Ok, every one reading this forum, and this thread, has at one time or another had a dull knife to sharpen. And if your like me you have had days you couldn't put a proper edge on a knife if you worked on it all day!
So, in my 60+ years of carrying a knife I have always had an eye out for a better mousetrap when it comes to keeping a sharp knife in my pocket.
So far, I have not found the perfect sharpener. Now please let me clarify something. The perfect sharpener should be able to:
A. put a nice edge on any size blade
B. Do it without having to find out where 12 or 15 degrees is
C. Do it in less than 30 minutes, which is my maximum attention span when trying to sharpen a knife.

I have not covered every corner of the knife world, but I certainly have bought more than my share of sharpeners that promised to be the "Last one I will ever buy".
Anybody got any good answers, I sure am willing to listen.

Assuming the knife has been correctly ground to shape, then ordinary Arkansas stones in medium and fine plus a buffing wheel to get the whiskers off should have a piece of quality steel extremely sharp in less than half hour.

Just touching up a blade that has been previously sharpened takes 5 minutes.

I have no use for the "gizmos" and mechanical sharpeners.

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Science plus Art

I have one question. Do you have a good leather strop?
A strop and some newspaper wrapped around a flat piece of wood, make for a very nice edge.

I've got an Edgepro from Apex and have been very happy with the results. It is pricey though. My dad bought a knock off of it and although it does work, it is not any where near as solid as the original.

Now see, there is two good ideas, I don't have either one. The last item in my sharpening drawer of goodies, was a Craftsman tool grinder, lol, works but doesn't give the edge I desire.

What are you using the knife for?

For a kitchen knife I use this;

Amazon.com - Yoshi BladeTM - Santoku Knives@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/510wbZkYnWL.@@AMEPARAM@@510wbZkYnWL

It stays scary sharp (literally!), nobody will use it but me because they fear it.

My first one lasted a year before I broke the tip, I have a second one that is now over a year old, with daily use.

For me, a knife is just a tool, I use it for whatever problem it will solve.
Scraping, cutting, minor prying, wire stripping, etc

I use a medium diamond sharpening block, a fine Arkansas and extra fine Arkansas oil stone. Since I sharpen my knives and my leather punches, knives, awls, edge bevelers, etc. I have no use for "gizmos" either. I also use very sharp wood chisels for trimming leather. I've even sharpened my wife's pencil sharpener. For sharpening inside curves I use a fine diamond impregnated rod. I'm planning on making a leather strop to get that fine polished edge on some of my cutting tools.
I consider learning how to shape and maintain a sharp edge worthwhile.
As OKFC05 pointed out, touching up a previously sharpened edge only takes about 5 minutes.

Although I am currently using a Lansky "Fold-A-Vee"
on a WW2 k-bar, for every thing else, I use the
medium and fine Arkansas stones, with honing oil
or some other type of light oil. They work just fine,
and won't break the bank. I like mine to be sharp
enough to shave the hair on my arms. When a touch-up
is needed, it's a matter of minutes like the earlier
posters replied.
TACC1

Ouch. My knives are crying out in sympathetic pain for your knives.
I use scrapers for scraping, wire strippers for stripping wire, prybars for prying, and knives for cutting.

I use Arkansas oilstones and Japanese water stones when I need the best, smoothest, sharpest edge.

I use diamond hones for fast sharpening, resharpening really dull knives, and for stainless steel knives.

I also use one of the quartz tubes from the inside of an industrial light bulb.
Don't remember if it was a sodium light or a metal halide light.

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What would Jim Cirillo do?

The best knife sharpener I have is my son in law, not too portable but does hone a keen edge.

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Back to back World War Champs.

Find a Warthog. Angles are pre-set within range (although you can adjust) and there are steel inserts for the final finish. Not inexpensive, but quick and good.

Would you loan him to me? I have a drawer full of misc knives, they all receive bolster damage trying to cut butter.

I know what ya'all are thinking, even with the finest sharpener this guy couldn't sharpen a ax head, let alone a fine knife.
Ok, you got me! That's true, so do any of you live in southwest Ohio? lol I could use a good knife guy for a friend.!

Wow !! What you need is a tool box.

"Lansky 4 rod turn box crock stick sharpener" $19.00 on Amazon. Has 2 fine rods, 2 Medium rods, 2 pre-drilled holes for 20 degree sharpening and 2 pre-drilled holes for 25 degree sharpening. So simple my wife can sharpen a knife. I guess I've sold a dozen of these for Lansky, as everybody that tries mine says "I gotta have one of these"

I recently sent five Warther knives back to the factory and they came back razor sharp. These were estate sale pick-up's that were not properly maintained over the years. I tried to put a good edge on them, but couldn't get them as sharp as I wanted.

They sharpen their own knives for free, but they'll also sharpen other brands for $3 each. Warther Cutlery is located in Dover Ohio, so you might want to take a road trip. You could also ship your knives to them, but you'll need to include $10 for return shipping. Do a Google search and you'll find their site. I highly recommend them.

