Knife Sharpener recommendations

exspo · October 2012

My knives get a workout as I'm sure yours do. I hate dull knives so I do sharpen and edge my blades frequently. I have a Spyderco sharpener that has served me well but it's getting tired and am looking for a new kit. See the photo for a typical sharpening session.

What have you all found to be good kits for sharpening knives? I have a range of blades from steak knives, cleavers, chef's knifes and beyond, so it would need to be versatile.

I'm suspicious of electric sharpeners- any luck there?

Thanks everyone!

travisstrick · October 2012

The first and last word on knife sharpening. Look no further, my friend.

http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-System-c3/

The Cen-Tex Smoker · October 2012

I got a lot of good advice when I asked a while back. http://eggheadforum.com/discussion/1138732/knife-sharpener/p1

lousubcap · October 2012

First, I know very little about knives-but I do know Travis knows alot about knives so weigh his recommendations accordingly. And should you want to upgrade to some firepower, he may be a good source-and for brisket...Yup! And this is not a paid commercial! Frictionless conduit here...

travisstrick · October 2012

let the record reflect, my next choice would be the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I own both and they are night and day different. The Edgepro Apex is much better. If you like the Spydy, you will love the Edgepro.

The Cen-Tex Smoker · October 2012

lousubcap said:

First, I know very little about knives-but I do know Travis knows alot about knives so weigh his recommendations accordingly. And should you want to upgrade to some firepower, he may be a good source-and for brisket...Yup! And this is not a paid commercial! Frictionless conduit here...

agreed

Dave in Florida · October 2012

I have this one and it works great. http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-Diamond-Professional-Sharpener/dp/B00075M29A/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180666&sr=8-18&keywords=knife+sharpener

esdd · October 2012

I use the scary-sharp method. Google it. Basically you use varying grits of wet/dry sand paper begining at 600 grit and working through 2000 or higher. I use this method for all sharpening, I began useing this method for plane iorns, I am able to make shavings in white oak of .025 Inch or less, This requires an exteremely sharp edge.

travisstrick · October 2012

Is that rug hand wove? It looks like it could be. Without looking at the back, I can't tell.

Also, ditch the WD-40. Get yourself some Rem-oil, it's the superior product.

nolaegghead · October 2012

I use a wet stone. This was a few weeks ago. The tool on the grinder is a diamond truing tool. I cut the surface flat, then bump the grit up to 200 by hitting it with a 200 grit stone. I measure the diameter of the stone and dial that into my Tormek angle guide, which I use to set the exact angle on the knife. Sharpen, then hone.

It a Grizzly T100010.

travisstrick · October 2012

Here is a pic of the rem oil.

nolaegghead · October 2012

Also doubles as a great ear bud lubricant :)

MikeG · October 2012

Gads, sharpening on Japanese water stones is as fun as Egging:

http://www.chefknivestogo.com/3pcstoneset.html

Parallel · October 2012

Dave in Florida said:

I have this one and it works great. http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-Diamond-Professional-Sharpener/dp/B00075M29A/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180666&sr=8-18&keywords=knife+sharpener

I have the same unit. It works VERY well for as easy as they are to operate. I've had the varying grit stones and guide type units and, while they certainly DO work very very well... they're a whole lot more fuss than I have time for. A few swipes through the last station on our unit after washing our knives keeps them ready for use in a flash.

nolaegghead · October 2012

I had and earlier version of that sharpener, at least same brand and similar mechanism maybe 10 years ago that made knives cut well by creating a serrated edge. Glad to see they improved it - good reviews on amazon.

Village Idiot · October 2012

http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-198418/?affsrcid=Aff0001&mr:trackingCode=658BCF30-21FF-E011-973E-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA&mr:match={matchtype}&mr:ad=13512388421&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=24156051701&origin=pla&mr:keyword={keyword}

travisstrick · October 2012

Village Idiot said:

http://www.surlatable.com/product/PRO-198418/?affsrcid=Aff0001&mr:trackingCode=658BCF30-21FF-E011-973E-001517384908&mr:referralID=NA&mr:match={matchtype}&mr:ad=13512388421&mr:adType=pla&mr:filter=24156051701&origin=pla&mr:keyword={keyword}

The guy in the pic shaves his hands. ew gross

Lit · October 2012

Get a couple stones and a strop kit. I use a 1000/6000 grit stone and then a balsa pad with 1 micron paste and then another balsa pad with .5 micron paste and then I strop it on a bovine leather pad. If I remember correctly the .5 micron paste is 60,000 grit so you end up with a pretty sharp knife. You really can just get a 1000/6000 stone and make a knife sharp enough to shave with though. You don't need all those fancy gadgets just a stone, water, and about 5 minutes.

jlsm · October 2012

I know this isn't helpful: Get a husband who does Japanese-style woodworking for a living. He's obsessive with his planes and chisels.

