Smith’s Sure-Sharp?

[KLJTech]

Has anyone here used the Smith’s Sure-Sharp on their knives? This months Blade magazine reviews several of the V-sharpeners (their words) and the Smith’s came out on top. The Smith sharpener has the rods crossing each other so that you sharpen both sides of the knife at the same time. I recently received a Spyderco Tri-AngleSharpmaker (w/DVD) as a gift but it is unopened so I could return it. From what I’ve read the Spyderco is a very good sharpener but now I wonder if it’s better or as good as than the Smith’s Sure-Sharp that retails for under twenty dollars.

Thank you for any info.

 

[MG_Saldivar]

I can't speak to the Sure-Sharp but I've found the Sharpmaker to be the best sharpener I've ever used. I've tried Smith's and Lansky jig sets, diamond plates, and 'regular' Arkansas whet stones over the years, and the Sharpmaker is the best of the lot.

Besides the excellent design, I believe the stones (especially the fine alumina ceramic stones) are just plain harder than any other stone/plate on the market. AND, not oil or other lubricant is necessary.

 

[KLJTech]

The Smith’s Sure-Sharp uses ceramic rods like the other V-style sharpeners. They form an X that separates as you pull the knife through which is supposed to sharpen both sides of the blade at the same time.

Here’s a link to a picture of it and how it works:
http://www.homesteadharvest.com/smith-s-sure-sharp-sharpener.html

And

http://www.thebladeshop.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1650

Does anyone here know if you can sharpen fixed blades like the Ranger RD series on the Spyderco Sharpmaker?

Thanks.

 

[ooheadsoo]

Doesn't the angle change as the rods slide down? It also seems like it would miss part of each side of the blade because the rods are offset.

 

[MikeV]

I don't think there is a better sharpener out there of it's type than the Sharpmaker you have. I say keep it and try it and see.
It is highly recommended on this forum.