I am very happy with this purchase. I don’t need a hardcore knife nerd atom-splitting edge, just an edge that any non-knife person would consider to be extremely sharp. Out of the box the Sharpmaker EASILY meets this standard, with next to no technique required. The people this product is aimed at aren’t buying bench stones precisely because of the very steep learning curve associated with that method of sharpening. I’ve also found the stock kit sharpens knives that struggle to cut through paper, so in my experience saying it’s only worthwhile for already sharp knives isn’t correct. Yeah, if you want to go to the next level there are lots of options, but this does the job I want it to.
I've had a sharpmaker for almost 40 years. Ive sharpened countless knives. I agree that there could be a better option for putting a new edge on a blade. But frankly I just don't let my knives get that bad in the first place. In addition, the serrated blade comment is just made out of ignorance. A serrated blade is hands down far better for someone who has to cut twine or rope on a regular basis. People that make comments like this use knives as toys not as tools.
It's a matter of preference; if we were dropped into the field for three months, each with his favorite knife, using it each day, makin fires, cutting everything necessary, I believe from my experiences that my serrated blade, doesn't matter which, Spyderco, Kershaw, CRKT, or Benchmade would slice through a nylon waterskiing rope for example, while you sawed away with a dull plain edge knife for an additional minute. They don't only cut bread; serrations on any of the brands I mentioned will take off a finger with the bone and all, easily, and do it again next week when you get your next deer to skin. Try it, you'll see. You can sharpen with a cheap Smith's sharpener, the diamond post if you want to keep it shiny-sharp looking, but it will cut even if you let it get rusty. It's a saw blade, dude! It cuts way better than a dull-ass plain blade you're spending a hundred dollars on sharpening equipment to maintain! Good luck cutting, and in general.
Cold Steel's serrations are exceptional for certain tasks and incredible for self defense. Some people have blades so dull that in self defense they would only have stabbing power. Stab and twist, and don't forget the latter.
This video is a little off, just because I know for a fact that with the ultra fine rods it is very possible to get a mirrored edge. And unless your knife is completely destroyed, the Spyderco Sharpmaker can easily get a very dull knife razor sharp with just the medium, fine and ultra fine rods (a nice strop helps too!)
Everything you said is true except about how well the diamond stones hold up. In my case at least I've made over 20,000 strokes with my set (yes, I counted!) and it is still perfectly usable. Maybe you got a bad set or I got an unusually good set. I now use my Sharpmaker only when I feel a need for the therapeutic relaxation of hand-sharpening. The rest of the time I use a Harbor Freight 1 x 30 bench sander with a Surgi-sharp angle guide. Total cost for those two items is $70. Of course, you will have to buy belts as you need them.
for the people that have lots of money!!i would get both these kits,as they compliment each other vary well,you can find some used units on the forums like i did,and have both,thanks nick.
Huh. I easily maintain shaving sharp edges on knives with the standard fine stones, but you're absolutely right that it's not great for getting dull knives sharp. The thing I love about it is that it fits in a kitchen drawer and takes no time to set up, has no mess, and is essentially foolproof. Yeah, I can use my Edge Pro or my Wicked Edge, but for 90% of my sharpening, the Sharpmaker does the job.
I own the Sharpmaker, the Edge Pro Apex 4 and a DLT Trading leather strop with black and white Bark River compounds. I use all of them in very precises cases: -Edge Pro only for reprofiling -Strop for maintain my edge sharp -Sharpmaker for also maintain the edge sharp but only when the strop is not enough effective (and then finishing with the strop).
Totally agree with Nick. This Spyderco setup is typically over-rated for knife sharpening. It's OK, for touching up an already sharp blade. It's not the "foundational" sharpener to start with... it's an add-on accessory once you have a good primary jig system like a KMT, Edgepro, or even the Lansky. Starting with benchstones is a tough route compared with a jig system, but certainly has tremendous merit for those dedicated to learning freehand techniques.
I agree to not get the diamonds but very much disagree on the ultra fine's. I have them and use them every time to get my knives super sharp. I also don't strop since I use the ultra's (not sure if this is good reasoning but it works fir me). So for $90, I have a safe, convienent, fun and easy to use system to keep my collection of pocket knives (all Spyderco in my case) super sharp. Definitely worth it for this novice sharpener.
