Simple sharpening methods

J

joshua1296

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Jan 12, 2015
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Looking for a quick, simple sharpening method for daily use. I have the guided lansky set and I get ok results from it, but am looking for a quick method to touch up the edge on carry knives and kitchen knives. I am looking at some of the ceramic stick type sharpeners like the sharpmaker and the lansky turn box, as well as the AG Russell ones. Anyone have any recommendations? Thanks
 
A lot of folks like the Sharpmaker, I bought one of the first ones when they came out, it's a great system for quick touchups if you're already at the desired angle. For reprofiling not so good.
 
I'll third the Sharpmaker, especially for what you're planning on using it for.
 
Exactly Ted,

They are intended for maintaining an edge by regular use as the knife is used, not for basic sharpening. Two strokes one on each side after every use before putting away will mean an always razor sharp knife.

Have someone you trust establish the bevel that you want, I suggest 30 degrees compound, 15 degrees each side. and then never let the knife get dull
 
If you're doing kitchen knives I'd recommend a diamond coated sharpening steel. I've got experience with the ones made by DMT (DMT part# DS2F). They work really well to maintain an edge. I haven't done a full sharpening on our chef's or paring knives at home for over half a year. As long as you're starting with a reasonably sharp knife and you touch up on a regular basis you should be able to eliminate or greatly reduce the need to abrasive sharpen on stones etc. Of course that depends on what type of knives you've got too. You can touch up carry knives on the steel as well, although it isn't easy to bring with you if that is what you're after. I like the steel because it does a good job and does it quickly, there isn't any setup time. I can touch up all the knives in the knife block in a minute or two at most.

The sharpmaker is also a good option.
 
I would get a DMT diamond stone.

You can get a course/fine stone & touchup a knife in the amount of time it will take you to setup the sharpmaker. Or if you plan on keeping your knifes sharp you could go with an extra fine/fine stone. I have the sharpmaker, yet I use the diamond stone for my quick touchups.
 
I would also second the rod type sharpeners with a base like the Spyderco Sharpmaker!!

I am pretty good in freehand sharpening but the unmatched advantage of the Spyderco Sharpmaker is the perfect angle match every time with exactly knowing the quality of the edge that comes out of it. If I want to come close to that quality edge freehand on a bench stone, I would have a bit more trouble. I probably would have to mark the edge with a marker, test strokes here and there etc. Some of us have such a great muscle memory that this may not be necessary, but not me.

And using the diamond rods for the Sharpmaker (they can be had for $50 and last a lifetime) actually will give you some sharpening/reprofiling abilities as well!
 
+1 on the Dmt stones. The sharpmaker should be kept clean for maximum efficiency and takes a little set up time. Do it freehand in less the time with great results. And like many have stated, the sharpmaker is for KEEPING an edge sharp.
 
I would recommend a combination... a harbor freight 1x30 and the spyderco sharpmaker mentioned above. The reason for the belt sander is that the SM isn't good at re-profiling, only maintaining. ie. if your edge is thick and you are no longer hitting the apex with the SM, you can re-profile on the 1x30 to about 15 dps then maintain on the SM at the 20 dps setting. I do this a lot for people that don't want to waste time re-profiling and don't have a belt sander.
 
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