I have tried the DMT stones and freehand sharpening did ok but not hair popping sharp, tried the KME system not impressed with the clamping system but got decent results. Tried the Edgepro system got good results but had trouble keeping the blade flat on the table and really didn't care for taping up blades so they don't get scratched. I am interested in the Tech studio system but they need a presence in the USA for returns, warranty items and purchasing optional equipment. Not sure where to go from here any ideas on a easy to use system for hair shaving sharpness results? Sharpening mostly folding knifes and a couple medium sizes fixed blades.
More practice with what you have.
The biggest beginner mistake is to not master one tool. Every sharpening tool has the same basic problem, the user doesn't spend enough time learning how to use it and resorts to blaming the tool or buying something "better". The knowledge of sharpening is greater than any sharpening tool, so learn what makes an edge sharp then learn to use the tools you have to produce sharp edges.
I'll 2nd this. If you "did ok" freehand sharpening... then stick with it... if you want to use a guided sharpener, same thing. Just about every decent 'system' has an issue(s) to overcome, so either pick one and learn how to overcome it, or, if you think you're capable, then stick with freehand.
I'll also say... guided systems may give you the best in sharpness (in most cases), but just because you can't get a knife
"as sharp" freehand, doesn't mean that it isn't "sharp enough" to work, and as your practice and skill grows, the edges will get better.
I was once in the camp of trying to get the absolute sharpest blade, and I've used probably every decent guided sharpener out there, (still do occasionally), and while they may have given me some of my sharpest edges ever, none have given me the satisfaction of getting a knife decently sharp freehand... and the more I do it, the better they get. But if you want to use a system, you've already had some of the better ones, so pick what you liked best, and figure out the details to make it work for you.
If none really worked, Wicked Edge is about the only one left that's different than what you've already tried... if a "powered system" is on your Radar, the K.O. WorkSharp with the 'Blade Grinding Attachment' is a great setup, and gives great results without the usual limitations of a guided system, (and while some say a powered system isn't good to learn on or use, variable speed makes it a great device... overcoming the big issues of overheating and/or overgrinding a blade).
if he is having trouble with the stones, keeping correct steady angle this would be compounded and magnified using a power sharperner. everyone wants miracles and there are no miracles nor shortcuts to getting a good edge. it comes from practice and learning from mistakes.
Personally, I've actually found it's easier to hold an angle just moving a knife across a belt, than it is back and forth on a stone (maybe that's just me), but you're right, no matter what you use, you still need practice, and to figure out what makes a knife sharp.
), I clamp on an ancient BuckMaster guide. You can find several different makes through a search. I've never tried this but you can tape a coin to the back of the blade to create the angle you want.
