So it's been about a month or so since I got my Stretch, and I've started noticing the edge just not quite being what it was fresh from the factory. It'll still do post-its without tearing, and it'll shave, but it does tear the extra-thin paper we use in the shop for sharpening demonstrations (some times
) I've also picked up a couple german Henckels since then that I'd like to be able to keep up.So, the question becomes which system is for me? I do like the Sharpmaker, or any croc stick set up, but I feel it's not exact enough (and even on the new sharpmakers, you only have two angles to choose from).
The Lansky seems like the next logical step, because of the two extra angles to choose from, as well as the plethora of stones. They've also introduced a leather strop this year. But I finally saw it in action the other day, a video of a guy with it in his vise clamp, and the thing just really didn't seem all that stable. Does their stand provide a more stable base?
We have an edge-pro in the shop (strictly on display) and I've never used it, but I recently watched some of their tutorial videos and was really impressed. But is the Apex worth the extra hundred bucks over the Lansky?
I realize that at some point, like so many things in the knife world, it merely becomes a question of how much money you want to spend, and how nice you need for your uses. For now, the owner of the shop will sharpen whatever I leave for him (and he does an excellent job). But I'd like to be self-sufficient, so to speak. So, if you were in my position, what route would you go?
Sharpmaker? Lansky (traditional or diamond plus a ceramic ultrafine)? Save for the EdgePro Apex (or start a non-profit and request donations for the Pro model)?
Sidebar: I emailed customer service the other day and they said most knives leave their factory with a 15-17 degree bevel. That would be per-side, meaning 30-34 inclusive, correct? Am I correct in thinking the Sharpmaker will do 15 and 20 per side, or 30 and 40 inclusive?