@@kpfagerberg I need to tell you that I have changed what I do here. I still use the Sharpmaker, but I now strop after and I found the strop can often take the knife from paper slicing to paper push cutting sharp. It makes a tangible difference.
I have this, the Lansky, and a worksharp. The worksharp, I’m too chicken to put my best knives on, because you can screw them up fast, the Lansky, I’ve not had much success with. I get my best results with this. I’ve never been that great at sharpening. Maybe it’s lack of patience. I understand the basic principles, just not that great at it.
It's a great system to maintain your knives but definitely not to reprofile or take out severe nicks and rolls. Hahaaa pun intended. I would just bypass the diamond stones and just get the ultra fine stones. I have so much success in taking my edge to the next level with just that investment. It's a pain in the ass to buy that separately, but it's worth it if you want to fine tune your edge. Had this system for 4-5 years and I couldn't be more happy. Doesn't take much skill to get a good edge back on your blades. By the way Nick, is it possible to request a tutorial series on how to use the EdgePro Apex? I would really like to see your tips and tricks on that sharpening system.
Get a strop and this system is fine for making a really sharp edge plus this is easy small and compact without a lit of setup. Like nick said ur not gonna be reprofiling any edges
Just get the Lansky Deluxe Diamond Controlled Angle System, some spare rods, a mount, and the fine and extra fine ceramic stones for it. Strop with .5 DMT diamond spray and that give a pretty mirror edge on it. It will be about 100 bucks but well worth it.
Just came here to point that out. I have sharpened some abused blades with this. And without stropping they will all shave hair and shred paper easily. If you're interested in this system. Watch the Spyderco dvd that comes with the kit or the same video on RUclips. I have a whole set of DMT diamond plates and I don't even use them anymore. I use this and a strop with green compound. It gets my knives scary sharp. Then you just need to make a few passes on the white stone and strop to touch up as needed
knife sharpen skills are lacking trying real hard with this and strop not getting close to the original sharpness not sure why. Watched Sals video maybe I am beyond help with this.
Thanks for the video! I have one question, I can buy a used but in good condition Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker but I dont know how long the stones can be used before I need to replace them? I am knew in this (just bought Byrd Robin 2 and Para 3 - regular/light usage) so I really appreciate your answer and opinion! Thanks in advance!!!
My kershaw blur in s30v is the only knife I've bought that wasn't razor sharp out of the box. I ended up getting the diamond and ultra fine rods. It took me about 4 half hour sessions of sharpening using all four sets of rods to get the knife razor sharp using the 40 degree angle. I've found that with all my knives I'm able to get them sharper with 40 degree than 30. And I always finish off with a preloaded strop. I wish I had some f.u. money to get something like the edge pro or kme system but I'm not hard on my knives so the sharpmaker will have to do for now. I'd rather spend my money on more knives if I have it :).
I think you could just forget about the diamond rods for reshaping and just spend a bit more time on the course stone, it is durable enough to sharpen carbide tools I am sure it can handle modern steels. on a similar note the the extra sharp stone is not needed to get hair shaving edge
i should have watched this video again before thinking about taking my 3 of my nicest knives to get sharpened. now i want them reprofiled. actually i feel like theyve been violated and i just want new blades for them. had i spent the 60 bucks for the sharp maker i could have got them back to sharp again and all would be fine in the world of jacob. kind of think the apex is the way to go for me now...ughh
I agree with this. This is my first sharpening system and I bought it hoping to make some old dull knives I had laying around sharp again ( one being a 80’s USMC KA-BAR from my dad ). Did it sharpen it? Yes, kinda. Shaving sharp? Not even close. I’ve tried for nearly two days to get a shaving sharp edge on it, no luck and I give up. I’m sure this would maintain a already sharp knife though. But don’t expect to bring back the dead.
Àye Nick, think you barely scratched the surface, on the Spyderco Sharp Maker(pun intended), the instructional vid is a lot more indepth than a 6 minute review. Just sayin'.
Reprofiling isn't too tough if you have the tools. I recommend the Lansky Quadsharp, which you can get for under $15. That will let you profile your blade to just about any angle you wish, including 20º (suitable for the Sharpmaker 40º setting). Check out the Quadsharp at ruclips.net/video/RH7Trmk1rbY/видео.html.
