Something to consider, the issue with easy to use sharpeners.

S

SBaker34

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Jun 16, 2010
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I would say most sharpening obviously is limited by either the abrasives, or the users skill. A pro can't get a mirror edge from a chunk of sidewalk, and I suspect given a full range of high dollar waterstones a newbie would end up with a duller knife than he started with. Obviously such sharpeners such as the Sharpmaker, KME, Wicked Edge, Edge Pro etc. Seek to increase the users precision and control. However any sharpener requires some skill to get the most out of it. You routinely see people with new Wicked edge systems get duller knives than an old pro with a pocket stone. That is not the fault of the wicked edge but rather that no matter your system of choice it requires some skill to maximize.


Now the reason why I say there is an issue is simple. The provided stones for the 50$ sharpmaker can produce a much more refined edge than the stock 300$ wicked edge if the operator is skilled and patient enough, the diamond stones while it is much easier to use them to their fullest potential, just have a much coarser finish, especially unbroken in. I also likewise am sure the edge pro pack 4 could out do the base wicked edge no issue. That's not to say I feel the wicked edge is inferior, I like mine very much, It allows perfectly consistent edges, the diamond stones cut any metal with ease, If I had mega bucks to get all the accessory stones, I would get a sharper edge with it than any other system out there. BUT, I think its important that new knife owners know that there is no replacement for skill but skill can replace equipment. So whatever you get make sure to practice :p
 
Good thoughts. I realize the more I use my Sharpmaker that it's capable of producing a much better edge than I'm able to get with it.
 
I've noticed over the years, with many many different hobbies, that guys tend to focus on the gear. They want to buy the best golf clubs, the best running shoes, the best rifle scope, the best cordless drill, etc. Almost all of these items require operator skill and skill tends to trump equipment. Overall. "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian."

Sharpening is no different. Though jigs or fixtures certainly help. Operator skill is always an important factor.

Brian.
 
Very true, but different equipment means different learning curves. The learning curve for freehand sharpening, regardless of stones, is, well, a bit nasty. Constant angle sharpeners are a little friendlier to the rank beginner.
 
bgentry said:
I've noticed over the years, with many many different hobbies, that guys tend to focus on the gear. They want to buy the best golf clubs, the best running shoes, the best rifle scope, the best cordless drill, etc. Almost all of these items require operator skill and skill tends to trump equipment. Overall. "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian."

Sharpening is no different. Though jigs or fixtures certainly help. Operator skill is always an important factor.

Brian.
Click to expand...

:thumbup: +1
 
Oh most definitely, shooting is much worse. You have folks buying 2k rifles, putting a 1k scope on it and a 200$ trigger, and then don't have the skills to use it better than a 400$ set up. And just to clarify, I'm not saying don't buy a wicked edge or guided system, I love mine ;) But rather just reminding folks that spending money can't wholly get you out of learning to sharpen :p. If you don't mind I'll use your sharpener as an example Fred Rowe. You system is probably the easiest to use one on the planet from what Ive seen. But to make it easy to use, and actually not destroy the edge like an accusharp it costs a bit more, and you still need to learn to operate it :p
 
I was given this advise also. I chose to learn freehand on my dmt plates. It's tough to have a guided system on you in the field, but a 4" coarse stone fits nearly anywhere on my person....
 
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