sharpening for the inept

[la_benge]

I bought a calypso jr pe ltwt to replace my lost delica. I have read many posts saying it is super sharp right out of the box. I have to say that although I am very happy with the knife (although I'm trying to get used to tip down) - it was not as sharp as other knives i have bought.

Which brings me to sharpening. I do not have the knack for it, although i wish I did. it seems that if you own knives, you should know how to sharpen them.

The 204 sharpener is interesting...seems to get rave reviews. my concern is that it would allow me to mess up the bevel...because I am free to hold the knife at an improper angle.

Would I be better off getting a clamp-type sharpener like a Lansky or Gatco which seem to minimize user error...

Any thoughts?

[kraziekurtis]

It's the easiest thing to use. I have no experience in sharpening when I sharpened my first knife on the 204 and it came off razor sharp! It's easy...buy it...watch the video and yuo will be amazed.And all you have to do is hold the knife vertical.How hard can that be..unless you have shaky hands <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

[kraziekurtis]

I answer that question almost every day.
What I usually advise is if you can stand straight up and down(kinda) or have the ability to hold your knife straight up and down it will work for you.
Not mention the awesome video that SAL the man himself illustrates how to achive a sharp edge and more implements than I even own. Very good sharpner p.s. you can't sharpen finger nail clippers with a gatco or lanskey I don't belive.

[Clay Kesting]

The 204 relies on the principal that human beings seem to have an innate ability to recognise when something is vertical. I use this all the time in my woodwork classes. If the boys have to make an angled cut, I get them to place the wood in the vice at an angle so that the line they are to saw is vertical. This is much easier than holding the saw at an angle.

The Sharpmaker is the quickest system to set up and the easiest to use. However I do have a Gatco set for sale if you'd prefer. It hasn't been used for years, ever since I got my Sharpmaker <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>.

Clay

"The trouble is that you think you have time."

[Sword and Shield]

Hi la_benge! Welcome to Spyderland! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

If you want an extra measure of accuracy when holding your knife upright, there is a simple method.

Take a fishing weight (or penny, or whatever, so long as it's small) and tie it to a short section of thread.

Tie the thread to one of the stones, or to one of the handguards. The weight forces the thread to hang perfectly straight and gives you a vertical reference.

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

Edited by - Sword and Shield on 12/8/2001 2:16:53 PM

[la_benge]

thanks for the input!
You've given me the confidence to go with the 204.

[Alan2112]

After you get the 204, and watch the video, keep in mind that the more you use it, the more profiecent you'll become! My Father is going to find one under the tree this X-mas, I got all the other men folks one last year! RKBA!

[aero_student]

It really is an awesome sharpner. Very easy to use. The only dull knives in my house are the ones I need to regrind

[Rookie]

Is the 204 really worth the money if you have a very small collection?

In the land of knives, Spyderco is king.

[yog]

Large or small collection, the only thing that makes a difference is how often you use a knife.
If you use any knfe often the 204 is worth every penny.

"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."

[Mattress]

I only owmn two spydies, but I swear by the 204. You must have kitchen knives etc, the 204 is great on those.