Spyderco Sharpmaker

[survival_minds]

Hey knife fanatics! I have another question. I bought a sharpmaker yesterday and really like it. I need some tips on using it- I can't get a knife factory sharp using the stones that it comes with. Does anyone know if you could get a knife as sharp as when you get it using the factory stones? Thanks! And I tried to sharpen my delica 4 with it and I can't do it. Any tips with that? Thanks guys!

 

[survival_minds]

Please do replies lol

 

[cross1178]

Watch the included video and search in YouTube as well. Take your time starting out, and keep your hand consistently at the same angle when switching sides. I've been able to get most of my knives beyond sharper than the factory edge. Be patient and don't over do it.

 

[Rasco]

You really won't be able to duplicate the factory edge without a belt.
But you should be able to get a plenty sharp edge on most knives using the 2 sets of stones (gray & white) that come with it.

The instructions are on YouTube, as cross1178 mentioned.

[video=youtube;GB0r6GvESGg]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GB0r6GvESGg[/video]

 

[dr_fosg8]

I can get knives sharper than factory with it. You need to make sure your hitting the edge. Mark the edge with a sharpie, take a few swipes with the sharpmaker and see if you take it off the blade. If you don't get the edge you will never get it sharp.

 

[sir_mike]

Yes, you should be able to get them sharper than factory ones with a little practice and watching the videos on it.

 

[survival_minds]

I can get knives sharper than factory with it. You need to make sure your hitting the edge. Mark the edge with a sharpie, take a few swipes with the sharpmaker and see if you take it off the blade. If you don't get the edge you will never get it sharp.

Okay thanks. If I use sharpie will it stick on the stone and not come off?

 

[wvdavidr]

If you are concerned, you can wipe the rods with acetone, lacquer thinner, or other organic solvent to remove the marker. You can also use dry erase markers.

 

[upnorth]

Hey knife fanatics! I have another question. I bought a sharpmaker yesterday and really like it. I need some tips on using it- I can't get a knife factory sharp using the stones that it comes with. Does anyone know if you could get a knife as sharp as when you get it using the factory stones? Thanks! And I tried to sharpen my delica 4 with it and I can't do it. Any tips with that? Thanks guys!

The Sharpmaker is good if you maintain your knives fairly regularly. The angle of the edge must be close to the Sharpmaker angle, or you will be sharpening endlessly, until your blade comes back to the 20 degree, or whatever it is, edge again. If an edge is really messed up I bring it back or close to back with my Lansky kit. If you can't get an edge back yourself get it professionally sharpened then maintain it with the Sharpmaker. It only takes about 8-10 swipes on the coarse stones then 6-8 each side on the ceramic, to get a Mora or Endura to paper slicing smoothly (regular maintenance). The angle of the knife edge is key here. Then run your sticks through the dishwasher or soapy water and scrub them in the sink. It gets the impacted metal off the rods.

 

[A.l.e.x.]

Hello!

I use mine for all different types of knives:

(some different ones, mostly production)

The results I am getting now are really pleasant. This was not so much the case when I started using it. On top of what everyone said so far, also make sure you use the "correct" amount of pressure. This is a thing only experience with what works and what doesn't will tell you.

I did apply (way) too much pressure at first when I got my sharpmaker. This did not only result in fast removal of material, but in a (badly) chipped edge for some steels instead (I only remember Aogami, W5, D6 and ZDP189 now). The long, long, long, long rounds on the sharpmaker to get out the chips a) made me get the diamond rods and b) taught me how much pressure I really need...

Nowadays, I don't let my knives get really dull any more and often stop after using the brown standard coarse stones, because some steels hold that working edge better than the finer one in my experience.

Regards,
Alex

PS: whenever your sharpmaker is as dirty as mine was above, cleaning is overdue. I do it using a standard steel sponge and Cif (an abrasive kitchen cleaner) now. Of all the things I tried, this gives me the best results the fastest.

 

[FordFan]

Okay thanks. If I use sharpie will it stick on the stone and not come off?

You will be fine using a Sharpie. My white rods show a little red from the Sharpie now and again but nothing bad and nothing that causes any issues. I don't clean the rods with anything but would imagine a little rubbing alcohol would take it off.