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"I also cook."

Another vote for the Apex Edgepro. Way more solid than the Lansky system. The owner is a gentleman but more importantly a fanatic about sharpening. I visited his small shop and he took the time to walk me through sharpening my knife, and he's also been very responsive to email and phone queries. Very repeatable results, mirror finish if you want it. I finish by stropping with newspaper.

The Warthog is the best in my book.

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William Sanders

I am impressed. To spend half an hour sharpening a blade is impossible for me to imagine. Those of you who said you did that must possess a lot more patience than I do.

I am truly envious.

I have a Spyderco Sharpmaker and I spend about 2-3 minutes on a blade if it needs sharpening. I am sure I do not get it as nice, as sharp or as perfect as you folks do, but it works for me.

I think of it this way-whether I spend a long time or a short time trying to sharpen the blade, it still gets dull when I use it hard or a lot. So, for me, it makes sense to take the short cut.

I admit that patience is not one of my gifts (I'm still not sure what the other gifts I have are).

But the OP's original query about sharpeners? Well, I carry a Benchmade every day and have a larger one, a 710 for "backup." Every ten months or so, I send my EDC to Benchmade along with a five dollar bill and they return it to me in about 10 days from the time I send it in very sharp condition.

During my EDC's vacation, I use the 710 (which, as far as I can remember, has never cut anything and so remains as sharp as it was when I got it).

I truly do wish I had the patience and skill to sharpen it like you guys, but I just don't.

Wait! I just remembered. I have two machetes that I use from time to time and I do hand sharpen them. On my belt sander.

Bob

Wow, some of you guys are really serious about sharpening your knives, newspaper and leather straps to get that perfect edge. If I spent all that time getting it sharp, I wouldn't want to use it and make it dull. Then I'd have to spend all that time sharpening it again.
Really guys, I'm not trying to be funny, I am looking for something powered by electricity not my arm, that will error free, put a sharp edge on the variety of knives I carry around. I doubt it exists, but I figured if anyone knew of a solution to my problem, I would find them on here.

I think the dilemma with any electric powered sharpener would be dramatically reduced life of the knife!

My BIL has one of these and loves it.

Work Sharp Ken Onion Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener : Cabela's

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"I also cook."

That's ok, these companies make these knives every day, they will be thrilled if you buy another one.

I have a Lansky kit but set tup is a pain. Right now there is a Spyderco sharpmaker right behind me on the counter and I suspect that it will be the last sharpener I ever buy.

FWIW I also have traditional Norton and natural Arkansas stones and can and have sharpened knives and tools to razor sharpness with them, finishing with a 10" hard felt buffing wheel with Matchless compound but I just don't have the hand strength and patience anymore.

I bought this model from Amazon and it has exceeded my expectations. I sharpened a Henkel butcher knife that had not been touched in almost a decade. I could literally shave my arm with it after 3 minutes.

This thing is fast, affordable, and comes with a very thorough manual that explains which type of edge should go on different types of knives.

Check out the reviews Amazon.com: Chef'sChoice M130 Professional Knife-Sharpening Station, Black: Kitchen & Dining@@AMEPARAM@@http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41YulOIpwmL.@@AMEPARAM@@41YulOIpwmL

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Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa.

Anyone use one of these (Cratex)?



Those are 1" target dots for scale.

They come in various grits, I have "black" and "red".

I have a custom made holder that will allow me to chuck it in a 1/4" drill

It does miracles on other things!

I might have to give it a try on a knife.

Does it work on the smaller pocket knives? The picture looks like the wheel is several inches from the guard.

When my daughter gets ahold of a kitchen knife, and doesn't sharpen it, and washes it in the dish washer they are really bad. When I get to CO my Granddaughter ask me to sharpen the knives as they can't cut anything with them. A 1" belt sander with a 550 grip belt (well used) makes quick work of putting an edge on the blades. I don't spend too much time as they will be right back in the same shape the next time I get out there.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

For Christmas my wife got me the "Work Sharp" mentioned by another poster. It is fantastic! I have a S&W stainless knife in my pocket right now that had been in a drawer for 40 years. I spent hours and hours over the years trying to sharpen it without success. Useless. 5 minutes, tops, using the Work Sharp and it is like a straight razor. I look for things to sharpen now. Did every pocket, kitchen, and carving set. A dozen pairs of scissors, a Gerber hatchet and am now going through the garage and tool boxes just looking for things to sharpen. This is a great tool for those of us not patient or skilled enough to use the stones.

I use DMT Diamonds...and get razor edges all the time !!!.....

Denny G.

I tried just about everything. The DMT Diamond whetstones are the best I've tried. I also like using a sharpening steel to help finish the edge. I got a tip from a magazine for putting on a final edge. Instead of a leather strap, use the edge of a cardboard box. It works great!

