What kind of sharpener?

[lab-man]

I would like to get some input as to what people would recommend for a basic sharpener. I am just looking for something basic to keep the kitchen knives and some pocket knives in sharp condition. I am not looking to invest a lot of money into sharpeners and realistically, if I get to use it 3-4 times a year I would be doing well (better than I am now) No flames please.

So what do you think? Sharpening stone? (How many/grit) Spyderco Sharpmaker?

 

[shootist16]

Sharpmaker all the way. It is very versatile and produces excellent results. It will sharpen plain and serrated blades.

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Dennis

 

[Sid Post]

Spyderco Sharpmaker. If all turns out as expected I will test driving one of the new models this week. All in all, the Sharpmaker is hard to top.

Sid

p.s. Who is a good source for Diamond based sharpeners? I have been looking around for a large Norton one but, they are not easy to locate. I should note I am looking for quality units that will last a lifetime, not the run of the mill Wal-Mart things. Thanks!

 

[Mark W Douglas]

Spyderco Sharpmaker for me as well!
Followed by a leather strop with jewelers rouge rubbed into it to get that very fine razor edge!

Mark

 

[phone_archer]

Lab-man,

Nothing against the sharpmaker, but IMO if I was only going to have one sharpening device - it would be a Norton Fine India. Pro - is that you have to think about what you are doing and you get a better understanding of your knife's edge. Con is the same - you have to think about what you are doing (it takes more skill than using a sharpmaker). However; once you learn how to put an edge on with a flat benchstone, you can sharpen a knife with any sharpening device.

There certainly is a much higher learning curve with a benchstone, but when you learn how - you will never have a dull edge again.

Again, nothing against the sharpmaker and the people who use it - this is just my preference.

------------------
Bill
"Walk softly and carry a big folder... and a small folder... and a SAK... and a multi-tool..."

 

[Joe Talmadge]

You might use the search feature on both forums -- within the past few months,
there've been several requests very similar to yours.

For the most hassle-free sharpening, I'd recommend the NEW Spyderco
Sharpmaker. Easy to put together, easy to use, very easy to clean, no screws or
clamps to mess with or lose. Comes with 2 different grit stones and two different
angles to use, along with a separate angle for scissors.

You might hunt down How To Make the Sharpmaker Perform, then go buy a 6"x2"
coarse hone (like a DMT hone) to complement your Sharpmaker. That will make the
initial re-profiling quicker.

Joe
jat@cup.hp.com

 

[David Rock]

Lab Man:

I would buy the Spyderco Sharpmaker and set it up on the kitchen counter and leave it there, right next to the knife holder block. Then maybe you will be inclined to sharpen your knives more often, and you will be a happier, more productive person.

One significant advantage of the Sharpmaker is that it can handle serrated as well as plain-edged blades.

David Rock