what is the best knife sharperners

Spyderco sharpmaker about 50 quid. Shaving sharp every time- my knife has done 4 roe and 2 Munties since i last sharpened it and will still take hairs off your arm.
 
Rather unhelpfully - the one that works best for you! :confused:

First question to consider is what type of grind is on the blade (s) you wish to sharpen - is it a flat type or convex. A convex can be touched up on a flat system, but in time you will basically turn it into a flat edge.

The second point to ponder is to be clear in your mind about what needs to be done to a blade to produce a sharp edge. Definitions vary, but if we assume sharpening is an abrasive process that removes metal and honing is a non abrasive process that removes inconsistencies and burs. I appreciate that isn't precise, but really only heading for next bit -

Even as a sharpener retailer, I believe most knives are over sharpened and under honed. The amount of blade metal that gets ground off knives annually is probably all that keeps the knife industry going!

Ever sharpened a knife and it felt like the edge was so 'good' in grabbed your finger print? Yet when used the edge dulled very quickly. Chances are what you felt was a fine metal 'feather' or bur created by sharpening. It is very weak and upon use breaks or folds readily - creating a dull edge.

Notice how chefs and butchers spend a good deal of time with a 'steel' on their knives, but far less often do you see them slaving away on a stone.

Sharpen to set your edge, hone to maintain it.

I like the Lansky 4 rod box we sell ( declared bias here ), it will sharpen and also semi-hone. Spyderco Sharpmaker does the same thing. As a type of system, our experience is they are one of the most useful - for most stalkers. There are lots of good products - I'd never wish to start a 'this is best' debate, because I don't think there is any one single answer.

The most common issue is using a stone or other abrasive that is too coarse. Little and often is the best approach. Many commercial products - even when listed as 'Fine' or 'Extra Fine' - are really quite coarse. For a quick thumb test they feel great - because they are effectively producing a serrated edge. The finer and more polished your edge the better it will cut deer and all else being equal, the longer it lasts.

The Carbide type handy sharpeners tend to produce feather edges - so shave rabbit skins just great at gamefairs, but remove heaps of metal and can damage hard edge blades through chatter.

There's little to beat getting hands on with a few different products and see what works best for you.

It would be interesting if you could let us know how you get on.
 
Blade tech £10 you also get a similar one that has a handle on i forget the make but the same principle £6+ on ebay
 
The best, if you get used to it and know what you are doing - flat stones, I have ceramic ones.

For ease of use, Lansky or Spyderco, again, I have both.

Never, ever would I use the Blade tech after seeing it once used.

Whichever one, it's always best to finish with a compound loaded strop to get that fine edge.
 
Ive had all the gadgets but the blade tech system puts the same angle on every time idiot proof if ya like and you can carry it around with you if needed
 
Spyderco double sided ceramic stone, or DMT Diamond stones (fine Ultra fine) following with Starkie Sharp blue honing paste on a leather
 
I got an electric one from Aldis for £10 at the weekend .I have worn one larder knife down trying to learn how to use the b***** thing. They have still got loads!!!!
Wf1
 
I find the Tormek to be the best sharpener. It is precise and - most important - repeatable and consistent. But its not what you would use if all you want to do is sharpen the occasional knife. As Moray says, the key to sharpening is honing. The Tormek comes with its own honing wheel, though I have found a polishing mop in a bench grinder to be just as effective.

If you are looking for something more practical, I have really enjoyed using the Lansky 4 rod box that I bought from Moray. I use it for most of the knives in the house and, as my wife says, they are "scary sharp".

willie_gunn
 
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