I would like some more info and perhaps a picture of this work sharp. Would you PM me please.

i also use a worthog is easy already set up in my garage a couple of swipes through that and im ready for next job

There are 2 versions of the "Work Sharp"... the original and the Ken Onion edition. For those who haven't heard that name, Ken Onion is a renowned knife maker/designer, several knife companies such as Kershaw list "Ken Onion design" knives in their catalogs.

Ken lent his expertise in coming up with a version of the Work Sharp that is superior to the original in that it can handle just about any blade angle you want to throw at it.

If your considering one, spend the extra $$. They weren't in existence when I bought my Work Sharp, so now I have 2 of them with the original being relegated to garage duty sharpening tasks and the Ken Onion version is my "go to" on for all knives.

Colts4u... search for "Work sharp ken onion edition" on youtube, you'll find all the info about it you'll need.

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Conrad
SWCA #1830 SWHF #222

Spyderco Sharpmaker....mine has two sets of ceramic rods, aggressive grit (brown), and fine (white). Easy, handy, top quality set-up for a reasonable price. Eighty bucks or so, depends on the rods you get. Will sharpen scissors as well. Does everything you could want, and no need to do anything else.

However (here's the OCD part)......I like my edges mirror sharp on my EDC carry knives, so I follow with a extra-fine, translucent Arkansas stone; then a leather strop impregnated with Chromium Oxide. Wonderfully sharp and source of great pride.

Make your own strop with some good leather and glue it with rubber cement to a piece hard, flat wood; get a stick of Chromium Oxide (green).....heat the stick and the leather simultaneously (I use a hair dryer), rub and spread it into the leather like a crayon...then take off the excess with some sort of straight edge and smooth it out for a thin, level surface. Sounds harder than it is. I clamp the leather during glueing so as not to have any 'bumps' in the leather, and clean off the excess CO...more is not better. The heating opens the pores of the leather allowing it to become imbedded in the surface. When the surface starts to darken, which is actually metal from the stropping process, I reheat and freshen the surface.

I find sharpening to be very relaxing and rewarding. My wife always knows when I've done her kitchen knives. Also, you'll come to appreciate the different types/grades of cutlery steel. Get the best you can....more expensive, yes; but worth it in the long run.

http://lansky.com/index.php/products...sional-system/

Best I've used.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

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🇺🇸 Todd 🇺🇸

A good ol' sharpening stone a fine Arkansas stone and a leather strop for me.I can take almost any blade and make it shaving sharp with those three items.It takes some practice so start with some cheap Frost cutlery knives.

I really like my Work Sharp

A quality knife comes with the blade edge angled and shaped the way the maker intended, which should be the reason you bought it. It should be regularly honed and stropped so that its original edge is never worn to the extent it loses its original shape. Honing realigns and removes some of the bent edge and stropping polishes the edge without removing metal. This only takes a minute or two and requires no special skill. With quality steel this is not a big deal and doing it properly maintains your knife.

A quality knife should never be neglected to the extent its edge must be reshaped by the use of a stone or, horrors, a grinding wheel.

Having said this, many, including myself, often find our knife's edge needs some reshaping or we want to increase the cutting ability of a cheap knife that comes with a poorly designed or formed edge. After deciding the degree of bevel you desire, a stone should be used, either free hand or with one of the fixtures mentioned. Apply stones in decreasing grits until extra fine and then the hone and strop. A fine stone can remove as much metal as a course stone. A course stone is faster, but leaves a courser edge which requires more time to polish. I find it faster overall to start with a finer stone and it allows more control as to how much metal is removed. Always take care to remove only as much metal as necessary to make your desired degree of edge. Use oil with the stones and use the highest grit only to establish the blade angle and each lessor grit only to remove burs. Then hone and strop, with or without abrasives, to remove the edge overhang and mirror polish the edge. That edge is easily distorted from use and needs to be regularly restored, every other use maybe.

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Rush

Spydeco Triangle sharpening kit

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Riding, Shooting, and Truth

You have nice qualification for a nice sharpener, however you should also consider the blade type of your knife. Every blade type has a dedicated sharpener. For example, you would have difficulty sharpening a stainless blade if you will only use sharpening stones. Because of their hardness, stainless blade are perfect to sharpen in an electric sharpener.

You can read this blog for more info.

If you are serious this is hands down the best I have ever used,the only problem with it is you will gain more friends if they find out you have it. I know its expensive but I hate a dull knife.
RealSharp, Electric Knife Sharpener | Forsyth, MO

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An empty gun is a hammer

I got my Work Sharp Ken Onion today, the wife is happy,,,,

15 minutes, the main half dozen kitchen knives were sharper than they have been in two decades!!

WOOT!

I finally got myself a hunk of jewelers rouge and made a strop out of a leather scrap. I didn't think I really needed it but it makes a sharp edge very sharp.

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Keep on Chooglin'