Sharpmaker or stones?

[Kentucky]

Way before I ever thought about making a knife I leanred to sharpen free hand..Then I started making knives and got really spolied..With the right belts and a loaded leather belt you can have a hair splitting,tree topping edge in minutes...
I have been looking at the dmt dia shrp stones to get back into hand sharpening just because I miss it..Thats just my personal exp and the way I look at it..Though my exp with knives and the way i use knives is likely very different than most people...
How you sharpen, what you sharpen with, none of it matters unless your happy in the end...Machine or stone, it dosnt matter..

 

[Handwrecker]

I think the Sharpmaker is a great tool. It allows you to maintain an edge very quickly and easily. I've reprofiled a few knives with the diamond stones, and it's not the best for the job, but it's not the worst either. In my experience, after an edge is set for the first time, I only need to use the ultra fine rods to bring it back to hair whittling unless there's some pretty serious chipping/rolling.

Plus, if you want to freehand with it, that's simple too. Just turn it upside down and place the rods in the bottom. I've done that pretty frequently for obtuse bevels and knives that I didn't want to re-profile. It's not like the Sharpmaker makes you give anything up, just gives you options.

 

[Ben Dover]

I have to respond "Glad you're happy with the edges you're getting however you get there - a dull tool is no fun. I'm sure the Edge Pro or Wicked Edge or Sharpmaker, or paper wheels don't do it by themselves."

Not trying to be a richard cranium or anything, but it bugs me a bit to hear folks saying not to bother with freehand because it's too hard, too slow, takes too long to learn, and (above all) you can't turn out fantastic edges or bevels that look as good as they cut. True enough you'll destroy a knife or two learning, but if you don't loose it you won't need more than one Sharpie and you'll have the stone you started on for as long as you care to use it. Once figured out you'll be able to sharpen everything out there from a grass sickle to a pair of scissors to an axe (and even a crosscut hand saw). Barring any physical limitations, its a skill well within the reach of the general populace.

And perhaps we should all be pleased that so many different devices are available. Some, like you, are happy with bench stones. Others, like me, are happy with the EP and WEPS. Many seem to have been converted to belt sanders. A few to paper wheels.

It is painful to admit, but I often find myself drawn into the old "my method is best" argument.

One thing that I think we can all agree on is that whatever method works best, (and easiest) for anyone is the method that he should use regardless of the method someone else thinks is best.

This is the old "Ford/Chevy" argument, which can be somewhat entertaining, but in reality generates much heat, but little light.

I apologize for allowing myself to engage, when I really do know better!

 

[HeavyHanded]

:devilish:

And perhaps we should all be pleased that so many different devices are available. Some, like you, are happy with bench stones. Others, like me, are happy with the EP and WEPS. Many seem to have been converted to belt sanders. A few to paper wheels.

It is painful to admit, but I often find myself drawn into the old "my method is best" argument.

One thing that I think we can all agree on is that whatever method works best, (and easiest) for anyone is the method that he should use regardless of the method someone else thinks is best.

This is the old "Ford/Chevy" argument, which can be somewhat entertaining, but in reality generates much heat, but little light.

I apologize for allowing myself to engage, when I really do know better!

I seldom pass up a bait myself, despite being aware of the uselessness of "conceit of views". Anyway, all this talk about what does the high-end best job is irrelevant - everyone knows a coarse edge stropped on cardboard will out perform all the finely polished stuff for everything but shaving...:devilish:

 

[Ben Dover]

:devilish:

I seldom pass up a bait myself, despite being aware of the uselessness of "conceit of views". Anyway, all this talk about what does the high-end best job is irrelevant - everyone knows a coarse edge stropped on cardboard will out perform all the finely polished stuff for everything but shaving...:devilish:

Especially if it was put on with an 80 grit SiC bench grinder!

 

[RubiconSS]

Which one is the best option for sharpening? Is it easier for a novice to use the sharpmaker or stones?

Answering the question asked: The SharpMaker