I've been sharpening knives for a long time, sharpen 200-250'ish knives annually. Very much enjoy sharpening knives! Learning how to sharpen different steels to get the best out of them, angles, how to sharpen for intended use... Started with a Gatco then a Edge Pro Apex for 15yrs and now the TS Prof. Being able to use the pile of my existing stones/strops made the decision easier to go to the TS Prof. How fine of edge I can put on a knife stepped up over the EP because of the clamp and how precisely I can adjust the arm. Have friends who have the similar priced Wicked Edge sharpeners, used theirs many times. I like the TS Prof over the WE for several reasons. Need only one stone for each grit, long arm for consistent bevel, double clamp for long or flexible knives, the optional auxiliary table (auxiliary table kind of turns the TS into a EP, unlimited blade length), resting spot on the arm for a digital angle cube, lots of stone/strop options from many manufacturers.
February 17, 2020, 02:22 PM
jhe888
I wouldn't buy any of those expensive sharpening jigs and machines.
I can get quite a good edge freehand, and the difference in refinement I might get from a machine like that is not worth the cost.
The fish is mute, expressionless. The fish doesn't think because the fish knows everything.
February 17, 2020, 03:46 PM
rburg
quote:
Originally posted by jhe888: I can get quite a good edge freehand,
You are an exception to the general public. Most people can't sharpen a knife worth a shit. For them, cutting a orange is the ultimate, and they're happy ripping through it.
I've spent years learning and trying to improve. It comes, but takes a long time. There are books, like everything. They don't do any harm that I've seen. The best advice is to use a permanent marker on the edge. Then have at it. If the entire mark vanishes, the person sharpening is burning up a lot of good steel but doing very little actual sharpening.
Unhappy ammo seeker
February 18, 2020, 07:49 AM
Fla. Jim
quote:
Originally posted by jhe888: I wouldn't buy any of those expensive sharpening jigs and machines.
I can get quite a good edge freehand, and the difference in refinement I might get from a machine like that is not worth the cost.
This. Those of us who learned using a smooth rock and lots of practice don't think it's worth the price of several decent knives. And we probably will be finished way before we would using a machine.
February 18, 2020, 09:38 AM
offgrid
quote:
Originally posted by Fla. Jim:
quote:
Originally posted by jhe888: I wouldn't buy any of those expensive sharpening jigs and machines.
I can get quite a good edge freehand, and the difference in refinement I might get from a machine like that is not worth the cost.
This. Those of us who learned using a smooth rock and lots of practice don't think it's worth the price of several decent knives. And we probably will be finished way before we would using a machine.
With all due respect to free-hand sharpeners. You ain't touching the edge of a guided system
To put a working edge (toothy/polished) on a knife of decent steel, the V's, M4, M390.... not some soft steel like 1095. Under 10 minutes easy and will pass the rip cut cigarette paper test.
Sharp is a relative term. Encourage you guys to pick up the cigarette papers noted in the PDF, see if your knives pass at least the rip test. Good luck
DTV, brothers sharpener is called Hapstone Pro also Russian made. He bought it for $600.00. Bought all the stones he could find for different kinds of steels. Spent another $200.00 on a diamond lapping wheel for keeping the stones true. I bet his machine is the one you are selling. He loves the darn thing. Has people local to him wanting him to sharpen blades for them.
February 22, 2020, 03:25 AM
downtownv
quote:
Originally posted by David Lee: DTV, brothers sharpener is called Hapstone Pro also Russian made. He bought it for $600.00. Bought all the stones he could find for different kinds of steels. Spent another $200.00 on a diamond lapping wheel for keeping the stones true. I bet his machine is the one you are selling. He loves the darn thing. Has people local to him wanting him to sharpen blades for them.
I would think that if someone wanted to offer knife sharpening for a fee this Machine could put you in a small home business, for a very small investment. The key would be that you would have a passion for doing this. What would you charge for sharpening someone's knives? I would say $3-$5 a blade, no?
The butcher with the sharpest knife has the warmest heart.
February 23, 2020, 11:46 AM
offgrid
quote:
Originally posted by downtownv:
quote:
Originally posted by David Lee: DTV, brothers sharpener is called Hapstone Pro also Russian made. He bought it for $600.00. Bought all the stones he could find for different kinds of steels. Spent another $200.00 on a diamond lapping wheel for keeping the stones true. I bet his machine is the one you are selling. He loves the darn thing. Has people local to him wanting him to sharpen blades for them.
I would think that if someone wanted to offer knife sharpening for a fee this Machine could put you in a small home business, for a very small investment. The key would be that you would have a passion for doing this. What would you charge for sharpening someone's knives? I would say $3-$5 a blade, no?
I sharpen knives at no charge because I love doing it. I have in the past charged a few, but then it turned into work! Last one I sharpened for a fee was a Chris Reeves Sebenza, $50. Sharpened it on a EP, taped it off to not scratch it, put a time consuming polished edge on it, took it apart and polished the pivot washers to smooth up the action. Owner gladly paid me after feeling the edge and flicking it open. If I were sharpening for a side job, I would only go after quality knives/steels to sharpen. Not doubt there are plenty of S90V, 110V, 20V, M390.... steel knife owners that don't have the means/knowledge to sharpen their $200 knives and gladly pay.
February 23, 2020, 01:30 PM
downtownv
quote:
Originally posted by braillediver: Thoughts? Sigforum knife owners are frugal and won't spend $650 on a sharpener for the $40 knives they use.
BD, the way I see it EVERYONE owns a $200+ benchmade on this forum...... he, he, he.This message has been edited. Last edited by: downtownv,
