Yawn... newb at sharpening needs advice.

[Zero_Time]

This topic should almost be stickied... but it varies so much, it wouldn't do much good. Well, the time has come to get a good sharpener, and I need advice.
1. Never, ever really sharpened before- tried a few times freehand with a few stones... yeah. Not very good.
2. For use on pocket knives, range probably from the 3-6" blade length.
3. I have a few recurves (benchmade 710) which I love to pieces and would hate to do harm to.
4. I have mostly looked at either the sharpmaker or the edge pro apex.
5. I don't know/am scared of crazy reprofiling that the sharpmaker may make necessary, as the 710 is made of d2, and I know I will mess something up, in addition to wanting a smaller angle than what the sharpmaker offers.
So the question is, should I just get a sharpmaker anyway, learn to somehow reprofile the edges without any diamond, and use it so I can learn more about sharpening, or should I just get an apex? I finally have some cash so the apex isn't a ridiculous idea. Or is there a 3rd sharpener I should look at for my needs?
Thanks,
Zero_Time

 

[richard j]

have you looked into the cardboard wheels? i have 1 recurve that i sharpen with the wheels but it takes practice to learn how to use the wheels correctly sharpening this type of blade. as for straight edges, there is no problem but it takes practice too. i have 3 short video's showing how quickly a burr can be worked up with the wheels. removing the burr and polishing the edge is just as quick. stevebot, a member here sells the wheels at a discount to members on the forum. these are the origonal wheels and not the cheap white paper ones which dont do as good a job.

 

[thombrogan]

All three options (both of yours and richard_j's) will work great. Seriously check out both the wheels ( www.sharpeningmadeeasy.com ) and the EdgePro Apex if speed is your concern (all three will get the knife very sharp, but D2 is sometimes slow on the Sharpmaker).

 

[Native Justice]

Look also at the DMT Magna Aligner system (approx $50). A great system which uses the Dia-Fold diamond hones (comes with dual grit coarse and fine, other grits available as extra expense) attached via a magnet to the clamp guide. It is stupid easy to use and puts an amazing edge on any knife including those with the premium steels (much easier than other clamp based systems). Includes the added utility of being able to use the DiaFold portability for field use to maintain the edge without the Aligner if you choose ... Give it a look see. I strongly recommend it.

NJ

 

[krazichinaman]

If you look around at the other threads. Most if not all will suggest that you just buy both systems. The sharpmaker is more of a "edge touch upper" and the edge pro is the real down and dirty sharpener. You can get by with the sharpmaker as long as you don't have to reprofile. That is where the edge pro comes into play.

I myself have the diamond stones for the sharpmaker, and it still takes a LONG time to reprofile.

 

[Zero_Time]

I need to practice my sharpening skills a little, and go for the Sharpmaker. I'm also in college, and don't really (well, I COULD get access if I really wanted to) to a grinder, so that was pretty much right out. Again, good point about there being different sharpeners for different things. I've wanted to get one anyway. Now only question is: is there a retailer that sells the sharpmaker at decent price that also sells surefire batteries (at a decent price as well)? Cuz I could use some, and might as well combine shipping.
Thanks for all the advice, and who knows if I will eventually get all the options mentioned here.

Zero

 

[krazichinaman]

I need to practice my sharpening skills a little, and go for the Sharpmaker. I'm also in college, and don't really (well, I COULD get access if I really wanted to) to a grinder, so that was pretty much right out. Again, good point about there being different sharpeners for different things. I've wanted to get one anyway. Now only question is: is there a retailer that sells the sharpmaker at decent price that also sells surefire batteries (at a decent price as well)? Cuz I could use some, and might as well combine shipping.
Thanks for all the advice, and who knows if I will eventually get all the options mentioned here.

Zero

Heh I know how the college thing goes....I'm there as well. University of Washington here! Too bad all this school is taking away from my knives/guns fund :jerkit: