What do you like better?

The Edge Pro is more versatile in terms of grits and angles and speed of heavy metal removal, the Sharpmaker is much faster on touchups.

-Cliff
 
I own both and they have their uses.

On my small slipjoints I still use a fine stone and finish up with paste and a strop. (Actually I try to use the stop most of the time and just use the stone when I have been lazy about touching them up.)

I use the sharpmaker in the same manner with blades made from thicker stock.
After looking at the edge I might touch them up before laying them to the strop.

If I have a lot of steel to remove (either reprofiling the edge or sharpening a knife that has been used for a long period of time between touch ups.) The Apex is tough to beat when considering speed of metal removed and a consistant angle.

If I want a convex edge, I use a phone book on a flat surface and sandpaper. I typically stay on top of convex edges so that touching them up is much easier than trying to re-establish the edge once it has gotten too dull.

In short:
I try to sharpen often enough so that a strop and paste is all I need.
(Of course that is not always the case for one reason or another :D.)

On a blade that just needs a little touch up or edge alignment I use a stone or the Sharpmaker, since they are quick to set up and the touch up can be accomplished in a few passes.

If I am reprofiling an edge (I do this a lot on some factory knives) the Apex gets the job done fast and very cleanly. I actually use it most of the time on new knives and my friend's and family's knives since they are usually pretty dull when they "come" to me.

If I had to choose between the Apex and the Sharpmaker that would be tough, but I would choose the Apex due to it's ability to put a nice even edge on a dull blade quickly. It is just a time saver, since the Sharpmaker can accomplish the same thing with a little more care and time.
 
the SM is faster, i leave mine set up on the table in my room, perfect for touchups, but if ya have a really dull one its gonna take a while, will do the job though.

apex is a little slower to set up, works better for reprofiling and dull knives.

i got the SM first, then the apex later, myself.
 
Cliff Stamp said:
The Edge Pro is more versatile in terms of grits and angles and speed of heavy metal removal, the Sharpmaker is much faster on touchups.

-Cliff
Click to expand...

That, and the Edge Pro costs 3 times as much as the Sharpmaker.
 
Disclaimer: I own & use an Edge Pro Apex; I have never owned or used a Sharpmaker.

I read up on both, then bought the Apex. Reason? It removes the human element. Although excellent results can be obtained with the Sharpmaker, it depends ultimately on the operator being able to judge, hold & maintain the angle.

With the Apex, it's idiot-proof. Knife rests on "table", draw abrasive over knife. Minimal human fallibility involved.

maximus otter
 
I think it's just a matter of time and practice to get the right feeling when sharpening free hand on a soft stone. IMO it's worth being able to put a decent edge on a knife when sharpening free hand, otherwise how do you do this when you go camping or trekking? Anyway I think it would be hard to find a Edge Pro here in Europe :p
 
FWIW, the vertical angle required of the Sharpmaker is very easy to hold, though the Edge Pro probably does remove even that small amount of human variation.

I've had a SM for years and love it.
 
I do the same as SIFU, and leave the Sharpmaker assembled at all times. The SM is all I've used over the past 10 to 12 years, and I've had great results. For knives that have a rough edge with a chip or two, I use the old model diamond sleeves, the ones that slide over the stones, and they do a great job of working it out in a short time. I really try to keep my knives touched up to the point that a sharpening isn't really required.
 
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