Please recommend a angle guide for sharpening

MTHall720

MTHall720

Joined
Sep 21, 2010
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I have a good variety of fixed and folders, but am not too good at maintaining a consistant angle sharpening. I use 2 DMT Duosahrp benchstones. I have a DMT aligner guide but am not thrilled with it. I would like something like a clamp on guide similar to what is used for Japanese knives or just a simple ramp type thing like Wusthof makes.

Any thoughts?

Thanks very much in advance. I used to have a Sharpmaker but it took me a very long time to sharpen stuff.
 
A standard Sharpmaker setup is best for maintaining a sharpened edge but not so much for a dull edge. Upgrading with the Diamond or CBN rods make a big difference.

The DMT Aligner can produce very good consistent edges but I find it less flexible over increasing varieties of edges and angles.

For a clamp-type system, the excellent KME system would be the step-up from the DMT Aligner.
 
MTHall720 said:
I have a good variety of fixed and folders, but am not too good at maintaining a consistant angle sharpening. I use 2 DMT Duosahrp benchstones. I have a DMT aligner guide but am not thrilled with it. I would like something like a clamp on guide similar to what is used for Japanese knives or just a simple ramp type thing like Wusthof makes.

Any thoughts?

Thanks very much in advance. I used to have a Sharpmaker but it took me a very long time to sharpen stuff.
Click to expand...

The Guides from Razor Edge Systems come to mind...
 
those guides do only one angle and its not always the "Correct" angle. when you sharpen on a bench stone the angle changes as you pull the knife through to the tip.

you would be much better off with a guided system like an edge pro, KME, wicked edge, or even a lansky imho.
 
Mo2 said:
those guides do only one angle and its not always the "Correct" angle. when you sharpen on a bench stone the angle changes as you pull the knife through to the tip.

you would be much better off with a guided system like an edge pro, KME, wicked edge, or even a lansky imho.
Click to expand...

You're right... (I was going to write a bit more, but got sidetracked)... just a link to the type of guide he was looking for.

The guides are limited in their use... you can adjust the angle a bit by changing the distance from the edge, but within a narrow range. You also set the guide for the belly/tip area (like most guided systems), to keep the angle consistent.

They do make a good training aid for learning freehand though... gives practice in holding a consistent angle, and what it feels/looks like. But may not work for every knife in the collection... so consider it more of a "learning aid" rather than a "final solution"... if that makes sense. A guided system as mentioned, might be a better choice for a wider variety of knives.
 
The ERU comes with a set of angle guides. I don't know if they are available separately?

ZxFEGzM.jpg
 
banksy said:
The ERU comes with a set of angle guides. I don't know if they are available separately?

ZxFEGzM.jpg
Click to expand...

That would be my suggestion as well and I do think that Fred Rowe here on BF sells them separately, he is a great guy to deal with! Just contact him. Those wedges are great, light, proof to water and oil etc.
 
the other thing those angle guides have that are a con is they wear out from the diamonds or abrasives because you are moving them on the surface. even going lightly. so the angle changes over time as well, on top of its not going to be the correct angle anyways for the reasons explained above.
 
Mo2 said:
the other thing those angle guides have that are a con is they wear out from the diamonds or abrasives because you are moving them on the surface. even going lightly. so the angle changes over time as well, on top of its not going to be the correct angle anyways for the reasons explained above.
Click to expand...

Hi,
if you use the guides for reference only, if you don't rub them on the stone, they dont wear out -- I made some out of paper and tape

To maintain angle throughout the tip all you have to do is pivot the blade throughout the curved parts like this gif
if you don't pivot then you gotta lift the handle up until you're contacting the edge
Im2fC0G.gif
 
bucketstove said:
Hi,
if you use the guides for reference only, if you don't rub them on the stone, they dont wear out -- I made some out of paper and tape

To maintain angle throughout the tip all you have to do is pivot the blade throughout the curved parts like this gif
if you don't pivot then you gotta lift the handle up until you're contacting the edge
Im2fC0G.gif
Click to expand...

So as a complete newbie to this, you wouldn't recommend the dmt aligner? That's what I've been seriously considering because it's not as intimidating as free hand and other systems. I'm about to buy my first nice blade.
 
I have a set of Fred Rowes angle guides and they are excellent for determining your sharpening angle and keeping it consistent. They have really helped me. Especially when setting an initial bevel on a knife. I use them to set an angle shallower than my Sharpmaker then maintain with the Sharpmaker until I have to go back and knock the shoulder off. They will also help with muscle memory. I still consider myself a beginner freehander and they have really helped me get good edges.


