KNIFE SHARPENING SYSTEM - ESPECIALLY FOR THE NOVICE OR A PERSON WITH LESS PATIENCE

I've been sharpening knives ever since I joined the Boy Scouts 60 years ago. I have always used good quality Arkansas Stones and mastered the art of using them free-hand a long time ago. I sharpen many knives so my muscle memory has been basically set in stone. I know for many, using an Arkansas Stone is not an easy task and many get frustrated with them and give up. I also own a bunch of different knife "sharpening systems", most which have been gifts over the years. This is basically what I'd like to share here.

To cut to the chase, my Daughter's BF (at the time) bought me a Spyderco Sharpmaker for Christmas, 5 years ago. It uses a plastic base set at both a 30º (15º each side) and a 40º (20º each side) which are the two most common sharpening angles for most knives. It uses two sets of different grit ceramic triangular sharpening stones that last a long long time. The grits are medium and fine which are just about perfect for knives that are dull but don't need to be re-profiled. To completely re-profile, you will need to order their diamond course "stones" or re-profile the blade with another method or sharpener but I am addressing just a dull knife here that is otherwise in proper condition.

I have recently purchased this exact knife sharpener for my son and a good friend that have neither the patience, skills or desire to learn hand sharpening but do like sharp kitchen and utility knives. It is a fairly easy and simple learning curve to master, it does an excellent job and will last a long long time if cleaned with a simple kitchen cleaner like Bar Keeper's Friend, Bon-Ami, etc. The cleaner removes metal on the ceramic stones and gives you a nice clean fresh surface to use again.

While there are similar systems available, it is my opinion (through use) that this Spyderco system is about the best of the lot for the price. You can get them for under $75 on Amazon but just make SURE they are sold by and shipped by Amazon - don't get a Chinese knock off!

The Spyderco Sharpmaker will properly sharpen pretty much any knife, scissors, shears and I like to keep my cutting implements sharp all the time - with this hassle free system, doing that is quick, easy, mess free and simple. I just wanted to pass this along as I know many have gotten quite frustrated sharpening knives. BTW, if you own good quality knives and scissors, PLEASE do not use electric sharpeners or the pull through type they sell in the Supermarket for $19.99! They will ruin and shorten the life of your knives. I hope this helps a few who might be looking for an affordable and easy sharpening system that actually works very well.

PS: I have absolutely no association with Spyderco and I do not receive one red cent - so I have no horse in this race. Just passing along my experience here.

Been using that for many years and it is very simple to use.
And it is kinder to blades than the Worksharp belt system I also bought.
They both can be useful.

Rat458 said:

Been using that for many years and it is very simple to use.
And it is kinder to blades than the Worksharp belt system I also bought.
They both can be useful.

Click to expand...

I agree. While the Worksharp system does work, it will IMO severely shorten the longevity of your knives by removing too much material to just sharpen the edge. IMO the Worksharp is more useful in reestablishing a new profile on a knife that has been abused.

Yes.
Its main use around here is tool sharpening.
Or for the tool box and fishing knives .

I have tried several systems/devices over the years and agree the Spyderco is the best. I also added a pair of coarse diamond "stones" to the set that work great on really neglected blades though they are quite pricey.

Tom S. said:

I have tried several systems/devices over the years and agree the Spyderco is the best. I also added a pair of coarse diamond "stones" to the set that work great on really neglected blades though they are quite pricey.

Click to expand...

To re-profile a complete train-wrecked blade I use a medium-fine grit 8"wheel on my Bench Grinder or a belt sander. I have gotten pretty good at it and can make short work of re-profiling. Much care has to be taken not to take too much metal off or ruin the temper, but I've been at it for a while now so I have mastered that. Sometimes I will even use the course 50 or 100 grit diamond "stone" of my KME system to secure the proper angle after roughing it with the bench grinder.

NOTE HERE: The ONLY time I will ever use a bench grinder or belt grinder on a knife is when it is so bad, a regular knife sharpening method or system is futile. The key is to keep the edge cool with water and have a good consistent angle. The rough finish is then refined by hand. Thankfully I don't normally encounter wrecked knives, but there have been a few. lol.

This knife was recently brought to me. The lady was cutting raw potatoes, with the wrong knife, and damaged it. “Can you fix it?”

The result speaks for itself.

Kevin

I've had a Spyderco Sharpmaker for probably 25-30 years. I think I bought it NIB for around $30.00!! A great tool that has sharpened literally hundreds of knives and still going strong.