Sharpmaker fine rods

[EvilOlivE]

I bought a sharpmaker about 6 months ago and I really like it and have sharpened all my knives with it and even a few of my friends knives. When I first got it I was checking out the stones running my fingers over them just feeling them. I noticed my fine stones were kinda chipped up. I didn't think it was a big deal at the time, I figured it was somewhat normal and decided to just work around them. But the one fine stone only left me with one corner and one flat end to work with. I've handled my sharpmaker very carefully, never dropped or hit the rods together. As far as I can tell their condition has not changed since I got them.

Well last night I was using the fine stones on the flats and my blade hung up on a small chip. Oops, I thought, and passed it a few more times just to straighten the edge out a little if it rolled before I looked close for damage. When I was looking I first ran my fingers carefully down the side of the edge just to get rid of any debris, like I have always done, and there must have still been a little bit of a rolled edge because it sliced my thumb a little. Its no big deal, but now I want to replace my fine stones for some that aren't so chipped up.

So I guess I would like to ask if this is normal? Did any of your stones come with a few imperfections? I don't realistically expect them to be perfect, but I don't want to buy a new set if its not going to be any better. Also, wondering if I shouldn't just step up to a strop set, I've been having a lot of fun with my sharpmaker and I'm glad I got it because I think its taught me a lot.

[OtisCampbell]

Mine came with one or two divots like you mention. I just marked them with a Sharpie and
avoid using that side out of three. It didn't really bother me all that much...

[Donut]

I had some sort of chip happen on one of the corners of my fine rods. I ended up rubbing the rods together to smooth off the chip. Now it's more of a mild droop.

Not sure if it's a good idea to do this, I've heard of rubbing stones together to flatten them. I think Sal even does it in the Sharpmaker video.

[Corvid1]

Both of my white, ceramic rods are fine!

tim

[EvilOlivE]

Thanks for the replies. I worked around the spots I knew were there but the one that got me I never even saw. I guess it was just big enough to catch the fine edge. I did try and smooth it out a little with the other rod, I think it made it a little better. Oh well, I'm in CO so maybe I need to take a drive down to Golden and select a couple better rods instead of risking getting the same from ordering them online again. Thanks guys :)

[Michael Cook]

maybe I need to take a drive down to Golden and select a couple better rods instead of risking getting the same from ordering them online again. Thanks guys :)

:spyder: Dat's so cool!! :spyder:

[hunterseeker5]

My problem with the sharpmaker has always been that it leaves a tiny wire edge. You can push it back and forth, and if you're good even hold it centered, but either way its still there and its still soft and isn't great for edge retention. After using the sharpmaker I always have to strop the edges to get them straightened out and properly sharp. I've not yet found a way around this.