which sharpener should I buy?

R

rufous

Joined
Jun 19, 2002
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I am thinking that it is time to buy a knife sharpening system. Presently all I have is a steel rod that came with my Henckels kitchen knives and a small diamond impregnated rod that I carry in my pack when hunting. I have been doing some research and have thus far discovered three different systems that seem to be commonly used. They are the Spyderco Sharpmaker 204, the Edgepro Sharpening System (either the Apex model or the Professional model) and finally the Diamond Machining Technology (DMT) stones. I have some questions. With the Edgepro system would the Apex model suffice or would I really want the Professional model? If I bought the Apex model would I want to buy other grades of stones to go with it? If I went with the DMT stones which ones should I buy? It appears that with the DMT stones and with the Sharpmaker I would need to freehand the angle. I am not terribly confident that I can hold a consistent angle and I do not know exactly what angle is best. Presumably I should follow the angle that came on the knife? Any advise? Thanks, Rufous.
 
I would buy the Sharpmaker if you plan on maintaining a sharp blade. If you really abuse your blades you may want to consider the Edgepro or a Lansky system. They are better at high steel removal sharpening.
Nick
 
Since Spyderco has released the optional diamond rods with the 204, it would definitely be near the top of my list.
The diamond rods have really cut down my whetting time when using the 204, and that was one of the knocks about it.

Blade steels like S60V, S90V, and some tool steels are very hard to whet since they have a very high wear resistance, and that is when the diamond rods come into their own.
The other knock about the 204 is that it rounds tips of blades. This can be easily solved by just using the flats of the triangular rods, and do not drag the point of the blade off the flats.

Also, read Joe's excellent sharpening FAQ about sharpening, and with that knowledge combined with the 204 there is no reason that I can forsee why you would not be able to attain an excellent cutting edge. Big D1
 
I have both a Sharpmaker 204 and EdgePro Apex with the upgrade package. The 204 is fine for most purposes and maintaing an edge. However, it only has 2 preset angles. If you have a knife that has a different angle, then you have two choices, use the presets or sharpen freehand. The 204 is really simple to use. I keep mine in the kitchen to touch up my cooking knives.

The EdgePro is a fine sharpener. I did not understand the meaning of sharp until I started using this system. It is more involved than the 204 (more expensive as well), you have to keep the stones wet and maintain them. If you really want sharp and have the ability to sharpen any angle including reprofiling a blade then I recomend the EdgePro. If you only sharpen occasionally then the 204 will work. If you are a fanatic about a sharp edge the EdgePro is hard to beat.

Good luck in your search,

S.
 
get a set of high quality oilstones like some arkansas whetstones, you can get a razor edge and it doesnt take too much practice to get the angle constant, after not too long you just get a natural rhythm. then you will have something you can use on all lengths and tupes of blade and tool to hone exactly as you need without fiddling with rods and clips and messing with tiny stones and what not. oh yeah and you will also develop a new skill
 
The spydie helps you with handing the angle by changing the angle at which you look at it, i'm a hypoglycemic that sucks at hand sharpening who can get a hair shaving edge on the 204 easily.
From what i've heard ANY edgepro system is king, if you've got the bucks, go for it!
If you're good at freehand sharpening the DMTs are the best choice, they are very high-end diamond coated benchstones, i'd personally recommend one of those 2x8 Combo stones (one side coarse grit, one side fine) which run about $80, best value in DMTs if you ask me.
 
I think now would be a good time to warn that sharpening recurved knives on benchstones is quite difficult.
 
Y.C. said it. However, they can be easily sharpened on the Sharpmaker 204 using the corners of the rods only. Not the flats.
 
The sharpmaker is one heck of a sharpener. I have used the set up and rods freehand for many a task. And they shine:D I haven't any experience with Edge Pro, I know they are pricey, but they look pretty cool.
Matt
 
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