Looking for GEC 15 Huckleberry Boys knife single clip blade.
 
Doublek79 said:
So as a complete newbie to this, you wouldn't recommend the dmt aligner? That's what I've been seriously considering because it's not as intimidating as free hand and other systems. I'm about to buy my first nice blade.
Click to expand...

Hi,
well,
I think its best to try sharpening first before buying sharpening equipment,
you learn the most by doing not by reading :)

Do you have a paring knife in the kitchen and a coffee cup?

Take a few minutes , grab a coffee cup and paring knife, turn cup upside down, and get some experience sharpening freehand ... then come back and ask more questions

it doesn't take a lot of equipment or high grits (like coffee cup)
or skill to cut some paper or shave arm hair,
just don't wobble the blade too much as you rub it on the unglazed portion of cup ...
keeping thumb on spine helps with wobble/keeping angle ...
see an old boyscout (jackknife) do it its Instinctive Knife Sharpening
if blade isn't a butterknife, just guessing and rubbing the blade on a coffecup will improve the sharpness
See a first timer copy the internet 20 pulls around a cup Sharpen a knife - Katie Robichaud
And see a sharpener do it like his mama :) There is no excuse to have a blunt knife! - stefanwolf88

Yeah, like the guy says its not the best way, but does work and is available in every kitchen

What they're doing with the coffee cups is microbeveling and/or "steeling"/honing/burnishing, by using high angle ( 20-30 degrees per side ), doing that will straighten any rolls , and also sharpen the apex, basically you'll see results real fast, but after a few sharpenings,, you'll have to do more

So start with instinctive sharpening, try it at least three times, cut some paper or some bananas :)

Then ask yourself, is freehand still intimidating?

If you have a sharpening stone, or a brick, these would be the follow up video to the coffee cups (actually video after that), try it with your std. dry stone
basic sharpening, raise a tiny burr, cut it off at elevated angle, shave how to sharpen a knife - Joe Calton
Good follow ups
Similar method (three step ) with a one dollar stone ? Cheap sharpening stone - does it work? - stefanwolf88
Extreme low grit sharpening : clay brick - Cliff Stamp


Thats almost all the secrets of sharpening freehand right there, easily get to shaving sharp with that info, and if you use a light touch, whittle hairs.

After you've sharpened a dozen times, watch the videos again, ... a lot of info you won't really appreciate until you try sharpening, don't watch too many videos before practicing


Still thinking of clamps?

There are all kinds of free devices you can make... some don't even require making

leaning your sharpening stone against a wall or book to make a bench stone sharmaker and just slice down the stone and pivot for tip
FTHZV98H9T4QPH9.RECTANGLE1.jpg

make one from paper, fold plastic V, mini clothes pin , gluesticks, wood ...
12802-t.jpg

jig2.jpg

Midrange-Knife-Sharpening-Jig

Simple sharpening jig - stefanwolf88
How to Sharpen a Knife with Paul Sellers
PaulSellersKnifeSharpeningSystem.png
EDy3aAk.png



Still thinking of clamps?
What are you actually thinking after trying the coffee cups?
 
MTHall720,

Have you tried your DMT Aligner Clamp without the guide-rod system?

51SPJPNTAYL.jpg
 
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my knives dont lay like this.

EDy3aAk.png


but this is a really good idea. you can get those ceramic stones for like $3 give or take and they work great (i think they only come in FINE grit tho).
FTHZV98H9T4QPH9.RECTANGLE1.jpg



and so is this...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Um6MvhCucaQ

Thanks for the tips guys!


Not a fan of this style or lansky. if you dont have alot to spend and the above tip's are not your thing, they do alright. but you could save the money you may have spent and get something better.
51SPJPNTAYL.jpg
 
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Doublek79 said:
So as a complete newbie to this, you wouldn't recommend the dmt aligner? That's what I've been seriously considering because it's not as intimidating as free hand and other systems. I'm about to buy my first nice blade.
Click to expand...

I have the DMT Aligner and you can get a good even and sharp edge with it, and since it uses diamond stones it is relatively quick. It is inexpensive but relatively crude in that it doesn't offer much control over angles. It could certainly be better and I've thought about ways to improve on it by modifying its clamp or by even making a new clamp.
 
I have the DMT Aligner Deluxe kit and I would recommend it for newbies. Add the Extra Coarse 220 grit stone; you'll evenutally will need it for repairing a damaged edge and reprofiling.

As you gain experience, especially as your knife collection grows, you will discover its limitations and may want something better albeit more expensive.
 
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