End consumer best sharpening solution?

[BossDog]

I get asked by non-knife people what is the best way to sharpen their kitchen knives.

Usually what they mean is will I sharpen their knives? I tell everyone I have a one time free sharpening service going on right now. I’ll sharpen their knives once for no charge and turn down any offers of payment. I also tell them to not tell anyone else.

By then they are done talking knives and I am just getting started.


To answer their sharpening question I usually suggest a Magic Chef electric sharpener. There are several models but they are all basically the same. These do work well for kitchen knives but the last inch or so before the tang doesn’t get touched. This is a deal breaker for small knives and pocket knives.

what do you suggest for non-knife people?

 

[Mister Coffee]

I am a "beginner sharpener," so this is something that I am thinking about. I don't own one yet, but the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is worth looking into. Spyderco says it will make any knife screaming sharp, as long as it's not totally trashed when you start. For me, I wouldn't use an electric sharpener. We had those on the kitchen counter in the 1960s. Maybe they're different now, but for me it's a) too much power and not enough feel, b) you can't see what you're doing. I'm also trying to get the hang of freehand sharpening on diamond stones, ceramic rods and strops. But freehand is no good for non-knife people.

I look forward to following the responses in this thread.

 

[Smallshop]

Assuming Dexter Russel or less in quality('cause non-knife people...)...a smith co carbide drag sharpener(you know...the bright orange ones...)...serious. you can make most kitchen knives work well with those. Yes it is not a honed or stropped or even smooth finish...yes it will eventually serrated that cheap knife...who cares.Lol. They cut well...

 

[Chris Railey]

I recommend a Warthog V-Sharp Classic II. It does not get any easier than this and it works. The original WartHog sharpener was built much better before they were bought out but these work.

Ceramic Hones for A4 & Classic II - VSharp Warthog Knife Sharpeners

V-Sharp Classic Ceramic Hones for Polished Edges These replacement stones for the V-Sharp A4 / Classic II and for serrated blades offer you an extra level of polish on your blade. WILL ONLY fit A4 & Classic II Model Sharpeners Sold as pair/set Ceramic used for Honing and Polishing Can be...

warthogusa.com

This is what I recommend to knife people (even though you did not ask) in fact, this is what I use on my knives currently.

Multi-Edge Sharpener - VSharp Warthog Knife Sharpeners

Multi-Edge Features Infinite Angles between 10 – 90 Size: 220mm 600 grit Plate & Stropping Plate (included) Optional 325 grit or 1000 grit The Multi-Edge is intended to be for industrial and recreational uses. Made with the blade enthusiast in mind, it sharpens an array of tools and...

warthogusa.com

 

[chrisstaniar]

I've been using the Ken Onion Work Sharp and I'm pretty pleased with it. Angles are adjustable, speed is adjustable, good belt lift, and it puts a razor edge on the blade pretty quickly. The edge is a convex edge because the belt runs in a slack belt type of config.

Now I do put the secondary bevel on first with my 72" and get a reasonably sharp edge with that. Then I get the worksharp out.

 

[Mister Coffee]

I've been using the Ken Onion Work Sharp and I'm pretty pleased with it. Angles are adjustable, speed is adjustable, good belt lift, and it puts a razor edge on the blade pretty quickly. The edge is a convex edge because the belt runs in a slack belt type of config.

Now I do put the secondary bevel on first with my 72" and get a reasonably sharp edge with that. Then I get the worksharp out.

What's a 72"?

 

[Smallshop]

Remember folks....

what do you suggest for non-knife people?

 

[Smallshop]

What's a 72"?

a 2" x 72" knife grinder

 

[CDHumiston]

I honestly suggest they get some mid priced wet stones and watch a few good YouTube videos.

I've never had any gadget that sharpened a knife the way I like. The closest easy use item for me would
be the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharp Maker.

 

[Uconnhuskies]

I second the warthog. Does a very reasonable job and is simple.

 

[Gliden07]

I've been using the Ken Onion Work Sharp and I'm pretty pleased with it. Angles are adjustable, speed is adjustable, good belt lift, and it puts a razor edge on the blade pretty quickly. The edge is a convex edge because the belt runs in a slack belt type of config.

