Sharpmaker Ultrafine Rods, worth it?

M

manowar669

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Oct 1, 2002
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I like the Sharpmaker. I get fast, sharp, consistent results with it. I'm wondering if the UF rods are worth the price. I'd like to hear from those with actual experience. Also, where to get them for a decent price. I've seen them on Ebay for about $18 PER ROD. This seems like a lot.
 
IMO they are worth it! They really take the edge to the next level, or at least for me they do. They are a little bit pricey, but im very glad i bought them:thumbup:
 
manowar669 said:
Nice vid. Yours?

Did you get 1 rod or two? I was saying that at $18 each, it would be $40 for a set, plus shipping.
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Amazon has them for $15.01 and I think you qualify for free shipping if you buy two. So, talk more like $30.02. :)

I love mine, I get much sharper edges. Probably not twice as sharp as the fine, but almost that much.
 
Use a Strop. Getting extra extra extra fine rods doesn't even come as fine as a 0.5 Micron Strop.


You can only go so far with a solid material until you hit a wall. The wall with a strop is much further back and the strop doesn't cost $40
 
xtestifyx said:
Use a Strop. Getting extra extra extra fine rods doesn't even come as fine as a 0.5 Micron Strop.


You can only go so far with a solid material until you hit a wall. The wall with a strop is much further back and the strop doesn't cost $40
Click to expand...

Using a fine abrasive on a strop when a edge has not already been brought to a fine level is a mistake in itself. The UF rods are 3 micron and yield a finish like a 8-10k stone or like 3 micron DMT compound at 3/4 polish. The finish of the UF is bright and mirror like with a faint haze and upon close inspection a very fine scratch pattern can be viewed. If you jump from the Fine 6 micron stone to a strop with 0.5 micron compound the edge roughness and larger scratch becomes a problem for the sub-micron compound to deal with. It "works" but only does a average job. You also have the issue of over polishing because your working too fine of a grit for too long on a scratch larger than its designed to deal with. The last problem and one sometimes related to the steel is called "orange peel", orange peel is the effect of not taking the proper steps in the grit reduction.

A true 0.5 micron Chromium oxide edge is far sharper that most think simply because too great a jump in grit is made or too little time is spent with this extremely fine abrasive.

The UF rods are a good investment if the SM is your sharpening method of choice. If you still feel like you need a sharper knife after the UF rods a progression through various grades of micron and sub-micron compounds are available to grits as fine as 400,000 grit. But before even 0.5 micron compound it would be best to use a 1 micron compound.
 
manowar669 said:
Nice vid. Yours?

Did you get 1 rod or two? I was saying that at $18 each, it would be $40 for a set, plus shipping.
Click to expand...

Yes it is mine, thanks. I got 2 rods for 20 bucks (look around you might find deals).

I think they are a good value. There are many many ways to get a knife very sharp. It is up to you to decide how sharp you want and what is the best way to get it.

These rods are small, water proof, and easily portable.
 
I like them a lot.
Worth it, especially if the SM is your main sharpener.

Lately I'm been going 40% (total) with the 30% micro.

I use them even on the 40 to polish it up a bit and they are great making the micro.
Just go real light.

Great quick touch up on the micro as well.
 
I have them and they work very well for what they are designed to accomplish. Unit is lavishing some well above average information to you. I hope you read his posts carefully.

Doug
 
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