Sharpening stone/system

[juelz919]

I have a few decently nice knives and im ashamed to say i dont keep up with any of them.

I dont really want to sink a whole lot of money into it but a simple and decent sharpener or system. I was looking at these

http://www.amazon.com/Schrade-SCKIT1-pc-Sharpeing-Kit/dp/B003DTAB72

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000B8IEA4/ref=pd_aw_sbs_469_1?refRID=072QJ0E9S8JEEJ0C2003

If your know something better feel free to recommend. I have an esee 4 and a few decent pocket knives. I dont need a razor sharp edge mostly just want to keep the blades nice.

Thank you

[TheChief]

I have the Lansky set you referenced. It was constantly slipping off the back of my knives no matter how much I tighten it. I found I got better edges just holding the stones rather than using the jig.

It took awhile but I finally found a good knife guy who can do it much better than I can for good rates. It may be worthwhile to find a local knife sharpener for you.

[Oneaudiopro]

I was taught at an early age how to use a sharpening steel to keep my knives razor sharp, a practice I still swear by today. I have yet to find a better way to keep a knife razor sharp.

[Rule .308]

I would recommend getting a decent 8" stone and learning your angles and free handing it to start.

The Lansky style systems work very well providing you can get a good purchase on the back of the blade.

The Edge Pro systems work very well but again it is a matter of securing the blade and holding the same angle on each side.

Take a look at AlieExpress, they have some pretty decent systems and replacement stones for dirt cheap.

[hermosabeach]

Lasky and the like give a flat edge profile

Some knives come with a bullet shaped edge from a belt grinder.

You can lay sandpaper on a mouse pad and use it like a stone to keep the bullet shape.

The lasky kit is good for the money

[TheChief]

I was taught at an early age how to use a sharpening steel to keep my knives razor sharp, a practice I still swear by today. I have yet to find a better way to keep a knife razor sharp.

If its a great technique, please share it.

[valster3]

Just fyi I believe the esee 4 has a full flat grind which might make it harder to get a good grip on the back of the blade as Chief mentioned above. I use the sharp maker to avoid that issue but it has its cons as well which is that you need to be more aware of the sharpening angle. No perfect system as far as I've seen

[riprap]

I really like the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener system. It's versatile, simple to use and available at a decent price.

[Exile Machine]

I really like the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener system. It's versatile, simple to use and available at a decent price.

+1 Just bought one for the wife. Beats any other system we've tried so far.
-Mark

[uxo2]

Spyderco SharpMaker .

I have had mine for over 20yrs gets used once a week.


A NOOB to knife sharpening used it for the first time on a
Old Timer and was blown away they were shaving sharp
when he was done.

[riprap]

I used to send my Benchmades back to the manufacturer for sharpening and became tired of waiting for their return. I tried the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener system and was sold.

[Blademan21]

Another thumbs up for the Spyderco system. I have an older set with the nylon pouch and a new version with the hard plastic holder. One for the kitchen and the other form the work shop. Very easy to use for a novice. F the stones,takes LOTS of practice to a long time to use. If the stones work for some then go for it.
My .02.

[BayAreaShooter]

Another nudge for the Sharpmaker.

[Rampage.Maupin]

F the stones,takes LOTS of practice to a long time to use. If the stones work for some then go for it.
My .02.

I totally agree. Many knife guys get very provencial about it being the only way to do it, so just suck it up and spend hours and hours to be mediocre. Not me. My time is valuable and I would prefer to do other knife related tasks that interest me.

Not that I got that off my chest, I use the KME system. Same style as the Lansky system, but a bit more refined from my understanding. It is a fine system. It does have a bit of a learning curve, like everything. I gotta say though, without having actually used it, the KO WorkSharp intrigues me...

[SILENT GUNMAN]

I just use a dual sided wet stone from the hardware store. Cost me $6. I finish up with the steel rod from the j if block in the kitchen. I've been doing it this way for over 20 years. I can have pretty much any knife, made of decent steel, shaving sharp in about 15 min. With a little practice it really isn't that hard to do.