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Which Sharpener?

Cadillac86

Cadillac86

Joined
May 24, 2011
Messages
470
So, I have never sharpened knives before. It is new to me and I don't really know where to start. Well, I guess I do know, and that's picking out a sharpener.

I've got about $50 I can put into sharpener/stropping materials. I really don't know what's considered a decent sharpener. I have O1 tool steel, 8Cr13MoV, and an ELMAX blade on the way. So If it does well at sharpening those materials, that will be great. Since I'm new, I have no preference on type of sharpening utility as I will need to learn how to use them regardless of which one.

Stropping is another thing I'm going to need to learn, but I want to eventually be able to put great edges on my knives. Thanks in advance for any help!
 
bonzodog said:
DMT Aligner,easy learning curve.
Click to expand...



Watched a few videos and it definitely seems like it is a good way to start. Especially since you can easily choose an angle and keep it without having to worry if you changed it too much. Thanks for the recommendation! I may very well order one of these.
 
Order some bench stones and if you really want a guide buy the DMT aligner clamp to use with the stones. If you want diamond I would recommend the DMT duosharp with base, coarse and fine grits. My other rec would be for waterstones, Shapton Glass in 500 and 2k grits.

For stropping, buy a nice piece of horse leather and use it without compound.
 
Jason B. said:
Order some bench stones and if you really want a guide buy the DMT aligner clamp to use with the stones. If you want diamond I would recommend the DMT duosharp with base, coarse and fine grits. My other rec would be for waterstones, Shapton Glass in 500 and 2k grits.

For stropping, buy a nice piece of horse leather and use it without compound.
Click to expand...

Ultimately I'll get the shapton glass waterstones, but they are a bit pricey for me at the moment. the DMT duosharp and base does look nice though, that's for sure
 
I'd vote for a Lansky for the complete beginner. The guided system, not the angled rods. Just my 2 cents and others will disagree. I find the guided systems very forgiving of new users and you can progress to very sharp edges before you need (or want) to upgrade.
 
I think a guided system would be good for a beginner, I have the Spyderco Sharpmaker and would highly recommend it. It's a great way to teach the basics of freehand, while holding the stones at a set angle. If you go that route, I would highly recommend getting the diamond stones as well. In order to sharpen a knife at 40 degree inclusive or higher you will be needing to take off more material to get it to a 40 degree inclusive, or reprofiling the edge, and the basic stones you get with it won't quite cut it in my opinion. Sorry if I got too technical, I had to explain why I think you need the diamond rods (more coarse rod) to sharpen. If that is too much money, you have other good suggestions on here. Good luck with your purchase :)
 
Thank you guys all very much for the input! I decided to order the DMT guided system, I'll let you know how I like it once it arrives!
 
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