Sharpmarker & Strop...Getting mostly excellent results

[photoman12001]

I considered picking up a Wicked Edge system last year but decided to see if a Sharpmaker met my needs before spending that much. I've been mostly pleased with the results and gotten some really nice edges using medium, fine, and ultra fine stones. I recently picked up a Knives Plus strop too.

I might pick up a Wicked Edge down the road but for now the Sharpmaker is doing fine for me on most knives though I have run into a few that caused me some grief. The Sharpie trick has definitely proven useful on several occasions. I'm considering building something to adjust the angle of the Sharpmaker if needed once I move into a house from my apartment next year (need more space). If anyone has done this I'd like to hear details about it. I like the Sharpmaker's portability in its stock configuration.

A few highlights from my experience:

• Benchmade 581 M390: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge.
• Chris Reeve Umnumzaan S30V: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge and took a very nice mirror finish too.
• Chris Reeve Large Sebenza S35VN: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge.
• Chris Reeve Small Sebenza S30V: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge.
• Graham GMT Stubby Razel Flipper CPM-154: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge and took a very nice mirror finish too.
• Grayman Dua CPM-20CV: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge and took a very nice mirror finish too.
• Benchmade 32 Morpho D2: This responded very well with only a few passes on each stone to create a very sharp edge.
• Various SAKs: Sharpen quickly and easily.
• Various Zero Tolerance S35VN & Elmax: Both have responded but I've only touched them up with fine & ultra stones, except my 0808. That gave me some trouble. Apparently one side of the edge was well off of the 40 degree setting. I had to use the Sharpie but once I found out how to compensate it sharpened well. I have to cant the spine away from the stone a bit on that side. It's not precise but it works. That's why I'd like to build something to cant the device instead. The other side works fine vertical at the 40 degree setting.
• Various Benchmade S30V, 154CM: Sharpen easily
• Various Spydercos S30V: Sharpen easily
• Spyderco Southard CTS-204P: Sharpen easily
• Spyderco PM2 S110V: Took a little time but sharpened nicely with a mirror finish
• Spyderco Gayle Bradley 1 M4: Both of mine touched up easily to a razor sharp edge.
• Brous Silent Solider D2: Horrible. I cannot get this thing even printer paper cutting sharp. I've done the Sharpie and adjusted as necessary but it will not take an edge. Very frustrating...

 

[ric75]

Hi

Brous Silent soldier:
Seems that the 2 sides does not form a good apex.

You can try freehand the stones to meet a better angle or sharpen 1 side (with diamond) till you feel a burr. Then the other side to a burr forms. Then use finer stones.

Bye ric