Sharpmaker = different bevels

[Andre Tiba]

Hi Guys ! Need some help here:

I bought a new sharpmaker 204, and it seems defective. I tried several different knives, both in 30 and 40 degrees, and the left bevel becomes almost twice as big as the right bevel. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle border=0>

Looks like my sharpmaker has an angle problem with the rods.

Questions are:

How can I fix myself the angle of my sharpmaker ? (What side of the sharpmaker should I get up ?) and

How can I fix my damaged blades ? (How will I know how many strokes would be necessary to get the edge back to the center again ?)



Please, help me guys !



Ps - I have an old sharpmaker (the one on the cordura sheath, only 40 degrees) and never had this problem - so I'm sure It's not me who's doing something wrong...



Thanx !!!

[timlara]

Are you alternating back and forth with your sharpening strokes, or are you sharpening one side until you get a burr, then switching to the other side? I find that I have better luck with keeping the bevels even if I alternate side to side instead of trying to do one side at a time.

Another possibility could be that you are turning your wrist slightly more toward the center when doing the left strokes, or maybe putting a little more pressure on the blade than the other side.

How many strokes it takes to balance out the bevel really depends on the blade shape, steel, etc of the particular knife you are working with -- the "20 strokes per side" that the instructions suggest is really just a guideline. I have had knives get finished in 15-20 strokes, while others took 100.

The only other thing I can think of is that perhaps the stones on your 204 cut more aggressively than the older stones you were used to and it will just take you a while to "dial it in".

If all else fails, email customer support! I'm sure they would be happy to work with you...

[Jurphaas]

Hi Andre - When you already have experience with the system, I do not have to explain much to you, do I? What you should know however, is that you work your knives altenatively, left and right strokes. Always start with the corner of the stones and switch after while to the flat sides (at least with plain edge knives). Try to position yourself over your sharpener. When looking at your work from over your sharpener, you can very well see what you are doing.
Always place your thump over the spine of the blade this will prevent your wrist from "wobling" . It helps to stiffen-up your wrist and your grip on the knife.
During the strokes, keep you blade in constant contact with the stone.
Just follow the instuctions in the video or the manual.
Remember that in order to restore the edge you will have to remove some blade material. Newer steels are much harder these days. It might take some more effort to achieve the disired results.
Always keep your stones clean. Clean them with a household abrasive cleanser, water and a green 3M scrubbing pad.
Now go do your sharpening and you will see that it works.
Good luck!

Clipits work!

[talonturbo]

Hi Andre! I know what you're talking about. I've found the same thing happening when I don't make a concious effort to keep the knife at a right angle. If I just do it quickly it would seem I accidently "flatten" the knife against the left sharpening rod, completely throwing off that bevel. My best advice is have your eyes directly above the blade and ensure it's straight for the entire stroke on both sides. Jim

[Andre Tiba]

Thanks for the help folks !

My Sharpmaker really do have an angle problem. I compared it to a new one and noticed that the left side is is taller tha the right side.

Fortunally, I think I solved the problem by putting some tape under the base.

But.... Since I'm not confident enough with this piece, I'd stuck for a while with my old 204.

Well, thanks again !

Andre Tiba - Brazil