Don't waste your time and money with this Spyderco rod, its junk, get a KME and get a razor sharp mirror edge every time with a consistent edge and no scratches.
I am very happy with this purchase. I don’t need a hardcore knife nerd atom-splitting edge, just an edge that any non-knife person would consider to be extremely sharp. Out of the box the Sharpmaker EASILY meets this standard, with next to no technique required. The people this product is aimed at aren’t buying bench stones precisely because of the very steep learning curve associated with that method of sharpening.
I’ve also found the stock kit sharpens knives that struggle to cut through paper, so in my experience saying it’s only worthwhile for already sharp knives isn’t correct.
Yeah, if you want to go to the next level there are lots of options, but this does the job I want it to.
I've had a sharpmaker for almost 40 years. Ive sharpened countless knives. I agree that there could be a better option for putting a new edge on a blade. But frankly I just don't let my knives get that bad in the first place. In addition, the serrated blade comment is just made out of ignorance. A serrated blade is hands down far better for someone who has to cut twine or rope on a regular basis. People that make comments like this use knives as toys not as tools.
Amen, man.
@@Garymayo Wrong, it came out in 1976...
Your reviews have rapidly become about the only ones I trust (or can stand to listen to).
"You shouldn't be buying serrated knives anyways, except for bread." I feel like that needs to be stenciled on the walls of every knife shop.
+Elias Nichols Hah. Maybe that's a "quick tip" of its own...
It's a matter of preference; if we were dropped into the field for three months, each with his favorite knife, using it each day, makin fires, cutting everything necessary, I believe from my experiences that my serrated blade, doesn't matter which, Spyderco, Kershaw, CRKT, or Benchmade would slice through a nylon waterskiing rope for example, while you sawed away with a dull plain edge knife for an additional minute. They don't only cut bread; serrations on any of the brands I mentioned will take off a finger with the bone and all, easily, and do it again next week when you get your next deer to skin. Try it, you'll see. You can sharpen with a cheap Smith's sharpener, the diamond post if you want to keep it shiny-sharp looking, but it will cut even if you let it get rusty. It's a saw blade, dude! It cuts way better than a dull-ass plain blade you're spending a hundred dollars on sharpening equipment to maintain! Good luck cutting, and in general.
Cold Steel's serrations are exceptional for certain tasks and incredible for self defense. Some people have blades so dull that in self defense they would only have stabbing power. Stab and twist, and don't forget the latter.
"You shouldn't be buying serrated knives anyways, except for bread." What about cake?
@@shawfestify
Pretty likely scenario
Thank you all your videos are wonderful I have a whole new appreciation for my knives and their care.
You are superb man!!!! Nick you are SUPERB!!! thank you for being an honest man!!! KEEP doing honest reviews!!!
Buy yourself some good quality wet & dry paper you can cut it to fit the rods and it works perfect at a fraction of the cost of the diamond stones.
Great idea. I love tricks like this.
What grit level?
This video is a little off, just because I know for a fact that with the ultra fine rods it is very possible to get a mirrored edge. And unless your knife is completely destroyed, the Spyderco Sharpmaker can easily get a very dull knife razor sharp with just the medium, fine and ultra fine rods (a nice strop helps too!)
Thank you for your honesty. Saved me A ton of money.
Everything you said is true except about how well the diamond stones hold up. In my case at least I've made over 20,000 strokes with my set (yes, I counted!) and it is still perfectly usable. Maybe you got a bad set or I got an unusually good set.
I now use my Sharpmaker only when I feel a need for the therapeutic relaxation of hand-sharpening. The rest of the time I use a Harbor Freight 1 x 30 bench sander with a Surgi-sharp angle guide. Total cost for those two items is $70. Of course, you will have to buy belts as you need them.
Robert Brandywine would you recommend sharpmaker or the harbor freight belt method
for the people that have lots of money!!i would get both these kits,as they compliment each other vary well,you can find some used units on the forums like i did,and have both,thanks nick.
Sharpmaker + the Knives plus strop block=👌 I agree with Nick though it should be called the sharp keeper.
