Samurai sharpener?

[Leatherman123]

I ordered one offline. How is it? Any one have videos are anything?

[Grant Lamontagne]

Isn't that one of those As Seen On TV things?

I imagine it works as well as any of the other fancy sharpeners sold on late night TV.  Best bet?  Get a Spyderco Sharpmaker, Lansky system, or learn to work a real benchstone.

Def

[Leatherman123]

Oh I already have a Lansky and a Sharpmaker. I must say I am getting quite good at sharpening on my sharpmaker!

[Benner]

Sharpening is something I really want to learn more about.  Does anyone know any good links to any resources that might help?

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Sharpening is something I really want to learn more about.  Does anyone know any good links to any resources that might help?

I'll have a look for ya

[Benner]

Sharpening is something I really want to learn more about.  Does anyone know any good links to any resources that might help?

I'll have a look for ya

Cheers pal. 

Or I could just send everything to you? 

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Sharpening is something I really want to learn more about.  Does anyone know any good links to any resources that might help?

I'll have a look for ya

Cheers pal. 

Or I could just send everything to you? 

My rates are reasonable

[NutSAK]

Sharpening Made Easy:

http://users.ameritech.net/knives/knives1a.htm

[FredKJ]

Sharpening is something I really want to learn more about.  Does anyone know any good links to any resources that might help?

First thing you need is a good 10x loupe to examine the edge.  There are two basic ways to sharpen a knife.  One is with a straighter stroke.  This gives a micro saw edge which is good for general purpose and cutting cord/rope.  Then there is a cicular motion for a mirror edge.  This is better for push cutting.  For general purpose a 600 to 750 grit diamond stone works well.  It cuts fast and doesn't clog like traditional stones.  Work at keeping even consistant strokes to maintain the bevel.  For a mirror finish I prefer going to a 1000 to 1200 grit.  For an even sharper edge use squares of 1600 grit standpaper rubberbanded to some cardboard.  Use a circular stroke on that.  You usually don't want an edge like that unless you are carving or whittling.  I use a 300 grit only to dress a damaged edge or change a bevel.

Bevels are a whole other ballgame.  Flater bevels are good for carving but the edge isn't as durable as one wants for general purpose use.  Then you can put multiple angles on a bevel for different effect.  You could write a book on bevels for different purposes.

[FredKJ]

I checked the Samurai Sharpener out.  It's a piece of junk.  It'll chew the steel on the edge up.  Puts an edge on sort of but takes away too much metal.  I hate over sharpening.  A good knife will last a long time and only needs a few strokes occasionally to tweak the edge.  If you aren't getting an edge you are doing it wrong.  I have used stuff that controls angle but it is better to learn to do it by hand.  Always sit at the same place and practice keeping the bevel flat so it doesn't round.

After sharpening strop on some leather to get rid of the burr.  The sheath of a Rapala knife is good for this or you can get a strope.  If you want you can get polishing compound for a strop.

For perfectionist edges you can get a pricey Japanese water stone that goes to about 6000 grit but isn't usually used except for carving chisels.

[I'm Still Bison]

I can second what Fred said about stropping,that and learning to properly use a steel will keep you a good edge and reduce your visits to your stones.

[FredKJ]

I can second what Fred said about stropping,that and learning to properly use a steel will keep you a good edge and reduce your visits to your stones.

Yes and a steel doesn't sharpen.  It straightens an edge.  Subtle but distinct difference.  I'm kind of a sharpening geek if you can tell, 

[Tom Munch]

I can second what Fred said about stropping,that and learning to properly use a steel will keep you a good edge and reduce your visits to your stones.

Yes and a steel doesn't sharpen.  It straightens an edge.  Subtle but distinct difference.  I'm kind of a sharpening geek if you can tell, 

Unless it's a diamond or ceramic steel - they take off material too. 

[FredKJ]

I can second what Fred said about stropping,that and learning to properly use a steel will keep you a good edge and reduce your visits to your stones.

Yes and a steel doesn't sharpen.  It straightens an edge.  Subtle but distinct difference.  I'm kind of a sharpening geek if you can tell, 

Unless it's a diamond or ceramic steel - they take off material too. 

That's right.  They aren't a steel but really sharpening sticks.