My new Sharpmaker 204...Great!

[Jeff/1911]

Folks,



I just obtained my new Sharpmaker 204 yesterday and I am most impressed with it. It is by far the easiest system with which to create a very sharp edge that I have ever used.



I really enjoyed the video. It was neat to see the Spyderco commercials, and Sal’s instruction is excellent. I really like the way the video is produced, with him talking to the other two people and answering their questions. Sal is clearly very knowledgeable about knives and sharpening and has a wonderful way of explaining things, I think. Was that the pocket clip of his Military that I saw in the video, perhaps?



So, after watching the video and experimenting with my new Sharpmaker I was able to sharpen my three Spyderco’s (Calypso, Calypso Jr. and serrated Rookie) quite easily, although I had a tough time getting the tip areas as sharp as the rest of the blade…this will come with practice I expect. As I was very pleased with my success so I decided to tackle the extremely dull set of Henckel kitchen knives that my wife has been asking me to sharpen for a while, and in no time had them all very sharp too. I found the largest ones the easiest, to my surprise.



Finally, I remembered that my Schrade filleting knife needed some work, so I sharpened it to a razor edge, then after noticing some rust on the blade decided to oil it with my now-standard mineral and clove oil mix. While doing this I swiped the blade with a cloth and opened the end of my thumb…Yeow! I guess it was pretty late at night by the time I got to this knife and I wasn’t paying enough attention. So here I sit, with my thumb in a bandage, typing this message. It occurs to me…”I wonder how many other Spydies have spent time typing into the forum with bandaged fingers?”



Still grinning, Jeff/1911.



Ps – I’ll likely take ownership of a new Military this coming week. Huge grin.

[knifenerd]

Jeff: I totally agree. I've had my 204 for about 6 weeks. It takes a slight bit of "practice" to get used to it, but is easily mastered.

I also worked on some old kitchen knives at first (figured it would be a good way to get the hang of it).

It's a first rate system, IMO, and I am a definite convert. I even went as far as getting a set of new stones as "back up" in case I can't clean the originals for a while.

Good luck with it. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Dick

[Qvar]

I also got a sharpmaker a few weeks back and think it's great. I had been used with wiping my knives with my t-shirt until I started putting holes in them once they had been sharpened.
I have also got it to put a great edge on a cheapy machete I brought back from Brazil.

The only thing I have had trouble with is that I'm supposed to get a better edge using the flats of the stone to finish the edge. Maybe like you say it takes practice, but I found the corners leaving me with the best edge. Anyways thats not a complaint.

Also enjoyed the video too. <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[Jeff/1911]

Qvar, Knifenerd...I'm not alone.

I put a hole in the leg of my new walking shorts last night too. I was trying to &quot;strop&quot; the edge as I've heard others say they do on their jeans...well, they get sharp alright. Interestingly, the knife feels sharper to me after the &quot;corners&quot; step #3 too. Maybe it's just a perception thing. Also, maybe what we are feeling there is the &quot;micro serrations&quot; effect I've heard described elsewhere. I'm sure having fun learning about how to use the system.

Last night I thought, &quot;This sharpening is akin to reloading for the shooter...something you have to do to be a hardcore shooter, and it ends up being as much, or more fun than actual shooting!&quot;

Jeff/1911.

[Clay Kesting]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=1 face=arial>quote:<hr height=1 noshade>”I wonder how many other Spydies have spent time typing into the forum with bandaged fingers?” <hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE></font><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2>
Just about everyone, and those who say they haven't are just too ashamed to admit it <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle><img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Clay

Don't worry that the world might end tomorrow, in Australia it's tomorrow already.

Edited by - Clay Kesting on 5/26/2001 11:38:37 PM

[Jeff/1911]

Clay,

I'm sure you're right. How are things going around your house with that new wee' one...?

Jeff/1911.

[Tom Percy]

I am still using one of the original Sharpmakers, I believe that it was called &quot;The Tri-Angle Sharpmaker&quot;. It took a bit of honing my skills, but I can definately put the finishing touches on and of my knives using the flat sides. Stay with it and you will see. Corners get 'em sharp, but the flat sides even sharper...
Have fun .

[knifenerd]

Yes. Stay with those flat sides. I was somewhat curious at first with the reason for the flat sides, but Sal knows his stuff. Stick with the 4-step process except for the specialized edges like recurved etc.
Good luck.

Dick

[sam the man..]

I missed the 203 that came with diamond sleeves... <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies will travel

[Jeff/1911]

Thanks for the counsel (re: flat sides) experienced sharpmakers. I appreciate your advice. Man, I'm having a lot of fun with this thing!

Jeff/1911.

[copilotboy]

I actually have never typed with a bandaged digit, only because I'm still convincing my parents to buyme a sharpmaker. Luckily, I've found out that my dad wants a civilian so I may be able to play on that.

[sal]

Hi Guys. Thanx for the kind words and sorry 'bout the cuts.

I usually stop on step 3. Step 4 is finer, good for razors. step 3 seems to leave a more aggressive cut. Probably an optimum scratch size. Maybe Joe has some opinion on this?

sal

[Jeff/1911]

Sal,

Thanks for the feedback regarding your sharpening habits and finishing at step 3...I will experiment. Sounds about perfect for my new Military plain edge as I kind of want to get the micro serration effect.

You mentioned before that you use 30 degrees on one of your Military's - alluding to using it for demonstration purposes. Do you think that the tough CPM440V steel would allow me to use 30 degrees on mine for all around use, or am I better to stick with 40 degrees total angle. I wanted to ask you before I change it, as I've already sharpened it at 40 degrees.

Jeff/1911.

[dePaul]

Jeff/1911: <BLOCKQUOTE><font size=1 face=arial>quote:<hr height=1 noshade>Do you think that the tough CPM440V steel would allow me to use 30 degrees on mine for all around use <hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE></font><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2>
--------------------------------------------

I would say no. The angle is too narrow for cutting hard stuff like plastics and hard wood.

I wouldn&#180;t be surprised if it chipped or at least rolled (Spyderco&#180;s 440V is slightly softer than the average in order to achieve a tougher a steel).

Yet, as I said before, I don&#180;t believe it will stand up to <i>all </i> cutting chores at 30 degs.

Regards!


Edited by - dePaul on 6/5/2001 2:30:53 AM

[Jeff/1911]

DePaul,

Thanks for your response. I suspect that you are correct. I presently have it sharpened at 40 degrees (20 + 20) and I have been trying finishing on step 3 of the sharpmaker for a less-than-polished-edge. It sure cuts!

Jeff/1911.