What is the best sharpening system?

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Hamido

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Feb 23, 2015
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Hello everyone I'm looking for a good sharpening system for my high end knives under $200 I have the work sharp but it's so easy to mess up the blades with so I'm trying to find a better system. I know how to use bench stones but I don't like not having a consistent angle and more control.
And which is better kme or edge pro?
 
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What is the best sharpening system?
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A knife valet who knows blades inside out, preferably female (personal tastes may vary), pretty, fit so she can keep up in the field . . . helicopter experience is always a plus.
 
Under $200, the KME base system.

But, add the optional base (a 'must have' according to many) and you'll be just over $200. Add additional stones and strops, you'll be closer to $300.

Indeed, the $300 Deluxe system saves over $50.
 
The best sharpening system is you and your "edge knowledge" With out the knowledge the system used is immaterial.

Enjoy, Fred
 
Hamido said:
Hello everyone I'm looking for a good sharpening system for my high end knives under $200 I have the work sharp but it's so easy to mess up the blades with so I'm trying to find a better system. I know how to use bench stones but I don't like not having a consistent angle and more control.
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Which WorkSharp model do you have? The newer "Ken Onion" version is variable speed (making "messing up the blade" less likely)... with the addition of the "Blade Grinding Attachment", it's a great sharpening system, and can be found right about your price point.
 
I like the Edge Pro Apex at that price point. There is a bit of a learning curve compared to the clamped systems, but I think it's worth it. I get amazing results with it with factory stones (or Choseras).

I have not used the KME, but have read all good about it.

I'd be afraid to use the WSKO on expensive knives without a lot of practice. I use mine a good bit, but it's not great for beginners.
 
Hamido said:
Hello everyone I'm looking for a good sharpening system for my high end knives under $200 I have the work sharp but it's so easy to mess up the blades with so I'm trying to find a better system. I know how to use bench stones but I don't like not having a consistent angle and more control.
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There are a lot of gimmicks on the market, but for me sharpening by hand is still the easiest way get the most out of my knives. As an added plus, it is pretty easy to carry a small stone/ceramic/diamond sharpenenr to maintain your tools in the field.

n2s
 
not2sharp said:
There are a lot of gimmicks on the market, but for me sharpening by hand is still the easiest way get the most out of my knives. As an added plus, it is pretty easy to carry a small stone/ceramic/diamond sharpenenr to maintain your tools in the field.

n2s
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Amen - the best sharpening system is your hands and a couple good stones/hones. IMHO, all these "systems" are just gadgets to try to intimate folks into not using/learning to sharpen by hand. Learn to sharpen by hand and never be reliant on a gadget again.
Rich (65 years of hand sharpening)
 
The more and more I get accustomed to hand sharpening, the more and more I agree with the above 2 statements. I haven't touched my Sharpmaker, KO Worksharp or my Gatco guided syatem (Lansky clone) in weeks or months. After getting a proper edge using my DMT Diamond Stones, I just do touch ups on a Spyderco Fine Ceramic stone. Takes just a few minutes.
 
I have the basic model and I hate how it's so easy to mess up the tip of the knife. Do you think with Ken onion model and the grinder it will still be as easy to mess up the tip?
 
cbwx34 said:
Which WorkSharp model do you have? The newer "Ken Onion" version is variable speed (making "messing up the blade" less likely)... with the addition of the "Blade Grinding Attachment", it's a great sharpening system, and can be found right about your price point.
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e the basic model and I hate how it's so easy to mess up the tip of the knife. Do you think with Ken onion model and the grinder it will still be as easy to mess up the tip?
 
Rich S said:
Amen - the best sharpening system is your hands and a couple good stones/hones. IMHO, all these "systems" are just gadgets to try to intimate folks into not using/learning to sharpen by hand. Learn to sharpen by hand and never be reliant on a gadget again.
Rich (65 years of hand sharpening)
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I'm good at hand sharpening and can get my knives hair shaving sharp but I want a system to help me get the PERFECT angel and mirror polish my blades
 
I have the sharpmaker, edge pro, and worksharp I like them all but they all require some skill and attention. If you don't pull the knife too far you wont mess up the tip but you will get a convex edge which I don't want on my higher end knives. For those I use the edge pro. Still use the shaprmaker to maintain but again once a knife has the convex edge you are kind of stuck with it.
 
clearkevin said:
I have the sharpmaker, edge pro, and worksharp I like them all but they all require some skill and attention. If you don't pull the knife too far you wont mess up the tip but you will get a convex edge which I don't want on my higher end knives. For those I use the edge pro. Still use the shaprmaker to maintain but again once a knife has the convex edge you are kind of stuck with it.
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Yea I hate the convex angel, so would u recommend the kme or edge pro?
 
Good enough is good enough but better is better :
Hand sharpening is good enough.
An Edge Pro edge is better . . . very noticeably better in the cut.

Now as far as perfect look on the bevels . . . I'm not there yet. I may need to get a small knife adapter. The bevel near the tip always lays back to a shallower angle no mater what I do to get the tip most part of the blade closer / in line with the vertical plane of the Edge Pro. This means more time reprofiling the tip area or going steeper on the rear part of the edge so when I get to the tip area it clears the factory bevel.

I have been hand sharpening for twenty years and Edge Proing for less than a year (since Christmas). I still hand sharpen but the Edge Pro edge is something I DO NOT WANT TO GO WITHOUT.

Jigs rule !
Sure . . . for a similar example . . . some of us can draw a pretty fine looking round circle free hand. Can you draw it as well as one you draw with a compass drawing instrument ?
Be honest now.

How about ten of them in a row. . . when you are tired ?
You can draw circles effortlessly with a compass and you can sharpen effortlessly with a jig ONCE YOU LEARN HOW, and it will always be better / more accurately formed, with less stone wear and waste, than by hand.

see ?
 
Hamido said:
I have the basic model and I hate how it's so easy to mess up the tip of the knife. Do you think with Ken onion model and the grinder it will still be as easy to mess up the tip?
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No beacause it works totally different. (You can also better control the amount of convex). Check this quick video on how it works...

[video=youtube;dQv_tVLVSMo]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQv_tVLVSMo[/video]
 
Wowbagger said:
Good enough is good enough but better is better :
Hand sharpening is good enough.
An Edge Pro edge is better . . . very noticeably better in the cut.

...

Sure . . . for a similar example . . . some of us can draw a pretty fine looking round circle free hand. Can you draw it as well as one you draw with a compass drawing instrument ?
Be honest now.

How about ten of them in a row. . . when you are tired ?
You can draw circles effortlessly with a compass and you can sharpen effortlessly with a jig ONCE YOU LEARN HOW, and it will always be better / more accurately formed, with less stone wear and waste, than by hand.

see ?
Click to expand...

I think that's a great example.
 
Hamido said:
I have the basic model and I hate how it's so easy to mess up the tip of the knife. Do you think with Ken onion model and the grinder it will still be as easy to mess up the tip?
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Yes!

Any powered machine can instantly mess up the tip if you fail to maintain proper control or follow proper procedure.
 
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