What are the best Sharpmaker bevel angle grinds for different kinds of blades

[TheLowlyApprentice]

I'm a rank newbie to the world of knives and don't feel ready to try convex grinding freehand so I've gotten a Spyderco Sharpmaker and I'm wondering what the best bevel grind angles are for different kinds of knives.

It appears that I have a choice of 15/30 or 20/40 or a double bevel of 15 primary with a very small 20 degree secondary bevel right at the edge.

So my question is do I use a strait 20/40 on a big chopper like a RTAK II or CS Trailmaster and maybe a 15/30 on an EDC pocket folder or a double bevel or what?

I don't know nada 'bout nada so would appreciate any input.

Thanks

P.S. I would also appreciate any advice on how one puts just the right amount of 20/40 degree secondary bevel on top of the 15/30 primary bevel in order to achieve just the right balance.

Again,
Thanks

 

[jonnyfgroove]

Check out this thread.:thumbup:

I use a Gatco clamp system to thin the edges to around 30 degrees, and then the Sharpmaker at 40 degrees to make a microbevel.

 

[gajinoz]

There are a LOT of variables that govern how you might sharpen any particular knife. Knife type, steel, size, usage and so on.

VERY generally speaking you would put a 40 degree grind on your larger fixed blade knives that you plan on using heavily and the 30 degree on the smaller blades that you want to do some slicing with. I took one of my friends fish filleting knives down to 20 and he says it works perfectly. So, different strokes for different folks.

Here is what I do with my Sebenza. I put a 30 degree edge on it with my Edgepro then sharpened it on the Sharpmaker at 40, putting a microbevel on it. The result is an amazingly good slicer with very good edge retention.

Best plan is to experiment and find what works for you.

 

[TheLowlyApprentice]

Does it take just a handfull of strokes on the Sharpmaker to get the 40 degree micro bevel and do you do it all on the white ceramic or start with the medium cermaic and then move to the fine ceramic?

Thanks

 

[gajinoz]

Does it take just a handfull of strokes on the Sharpmaker to get the 40 degree micro bevel and do you do it all on the white ceramic or start with the medium cermaic and then move to the fine ceramic?

Thanks

Once again, you can't really give a precise answer, depends on a few variables, type of steel and so on.

The Sharpmaker is not a good tool for reprofiling knives, unless you have the diamond rods or use other tricks.

However, for my Sebbie, S30V blade steel, assuming I already have it at 30, I would set up the Sharpmaker at 40 with the medium rods and give it around a dozen strokes on each side, (once more this is variable), then I'd go to the fine rods and do the same until I can shave the hairs on my arm, then I'd get out the leather strop.

After that, all it needs is a few strokes with the fine rods and the strop every now and then to keep it sharp.

The best thing to do is get hold of a cheap knife or old one and practice till you get the hang of it. You'll soon figure out what works best for you.

One tip, don't get heavy handed with the Sharpmaker, light to meduim pressure is all you need, practice until you get the feel of it.