Which Sharpener

A

austin37

Joined
Jul 7, 2019
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Looking at getting first Real sharpening system. Do not want or need KME level and cost. Between the Spyderco Sharpmaker and AG Russell ceramic crock stick system with Walnut base… I am attracted to the wood base of AG Russell if they are the same otherwise.: which would be simpler and better overall choice and need less upgrading … will be sharpening Randall 01, 440B/C. Chris Reeve S35V,S45V eventually magnacut just for example and to determine sharpening rods needed
Thank you, Austin
 
I recently picked up a Lansky Turnbox and if you can believe it I was actually angry about how easy and effective it was. I always knew they were idiot-proof, but I never actually experienced it for myself. It took about 1-2 minutes to get an old Classic SD hair popping sharp, with my brain running on autopilot the whole time.

They cost 20-25 bucks. You've got two sets of preset angles like with the Sharpmaker, only you get 20 and 25 degrees with round sticks on the Turnbox whereas the Sharpmaker has 20 and 17 degrees I think? 15 degrees. If you own a Sharpmaker then it might be a good idea to supplement it with a Turnbox because they're so cheap, although a lot of people say they never use the 25 degree holes anyway.

I would get the Sharpmaker. I think it's worth the extra money over the Turnbox because you get the triangular shaped sticks which are more versatile at sharpening all kinds of different style blades.

A note about the Turnbox: they've got questionable quality control. If you get one, measure the angles. Mine were fine, but I've seen reviews complaining that the angles were off, and also some complaints about the sticks not fitting well. You won't risk running into that issue with the Sharpmaker. Although on the plus side, the wooden base of the Turnbox means you can drill your own holes at whatever angles you want if you are inclined to do so.
 
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I am a fan of the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It is pretty a versatile sharpener; beside knives I also sharpen scissors which turns out to be pretty nice. With the Sharpmaker you can also buy additional sharpening sticks like the diamond or ultra fine sticks/stones.
 
Thank you both for all the info. With the Spyderco Sharpmaker, are the standard rods that come with the system adequate enough for most sharpening needs including serrated edges? Or are the additional cost stones such as diamond necessary for modern steels such as magnacut and S45V
 
Because diamond and cbn rods are available for the Sharpmaker, you'll be able to handle a wider variety of steels with it.
Mangacut has 4% vanadium - it's going to wear slow. Diamond rods will make life easier.
 
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