Whats the best $40 sharpener

T

thefirstsuspect

Joined
Oct 30, 2013
Messages
226
I have had a cheap smith sharpener and decided it was time to move onto something better. What would you guys with sharpening experience recommend for a sharpener that I can get a hair shaving sharp blades with for around the $30 to $40 range. I don't have a lot of sharpening experience so I would like something that I don't have to go free hand with.


Thanks, Nate
 
I'm by no means an expert in sharpening, but if you could pony up a little more money the spyderco sharpmaker has worked great for me. I'm terrible freehand and usually make things worse and got tired of marring up my blades so I finally got one, and I've been able to get all my knives hair popping sharp in just a few minutes. I bought the extra fine stones as well but I really don't think they are necessary for a edc edge. The standard stones will get it shaving sharp fairly quick unless it's a terribly dull blade starting out.
 
I find the Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker to work best. This is however slightly out of your range at about 60$ new. This price is actually incredible and I advise you to spend the extra 20$. This is an amazing system for beginners and you learn a lot from the DVD. It is very easy to use. The system requires minimum maintenance and can be upgraded with coarser or finer ceramic files. The sharpmaker also puts an amazing edge on even my higher end steel blades (M390, CPM-M4 etc).<
Hope this helps-
 
Lansky four rod turnbox.
It's a similar concept to the Sharpmaker, but you should be able to get one for under $25. They also have diamond rods, if you need something more coarse.
 
I have heard a lot about the sharpmaker if I can find one for about $50 to $60 I will probably buy it and not regret it. The reason I have such a low price point is because I am a poor 13 year old.
 
DMT Aligner or Lansky system with 3 or 4 stones and a clamp. They're pretty close to fool-proof and meet your price point. The sharpmaker is often slower and costs more.

Good sharpening,
Dave
 
its worth the extra 20 bucks to get a sharpmaker. you can often find used ones on the exchange forum from time to time.
 
Sharpmaker is a very nice system but if money is tight all you actually need is a V shape and some abrasive media.
With two pieces of wood with one flat side each you can make a V shape in 30, 40, or 50 degrees inclusive.
A few sheets of sanding paper in different grits will last you a long time and will cost you just a few dollars.
With a little training you can get shaving sharp edges that way too.
 
I think I will go with the sharpmaker it is above my price point but I know I will have it for a long time and I think with all the use I will get out of it will be worth the extra $20. Thanks for your help guys.
 
Go to A.G. Russell's site and check out his "Field Sharpener." It's about $40 and has been doing a good job for me....on folders and up to 5" fixed blades anyway. I don't think it would be convenient for a longer fixed...but I've never tried. And I'm "no expert" either!
 
+1 on the sharpmaker and they can be found for around $50 new with shipping quite often on Ebay. There are also some listed for sale here on the forum from time to time for alittle less than that.
 
Gargs said:
Go to A.G. Russell's site and check out his "Field Sharpener." It's about $40 and has been doing a good job for me....on folders and up to 5" fixed blades anyway. I don't think it would be convenient for a longer fixed...but I've never tried. And I'm "no expert" either!
Click to expand...

For the money, and especially for a relatively inexperienced user, this is a great suggestion.

AG3750.jpg


I bought one of these several years ago, and for some reason just didn't use it much. I've recently dug it out of storage, and have been rediscovering it's usefulness. The included diamond rods make a HUGE difference in functionality, especially for the price. I've used the diamond rods to re-bevel several knives (to 30° inclusive) in various steels, including S30V (Chris Reeve Sebenza and a Kershaw Leek), ATS-34, 420HC and others. The kit and rods are fairly small (rods are 4" length); that's why the diamond rods are a big bonus, getting a lot of work done with a relatively small abrasive surface area. With that added functionality, the kit's compactness is a plus.


David
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top