OK - Dad (age 80) finally figured out something he would like for Christmas. Knife Sharpener.

Any input is welcome. Mechanical devices are ok/welcomed. Please give me your best recommendations. Targeted to use on his outdoor knives used for cleaning deer.

THX!

Wes '87

Budget?

Wicked edge gives one of the best/most consistent edges of anything I own.

The AMK-75 is great if you are doing lots of knives or re-profiling the bevels. It's pretty bulky and definitely not something I would want to travel with.

The Work Sharp Ken Onion is a solid budget minded choice that does a decent job while remaining reasonably portable.

Amazon has Warthogs on sale right now for ~$55? I think they're usually ~$80?

I'm getting one for my step dad

Sorry... $59.99

Warthog V-Sharp Xtreme Edge - Red https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WIM1TR6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_ui81FbQY6Z295?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I've heard good things about Work Sharp sharpeners. Here's one of their mechanical ones for $49.99.

https://www.amazon.com/Work-Sharp-WSCMB-Consistent-Long-Lasting/dp/B01J553RHS?ref_=ast_slp_dp

I like spyderco sharpener. Was a gift from my closest friend and its been a pretty incredible sharpener for us. Not sure what it runs but it does well with knives, chisels, and other edges.

norton sharpening stones?

Here is my favorite one. It hold the rods and the proper angle to keep a good edge.

I am not a fan of the electric worksharps. They ruin quality knives. It rounds off tips and some don't fit in the guides well

Lansky 4-Rod Turn Box LCD5D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000B8FW0E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_1M81FbCPM275Y?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

No love for the Lansky system?

Edge Pro

https://www.edgeproinc.com/Apex-4-Kit-Apex-Model-Edge-Pro-Sharpening-System-p7.html

Tx-Ag2010 said:

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Budget?

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Budget is $150 or so at the top end.

THX for all of the suggestions.

I've tried them all. Cheap and stupid expensive. My go to now is the Tormek T-8. I have 2x72 belt grinder with a VFD, but I still like the wet stone for sharpening.


Too much set up for any of the guide rod contraptions.

I still like my old school Lansky. The worksharp is ok but it doesn't put an edge on a blade like my Lansky. Worksharp gets it pretty sharp but it doesn't put a razor edge on it like my Lansky. Not even close.

I have a WorkSharp and I love it.
The ranch where I guided for 10 years had a Warthog at the meat house where we skinned & quartered all the animals. It worked like a charm too.

Went with the worksharp based on feedback here. THX so much!

Wes '87

https://www.worksharptools.com/shop/sharpeners/manual/guided-field-sharpener/


Simple and works like a charm.

aggie0959 said:

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Here is my favorite one. It hold the rods and the proper angle to keep a good edge.

I am not a fan of the electric worksharps. They ruin quality knives. It rounds off tips and some don't fit in the guides well

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My general experience as well. I've learned how to be more careful with not lifting the handle and exposing the tip to the flexible belt, but also don't run nice knives through it anymore.

I bought a Lansky set of crock-sticks that are about 8 inches long and have multiple angle options in the base. It works like a champ and is the easiest way to quickly hone an existing edge.

Been super happy with the KME system.

https://www.kmesharp.com

gwellis said:

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https://www.worksharptools.com/shop/sharpeners/manual/guided-field-sharpener/


Simple and works like a charm.

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I keep one on the desk in my office. Use it every couple days, everyone who comes in my office uses it. I've got the Ken Onion at home, but pretty much only use it on kitchen knives, as the hand held keeps my pocket knives sharp enough.

Ok I broke down and bought the Lansky and I am impressed. Super easy to use and damn good edge. Thanks for the info.

I use Arkansas stones. They have not failed me yet

I really like the edge pro system because it is so versatile compared to a system with a clamp like the wicked edge. And it produces incredibly sharp edges with a little practice. Please DO NOT use a work sharp. It will take off years of life off of a knife if you have a slip up and does not produce consistent enough angles for me. If you are not wanting to spend that much, a good set of stones and a strop will get most people by. I also recommend a ceramic honing rod to everyone who has their knife sharpened, they are great for touch ups without ruining an angle like a pull through sharpener will do. Or you can send them to me

Edit: should have read all the way through lol, hope you enjoy it!

AgBQ-00 said:

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I use Arkansas stones. They have not failed me yet

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Lost art right there.

I can still see my dad with his smaller stones, sitting in his recliner while drinking a Lone Star Light and watching football (he was an old coach), and the quiet sound of his knives on those stones. Hardly ever looking down, doing all by feel. Pocket knives got a razor edge, one that could roll curls off the top of your thumbnail with almost no pressure. Hunting knives got a little courser grind on 'em. Held the edge better that way, and cut through hide and cartilage better. Just wipe them backward on your pant leg when they slowed cutting, and like new again.


I have the Spyderco (sp?) kit with the different stones that fit in a holder. It is the best I have been able to do, but nothing like those old Arkansas Stones and dad used to be able to achieve.

I use the Lansky system, does a good job, just don't like the ergonomics. Hurts my hands after sharpening a lot of knives.