Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Knife Sharpener

I've managed to get some knives razor sharp with this, to the point they'll easily slice cleanly through paper and shave hair. However, don't expect it to work miracles. I tried to sharpen some dull kitchen knives and the results were poor. I think the supplied rods are good for knives that are in reasonable condition to begin with. There are some more abrasive diamond rods available at significant extra cost. It probably could sharpen those kitchen knives with a lot more effort and time, but the whole point of set like this is that it saves you effort and time. Nearly £60 for a plastic box with four ceramic rods is expensive, and it should really cope with all levels of required sharpening at that price. An additional set of more abrasive rods for initial shaping of very dull knives should be included as standard.

So easy to use it's a plasure to sharpen knife. Worth every penny.

it will get the factory shaving sharp edge with the ultrafine stones but i found using just the flats of the stone in this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MHe_8wTHmg is much faster/sharper than the method spyderco says and doesnt round off the tip. the drawback of the sharpmaker is that it cant do a micro-bevel edge off less than 40 degrees (check out the guys videos above for why having the micro-bevel is important), even though it will shave at 40, it does give noticeably more resistance to cutting. they should have had more holes or an adjustable system to give 30degree microbevel edge on thin/full flat grind knives.

Tried Lansky, DMT stones, allsorts. This enables me to easily put an edge I'm pleased with on my knives. I find it easier with smallish knives. Heinnie service superb.

The reviews below say it all. Though pricey, this is a good bit of kit that WORKS. If you've spent £100s buying knives, IMO it's worth spending a bit more to make sure you can keep them sharp. I used to avoid using my good knives because I worried I'd never get them sharp again: this thoroughly designed product solves that problem. What else would you expect from Spyderco. The video, if a bit cheesy, also provides a good explanation of how to get the best out of it and is worth watching. Recommended.

There is nothing more to add to these reviews. The Sharpmaker is a quality piece of kit. I would recommend searching both: jdavis882 and XACTO on YouTube for their sharpening techniques. They have great but quite different techniques. If you have zero sharpening experience you will get your blades razor sharp (look out phonebook). I would suggest marking the edges of your knife with a sharpie pen to ensure you are catching the bevel just right. As jdavis882 says; It is not so much about keeping the blade perfectly vertical as keeping your technique consistent. It is a compact and solid unit, nothing will rattle if you are throwing it in your bergan for a week in the woods. I actually received a chipped rod from Spyderco (As the packaging is sealed). An E-mail to HH and I had a replacement in 4 days (inc Sunday and me returning the damaged rod for inspection). First class service many thanks to Olly.

I bought this at Nick's suggestion, to replace a Lansky kit, which is itself extremely good. The Sharpmaker, however, is a step up. I am very, very impressed. If you're a sharpening numpty, you definitely need to buy this system. It works on exactly the same principle as the Lansky i.e. keep the knife blade vertical and draw it down the rod, but with the Sharpmaker there are 4 individual steps to get your blade sharp, and it makes all the difference. Knives that were Lansky's version of scary-sharp are now even sharper. Buy one, you won't regret it. My only complaint is that the DVD didn't work, it won't play at all. This wasn't a problem - there's an instruction manual that comes with the Sharpmaker, and the video is on YouTube (in 4 parts) if you feel the need to watch it.

Been putting off buying these for a few years due to the price so have used other flat grit stones...now deeply regret that...this sharpmaker is outstanding... revived an old Wenger knife from severly dull to scary sharp (whittling leg hairs off) in about 3 minutes. If you have a knife collection this is a must buy, probably the best knife accessory to purchase and so easy to use my wife sharpened her kitchen knives....no water...no oil....no mess. As usual outstanding service by HH....many thanks.

I cannot recommend this product highly enough. Give the supplied DVD and handbook a good looking over and you're all set to go. It has breathed a new lease of life into every blade I own. I'd have to say it's one of those products that you wonder how you ever lived without it! Also, exemplary service from Heinnie Hayes, thank you very much.