SpyderSharpener (+ diamond rods) along with PROfesionnal help for hardest jobs

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koolstof

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Sep 21, 2002
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Is this a good option? You fit your Spyderco Sharpmaker with the optional diamond rods when required. For your current, normal edgekeeping that should do the trick, I think... (?)

However if you find yourself stuck "with a hard blade", why not have the job done for you?

It does not seem that likely that you will need much expert-help a lot if you regulary tend your collection. If you find yourself stuck with an edge that is way "off" and you don't feel up to the task; then just return it to the maker or have somebody else do it. The times you actually have to reset a bevel a rather scarce, aren't they?

Or would you go as far as say, buy the EdgePro along anyway?


Thanks, see ya
 
The Spyderco Sharpmaker is great for almost all standard blade sharpening needs.

The really hard to sharpen CPM steels are probably best sent back to the maker for a tune up when you dull the blade. This isn't going to happen very often under normal use as these hard to sharpen steels are very wear resistant. You can sharpen the blades yourself if you are patient enough and have the time.

The edgepro systems are great if you are willing to spend the extra money or want to maintain specialized edge angles. With the Sharpmaker, you get the two angles built into the tool, with the edgepro you can maintain any edge angle.

I don't really understand the benefit of the diamond sharpmaker rods but, I typically don't do agressive edge sharpening, just touch ups before a knife gets really dull.

If a knife is dull as a butter knife or has a chip or some other sort of damage that requires more then simple maintanence, I would send it back to the maker. The maker has the right tools and knowledge to restore the knife to a good usuable service again.
 
Originally posted by koolstof
However if you find yourself stuck "with a hard blade", why not have the job done for you?

It does not seem that likely that you will need much expert-help a lot if you regulary tend your collection. If you find yourself stuck with an edge that is way "off" and you don't feel up to the task; then just return it to the maker or have somebody else do it. The times you actually have to reset a bevel a rather scarce, aren't they?
Click to expand...


There is nothing wrong with having someone sharpen your knives, if you lack the necessary sharpening equipment and/or have no interest in learning to do sharpen yourself – provided, of course that the person doing the sharpening knows what they are doing.

You should learn how to at least touch up your blades. This need not involve a lot of skill or expensive equipment – just about any sharpener will work for touch ups - even a cheap ceramic rod will work, by following the existing edge bevel.

Re-profiling the edge is where things get difficult. Fortunately, profiling is only needed when the edge is damaged, or allowed to become very dull, or the knife manufacturer failed to put a proper edge on it in the first place. If profiling is called for you may well find that it makes sense to have someone who has the sharpening skills and equipment do it for you.


-Frank
 
I've used my diamond rods for the Sharpmaker fairly often. They make it very easy to get an edge to 15 or 20 degrees and then you can maintain that edge with the standard rods.
 
Originally posted by koolstof
However if you find yourself stuck "with a hard blade", why not have the job done for you?
Click to expand...

Because I take pride in doing it myself -- I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. And because I like being in control of the edge angle, of the finish, etc.

Nothing against folks who DO send their knives back just to be sharpened -- I've recommended it for people who want me to sharpen knives for them, when it's more than just a touch up, because the factory will do a better job than I could. But I've no interest in doing it with mine.
 
I am fairly proficient sharpening any non-serrated knife with my Japanese water stones. I couldn't resist buying a Spyderco 204 and I love it for touching up an edge. If you maintain your knives this may be all you'll ever need. The only thing I'm tempted to buy now would be a Norton Fine India stone and a "slick" butchers steel, because these come highly recommended by Ed Fowler, Bernard Levine and others.

The only time I would consider sending a knife out to be sharpened would be if I needed a knife totally refurbished by a custom maker. Other than that, I'd rather do it myself. If I didn't know how to maintain my knives I would have to take the time to learn. Having great knives is a joy, keeping them great is a big part of it.
 
I've owned a Spyderco sharp maker for a while now, about 15 years or more, it now resides in my kitchen on the counter next to the microwave. It's basically used for touchin' up the kitchen knives.

I tried to reprofile a blade once with the Sharpmaker I gave up and did it freehand on my EZ Lap Diamond hone. If you have the diamond rods for the Sharpmaker that would make it easier.

I just got an Edge Pro yesterday and reprofiled my BM 730,(154CM) and BM Eclipse,(ATS34), 15 minutes per knife, on a Sharpmaker with the coarse stone, Iwould have already given up and dragged out the diamond hone.
 
I do not understand that all of of sudden one needs to reprofile. Isn't loss of profile a gradual proces, something that the modest "204" can handle. Dare I say it, is not a sign of neglect (do not shoot me...)?

The need for re-bevelling seems quite rare of you buy the knives in mint condition, regulary maintain them and only subject them to mild/moderate use once in a while. True or false?

No offence, see ya ;-)
 
Originally posted by koolstof


The need for re-bevelling seems quite rare of you buy the knives in mint condition, regulary maintain them and only subject them to mild/moderate use once in a while. True or false?
Click to expand...

True.
 
Yes, "aim" , the harder jobs due to neglect or mishaps of any kind are for a pro, the more modest maintenance is for me.

Any sharpening system you combine with me and high-grade, tough knives in poor condition is a bad idea.

No EdgePro for me...

Thanks PhilL and the others.
 
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