sharpeners. what are you using?

[Rookie]

I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker, but I'm really thinking about the Wicked Edge. Is there anything better?

 

[whocares]

Spyderco Sharpmaker! Easy to use and well made. Plus the price for an entire rig with base and a few stones is less than $100

 

[minuteman32]

I have the uncanny ability to turn any sharp knife into a butter knife! Then I bought & started using the Sharpmaker. That thing is wonderful! I can get my blades as sharp as they came from Spyderco, even the non-Spyderco ones!

 

[Gabriel]

...even the non-Spyderco ones!

I think that voids the warranty.

 

[tradertator]

The Wicked Edge sharpeners are amazing. Might also check out the Edge Pro.

 

[jmdavis984]

I just picked up a Lansky kit. So far I am completely incapable of making dull blades sharp.

 

[jbombelli]

I use stones. I used a Spyderco Sharpmaker for a while, but I just couldn't get the hang of it, so I went back to plain old stones and doing everything by hand with no guides. Now my knives are sharp again, and I have the good old knifer's mange on my arm (lol) to show for it.

 

[ISP 5353]

1X30 and a 1X42 grinders with belts down to 2000 and then to leather belts and strops.

 

[phylodog]

I bought an Edge Pro Apex and while I had more success with it than trying to use regular stones it still requires a decent amount of proper technique. I sold it and bought the Wicked Edge.

The Wicked Edge makes things extremely easy, doesn't take long to set up and I've been able to get the sharpest blades I've ever worked with it. That said, it isn't perfect and I'd recommend getting an angle finder if you're looking for perfection. The vice only moves in one direction so the angle markings on the arms won't be accurate for every knife. The angle finder allows you to check and make sure you get them where you want them.

There is also a small amount of slop in the "U" joints which attach the stone rods to the arms. This requires a consistent hold and application of pressure to prevent making slight changes to the angle on each stroke. There are mods you can make to correct this but I've had more pressing problems to deal with lately. I might get on it one of these days.

Just a couple of small issues which really aren't difficult to overcome but they do prevent the WE from being 100% out of the box. If you feel like making the drive down you can borrow mine and give it a whirl. It's a lot of money to spend without taking a test drive.

 

[Bob45]

I got the basic wicked edge kit, and ended up buying more stones and Im not done buying them yet. Also, as mentioned above, you really need an agle cube, they are about $35. All told I will have over $500 in mine when I get all the stones and strops i want, but theres no way I would ever get my knives this sharp any other way. They do have redesigned arms that may help with the slop that led to somewhat inconsistent results, but I dont know how much they are. Im happy with mine, knives are really sharp and stay that way

 

[M67]

I still find it hard to beat sand paper and a leather strop.

And for the price of one of the "top of the line" sharpeners, I can get more than a lifetime supply of sandpaper....

 

[Rookie]

Got a link for an angle cube?

 

[rhino]

I do everything by hand/feel with diamond rods of varying grits.

 

[Dorky_D]

Anyone use a worksharp?
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Work-Sharp-WSKTS-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B003IT5F14/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343662765&sr=8-1&keywords=worksharp]Amazon.com: Work Sharp WSKTS Knife and Tool Sharpener: Home Improvement[/ame]

 

[BuddieReigns]

Anyone use a worksharp?
Amazon.com: Work Sharp WSKTS Knife and Tool Sharpener: Home Improvement

looks pretty rad.

 

[BuddieReigns]

from the video, some of the reviews poop on it.

 

[Bob45]

I think the Worksharp only does convex edges, If you want a conventional edge I dont think thats the way to go. I wish I had the patience and the time to freehand sharpen, but I havent had much luck with it

 

[TiminMishawaka]

1X30 and a 1X42 grinders with belts down to 2000 and then to leather belts and strops.

Same here

 

[phylodog]

They do have redesigned arms that may help with the slop that led to somewhat inconsistent results, but I dont know how much they are.

Rep incoming for this, I had no idea they had come up with a solution to that problem. It doesn't appear the new arms are available yet but I'll probably pick up a set when they are. I might as well, I'm not sure I've spent enough money on it yet lol.

 

[halfmileharry]

I use stones. I used a Spyderco Sharpmaker for a while, but I just couldn't get the hang of it, so I went back to plain old stones and doing everything by hand with no guides. Now my knives are sharp again, and I have the good old knifer's mange on my arm (lol) to show for it.

Ditto. Stones only for me too. I don't know how anything could be as quick as good stones and a little leather