Knife Sharpener

[shooter.45]

What is a good inexpensive knife sharpener. I have a couple of knifes that need some sharpening and would like one for home.

Thanks in advance..

 

[oldpaladin]

shooter.45,

I use a SpyderCo knife sharpening kit. Has two grades of sharpening sticks, but I only use the medium/gray ones... Fast, easy, efficient. If your .45 jams, your knife may save your bacon. Always keep it sharp enough to perform with the finest edges you can... Though my SA XD-40 Tacticals are my primary sidearms, for too close/but quiet, I prefer a VERY sharp edge... Knives for back-up, but should NEVER be second rate...

Regards and Respects,
Carter, oldpaladin, out...

 

[mtnbkr]

I have the Spyderco Sharpmaker as well. It's fine for knives that have either a 20degree or 15degree edge angle. If you need to reprofile or your knives are VERY dull, it's a PITA. A better all purpose sharpener is the Gatco sharpener kit with stones from extra course to extra fine and that clamp that lets you select different angles. I use the Gatco for reprofiling or dull blades and the spyderco for quick touch ups.

Either one will do the job, but the Gatco is more flexible.

Chris

 

[MonkeyMan]

I got a Lansky set for Christmas many years ago and have been very pleased with it. It even impressed my father-in-law whose a retired US Navy Chief and picky to not put too fine a point on it. I've also used the Gatco and like it as well.

 

[zahc]

I have a lansky. It's slow and only works on small knives but it's still the best money I spent last year. My knives shave all the time now, and some of my buddies'

 

[Headless Thompson Gunner]

I'll vouch for the Spyderco sharpener as well. It makes it easy to put a proper edge on even the hardest blades. It isn't the cheapest sharpener out there, though.

-Roland

 

[Penforhire]

Hmm, my first post didn't "take." I have great results with a 600 grit diamond oval-on-a-stick plus ceramic finishing sticks I bought at a gun show for about $14. I have to be careful not to be too aggressive with 600 grit (removes metal a little fast). The "systems" are probably idiot-resistant but I didn't want to pony up anywhere near $50.

 

[Smokey Joe]

DMT knife sharpeners

Since I found them, the DMT pocket folding sharpeners have worked swell for me. I use the red one of really dull knives (mostly friends') and the green one for putting on a fine edge. They also make a really coarse blue one that I don't see a need for.

For even more edge improvement, nothing beats a fine-grained ceramic stick, but they are really fragile. The DMT's travel everywhere with me in my pocket.

These things are so good that I no longer use my medium and fine Arkansas oil stones much any more. I used and advocated these for years.

As one serious old-timer said when I showed him the DMT's, "Well now, once in a while, technology wins one."

 

[Quartus]

I have a lansky. It's slow and only works on small knives

I have no problem using my Lansky on a 7" blade - I just do one section then move it.

As for being slow - compared to what? I find it faster than some other methods, but MUCH slower than a belt sander.

Anyway, it works well for me. I've sharpend knives for a surgeon who commented that they were sharper than the scalpels he used in surgery. That oughta be good enough for most of us.

 

[Sven]

Trying the Lansky Diamond Standard set... will let you know how it works out.

 

[sm]

Well - there is always "one" in the bunch...

I'm still using the Norton Indian Oil Stones that I've been using for a good 30+ years . The ones older ones are sentimental and I quit using them.

Err...what I grew up with and I learned to sharpen some hand tools on these as well.

I also touch up with a sharpening steel.

I rarely use the Ceramic "Vee" sticks. My coffee cup will do the same thing as the sticks...

 

[Smoke]

Sand paper works well.

Smoke

 

[WhoKnowsWho]

I ordered the Spyderco sharperner. Any tips or things to not do with I should know?

 

[E36M3]

I really like the ease of use of my transluscent and medium Arkansas 1"x4" oil stones from www.danswhetstone.com . They don't get the total perfection of some of the systems, but they're almost as good and a lot easier. With time I may be able to get as good.

 

[CRridermike]

i use a "hunter edge" i got it at the gun show for 15 bucks and it is awesome. i can really shave my arms with my knives after i sharpen them now! it is one with the round things in a "X" shape.

 

[Delmar]

An $8 whetstone medium/coarse from Home Depot

 

[Sven]

The Lansky Diamond arrived yesterday and I promptly resharpened my Benchcraft - it is so sharp now, it is seriously scary. Can a knife be too sharp?

 

[Flashpoint]

I have used a Lansky system for about 3 years now, I have not found one blade that I couldn't get sharp with it. Also it leaved a nice consistant edge angle on the Knife so they always look like they are right out of the box.

 

[Sven]

Lansky has an optional Sapphire Polishing hone for $15... Anyone tried it?