Sharpmaker questions

[Pete1977]

I have had a 204 for 3 or so years, and lately, when I am sharpening on the medium rods, I notice a dust cloud as I draw the blade along the stone. I have also noticed that the angles of the medium stones appear to be flat. Is this normal wear? And if it is, how long can I go before buying new stones, or a new sharpmaker.

Also, I noticed when I bought this in 2003, that the angle on the fine stones, opposite the grooved flat, here -----> < there is a chip in the center. This was on both white stones. I did not think anything of it at the time, but over the years it seems to have progressively gotten worse, to the point where I don't use that side of the stone any longer as it catches the blades edge.

Is it possible to buy just the replacement stones, or in my case, should I just buy a whole new sharpmaker?

Pete

 

[ghostrider]

Don't know about the other problems you mentioned, but My white also had a chip when I first got it, so I asked about it on the other forum. I was told it was a defect and I could send it in. I elected not to do so since they only cost about $10 IIRC.

 

[smcfalls13]

Yes you can buy replacement stones, either directly through Spyderco or through most dealers who carry the Sharpmaker.

Not very expensive at all, but I can't remember the exact price off the top of my head.

 

[stevekt]

When my Sharpmaker stones go bad I am going to buy a whole new set so that I have a spare case to carry the diamond and ultra-fine stones.