C-Note Mac i have both they work fantastic together
Huh. I easily maintain shaving sharp edges on knives with the standard fine stones, but you're absolutely right that it's not great for getting dull knives sharp. The thing I love about it is that it fits in a kitchen drawer and takes no time to set up, has no mess, and is essentially foolproof. Yeah, I can use my Edge Pro or my Wicked Edge, but for 90% of my sharpening, the Sharpmaker does the job.
I own the Sharpmaker, the Edge Pro Apex 4 and a DLT Trading leather strop with black and white Bark River compounds.
I use all of them in very precises cases:
-Edge Pro only for reprofiling
-Strop for maintain my edge sharp
-Sharpmaker for also maintain the edge sharp but only when the strop is not enough effective (and then finishing with the strop).
+Habana Sounds like a very good plan, similar to what I do.
I have discovered your channel today and i really like your videos!
You have my support from France! :)
(yes i'm french!)
Wonderful. Merci pour votre abonnement!
Totally agree with Nick. This Spyderco setup is typically over-rated for knife sharpening. It's OK, for touching up an already sharp blade. It's not the "foundational" sharpener to start with... it's an add-on accessory once you have a good primary jig system like a KMT, Edgepro, or even the Lansky. Starting with benchstones is a tough route compared with a jig system, but certainly has tremendous merit for those dedicated to learning freehand techniques.
I agree to not get the diamonds but very much disagree on the ultra fine's. I have them and use them every time to get my knives super sharp. I also don't strop since I use the ultra's (not sure if this is good reasoning but it works fir me). So for $90, I have a safe, convienent, fun and easy to use system to keep my collection of pocket knives (all Spyderco in my case) super sharp. Definitely worth it for this novice sharpener.
Nice to hear. I’m interested in buying one
@@kpfagerberg I need to tell you that I have changed what I do here. I still use the Sharpmaker, but I now strop after and I found the strop can often take the knife from paper slicing to paper push cutting sharp. It makes a tangible difference.
could you do a video on serrations and why you don't like them
+Dexter Bowie I keep meaning to, good idea!
What’s the verdict 8 years later?
Sharpmaker + the Knives plus strop block=👌 I agree with Nick though it should be called the sharpkeeper.
I have this, the Lansky, and a worksharp. The worksharp, I’m too chicken to put my best knives on, because you can screw them up fast, the Lansky, I’ve not had much success with. I get my best results with this. I’ve never been that great at sharpening. Maybe it’s lack of patience. I understand the basic principles, just not that great at it.
It's a great system to maintain your knives but definitely not to reprofile or take out severe nicks and rolls. Hahaaa pun intended. I would just bypass the diamond stones and just get the ultra fine stones. I have so much success in taking my edge to the next level with just that investment. It's a pain in the ass to buy that separately, but it's worth it if you want to fine tune your edge. Had this system for 4-5 years and I couldn't be more happy. Doesn't take much skill to get a good edge back on your blades.
By the way Nick, is it possible to request a tutorial series on how to use the EdgePro Apex? I would really like to see your tips and tricks on that sharpening system.
What a blast from the past!
You just saved me a whole bunch of money thx Nick 🔪
Get a strop and this system is fine for making a really sharp edge plus this is easy small and compact without a lit of setup. Like nick said ur not gonna be reprofiling any edges
Just get the Lansky Deluxe Diamond Controlled Angle System, some spare rods, a mount, and the fine and extra fine ceramic stones for it. Strop with .5 DMT diamond spray and that give a pretty mirror edge on it. It will be about 100 bucks but well worth it.
Will it work for large kitchen knives?
Honest excellent review, I was just about to buy one of these sharpeners but now I think I will save up for a better system. Thanks!
ehhh i disagree, the base 60 dollar sharpmaker can easily get a shaving sharp knife
Just came here to point that out. I have sharpened some abused blades with this. And without stropping they will all shave hair and shred paper easily. If you're interested in this system. Watch the Spyderco dvd that comes with the kit or the same video on RUclips. I have a whole set of DMT diamond plates and I don't even use them anymore. I use this and a strop with green compound. It gets my knives scary sharp. Then you just need to make a few passes on the white stone and strop to touch up as needed
@@TheRealChetManley You're better off getting the spyderco bench stones or the DMT diamond plates.
