Smith's?

Trout Hound

Trout Hound

Joined
Sep 28, 2014
Messages
693
What's the deal with Smith's sharpening equipment? I get the impression that most of it us not the highest quality stuff, but I haven't heard it talked about much among serious knife knuts.
 
Smith's is great stuff. I've got lots of it. Dan's whetstones in Arkansas cuts all of there natural stones. And they have great products.
 
I have 2 of the large diamond stones and they work great.
I'm looking to get some others to complement them down the road.
 
Okay, I'm just curious then: What's the reason for the price difference between, say, the Smith's diamond products, and DMT products, for example? How does that translate into a difference in actual performance? Thanks!
 
Trout Hound said:
Okay, I'm just curious then: What's the reason for the price difference between, say, the Smith's diamond products, and DMT products, for example? How does that translate into a difference in actual performance? Thanks!
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In all likelihood, most of the price difference may just be due to origin of manufacture. DMT's line is USA-made, and I'm betting most of Smith's product is likely produced overseas. So far as I know, Smith's quality should be pretty good; DMT has been known for the uniformity of finish left by their hones (especially in finer grits), and their customer and/or warranty service is also known to be excellent, in cases where hones needed returning or whatever.


David
 
On a related question, how do the Smith's coarse and fine diamond grits compare to the same grits from DMT? How fast does the coarse stone cut for reprofiling? Thanks!
 
I have both, and I like my Smith's set better. And smiths stuff is USA made. Dan's whetstones cuts all of there natural rock :)
 
Looks like some (at least) of Smith's line is imported. Looking at some of the retail-packaged items on the auction site, 'MADE IN CHINA' is clearly visible on the packaging (where pics are provided of the rear of packaging). In cases where an item is significantly cheaper (less expensive) than comparable items from DMT or other U.S. makers, the price is likely the dead giveaway of the imported items.

So, it may come down to which(?) items you're looking at. As with some other mfrs., they might have both domestic and imported lines. Looking at Smith's site, it appears they do have what they call an 'International' line of sharpening products, aside from the rest of their line.


David
 
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ReAlly? Didn't know that. I know Smith's made all of bucks sharpening stuff, so I've always stayed with them
 
buckman110 said:
ReAlly? Didn't know that. I know Smith's made all of bucks sharpening stuff, so I've always stayed with them
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Still wouldn't worry too much about quality issues, with the brand itself. Long-term or heavy-use durability may be the main difference, with the less-expensive items. For the hobbyist sharpener, not likely a big deal anyway. Most opinions of the brand, seen here on the forum, seem to be decent at least.

And what the heck, even Buck has some 'international' products as well. So far as I know, their same warranty still applies.

Edit:
On the topic of warranty, Smith's is for 3 years on defects in material & workmanship (excluding professional/industrial uses), and DMT's is unconditional replacement for any defects in material & workmanship, with no exclusions set for term or use.


David
 
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Yea. Well diamond stuff don't last long for me anyway. I've got at least 10 spend diamond pads. I sharpen lots of stuff.
 
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