sharpmaker technique

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basjoo

Joined
Dec 1, 2004
Messages
118
Hi all, If this is a dumb newbie question just let this thread die a quiet death.
Just got a sharpmaker which seems to be a popular sharpener on this forum. Watched the video and tried the unit out on some kitchen knives using the technique shown. I find, however, that it is a lot more intuitive for me to hone starting at the tip of the knife, which is the way I tend to slice during food preparation. Another reason I like tip first is using the opposite technique I found I kept sliding the tip of the knife off the hone and when I took pains not too I doubt I was even sharpening the tip. I'm wondering if there is a down side to using the tip first method or is it 6 of one, half dozen of another? If the conventional method is better, how does one sharpen the tip without grinding it off? thanx
 
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers. (Hopefully, mine won't be.)

It probably doesn't make the slightest difference which way you slide the knife if a sharp blade is the result. If it seems more natural to you to start at the tip, go for it. In fact the very problem you have encountered doing it the other way, (rounding the tip), can easily be prevented this way. I'd say you've hit on a good alternative method.
 
Should make no difference at all. One good thing about starting at the tip first is you have less chance of rounding the point on the tip. Now after you master the sharp maker get a good benchstone like a Norton Combo with India grit or a DMT med. 600 grit and you can get some fantastic edges and play with slightly differenct angles.
 
thanks bowarrow and gajinoz for you replies. It's becoming apparent to me that this "interest" will require liberal applications of plastic to stay current and involved!!
 
basjoo said:
thanks bowarrow and gajinoz for you replies. It's becoming apparent to me that this "interest" will require liberal applications of plastic to stay current and involved!!
Click to expand...
You got that right. Forget about non essentials like mortgage payments, food, clothing and that sort of stuff.
 
I would say, your results should speak for themselves. Try it both ways, if the result is equally good both ways (or if it is too close for you to call), do it the way that feels more natural to you. If one way gets better results than the other, go with the way you get better results with......and let us know!!

Have fun! And welcome to knife madness :)
 
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