Smith's 2-Step Knife Sharpener too good to be true?

It works like a charm--better than most sharpening tools- inexpensive and simple
 
Personally I would not recommend it, I feel that the carbide cutters can actually damage an edge, and the small ceramic rods are good only for light touch-ups.

Luis
 
These items sort of work to the extent that the blade 'cuts' a little better after
use. However they must NOT be referred to as sharpeners.
They 'scrape' metal away from the blade and do not sharpen.

Quick guide. Never use them on any blade that costs more than the 'sharpener', in this case $4.50.

One in the tackle box might be OK but don't quote me.....please.
 
Similar proucts have been around for a while, and larger versions are available for kitchen knives. In fact, cheap kitchen knives is what they're best at. Hard steel, worked till they're dull.

I wouldn't use anything like that on a good blade. The fact that they are at preset angles means they are only right for very thin blades. Pressing too hard on the tungsten carbide can damage an edge by gouging it unevenly. They will do OK on a SAK, though, as well as paring knives.
 
Any sharpener where the cross is an acutal V or X (whereas the Sharpmaker is more of a \ /) is a bad idea. The best you're going to get is making a dull knife not quite as dull. But it'll never get truely sharp (at least, what we knife knuts would call "sharp"). If you use one of those to sharpen it enough to the point where a burr would raise (the second-to-last step of sharpening a knife), the cross of the rods will destroy any burr or sharp edge. What you'll be doing when you drag the blade through is smashing one bit of the edge against one \ and then instantly afterwards smashing it against the other /. Hard pressure will completely ruin all the hard work, and light pressure won't do squat.

If you're pressed for cash (can't afford the $50 for a Spyderco Sharpmaker), Lansky makes a \ / style ceramic rod system for under $20 that works alright. The only worry is that the rods are round and you can round off a pointy tip if you're not careful.
 
I'm sort of repeating earlier posts but here goes...
any cheap, quick, fixed angle, draw the knife through 3 times and it's sharp product isn't worth the plastic used to make it. you'd be better off stroping it on cardboard to keep it sharp.
The Lansky system is probably the best bang for the buck on the tightest budget.
The spyderco sharpmaker is probably the best system without breaking the bank.
The edgepro, in my opinion, is the best sharpening system available if price is not a concern (this is based on the assumption that hand sharpening with bench stones is not an option).
Basically, why spend decent money on a quality knife if it's not worth the money to keep it sharp?
A dull knife is used to spread butter... If that's what you will use the knife for then the sharpeners you asked about will suffce.
 
Another vote for the Spyderco Sharpmaker. It comes with a video that leads you through the sharpening process. By far the best sharpening system you can buy for under 50 bucks.
 
Thanks for the great information. I'll get the spyderco.
Does www.1sks.com have the lowest prices on these?
How long does it take to sharpen a blade that has no physical damage with that system?

Thanks.
 
If the blade still cuts paper perhaps with a bit of difficulty...it would take me two minutes to get it shaving sharp again (maybe not even that much, never timed). But it's no good for reprofiling with the standard stones.
 
I would never use a sharpener of that type on a good knife. Maybe in the field in an emergency, but that is it.

Do yourself a huge favore and spend the $30 to get a Lansky or a Sharpmaker.
 
I just bought one of the Spyderco Sharpmakers too, from www.knifeworks.com . I don't know if they had the very lowest price, but there were some other 'things' I wanted to order from there too.

I've always used an Arkansas stone for sharpening my pocketknives, but it seemed I always scratched the blades. The Spyderco is easy to use, works well, and no blade scratches. :)

I also bought one of the AG Russell Ceramic systems. It works the same way, but only comes with fine rods.

Best Wishes,
-Bob
 
I've replaced my v-notch sharpeners with small diamond stones from EZ-Lap. They cost a little more, but they are pretty compact, too, and I feel better about how I'm treating my knives.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top