Spyderco Sharpmaker Questions -

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mmtmatrix

Joined
May 15, 2000
Messages
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Hello - This is my first time posting a topic in the Sypderco forum -- I would just like to say that I have gotten incredible amounts of information from you guys (and love spyderco's) and would just like to say thanks.

But some questions:
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It seems that A LOT of people like the spyderco sharpener and with Christmas and my birthday approaching I thought I might be good to look into it.

What is it not good for and what does the Sharpmaker lack? How does it do on chisel grinds, serrated and other odd edges, other things/tools, harder steels/softer steel, etc.? How fast does it sharpen (comparably)? What does it lack that is need to get a good edge on a wide variety of knives? (I have heard that it is not the best for re-profileing an edge -- but I probably wont be doing much of that any way)
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What are the differences between the 203 and the 204? What's better? (I know that some people have both)

And any other bit of info. or praise would be greatly appreciated. What else (other sharpening devices) are needed in conjunction with the Spyderco Sharpmaker?

Thanks a lot -- Hope that you can answer and it was not too much to ask
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mmtmatrix
 
Hi mmtmatrix,
The major difference between the 203 & 204 is that the 204 has both 30 back bevel & 40 degree angles to sharpen on. The 203 has only the 40 degree. Minor differences are improvements such as the 204's base is bigger, there are several additions to the new base (an insert in the base to place a rod at an angle to sharpen scissors, etc, the bottom facilitates placement of two rods to use in a benchstone manner). The rods have a groove to sharpen hooks etc.
The only shortcoming that many people think exists with the Sharpmaker is only medium and fine grit rods are included.This is probably what you heard about not be being speedy for reprofiling. To date there is no "coarse" grit, though Mr Glesser is constantly trying to find suitable materials in this regard.

The Sharpmaker has triangular rods that are specifically designed to sharpen serrated blades with the corners. Spyderco was THE trendsetter in popularizing serrations.
The 204 not only comes with a VERY WELL DONE instruction manual with outstanding illustrations but an EXCELLENT VIDEO where Mr. Glesser shows exactly how to use the Sharpmaker for virtually any edged tool you can think of. Ever wondered how to resharpen toenail clippers for instance? How about barber clippers? Potato peeler? You can with the Sharpmaker.
The only knife I've ever had problems sharpening is the Emerson LaGriffe which has a small radius curve to the edge. I've tried the Sharpmaker and several other sharpening systems without success. I do strongly believe it is a shortcoming with my technique as opposed to the Sharpmaker though.
Another advantage is that the Sharpmaker doesn't need oil or water to use.
Very efficient for chisel grind. In effect, you're only sharpening one side of the blade and deburring the flat side.
The ceramic stones clean up with scouring powder and a 3M type scouring pad.
Hope this might be of some usefulness!
John Row
colobbfan


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A day without Spydies is like a day without ... WELL, Spydies!!!
 
Thanks that helps a lot!!! I really appreciate all the information.
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One last thing...

Sense there is only a medium and a fine stone do I need to use other sharpening devices in conjunctions with it? Under what conditions would I (need something with the 204 (model I will probably go for)?

Even though the sharpmaker performs extremely well on serrated blades and other objects is it still easy to get a razor sharp edge on regular plain blade knives? (how easy for someone with limited experience sharpening? -- what times are we looking at for all the different types of things the sharpmaker can sharpen?)

Thanks SO MUCH for the help -- I really appreciate it,
mmtmatrix
 
colobbfan-
I have used my 204 to resharpen my plain edged Harpy and it has an even smaller inside radius than the La Griffe. What I do is rest heel of the hand with the knife on the table at the same level as the base of the sharpener. Start the blade with the very tip on one of the corners of the stone and then rotate your hand forward. This keeps the edge perpendicular to the edge of the stone through the entire 'cut'. You can't put as much pressure so it take a few more swipes but it get the job done.

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If you try, you may fail. If you don't try you have already failed.
 
THANKS CJL101,
I'll give that a try!

mmtmatrix,
I can't say that you would need another SHARPENING product. Other than the reprofiling, (which given extra strokes COULD be accomplished with the Sharpmaker) you can get razor sharpness quickly on plain edges. One thing that I find really helpful is either a magnifying glass or jeweler's loop to get a good close look at the scratch patterns on the edge you're sharpening. Recently I bought a 30X microscope at Radio Shack (about $30) to look at the results and reducing or removing the wire edge (or false edge) on my knives.
I'm not a super sharpener either, but the Sharpmaker is easy to use and has given me the confidence to perform that task. I know being proficient at it has added more enjoyment to the hobby for me!!
John Row
colobbfan


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A day without Spydies is like a day without ... WELL, Spydies!!!
 
I agree with John; the 204 is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

However, I have a problem. When I use the 204 on my older Endura (fully serrated AUS-8A), I can get it hair-popping sharp in less than twenty strokes.

When I put the Military (440V) on it, I simply CANNOT get rid of the burr. It moves from side to side as I move the blade from one ceramic post to the other.

Am I doing something wrong, or is this a characteristic of 440V?

FWIW, I sent the Military back to Spyderco to repair a chipped edge. It came back not very sharp at all, and I have simply been unable to get as good an edge on it as it had when new. Since I get excellent results with my Endura (and Pro-Grip C-33, for that matter) on the 204, I'm beginning to wonder here...

Steve
 
Mmtmatrix,
I also was skeptical about the 204, before getting one this last week, let me tell you it is the most user friendly sharpening system that I have ever used, even my non Knife girlfriend can operate the thing. I would really have to say that spyderco has a winner on thier hands with this baby.

And as to the worry about the coarser stones, go down to a local Wal mart and pick up a gerber pocket diamond sharpener for about seven bucks, I suggest you get one anyway, they are so handy for field sharpening. it resembles a pencil, you can put the sharpening rod in the 204 and it will fit in the rod slot just fine, you could get two gerbers, or just switch the rod every couple of strokes. I have reprofiled many an edge with this, even an old switch blade that my dad had for the last twenty years and that could not even cut envelopes, (shaves hair now
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Any way good luck, get one as soon as possible, you wont be able to put it down until next christmas
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.

Poniard
 
the 204 is the greatest thing ever. It sharpens serrations even better than plain edges.
Steve if you're still having trouble with the burr on the military try lowering the pressure and then strop with your hand.
As to the Endura use the three strokes on one side one on the other side method it works great.
Mykl

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Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get me.
 
Steve. Doesn't sound right. You may have to send it back again. Sorry. Call it to my attention.

sal
 
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