Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker Reviews

• Best sharpening set available.

  
  By A2BB4DGBRVGKWW on 2005-05-29
  I have been sharpening knives on flat stones by hand for many years. I just got a Spyderco Sharpmaker, and it's the best contraption I have ever used.
  
  The stones are good quality. Similar cheaper brands have lumps on otherwise perfect stones, making them almost useless. Both the coarse and fine stones leave a relatively fine edge considering how well they remove metal.
  
  The triangular shape of the stones makes them work very well for regular knives and serrated knives as well.
  
  It comes with an instruction book that tells you exactly what to do. If you follow the instructions, you will get a very sharp edge. The only skill involved is holding the blade up and down, and that isn't hard at all.
  
  The price looks high, but you get a total of 4 long stones (two fine, two medium) of good quality. It is well worth the price to be able to keep your knives sharp on your own instead of paying someone to do it, which adds up fast.
  
  I don't recommend sharpening systems that involve clamping a guide system to the blade because they tend to slip and/or scratch the blade, are annoying to use for quick touch-ups, and don't actually maintain a good angle along the whole blade due to the mechanics involved.
  
  

• WOW! ~~~You NEED THIS!!!!!

  
  By ASLHDTUUMOH7F on 2007-06-15
  Boy! If I sound excited about this item, you bet your butt it's true! This marvelous tool belongs in EVERY kitchen, ASAP!
  
  
  
  I am 59, almost 60, and have used knives all my life, both outside, and inside, and especially in the kitchen. One thing I was never taught by my dad (died when I was 10) and also was never able to "master" in these subsequent years, was how to sharpen a knife! Trust me, I can take a dull knife and make it duller!
  
  
  
  Then, Zam! I'm at a local (big, well-known, name) shop here two weeks ago, and they are giving a knife sharpening seminar in the hunting & archery department, so, naturally, I trecked upstairs to check it out.
  
  
  
  Well, the guy doing the demonstration showed us 3 things, a flat oilstone system, a hydrastone system, and this little baby. He thoroughly went through all three systems with us, carefully explaining their workings, and what they are best for.
  
  
  
  Hydrastone and oilstone are for outdoor/sporting/pocket knives, where you want and need a very fine edge to the blade, and always polishing at the end with a leather strop and jeweler's polish.
  
  
  
  But, for KITCHEN, the single best item is this system from Spyderco. I saw it work, I even tried it myself, and can do it! And, if I can do it, you can, too! Trust me! I purchased this ON THE SPOT, and it was NOT an impulse purchase, either!
  
  
  
  Every knife in my block, and in my utility drawer is now razor sharp, able to slice down a piece of adding machine tape (paper). What a truly GREAT feeling to pick up ANY knife and be able to cut with it! I'm in heaven! Another tip...when finished with ANY knife, wash and rinse in hot soapy water and wipe dry immediately....DO NOT allow foodstuff to "sit" for any length of time on a blade, especially if you have been cutting fruit.
  
  
  
  OK, I'll stop now, I realize I've made this a long review, but I am very pleased and excited about this product, and want you to know about it, and to know that it is a GREAT product, and it REALLY WORKS! And WELL! ~operabruin
  
  

• Quality gone down the tubes

  
  By A3KE1KV0N6PE11 on 2008-01-23
  I purchased one of the Tri-Angle sharpeners years ago when they first came out. I used it for literally thousands of sharpenings, without a single problem.
  
  Unfortunately that late, lamented sharpener vanished in a move, and I replaced it with a new one.
  
  Big mistake.
  
  I opened my shiny new sharpener, and went to insert the sharpening stones. Unfortunately, the base holes were too small. After several frustrating minutes of forcing the sharpening rods, I got the unit setup, and sharpened my first knife.
  
  Or tried to.
  
  Now, remember, I used to own one of these, and used it almost daily for years. The new unit was having a terrible time sharpening a dull knife with the course stones. Worse, after no more than a dozen passes on these stones, I noticed more wear on the triangle edge than I had seen with 4 years of regular use with the old set.
  
  In the end, I finally got a passable edge by hand sharpening the knife on a diamond stone for the course stage, and using the fine stones on my Spyderco. -- But in the interim, my handy calipers say the triangle point on the course stones had been worn by .072" (that's more than 1/16 of an inch)!
  
  So, while the design of this sharpener can't be beat, the new manufacturing leaves a lot to be desired. Until Spyderco fixes their quality, avoid this sharpener like the plague.
  
  

• Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker

  
  By A3PP5J5BS66G8M on 2005-04-30
  I recently purchased the Spyderco Sharpmaker and without a doubt it is one of the easiest sharpening systems to use. Previously, I used a flat stone coated with oil. However, with the recent purchase of some serrated knives I needed a system to sharpen them. The Sharpmaker does it all: plain blades, serrated blades, and more. With the video and instructions it is easy to use. One last testimonial concerning the Sharpmaker, is a old Buck knife that I had buried in the drawer. I never liked the edge on the knife; never could get it sharp. The knife is now on my dresser, sharp as a razor and ready to go!
  
