the edges at the 15 degree angle on each side, which has been taking forever...as expected, because Benchmade's ATS-34 can be hard to resharpen if dull. After several days here and there, on and off a couple hours at a time, I got the primary straight edge sharp enough to shave hair and slice smooth paper easily, but oddly it still doesn't do fine work well. The edge now looks somewhat convex in cross-section when viewed front-on. I suppose if I keep at it, it will eventually reach the point of being a flat V edge, and may perform better. The secondary edge leading to the tip is heck to reprofile because it came even thicker/duller than the primary edge. However, even with all the strokes I've used, on mostly the grey rods, the tip of the blade is awesomely sharp. The Sharpmaker will NOT round off your tips if you avoid pulling the tip all the way through a sharpening stroke.
Jim
 
In honesty.., I think most of the jig type sharpeners work very well once you get passed the learning curve. Gatco.., Lansky.., Sharpmaker.., and Edge-Pro are all good, although the Edge-Pro Professional is my favorite (and expensive!).

The Sharpmaker is certainly a very good one.., and I do think the Diamond stones are a good investment for anyone with a few knives they really want to be able to work with for years.


"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
Just FYI, calyth, I bought mine for about $60 through a local dealer.
 
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