When it comes to sharpening knives, I must admit that it's not one of my best talents... period.
I've tried sharpening kitchen knives, Swiss Army knives and the blades on multi-tools for years with sharpening steel implements and stones, and have had very inconsistent results with each of them, no matter how many different techniques that I've used. Then a few years back a friend introduced me to the very basic yellow handled Smith Abrasives Jiffy Sharpener, and for the first time I was able to put a reasonable cutting edge on my kitchen knives and scissors. Within 30 seconds I was sold, and that weekend bought my first one. The key to this tool is that it provided a proper sharpening angle on a blade every time.
If this sounds like a blurb for some "As Seen On TV" spot, it's not meant to. I'm posting this because there have to be others out there who have had similar problems trying to find a no-hassle solution to this household and handyman dilema.
The newer, more refined version of the original is the Smith's Abrasive V-Slot 10 Second Knife and Scissors Sharpener, and it does exactly the same thing as the original version, but adds a rubberized handle for better control and comfort. It also adds non-slip rubber feet for stability.
Both of these devices will basicly put a good, sharp edge onto almost any blade, and will do so by passing the blade through the "V" in the head, which allows the replaceable tungsten carbide cutters to remove metal from the blade. Do this three or four times and you'll feel less resistance, then your blade is sharp.
The downside to all of this is that you're not really honing the blade, which is the correct way to treat it. You're removing metal from the blade, and if you overdo it, you can wear out a good knife blade before its time, so use it judiciously if you have good knives. If you have a small sharpening stone, such as the Smith's Arkansas Stone, you can "touch up" the blade and put a shiny chef's edge on the blade as a final step.
If your knives are really dull, these devices will do a nice job of reshaping the blade edge so that they're serviceable again, and they'll do it in just a few seconds. But as with all new implements,
be sure to RTFM... (Read The Flaming Manual) before you proceed.
These implements really shine when it comes to sharpening scissors that have become dull and/or have lost their edge, and both versions can be used with right or left-handed scissors. The scissors sharpener is located in the handle, and employs a floating sharpening rod thast will put the correct edge back on almost any scissors by drawing them through this section as listed in the instructions.
Pros:
* Does the job of sharpening your blades very quickly.
* Reasonably priced solution that does its job well.
* Restores the edge to worn out blades
* Does a great job sharpening scissors.
Cons:
* Removes more metal from a blade than a stone or steel.
If your knives or scissors have become dull with use, then either of these sharpeners from Smith's will do the job. For those unlike me who are adept at using a conventional sharpening steel to hone a fine professional edge to a knife blade, you might look for the Smith's Abrasive Standard Sharpening Steel, a 9-inch version of a conventional sharpening steel with an oversized hand guard and a hang ring.
Should your sharpening needs be more geared to items like Swiss Army knives or multi-tools from Gerber, Leatherman or Victorinox, then the Gerber DF6 Compact Sharpener might be a good alternative. This one is also easy to use, and features perfect 30 degree edges quickly and easily every time.
It's been said many times that the most dangerous knife is the one that's not sharp. Look at the specs for each of these and see which fits your needs best. The top two from Smith's are excellent choices if you find sharpening your knives to be a challenge. Whichever one of these 5-star implements you choose, remember to read the instructions carefully before use... and think sharp!
Who doesn't wish their scissors were sharper? This is the fix. Now all my scissors are sharp, and will remain so.
GOOD POINTS:
-The angle of the sharpening stone to the scissors blade is fixed, so you never make a mistake.
-The stone is pretty good, so you gently draw the scissors over it repeatedly and get great results.
-You can open them wide to get almost all the way to the hinge, and by slightly compressing them, you can sharpen both blades evenly.
DRAWBACKS:
-You can't remove the stone, so as it wears, the tool becomes useless. But I may not live that long, so it's a small problem. Plus, the thing's only, like, 6 or 7 bucks. Still, it would be nice if the stone slot were capped by, say, a setscrew, so you could change stones.
-This is built for a right-hander sharpening right-hand scissors, or vice-versa. It's just a bit klutzy when your preferred hand does not match the parity of the scissors. But this is also minor.
I looked at 20 different sharpeners. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, this rocks! [even on paper! rocks/scissors/paper :-) ]
Buy Edgeware V-Slot 10-Second Knife and Scissors Sharpener Now
Great product for everyday use. Not a good recomendation for an expensive artisanal knife which you do not remove metal but just align the edge, but it definetely works for cheap stainless knives and scissors. I can use that paper cutters, too. I revived single use knives and almost-dumped out scissors, and saved my money. I'm very happy with the results.
Read Best Reviews of Edgeware V-Slot 10-Second Knife and Scissors Sharpener Here
I am a mechanical engineer. I looked at a bunch of units online. The quality of the unit was good for the price and the instruction were easy to read and follow.
I liked one of the reviews here noting this class of sharpener is not re-edging but honing. That explained a bunch of what was going on with these vs the more expensive grinders. I think it is worth noting that you can only grind so many times before wearing out the blade (while Honing can be done much more often), and that Honing would appear to not work on a notched blade.
Anyway I tried these on some short bladed pruners and a some expensive sewing scissors. The wife is very happy with both results and pronounced them both "much better". Anechdotal evidence at best, but if she's happy, I'm happy.
Want Edgeware V-Slot 10-Second Knife and Scissors Sharpener Discount?
The Edgeware V-slot sharpener puts a decent edge on dull blades.
It's difficult to add more to my review, because my only other
experience is with electric sharpeners. As a manual sharpener,
the product does a pretty good job. It's a real bargain for the
price, and I would recommend it to anyone who wants a simple,
easy-to-use manual sharpener.
This item was great for my Fall Wedding not the usual cake serving set and we will have no regrets using it after the wedding. They look very nice. I bought the Server and the Knife together neither were in perfect condition (a few dings glue that shouldn't be there...) but I'm not going to return it. I'd say if you are pickier, find a really good seller. The Items were great the condition not so great.
