whats the best sharpener for a first timer??

[paulwesley]

my first time to sharpen my beauties you guys but these sharpeners look kind of confusing can i get a little advice please......................thx/paul

 

[DGG]

PaulW-

I think the easiest is the Sharpmaker by Spyderco. It comes with good instructions and is compact for storage and very easy to setup. It is middle of the road as far as expense.

http://spyderco.com/catalog/details.php?product=77

I would suggest looking at the sharpening forum in bladeforums which I think you already discovered. Some great info there. I have an extra-course whetstone made by DMT and a homemade hone/strop.


http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=794


The EdgePro is probably the top of the line unless you want to get into powered belt units. You are starting to get up into some serious numbers though.

 

[paulwesley]

well theres a knife sharpening shop here with all the fancy stuff, would they just ruin it, I dont know if they have dealt with ZDP-189 before andf i've got 2 caly ZDPs amongst others

 

[kenk]

The Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is wonderfully easy and even comes with complete written instructions filled with color photos (18 illustrations on just steps #1 & 2 below) and a video to walk you though the process (though it really is not necessary).

The instructions cover sharpening:
-Plain edge blades (40 degrees)
-Back-bevel (30 degrees)
-Serrated edge blades (40 degrees)
-Flexible blades
-Electric knife blades
-Hatchet
-Hawkbill blade
-Other blade shapes
-Scissors
-Tin snips
-Thinning shears
-Pinking shears
-Straight razor
-Chisel
-Plane blade
-Wood gouge
-Wire cutters
-Paddle bit (spade bit)
-Router bit
-Screwdrivers
-Dental tools
-Fish hooks
-Darts
-Needles
-Potato peelers
-Nail clippers
-Cuticle Nippers

Here are the basic instructions for a plain edge blade:

Use the 40 degree (inclusive) holes.

1-Gray stick, on the Corner > |<, 20 strokes on each side (40 strokes total)
2-Gray stick, on the Flat < |>, 20 strokes on each side
3-White stick, on the Corner > |<, 20 strokes on each side
4-White stick, on the Flat < |>, 20 strokes on each side

Serrated edges are sharpened using step #3 only.

Consider getting the diamond sticks as well. They will help deal with blades that need reprofiling (are really REALLY dull).

 

[Hateman]

A Sharpmaker runs around $45.00 to $65.00 depending on where you get it. For a beginner, it's great and worth the price. Easy to use, care for and can save you $$. (enough for more knives )

If you do decide to get one, I'd suggest getting the technique down then getting a set of the Ultra-fine rods. The UF rods really do take the knives 'to the next level of sharpness,' as someone once told me here.

 

[greenman466]

My vote for the Sharpmaker by Spyderco.
I bought it about a month ago. Very easy to use. Makes knives razor sharp. So far I sharpen two swiss army, hard use Emmerson with AUS8 blade and 440C BM Grip. All of them come out very good. Just watch DVD couple times. Terific system. Good luck.

 

[Slvgx]

I'd suggest the Sharpmaker 204 as well. Very easy to use. It comes with instruction book and a DVD/VHS which is helpful.

 

[Cougar Allen]