sharpmaker

S

stevewest

Joined
Nov 25, 2006
Messages
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Well, I finally did it. I bought a Sharpmaker. I have always somewhat prided myself at being able to put a decent edge on a knife, but felt it was time to upgrade. I have been limping along with an old arkansas stone and an EZ lap pocket diamond stone that has been around so long that I think it no longer has any diamonds. I ordered a Sharpmaker with a set of diamond stones and a set of ultra fine stones last week and spent a little time with it over the weekend. Due to time constraints, I have not had time to really work with it until last night. I hate to admit it, but I have a whole drawer full of somewhat dull knives. I got out the worst of the bunch - s90v Military, zpd 189 Endura, d2 Para, zdp 189 Stretch, s30 Para, zdp 189 Caly and my bg42 Military. These were really in pretty bad shape as far as an edge was concerned. I have always felt my freehand technique was fairly good, but I really had to work at getting a razor edge. And the zdp 189s - That was hopeless. I have been screwing around with the Stretch for a month now and have more or less given up trying with what I had currently. Long story short - spent about an hour and a half on the knives mentioned above and just with the medium and fine stones have them all razor sharp. I followed the CD provided and used the edge and flat of both the medium and fine with 20 strokes and thats about all it took. I did hit the Endura with the diamond stones (lightly!!!! - man, those things really cut!) and then the medium and fine stones. Anyway - just wanted to report to anyone who has been giving any consideration to purchasing the Sharpmaker - yes, the stories you have been reading about the Sharpmaker are true - it really is that easy to get a razor edge on a knife! Excellant product - wish I had purchased one years ago. Thanks Sal, for a great sharpening system, and oh yea, for the greatest knives I have ever had the joy of putting in my pocket.
 
I didn't do a lot of shopping. I typically buy Spyderco from Knifeworks. Didn't even check pricing - they are usually one of the lowest out there. Service is great. I ordered it on Monday - the gal I talked to said that the diamond stones weren't in stock, but they were expecting them on Wednesday. I recieved the Sharpmaker on Thursday.
 
I love the SharpMaker although I often just use the stones laying down like a bench stone. Remember to keep the pressure to a gentle level on the Diamond stones. You can scrape the diamonds off with to much pressure.
 
Every serious knife owner should own a Spyderco 204 Sharpmaker. Because it is such a versatile sharpening tool and has so many practical uses for many edged tools other than knives.

For traveling, backpacking, hunting, fishing or just wanting something to do with your hands while watching TV. The Sharpmaker as far as I'm concerned is absolutely essential for keeping most of your cutlery ready for immediate use.

OK even if you are the type of guy or gal that likes to use Benchstones. That's all right because I don't know of any other sharpening device on the market that can touch up your blades faster than the 204 Sharpmaker.

You can't go wrong with any of Spyderco's premium sharpening equipment.
 
Do you have any comparisons with other Sharpening systems? (Such as DMT Diamond series, Magna-Fold, Quad)

To my understanding, the Sharpmaker is only worth it's stance when you have the Diamond Stones, as the ceramic just does not take off enough material.
 
I'm not sure I would agree with this, although that is why I bought a set of diamonds when I purchased the Sharpmaker. The reason I say this is because I used the medium/fine stones on a ZDP 189 Endura that was very dull. This has been my rough carry knife for the last 6 months, used for hard dirty work - specifically opening boxes out in the warehouse where it met many a staple. It has cut numerous bags of cement and patching compounds. Plastic ties. I also used it to cut shingles when I reroofed my house and it has been used recently cutting sheetrock for a remodel project downstairs. It took me about 10 minutes with the medium stones on edge(probably around 60-70 strokes) then just like the dvd - 20 strokes on the flats and 20 on the edge and flats for the fine stones. I got it shaving sharp - it could use a little more work, but I have been very impressed with the system. If you were needing to reprofile, then the diamonds come into their own.

edit - sharpened so many knives this week that i forgot that I did use the diamond stones on the endura - took about 10 strokes on each side - it did take alittle extra work because it was so dull. The stretch was the one I really had problems with as I just could not seem to get an edge on that thing. 20 strokes on the edge and flats both medium and fine and it was shaving hairs. I spent some time on it last night with the ultra fine stones and that thing really cuts now. I have never been able to get a "scary sharp" edge, but this one is pretty close if not there.
 
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