Sharpmaker Inbound / keep or sell old system?

[jwh]

I have a new Sharpmaker on the way. I have been using the Gatco Ultimate Diamond System with mixed results. I found the Gatco does fine with medium to larger knives but I have not had much success with smaller blades. It looks as if the Sharpmaker will do fine with smaller knives as well as bigger blades. I am undecided if I will keep the Gatco System. It's course and medium diamond stones may come in handy when I need to really remove material.

I ordered the basic Sharpmaker kit only. How necessary would ultra fine and diamond rods be for the Sharpmaker? I have been using a leather belt as a strop without compound. How much more effective is a quality strop with compound? Thanks folks.

[.357 mag]

I'd keep it. Your not going to get a ton of money for it and like of said, it will be good for reprofiling when needed. The UF rods are a must at least down the road when you get bored with the fine stone sharpness.

[kbuzbee]

Just me, but I find having all four rods really makes the SM a complete system. Of course, you can start with the basics and make sure it's for you before you get them.

And, yes, the SM handles small blades very well.

Oh, and as for the Gatco, no experience, but if you like it, keep it.

Ken

[yobohadi]

Get the Diamond rods then sell the Gatco you will never use it again unless someone borrows your Sharpmaker and never returns it... Say can I borrow your Sharpmaker when you get it? :)

[jwh]

Thanks for your thoughts folks. I think I will probably hold on to it at least until I see how the Sharpmaker works out. I suppose a few hours this weekend will be devoted to videos on using the Sharpmaker.

Any recommendations on strops or stropping compound?

[jackknifeh]

A great inexpensive strop is the strop block on knivesplus.com. You don't need any compound. It comes ready to go and all you do to "re-charge" the leather is rub in a little olive oil. It does a good job also, really good. I make my strops and use diamond paste of different grits myself.

I think you need the diamond coarse rods for the Sharpmaker as soon as possible. If you need to remove a lot of steel the medium rod will take a long time. The UF rod is not needed unless you want a mirror finish on your bevels and a SUPER SUPER sharp edge. Of course you want that. But, the fine rod will put a razor sharrp edge on a knife by itself. You will be able to shave with the results of the fine grit. So, if money is not a problem, get both. If you can only get one and need to wait for the other I'd say the coarse rod is the most needed. That's just my opinion.

Jack

[jwh]

A great inexpensive strop is the strop block on knivesplus.com.

I think you need the diamond coarse rods for the Sharpmaker as soon as possible.

other I'd say the coarse rod is the most needed. That's just my opinion.

Jack

Thanks for the info Jack. I will check out the strop block.

[jwh]

It's here and It's as advertised. Came in a short while ago and I have already sharpened 4 neck knives, a BK2 and my Desk Knife. None of the six have ever been this sharp. I think I will now go in order: strop, diamond rods then ultra fine rods. Thanks for sharing your opinions and experiences folks.

Another happy Sharpmaker owner. Another fine Spyderco product.