Spyderco Sharpening System...Your Thoughts Please...

[Nala]

Hey all,

I have been nosing around about sharpening systems and ran across more than a few comments about the Spyderco Sharpmaker system.  Many of these comments say that it is the BEST system they have ever used or tried.  Some of the comments here in the archives talk about how this system has enabled people to sharpen knives and get a great edge for the first time in their lives after trying "every gadget out there."
I know everyone is different and different things work better for some than others.  I have also read and heard a LOT about the KME system too.

I would like to know what you all think about the Spyderco system.  How well does it work?  How easy is it to use?  How does it match up against the KME?

I have a Lansky that I just haven't been able to get good results with that's why I am looking for a change.

Thanks for your time and help.

Nalajr

[easyup]

I have a Lansky at the cabin and a Sharpmaker at home, no experience with KME but am sure they work well.  Both of mine will get a hair popping edge on any reasonable steel with a decent heat treatment.  and you should be able to as well.  Sharpmaker is maybe a little easier.  I would guess if your Lansky is not working you are not getting a burr worked up on each of the stones (narrow edge fist followed by wide edge) as that is, in my experience, most often the problem with guys who try it or you are using the diamond Lansky and the diamonds have worn off.

[Nala]

Thanks for the info.  My Lansky is the BASIC system.  I don't have ANY diamond stones for it.  I didn't mean to imply that I can't sharpen a knife at all with it, but I just can't get the kind of results I hear people talking about that they get when they sharpen their knives on a LANSKY or whatever system they choose.

Do you think I should get the Diamond hones for it or would I be better off selling my basic Lansky and then buying a Spyderco or even a KME?

Thanks

Nalajr

[Charlie Lamb]

While I strongly recommend the KME system, I'd suggest you call KME for advice with what you have first.
They know sharpening and are more than willing to help anyone with any system. You may just be overlooking something simple to get that ultra sharp edge you seek.

[Soilarch]

Apples and Oranges.

The KME is definitely the one you want if you haven't already got your knives sharp.

Where the Sharpmaker excels (and why I love it) is in the quick "re"sharpening of a blade that has lost it's bite. Reason why is because its "medium" stones are still pretty fine...it just can't/won't remove a whole lot of material to establish a bevel. If you are getting close with your Lansky it just may be the ticket.

If you already have a sharpening system that gets you close...go Sharpmaker.  If you need a do-all...go KME


Don't sell the lanksy to get the sharpmaker.  It is not a stand alone unit in my opinion...it is a fantastic "finisher".  

Diamond or Basic stone have no..NO.. difference on the final results.  Diamonds will simply get there quicker. (usually)

[Curveman]

I have a Sharpmaker and a KME. Both are good as described above but I generally just use the KME now. It allows very little margin of error if any.

[Jake]

I like the KME myself...but I am kinda partial.

[Tsalagi]

I've used the Sharpmaker for years and have always been happy with it.

[Comic Relief]

I belong to a couple of knife collecting forums, and the Spyderco is almost as popular as the Lansky. I've never used either, but these guys know their stuff, and I'd trust their opinions.

[Lefty]

I can't help on their sharpener, but I sure love their knives!  I just got a new one for Christmas from my wife, because she knew how much I like the other Spyderco knife I have.  I am so pleased with them that the two Randall knives that I have had on order for over four years and is suppose to be shipped in a couple months will more than likely go right on the auction site.
  Spyderco makes some great knives, so I will be watching this thread and I may have to get one of there sharpeners as well.

[jsweka]

I've used the Spyderco Sharpmaker now for about 10 years.  Received it as a Christmas present.  Works great and it's all I use for knives and broadheads.  Works well on serated blades too.

[Nala]

It looks like it would be very difficult to maintain the right angle when you swipe each side down the ceramic hones.  I watched a couple of videos on Youtube and it looks like it would certainly take some practice to get it right.  Unlike the KME there is nothing that keeps the angle constant throughout the stroke on each side.  That looks like it would be hard to maintain or learn.  No matter what angle those rods are held at it is still your hand that determines what angle you are sharpening at.

Am I missing something about the Sharpmaker?  If I am please correct me as I am looking for the easiest method to get a good, razor edge on my knives.  The Lansky doesn't work that well for me and it does hold the knife at a constant angle.  So I need something unless I just decide to go with only Scandi grind knives from now on.

Thanks again everyone for the help and info.  Keep it coming.

Nalajr

[JimmyC]

The Sharpmaker is awesome!  A friend of mine and I have been using them for years and love them.  It comes with a great video that teaches you how to use it.  The beauty of it is how it enables you to hold the proper angle.  

Really very simple to use and over time it has enabled me to better understand and enjoy knives, steel and sharpening in general.

[Soilarch]

It's not nearly as hard as it seems.  I can't "freehand" sharpen on a stone worth a lick.  If I put the stone on a ramp and hold the knife flat the table...piece o' cake.  Can't explain why.  The Spyderco is the same way..except you hold it straight up-and-down.  I can quickly make a knife shave effortlessly on the Sharpmaker.


Before you spend any money on anything the fact that the lasky doesn't work had me puzzled.  Try these:

LIGHT PRESSURE...NO PRESSURE actually


Spend 95% of your time on the coarsest stone you have...it should shave hair before you ever move to medium. (Granted, it will be a very "scratchy" shave).

Use the same guide rod in every stone.  Those little buggers can get bent ever so slightly and if they aren't all the same you are using different angles with each stone.  I bypass the whole problem by using the same rod with all 3 (or 5) stones.


Pressure, Coarse Coarse Coarse, One Rod.

Try those and see if things improve.

[Sharpster]

Nala,

The sharpmaker is a great system but as you rightly point out, it is a free-hand system. Like soilarch said it's easier to free-hand with the Sharpmaker than it is on a plain stone but, it is still free-hand sharpening.

As for your Lansky, it is also a very good system and you should be able to achieve hair shaving sharpness with it. The key to success with any system is having a thorough understanding of sharpening theory. If you get a chance check out the tutorial "Basic Sharpening Theory: Standard Double Bevel Blades" on our website under "Sharpening tips and FAQs". It's a fairly in depth "how and why" on basic sharpening. If you still need help, give me a call. I've coached many people through thier first successful sharpening and would be happy to help you out as well. Let us know how you make out.


Ron

[easyup]

Nala, do you feel a burr along the full length of the blade before you switch to the other side or to a finer stone?  That should give you a edge that will pop hair off your arm and will not drag along a finger nail.

[FerretWYO]

I have the spyderco system I really like it. It is easy to use and easy to learn.

I have heard nothing but good about the KME stuff as well.

[Greg Skinner]

I have the Spyderco system and have used it for years.  Where it excels is in the finishing after filing to get a wire edge.  Ace broadheads seem to be particularly easy, even when they are quite dull.  I can file a wire edge in just a few minutes, then use the white ceramic sticks at the shallowest angle and have the broadheads shaving hair in a few strokes - mostly just enough to remove the wire edge. The same white ceramic sticks are the best for touching up heads that have been in the quiver.  Quickest method I have tried.

[PAPA BEAR]

after watching the kme video it looks pretty much foolproof as far as getting your knife razor sharp is concerned.i will be ordering the diamond kit kme.i currently free hand sharpen all my knives but after recently buying some high quality knives i want them sharpened correctly and the kme looks to be a great system.

[Tom Anderson]

I've had a Lansky system for almost 20 years.  2 yrs. ago I purchased the Spyderco kit.  Haven't touched the Lansky since.
The Spyderco comes with a video that shows you how to use it to get perfect results.