Spyderco Sharpmaker Questions

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Keeper4560

Joined
Aug 3, 2014
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Hello all,

I've been interested in knives for a while now but, most recently I've been realizing that my pull through crappy smiths sharpener just is doing more harm than good. Most of my knives are pretty much dull to the point that I can run them across my skin practically without doing any sort of damage.(besides the spyderco if bought a few months back).

That being said, I'm looking for a sharpener that will be able to be sufficient enough to bring back some pretty dull knives and turn them into knives that are actually safe, and worth carrying around.

I've heard that the sharpmaker is more or less the best sharpener out there for folks who don't have 300 dollars to throw away on an edge pro, and for those who don't want to even try and mess with flat manual stones for a while.

Would this be a sufficient sharpener for what my needs are stated above? I'm not too interested in reprofiling a knife yet but I figure if I do I could buy some diamond rod accessories for the sharpmaker down the line?

Any help would be appreciated!

Alex R.
 
Hello all,



I've been interested in knives for a while now but, most recently I've been realizing that my pull through crappy smiths sharpener just is doing more harm than good. Most of my knives are pretty much dull to the point that I can run them across my skin practically without doing any sort of damage.(besides the spyderco if bought a few months back).



That being said, I'm looking for a sharpener that will be able to be sufficient enough to bring back some pretty dull knives and turn them into knives that are actually safe, and worth carrying around.



I've heard that the sharpmaker is more or less the best sharpener out there for folks who don't have 300 dollars to throw away on an edge pro, and for those who don't want to even try and mess with flat manual stones for a while.



Would this be a sufficient sharpener for what my needs are stated above? I'm not too interested in reprofiling a knife yet but I figure if I do I could buy some diamond rod accessories for the sharpmaker down the line?



Any help would be appreciated!



Alex R.
 
Every knife owner should own a Sharpmaker. Many people who own wicked edges and other sharpening systems use a sharpmaker for regular touch ups.
 
I do most of my sharpening and edge maintenance on a Sharpmaker. They are great tools, but it can take a while to bring back a very dull edge using the medium brown rods that are included. You can separately purchase coarse diamond rods that really speed up the process.
 
Get the diamond rods and you are golden. The ultra fine are really only useful on the "super steels" Normal stuff i never take past fine because it will lose the edge too quickly under normal use. It's the best bang for the buck sharpener IMHO.
 
I completely agree with the 2 posts above. :thumb up: To the Triangle Sharpmaker and throw in a set of diamond rods for the really needy edges.
 
Thanks for the advice. I was pretty convinced about getting the sharpmaker for a little while but this basically will confirm it, with some diamond rods I'll be pretty set! Thanks a bunch!
 
Just remember when using the diamond rods use light pressure as you will ruin them quickly other wise. Because most factory grinds aren't perfect out of the box. The first time I sharpen them I do run them across the diamond rods first to get that bevel on both sides equal.
 
Sharpmaker with diamond sticks are a good way to start if you don't have the time/inclination to learn how to make flat stones work for you.
 
Every time I'm tempted by one of the expensive sharpening systems, I just go through the paces with the Sharpmaker. Eventually adding diamond and ultra fine rods will expand the utility of the tool but you can do fine with just the medium and fine rods. You might also consider making or buying a strop. A stropping as a final step in sharpening makes for a really good edge and frequent stropping saves having to resharpen a dulled edge.
 
Maintaining factory edges on the fine stones is a breeze. I usually don't go any finer than the corners of the white stones and get a nice toothy yet push cutting edge consistently on everything I own. From 3cr up to Elmax and CPM S30V. Maintenance for me takes around 10 strokes (5 per side) and is done as needed. Just remember, it's much easier to maintain a sharp edge than it is to try to revive a dull knife, that goes for any sharpening system. In my opinion you cannot find a more foolproof system on the market for the money. Also, don't forget to clean your stones periodically as instructed in the included paperwork.
 
You can do fine with medium unless you have a dull knife. Then you almost need the diamond or you will be forever using, turning and then cleaning the brown rods.
 
For basic sharpening and touch ups, the Sharpmaker will be perfect. Even just the ceramic stones are fine, I use a UF rod as a finishing step on many different steels.
 
The sharpmaker is perfect for touch ups and maintaining an edge, I've found the SM to be kinda slow for reprofiling even with the diamond rods and not as precise. I certainly dont consider throwing money away by investing in an Edge Pro Apex, its a fantastic system for all things when it come to sharpening, including reprofiling, I especially like the variety of after market stone suppliers for this system.
 
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