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- Sep 29, 2008
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I've never had the time, or the space, to get a full set of traditional bench stones for sharpening, so I've gone system. System sharpeners typically include preset angles for sharpening and a method of keeping the knife within those angles. Here's a review of the three systems I've bought (in order of age):
Smith's 3-in-1 (http://www.rei.com/product/738633)
This setup includes a DMT 750 benchstone, a set of carbide edge'ers, and a set of 800 ceramic croc sticks. The DMT stone is good for sharpening larger blades, but still lacks the surface area needed. The croc stick setup works great for sharpening PE knives, 15-20 passes will bring even a sub par knife up to shaving sharp. It didn't work too well for serrations, and you have to be careful when sharpening on the slip (rounded) side of the stones, as the knife has a tendency to roll off, blunting the tip.
Lansky (http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/)
This is the most complicated of the three, and included (with the deluxe) 5 different hones to work through, ranging from 80 grit to 1000 ceramic.
This system involved clamping the spine of the knife in an aluminum vise type attachment, and then assembling a hone to pass through one of the angle slots. This gives great accuracy over the angle achieved, but the process is slow and cumbersome. I found that it's hard to properly grip the vise, and even then, it quite readily slipped the hone off the knife, typically coming close to slicing my finger.
Spyderco Sharpmaker (http://www.spyderco.com)
This is, in my opinion, the most versatile of the three. The rods are in a croc stick setup, and include medium and fine rods. Brass rods form a hand guard against blade slippage.
The base comes with two preset angles, 15 each side (30 inclusive) and 20 each side (40 inclusive). It comes with an excellent DVD and color guide as to it's usage.
The base also has slots to store all 4 rods when not in use, a guide for 12.5 scissor sharpening, and slots in the base to form a benchstone with the rods. Additional rods can be purchased in ultra fine and diamond.
Over all, I like the Sharpmaker. It was the last of the three I bought, and (MSRP wise) the most expensive. It can be found for around $50 on some online stores though. It's compact, versatile, and easy to use. The Smiths is great for camp outs due to it's small size, and the Lansky is great for reprofiling blades that are chipped or dulled beyond belief.
Smith's 3-in-1 (http://www.rei.com/product/738633)
This setup includes a DMT 750 benchstone, a set of carbide edge'ers, and a set of 800 ceramic croc sticks. The DMT stone is good for sharpening larger blades, but still lacks the surface area needed. The croc stick setup works great for sharpening PE knives, 15-20 passes will bring even a sub par knife up to shaving sharp. It didn't work too well for serrations, and you have to be careful when sharpening on the slip (rounded) side of the stones, as the knife has a tendency to roll off, blunting the tip.
Lansky (http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/)
This is the most complicated of the three, and included (with the deluxe) 5 different hones to work through, ranging from 80 grit to 1000 ceramic.
This system involved clamping the spine of the knife in an aluminum vise type attachment, and then assembling a hone to pass through one of the angle slots. This gives great accuracy over the angle achieved, but the process is slow and cumbersome. I found that it's hard to properly grip the vise, and even then, it quite readily slipped the hone off the knife, typically coming close to slicing my finger.
Spyderco Sharpmaker (http://www.spyderco.com)
This is, in my opinion, the most versatile of the three. The rods are in a croc stick setup, and include medium and fine rods. Brass rods form a hand guard against blade slippage.
The base comes with two preset angles, 15 each side (30 inclusive) and 20 each side (40 inclusive). It comes with an excellent DVD and color guide as to it's usage.
The base also has slots to store all 4 rods when not in use, a guide for 12.5 scissor sharpening, and slots in the base to form a benchstone with the rods. Additional rods can be purchased in ultra fine and diamond.
Over all, I like the Sharpmaker. It was the last of the three I bought, and (MSRP wise) the most expensive. It can be found for around $50 on some online stores though. It's compact, versatile, and easy to use. The Smiths is great for camp outs due to it's small size, and the Lansky is great for reprofiling blades that are chipped or dulled beyond belief.