Now I do put the secondary bevel on first with my 72" and get a reasonably sharp edge with that. Then I get the worksharp out.

Workshop works good. Easy to use with a little practice. Just gotta be careful I've had mine scratch some blades on me! I make sure I clean the bumpers the blade rubs on that sets the angle before I sharpen things now.

 

[Gilbert M]

I mostly sell kitchen knives for those like @CDHumiston I would say learn wet stones You tube or find a class. If not have them professionally sharpened (one freebie by me). They can maintain there edge with a ceramic hone rod. For other knives a small diamond wet stone (or stone)if they are capable for maintenance. Otherwise learn stones or a professional.

 

[Chris Railey]

Workshop works good. Easy to use with a little practice. Just gotta be careful I've had mine scratch some blades on me! I make sure I clean the bumpers the blade rubs on that sets the angle before I sharpen things now.

I have had the same problem with the WS. A little painters tape on the flats near the spine works well. I moved on the the Multi-Angle Warthog after I wore the worksharp diamond plates out. Now, no more scratches, just use a piece of thin leather in the clamp and you are golden.

 

[Randy Lucius]

I recommend a Warthog V-Sharp Classic II. It does not get any easier than this and it works. The original WartHog sharpener was built much better before they were bought out but these work.

Ceramic Hones for A4 & Classic II - VSharp Warthog Knife Sharpeners

V-Sharp Classic Ceramic Hones for Polished Edges These replacement stones for the V-Sharp A4 / Classic II and for serrated blades offer you an extra level of polish on your blade. WILL ONLY fit A4 & Classic II Model Sharpeners Sold as pair/set Ceramic used for Honing and Polishing Can be...

warthogusa.com

This is what I recommend to knife people (even though you did not ask) in fact, this is what I use on my knives currently.

Multi-Edge Sharpener - VSharp Warthog Knife Sharpeners

Multi-Edge Features Infinite Angles between 10 – 90 Size: 220mm 600 grit Plate & Stropping Plate (included) Optional 325 grit or 1000 grit The Multi-Edge is intended to be for industrial and recreational uses. Made with the blade enthusiast in mind, it sharpens an array of tools and...

warthogusa.com

I saw a demo of the Warthog V-Sharp Classic II this year at Bladeshow. I was pretty impressed with it. He sharpened by brother's extremely dull pocket knife very quickly. Might have to order one.

 

[Chris Railey]

I saw a demo of the Warthog V-Sharp Classic II this year at Bladeshow. I was pretty impressed with it. He sharpened by brother's extremely dull pocket knife very quickly. Might have to order one.

Years ago the company was small and each sharpener was made with way better quality. My Father In law has two of the original Warthogs that came mounted on a piece of Marble. If I could talk him out of one of those originals I would use it for everything. The Classic II's are made with better quality now but not as good as the original. That same guy at Blade Show is the one I bought my Multi-Angle from and I love it. He was a very nice guy.

 

[chrisstaniar]

I have had the same problem with the WS. A little painters tape on the flats near the spine works well. I moved on the the Multi-Angle Warthog after I wore the worksharp diamond plates out. Now, no more scratches, just use a piece of thin leather in the clamp and you are golden.

I do the same, I put some blue tape on it and cover all but about the bottom .25" and no scratches

 

[Daniel Macina]

That V Sharpe looks very interesting my only concern is the limited angles and having rods would result in a slightly different edge than having a regular flat I believe?

 

[Smallshop]

what do you suggest for non-knife people?

...even cheaper at Wal-Mart.

 

[Daniel Macina]

what do you suggest for non-knife people?

...even cheaper at Wal-Mart.

View attachment 78875

I used to have one like that it would absolutely murder an edge. Unless they have drastically change something then I wouldn’t consider it a good option at all

 

[Mister Coffee]

what do you suggest for non-knife people?

...even cheaper at Wal-Mart.

I bought three of those when they got a good write-up in a magazine. This was years ago. I still have them. I agree with @Daniel Macina.