@@1ohtaf1 didn't he just say he has a whole set of DMT diamond plates?
@@1ohtaf1 I have a whole set of Norton waterstones, but I suck too much at free hand sharpening, yikes.
knife sharpen skills are lacking trying real hard with this and strop not getting close to the original sharpness not sure why. Watched Sals video maybe I am beyond help with this.
Thanks for the video!
I have one question, I can buy a used but in good condition Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker but I dont know how long the stones can be used before I need to replace them?
I am knew in this (just bought Byrd Robin 2 and Para 3 - regular/light usage) so I really appreciate your answer and opinion!
Thanks in advance!!!
My kershaw blur in s30v is the only knife I've bought that wasn't razor sharp out of the box. I ended up getting the diamond and ultra fine rods. It took me about 4 half hour sessions of sharpening using all four sets of rods to get the knife razor sharp using the 40 degree angle. I've found that with all my knives I'm able to get them sharper with 40 degree than 30. And I always finish off with a preloaded strop. I wish I had some f.u. money to get something like the edge pro or kme system but I'm not hard on my knives so the sharpmaker will have to do for now. I'd rather spend my money on more knives if I have it :).
srg914
If you're getting them sharper at 40 than 30, then you're not getting the burrs off...
I think you could just forget about the diamond rods for reshaping and just spend a bit more time on the course stone, it is durable enough to sharpen carbide tools I am sure it can handle modern steels. on a similar note the the extra sharp stone is not needed to get hair shaving edge
the standard system will produce a razor edge, if youre wanting to reprofile a knife just wrap sandpaper around the rods
It's sharp maker, a sharp keeper, but not advertised as a sharp reprofiler.
Hey Nick, what knife is that you were sharpening on this video? Thanks
That's the problem with the diamond rods they don't last. So basically you're getting a factory edge from this system?
i should have watched this video again before thinking about taking my 3 of my nicest knives to get sharpened. now i want them reprofiled. actually i feel like theyve been violated and i just want new blades for them. had i spent the 60 bucks for the sharp maker i could have got them back to sharp again and all would be fine in the world of jacob. kind of think the apex is the way to go for me now...ughh
Nick modern steep cute diamonds?
Nice review
Wrap the stones in sandpaper - then you got yourself a cheap diamond stone for re-profiling.
I agree with this. This is my first sharpening system and I bought it hoping to make some old dull knives I had laying around sharp again ( one being a 80’s USMC KA-BAR from my dad ). Did it sharpen it? Yes, kinda. Shaving sharp? Not even close. I’ve tried for nearly two days to get a shaving sharp edge on it, no luck and I give up. I’m sure this would maintain a already sharp knife though. But don’t expect to bring back the dead.
You should clean those fine rods with some WD-40 and a scotchbrite. Cleaning them makes them way more effective!
Have a great day !
Cleaning makes a huge difference. I've found that rubbing the rods with a hi-polymer block eraser quickly removes the build up.
👍
Àye Nick, think you barely scratched the surface, on the Spyderco Sharp Maker(pun intended), the instructional vid is a lot more indepth than a 6 minute review. Just sayin'.
I use the underside of a mug and a cheap strop, don't need fancy systems unless you have a lot of knives to work on that are very very dull
Something Wicked This Way Comes *you're *too
To be honest, I just send my knife to Benchmade and have them sharpen it. Once every 2 months or so. All I do is pay for shipping.
Santa Jaws that’s gonna add up after a while it would be better to learn how to sharpen and benchmades edge kinda suck
Reprofiling isn't too tough if you have the tools. I recommend the Lansky Quadsharp, which you can get for under $15. That will let you profile your blade to just about any angle you wish, including 20º (suitable for the Sharpmaker 40º setting). Check out the Quadsharp at ruclips.net/video/RH7Trmk1rbY/видео.html.
Get a Tormek
Great lol serrated knives
Does fine to keep the kitchen knives (for most of use) in shape, so easy a cavewoman could do it.
Then the plastic base splits
Too much talk about money not enough about preformance. I would not want to be your date! Thanks for the video though.
Don't waste your time and money with this Spyderco rod, its junk, get a KME and get a razor sharp mirror edge every time with a consistent edge and no scratches.
dude wtf happened to your voice lol