Gerber Diamond Pocket Sharpener

[Neil]

Picked one of these up to try the other day.

To put it bluntly, am I doing something wrong or are they really a steaming pile of dingos kidneys?

[Pacu]

I had one...they are good for that crappy utility knife in the L-rod room and that's about it.

[Benner]

I have something similar and although it does work to a certain extent, they aren't the best.  Can really ruin some edges I expect if not used correctly.

[Nikos]

The problem with that sharpener is that it has a preset angle. If it doesn't match the angle on your blade, it will probably take quite some time to (if at all) get your knife sharp...

[Pacu]

sharpen the lawnmower blade with it?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I had one (gave it away) and yes there crap

There ok for stanley blades and other crappy blades, but i wouldn't let them near a decent knife

[Neil]

It was cheap so I thought I'd give it a try.  I didn't expect miracles, I just didn't expect it to be quite so totally and utterly useless.  Bottom of a ceramic mug is preferable!

[kwakster]

Don't let that 'sharpener' anywhere near a decent knife, let alone a quality one.

However, where these things shine is on very thin bladed disposables like Stanley knives and the like.
With one of these in your pocket you don't have to change blades as often.