Sharpmaker problem?

Starfish

Starfish

Joined
Jun 14, 2001
Messages
1,256
I've had my Sharpmaker for a while now, and have never really been as successful with it as I would like. The recent threads in this forum and others regarding problems with the Sharpmaker, particularly with bent ceramic rods, led me to look at the ceramic rods that came with my Sharpmaker.

I placed each of the ceramic rods on my kitchen counter, and proceeded to push down on one side, and then the other. I repeated this for all three sides.

I found that some of the rods had some curvature. I did not measure the amount of curvature, but I would say that when pushing down on one end, the other end would lift no more than about 1-2 mm.

How much effect would a slight curvature have on my ability to sharpen with the Sharpmaker? Has anybody else noticed this with their Sharpmaker rods?

Thanks for your help,

Matthew
 
Starfish,

I wouldn't think that this slight curvature would have any detrimental effect to sharpening effectiveness. I'm not sure if mine are like this, as I don't have the system with me right now.

I suggest that another viewing of the Sharpmaker video might help, I had to do this to fine tune my technique.

One thing about the Sharpmaker system, is that it works best on a blade that is not too dull as the stones are of medium and fine grit variety. If your blades are quite dull, it is going to take a fair bit of work to bring the edge back to a useful point. This is where the new Diamond sharpmaker rods will come in very handy.

I know I sure need to get some.

Good luck, Jeff/1911.
 
I don't think your rods are causing a problem either.

If you notice, there is some degree of play in the rods when they're in the base anyway, which could amount to 1-2 degrees alone.

I think the area you need to pay closest atention to is the angle of the existing edge on your blade. I "set" all of my knives the first time I sharpen them to the same angle as my sharpmaker, then I use the sharpmaker to maintain the edge and it works perfectly.

To "set" the edge I use a 4 piece set of DMT stones in a jig I made to hold them at the exact angle of the sharpmakers back bevel. (see picture)

Works like a champ for me :)
 
cpirtle,

When you say "4 piece set..." do you mean four different similar hones all placed and held together in your jig for a combined larger surface? I wonder because that looks like just one hone in the picture. Or...do you mean that the picture is just one of four hones of different grits used to set the correct angle and that each is sequentially placed into your jig during the "edge setting" process?

Thanks, Jeff/1911.
 
I have 4 different DMT stones, Black - Blue - Red - Green, going extra coarse to extra fine.

I milled a slot out of the material to hold each stone in the jig and work the edge from Black to Green until it's ready for the sharpmaker. I usually only give the edge 4-6 passes on the Black stone because it really removes material fast if you're not careful.

So, to answer your question, each stone is used individually in the jig, then I move on to the next one. Sorry for not being more clear.
 
Jeff, Chad - thanks for the replies.

Sounds like I either need to develop more patience, or get a faster-cutting abrasive. I used an EdgePro for a while, and really liked the results I got, but didn't really enjoy setup time plus the water mess.

Looks like I need to pick up a set of the diamond triangles!

Matthew
 
cpirtle,

I figured that's probably what you meant...thank you for the clarification. I'd like to put together a setup like that.

By the way, I really like your avatar.

All the best, Jeff/1911.
 
Thanks Jeff, you almost have to be Chris Farley fan to get it, some people just think it's me showing off some moves ;)

The jig was easy to make. Miter saw, dremel too with router bit and base and some of that new man made decking material. The hardest part was getting the angle to match my sharpmaker.

Starfish, my DMT stones call for water but I never use it anymore, just makes a mess. When they clog or wear out I'll replace them but no sign of that yet. I'm thinking of adding the spyderco diamond rods when they come up but this system has worked well. Whatever you use you definitely need some patience and to develop a good procedure. Good luck :D
 
cpirtle,
Nice jig. I have been thinking about making something like that to hold my 2x6 dmt hones. Like you I also have all four grits.
Now that I have seen a photo of how you have done it and know that someone else is using a jig this way with there dmt hones I'm going to build one.:)

Thanks for posting the photo!
 
Jeff/1911

When we were talking in another thread about reshaping a "rounded" tip, I mentioned that I had made a jig to hold my diamond bench stone at the same angle as the Sharpmaker. It looks very similar to the one that cpirtle shows above (maybe a little bigger to hold a 2"x8" stone). Now I don't have to trry and post a pic ;)
 
I have a curved fine rod that affected sharpening quite a bit. It tends to be unable to remove burrs and stuff. I sent the rod in.
 
cpirtle - I too am a Chris Farley fan. Unfortunately, lately I've been having trouble picking up the re-runs of SNL as my van has the aerial broken off, and it's parked down by the river; where I live in it. Hee, hee.

4 s ter - I now get the idea of the hone mounting system you talked about a couple weeks ago, thanks.

calyth - That is most interesting...I wouldn't have thought that would happen because of a curvature in the hone. Now we know, thanks.

Jeff/1911.
 
Starfish,

Sorry to hear about your sharpmaker. If you'd like give Mike Hayes in Warranty and Repair a call here at Spyderco, he'd be happy to help in any way. Mike's in the office Monday-Friday 8-5MST 800-525-7770 X255 -or- 303-279-8383 X255.

Joyce @ Spyderco
 
This is probably obvious, however not mention yet- sharpening performance goes down as the rods get loaded with steel, therefore it is important to clean them with "green scrub pad" and cleanser or some kind.
 
Originally posted by Joyce Laituri
Starfish,

Sorry to hear about your sharpmaker. If you'd like give Mike Hayes in Warranty and Repair a call here at Spyderco, he'd be happy to help in any way. Mike's in the office Monday-Friday 8-5MST 800-525-7770 X255 -or- 303-279-8383 X255.

Joyce @ Spyderco
Click to expand...

Thanks for the numbers. I may give Mike a call this week and find out if it is even worth worrying about :)

Thanks again,

Matthew
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top