  

• Finally a great knife sharpener

  
  By A2MVRHJC55V535 on 2005-05-04
  For 40 years I have been looking for the perfect knife sharpener and this comes pretty close. Sharpens conventional blades plus serrated baldes, sissors, chisels....just about anything that needs a sharp edge. Comes with an excellent 20-25 minute video and a very good full color instruction book.
  
  
• Extremely Easy Knife Sharpener
  By A21KVEXL496I4W on 2006-07-20
  This is an extremely well designed sharpener. If you have a really bad nick you will most likely need a coarser stone, but if you are looking to put a better than factory edge on your kitchen knives then this is a great tool.
  
  This model has extra slots to put a double bevel on your knife edge. This is probably the best all around edge that you can put on a knife as it is extremely sharp but still durable.
  
  [...]
  
  
• Excellent service and Great Product
  By A3ES6YCF5MW13W on 2007-11-06
  Before buying the Spyderco 204 I researched sharpeners because I wanted to get one that was easy to use but would put a long-lasting edge on kitchen, hunting, pocket knives. Most sharpeners are more trouble to operate than they are worth, or don't do a decent job, or worse, damage knives in the process. The Spyderco was recommended as being the easiest to use for the best results. It is simple to set up and use and comes with a video that shows you exactly how to operate it which is a big help.
  It sharpens my knives very effectively. Best of all, the plastic base that came with mine was defective, so I sent it back and the company replaced the entire case promptly.
  
  
• Sharpens the way you think a 'knife sharpener' should
  By A1D8KFPXY1U2CH on 2006-12-28
  First off, let me say that I was a little skeptical of the performance of this set. Every review I read was near perfect, if not perfect. My mother has a $150 electric sharpener, and I didn't feel that a $45 sharpener could be that good...
  
  I got it today. My coveted Wusthof blades were losing their edge, and suddenly they seemed less attractive. I am not a pro, nor have I spent a significant amount of time sharpening anything substancial. My knives are now sharper than when I purchased them. No kidding! I'm running around the house looking for things to sharpen.
  
  From what I can tell, this is almost a perfect system (for what it does). It sharpens just about everything that doesn't have a blunt end or major nick/gouge. The thing I loved most was the control of the system (which you just don't get from electric sharpeners). You can put as sharp or as 'dull' an edge you'd like on your blade, depending on the task, and depending on what type of cutting tool it is. You can tell it works (as in any other sharpening activity) because there is less frictional noise and resistance as you increase the amount of sharpening strokes.
  
  The dvd and manual make learning the whole process really easy if you aren't already in the know... My mother's $150 electric sharpener never put an edge on my knives or her knives like the one I have now. In fact, I'm confident that if you were to give me a blind test (a pepsi challenge, if you will) between two knives with my mom's sharpener and the spyderco, I would bet anyone that I could pick the spyderco every single time.
  
  The stones appear to be very high quality, and seem to be extremely hard. I don't foresee needing new stones for quite a while, but even if I did, I can buy them separately. I'm cutting my vegetables, and almost forgot how dull most people, including myself allow their allow their knives to get before sharpening them, having them sharpened, or throwing them away. I wish knives really never did lose their edge (like in those cheesy knife cutting can infomercials)... but the reality is, unless you like throwing away money, you're gonna have to sharpen them sooner or later. Buy this sharpener. Buy this sharpener... do yourself a favor.... buy this sharpener.
  
  
  
  
• I hate to be the stick in the mud here...
  By A1SFLEUF7MTOH8 on 2007-07-10
  I got my Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker Kit a few days ago. I watched the DVD, and then set out to make the world a sharper place. First, I sharpened my little Buck folding knife. Came out wicked sharp in no time. Then I went and got the Henkels Chef's and boning knives from the kitchen. Now, these two knives had gotten far more dull than they should have. The wife has been using them and she just isn't that particular about sharp cutlery. I tried the Chef's knife first. It soon became clear that the little folding Buck knife was going to be a piece of cake in comparison. I went through the entire process. Results were not impressive. Wouldn't even cut paper. Went through the process again...two more times. Never came around. Okay, I'm a little disappointed at this juncture, but decide to try the boning knife. Same sad story. If I hadn't had such good luck with the first knife, I'd be questioning my technique, but I'm doing it exactly as the DVD suggests. Not being one to give up so easily, I'll try again eventually, but at this point, I'm not real impressed.
  
  
• Best Sharpener I Have Ever Used
  By A2VS1ZHGVK1E31 on 2007-02-14
  Spyderco sharpener and hone is a wonderful tool. I own several stones and a couple of other sharpening gadgets but nothing has put an edge on my knives like the Spyderco. Like many I am sure, I was a skeptic, but after following the instructional video my fishing and kitchen knives are now razor sharp, much sharper than new. Thanks so much.
  
