irritating sharpeners

[axis27]

Hey, do you any of you know of a really effective and easy sharpener. I have a sharpmaker, and regardless of the fact that my rods broke in half and the fine grit developed indentions, I am just not satisfied with it. It just won't get my knives as sharp as I'd like them to be. I think I would like to try a better sharpening system if any of you know of one. Thanks.

[Gary]

Whew!! In my opinion you just broke the best sharpening system there is!! It sounds like you were not using it correctly. My knives are sharp enough to shave with and I never heard of a 204 breaking. I'd buy replacement stones, re-read the directions, re-watch the video and then try again.

Gary... <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[axis27]

Hmmm, I have heard alot of good things about the sharpmaker, one of the reasons I bought it. But my friend broke his medium stones too. At any rate, he gets his pretty sharp, but I think I went through over a hundred strokes each grit and never got my endura sharp enough to shave hair. But oh well.

[liko]

The sharpmaker is an excellent sharpening tool. However, the rods WILL break. They're ceramic, remember, maybe stronger than your china plates, but not by an incredible amount. Dropping one on a hard floor, like tile or concrete, will almost certainly chip or break the rod.

If you like the shape and versatility, but don't like the size or lack of toughness of the rods, the solution may be a dogbone stone. You can find at least one model on many knife sites. You're looking for a shorter version of the 204's stones, with rubber or vinyl caps on the ends of the stones. these are a little more forgiving if dropped, but will do a similar job on your knife as the sharpmaker. Just make sure you keep the bevel straight. That's the Sharpmaker's specialty.

[argyll]

You might want to check out the product reviews at this site:

http://www.ameritech.net/users/knives/index.htm

Best regards

Argyll

[Sword and Shield]

The problem may be with your technique. I can take a junk knife and make it shave, and I have never had a problem with the 204. I would strongly suggest you locate the video or book for the 204 and check your style.

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.

[Pachucko]

The most effective and easiest (and best/sharpest) system is: Don't sharpen them yourself, never have gotten into the whole sharpening thing. Never could get the hang of it. Never could come close to a factory edge. I'm willing to pay a few bucks to have it done right. Always the contrarian--Pachucks

[sam the man..]

Hi axis!
Welcome aboard! Breaking the sharpmaker rods, is like, well -- breaking my heart.. Seems like you had a hard-use situation.. Never drop the grits on any hard surface because they can be very brittle.. Maybe you should try the diamond grits cos they are even tougher! <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

[jaxon]

Axis,
I agree with Gary. I have various stones, bench stones, the ProFiles and such. Finally got the 204 and now I have better success sharpening. Sometimes I can achieve a shaver. I too suggest you get new rods, review the instructions and practice, practice, practice. And be VERY careful handling the rods. Maybe place a soft towel when washing, etc. Just as your knives you should'nt be dropping your treasures on hard surfaces. Good luck<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.
Jaxon

Weekend yet?

[Jameson]

Would cleaning the rods still int eh base with a rag and rubbing alcohol work as well as the flitz? I am worried about dropping one in the sink too, or just doing something stupid. I would much rather keep it over carpeted surfaces at all times lol.

JC

[liko]

If you're worried about dropping the rods, care is the key. I'd clean them in a rubbermaid bucket or deep tray, so that dropping the rods in the tub would not damage them. Even better would be to have a couple layers of towels around the tub, so you could work on the rods outside the tub and still have a cushion should you drop them. Plus, you can wipe them off easily on the towels to see how much more you have to clean off.

My ProFiles instructions suggest using Ajax or Soft Scrub, or other mild abrasive cleaner, to scrub off the filings. This helps with the slipping problem, which would be apparent using dish detergent or other soaps.

[jaxon]

Yeh! Mild scouring power cleanser on a scotchbrite pad is the real deal. They do a good job of cleaning the stone without the slipperiness of liquid detergents. Still care and working over a soft surface whatever it is can't be beat.
Jaxon

Weekend yet?

[Edge]

I think the Spyderco sharpening system is the best I've ever used. On the topic of cleaning, I bought a product from a catalogue that resemble an ink eraser. Just rub it on the rod and the black rubs right off. Can't remember where I bought it, but it works great.

[sc_rebel1957]

Once again.Gatco tri steps..9.95 if your decent about holding the same angle,it does serations great and has flats for plain edge

[Sword and Shield]

Hi sc_rebel, Jameson, axis_27, Edge! Welcome to Spyderland, all! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

If you really want to get the 204 clean in a snap, I've always liked a little Bar Keeper's Friend and a scouring sponge. Two or three wipes per side will remove all the steel particles and have the 204 ready to roll. Quick, easy, lets you return to your regularly scheduled sharpening. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Keepin' it real...real sharp, that is.