What's the best knife sharpener ?

K

Knife-geek

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Nov 21, 2013
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I've done research on the topic but I can't decide weather a flat stone, an electric sharpener, or a handheld double sided sharpener is best. I've read many mixed reviews on different diamond sharpeners and I don't want to end up wasting my money.
 
YOU are the best knife sharpener.
You can use a $500.00 Wicked-Edge, or a 10$ Lansky.
Of course, the Wicked-edge is better than the Lansky, but they both get it done.
I use a Lansky turnbox (ceramic-rods) with a Rite-Edge unloaded leather strop, and can get D2 to shaving sharp.
Whatever you buy, take time to learn how to use it and youll have no issues.
 
I am using the spyderco sharpmaker and it works fine.
It took me some time to get used to it but I am pretty happy with it now

I use it mainly on s30v and that it good.
I am thinking to invest in UF stones to complete the set.... But the basic set is more than enough to make knives really sharp
 
Have a look over in the maintenance and tinkering forum. The topic is heavily discussed there and there is some great info.
 
It depends.

If you don't want to spend much time sharpening I would suggest an electronic method like paper wheels or a belt sander / work sharp.

If you enjoy spending time sharpening your knives then I would suggest a Spyderco sharpmaker and a beginner stone like a Smith's Tri-Hone. Using the sharpmaker helped me learn how to freehand sharpen on stones. (I'm still not great though)
And lastly, go do lots of reading in the Maintenance, Tinkering and Embellishment subforum. That's where sharpening tactics are most commonly discussed.

Good luck! And don't be afraid to try different methods if you don't like one.
 
A good set of bench stones is basic. An angle guide is useful. I have used DMT diamond hones for 20+ years without wearing one out. I also cherish an ancient black Arkansas stone I inherited from a great-uncle.
 
fetzer85 said:
It depends.

If you don't want to spend much time sharpening I would suggest an electronic method like paper wheels or a belt sander / work sharp.

If you enjoy spending time sharpening your knives then I would suggest a Spyderco sharpmaker and a beginner stone like a Smith's Tri-Hone. Using the sharpmaker helped me learn how to freehand sharpen on stones. (I'm still not great though)
And lastly, go do lots of reading in the Maintenance, Tinkering and Embellishment subforum. That's where sharpening tactics are most commonly discussed.

Good luck! And don't be afraid to try different methods if you don't like one.
Click to expand...

Great post. :thumbup:

I learned on stones from my Dad & Grandfather and used stones exclusively for years. Some people find sharpening with stones to be almost zen-like, but not me. I just want sharp knives and did not enjoy the tinme spent sharpening with stones. So, I moved up to the Spyderco Sharpmaker and found it to be much better (read: quicker) than stones, but still more time consuming than I would like. Finally, I purchased the Ken Onion version of the Worksharp. Love it. I had avoided the basic worksharp because it was not adjustable for the most part, but the KO version gives the user several options that he/she can set on the device.

So, bladeboss is right - "YOU are the best knife sharpener." Then determine what you want to accomplish and that will tell you much about what device is best for you.

And get a strop. ;)
 
Wicked Edge and a Sharpmaker are a winning combination.

Pricey? Sure, but you did say best.
 
From what I understand is that if you take the time to learn your method, The edge pro beat the wicked edge. The wicked edge is supposedly faster, and puts a great edge on a knife. I can't say from experience because I have only used the edge pro. But I can say that I can sharpen most ANY knife to better than a factory edge. Recently I sharped a co workers kitchen knives and he sliced his kitchen rag while wiping it down, cut it cleanly in half. My 2 cents is that whichever sharpening system you go with be it stones, wicked edge, edge pro, sharpmaker etc, Just do your homework on it and practice.
 
I find that it's most important to mate sharpener with personal preferences.

Using a stone takes experience, but can be cheap and fast when you get it down. Until that point, it can be frustrating to many, I imagine.

The Spyderco Sharpmaker is inbetween free hand sharpening on a stone and using a system like the Wicked Edge/Edge Pro. It's quick, painless, and gets great results (plus it does teach a bit of the technique needed for sharpening on a stone). It's limitations are reprofiling edges and the quality of the edge depends on how straight you keep the knife during sharpening. I recommend the Ultra Fine and Diamond rods, but they add a LOT to the cost.

The Wicked Edge/Edge Pro systems are expensive, but after a few trial runs pretty much anyone can get a knife super sharp. It costs as much as a high end production or moderate priced custom knife, though. Never having used one, I can imagine the setup/storage of such systems would take longer than alternatives. I would mostly recommend this type of system when using ridiculously hard to sharpen steels.
 
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