A Reasonable Substitute for a WhetstoneIf one really wants to put a razor sharp edge on an axe or knife, a set of diamond whetstones is the best way to do it. This painstaking manual process requires time and proper technique. Beware: a razor sharp edge is exactly that and not to be trifled with. On the other hand, if "pretty darn sharp" is good enough...and it should be for most utility purposes...a dedicated sharpening tool like the Fiskars will get the job done quickly and with minimum risk to one's fingers. There are a number of similar products on the market. This one comes from a reputable manufacturer at a good price point.
knives and axes?eh? You seriously think I'm going to use the same thing to sharpen the Henckels 4 star knives I use to prepare family meals AND the axes I use to chop wood?
Seriously. This sharpener will reset just about any blunted knife or axe to a finely honed edge.
It does just a good a job on a fine filleting knife as it does on my favorte chopping axe - I just have to remember to clean it before I switch uses.
Now if only they made a lawnmower that could julienne vegetables....
Good, but some flawsThis is a handy tool that really simplifies sharpening. However, it has a few flaws.
Pros:
-Very Easy
-Hand Guard
-Lifetime Guarentee
Cons:
-Sharpens at 30 degree angle. Great for an axe, but for a knife, most people prefer a 20 or even a 10.
-Leaves black dust on the edge of cutlery
-Ok heres the big one: When sharpening, you press the axe into the sharpener and pull through the wheel. However, as you pull your axe out, it slices through the plastic in front of the wheel, there for somewhat dulling the axe. And sooner or later, you get deep cuts in the plastic, which really limits the sharpener's usefulness. Major design flaw.
Overall, the sharpener is great for axes, but for knives I tend to go back to the whetstone. And then there's the design flaw...
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