SamFerrise · October 2012

Japanese wet stones are my choice. My blades are scalpel sharp and nobody uses them except me.

exspo · October 2012

travisstrick said:

Is that rug hand wove? It looks like it could be. Without looking at the back, I can't tell.

Also, ditch the WD-40. Get yourself some Rem-oil, it's the superior product.

That was just to get the hinges on the boy's pocket knife working.

And yes, hand woven, from Afghanistan.

exspo · October 2012

travisstrick said:

The first and last word on knife sharpening. Look no further, my friend.

http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-System-c3/

I like the Spyderco. But I think this will take it to the next level. And since I am poor at moderation, I'm in!

exspo · October 2012

Lit said:

Get a couple stones and a strop kit. I use a 1000/6000 grit stone and then a balsa pad with 1 micron paste and then another balsa pad with .5 micron paste and then I strop it on a bovine leather pad. If I remember correctly the .5 micron paste is 60,000 grit so you end up with a pretty sharp knife. You really can just get a 1000/6000 stone and make a knife sharp enough to shave with though. You don't need all those fancy gadgets just a stone, water, and about 5 minutes.

I'm curious about this but I need to know more about the methods - can you point me somewhere?

exspo · October 2012

Thanks everyone for all the good information! Much to think about!

JerkChicken · October 2012

Dave in Florida said:

I have this one and it works great. http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-Diamond-Professional-Sharpener/dp/B00075M29A/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180666&sr=8-18&keywords=knife+sharpener

I have the same unit. It works VERY well for as easy as they are to operate. I've had the varying grit stones and guide type units and, while they certainly DO work very very well... they're a whole lot more fuss than I have time for. A few swipes through the last station on our unit after washing our knives keeps them ready for use in a flash.

+1. I also have this model and I like it a lot. So easy and gets 'em super sharp, quick.

70chevelle · October 2012

travisstrick said:

The first and last word on knife sharpening. Look no further, my friend.

http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-System-c3/

I've had mine for about 4 years, and couldn't agree more with the comment above. Takes MOST of the guesswork out of sharpening and you still get to use japanese wetstones.

Lit · October 2012

exspo said:

Lit said:

Get a couple stones and a strop kit. I use a 1000/6000 grit stone and then a balsa pad with 1 micron paste and then another balsa pad with .5 micron paste and then I strop it on a bovine leather pad. If I remember correctly the .5 micron paste is 60,000 grit so you end up with a pretty sharp knife. You really can just get a 1000/6000 stone and make a knife sharp enough to shave with though. You don't need all those fancy gadgets just a stone, water, and about 5 minutes.
I'm curious about this but I need to know more about the methods - can you point me somewhere?

This is the stone I use. Its not too soft that a beginner will take chunks out of it with the knife and its not too hard that it takes forever to sharpen the knife. And its only $52. https://store.kramerknives.com/product/10006000-procombo/?ls_frontend_ticket=507c1d5ef3de5447865205&ls_session_id=748bd11b3882fc6a669d24dab2b5a846

You can find everything you need to know about using a stone by watching these videos. http://www.chefknivestogo.com/vitu.html

Also if you are ever going to buy a knife chefknivestogo is the place to get it.

fishlessman · October 2012

does anyone use the diamond stones, after buying several water stones, 1000/6000, some around 10000, 12000 with a slurry etc, pasted strops, horsehide strops, the list seeems to get long and some i still use for my shaving razor. my go to is a worn out diamond stone, diamonds stick on a stainless bar 3 x 14 inches, always stays flat, was probably 1000 grit years ago but its gotten much smoother since. its quick to sharpen most knives and honestly, how sharp does a knife need to be that you arent actually shaving with

brycos · October 2012

I use a belt sander with 600, 800, 1000 grit belts and a stopping belt

probe1957 · October 2012

Dave in Florida said:

I have this one and it works great. http://www.amazon.com/Chefs-Choice-Diamond-Professional-Sharpener/dp/B00075M29A/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1350180666&sr=8-18&keywords=knife+sharpener

That is the one I have and I will second (or third or 4th) that it indeed works well. There may be ways to get a better age but I just want it done and want it done well. I am not going to fuss over a knife for an hour to get the best possible edge.

dlk7 · October 2012

travisstrick said:

The first and last word on knife sharpening. Look no further, my friend.

http://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-System-c3/

Travis - which kit did you get? Is it worthit to invest in all the bells and whitles?

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