  
• This is a must have!
  By A2NAHCB4YW70WF on 2007-09-03
  If you own knives, this is a must have. Very easy to use, will bring even old, abused knives quickly into sharper than new condition.
  
  It uses a very logical four-step process using two different positions on two different types of sharpening stones (medium and fine) to methodically bring your blade to a razor edge. No mess, no water, no oil. Requires no special skill. Nothing else is needed. The stones in the kit will last nearly forever.
  
  The kit has a convenient, almost pocket-sized, carrying case that also serves as a set up stand for the sharpening stones. The set up stand puts the stones at the correct angles for sharpening and also has some safety bars to protect your hand from any unfortunate incidents with a very sharp knife.
  
  All you have to do is draw the knife straight down while pulling back. That's all there is to it! I've never sharpened knives before. I set up this kit in a few minutes and within another few minutes sharpened up an old buck knife that I had for many years to a razor edge.
  
  Without a kit like this, it requires a great deal of skill, acquired over many years, to sharpen knives using sharpening stones. The angle in sharpening is everything. This kit removes the necessity for any special skill by using a very smart and simple setup stand that positions everything exactly how it needs to be.
  
  And, it comes with a DVD that gives you some history on the skill/craft of knife sharpening and then very clearly walks you through the set up and use of the Sharpmaker kit and shows you how to sharpen knives, scissors, and virtually anything else that has a cutting edge to it.
  
  A great, simple, knife sharpening tool for any knife, not just the Spyderco knives.
  
  
  
• Great results for a complete beginner
  By A2H7VQKDK0GXPD on 2007-01-10
  All my knives used to be in various levels of "dull." Hopelessly dull knives were left sitting in a drawer. After doing a little bit of research, I decided to give the Spyderco a shot. I'm very satisfied with the results. I am not trying to compare my knife sharpening skills to that of a professionals results, but I can say that my knives are much sharper and cut very well now.
  
  The DVD and instructions were very helpful and got me up to speed quickly. The Spyderco is easy to use and it sets up quickly. I no longer have an excuse to have a dull knife.
  
  
• Amazing what it can do
  By AD1RPTT8YROEW on 2007-02-14
  i just got that yesterday .....i sharppened my Ka-Bar D2 knife and used it to shave the hair of my face literally ...if it can do that with D2 steel so ...... enough said
  
  
• I like this thing
  By A2KQN0OAJJ1AZL on 2008-06-17
  I bought this on the recommendation from a knife sharpening FAQ that my brother had referred me to. I would have preferred to get the EdgePro (which you can't find on Amazon), but the price was prohibitive.
  
  Nevertheless, this item is wonderful for anyone willing to spend a little time reading the instructions, watching the video, reading the instructions again, and watching the video again, to sharpen a dull knife into a precision cutting instrument. I learned a long time ago that the most dangerous knife was a dull knife.
  
  The 4-stage approach to most blades is very straightforward. There are special instructions for serrated blades, hatchets, and even hair cutting instruments, as well as scissors of all kinds. For this reason, the Spyderco outshines the rest because the rest only focus on knife blades (as far as I know).
  
  I've sharpened almost every knife in my house, along with all the other cutting instruments, like scissors, and I'm very happy with the results. It even made my little Swiss Army credit card knife as sharp as a razor, even without getting the ultra-fine stones (which I plan to buy later).
  
  One thing I must say about this thing is that it's imperative to keep the blade as vertical as possible when sharpening anything.
  
  
• knife sharpener
  By AYGI1FSB5SKJP on 2007-01-10
  this is the best and easiest knife sharpener ever. you can sharpen anyting with it...but I use it mostly for knifes. any knife, serated, stainless, it works great on filet knives. it is quick and easy. I believe the brown stones are the key. they make getting a bad knife easy to sharpen. one you might think about taking to a grinding wheel , but in a few minutes the damn thing will be sharp enough to cut hair. best of all the knife will hold an edge after sharpened. I bought one of these 25 years ago. I still have it and it still works great. I had to buy one for the motor home. since I don't sharpen the knives in there before we go.
  and once you have sharp knives you don't go back. I love this sharpener. mostly because my wife uses it too. we always have sharp knives. thanks for a great product!! thanks Tim
  
  
• A Cheap Sharp Knife is better than a dull High Quality Knife
  By A33GYL1LL646XK on 2007-02-27
  I am a knife collector, even bought several sharpening systems. This is the best. Drawing the blade at the proper angle across the sharpening surface is the first important thing. Spyderco makes that easy because the holder sets the stones at the proper angle and all you do is hold the blade vertical and draw it down across the two sides.
  
  Once you realize how easy getting the edge you learn to feel the edge with your finger to tell which side the edge has a minute burre overhang. Then one gentle draw down that side to straighten the burre and you have a blade that is really sharp.
  
  Cheaper steel knives will not hold their edge as long as better ones. With this sharpener it is so easy that even your cheaper knives will be almost as useful, say in the kitchen because it is so easy to resharpen. This sharpener will make you an expert if you give it a little practice. I even under sharpen some knives because they hold their edge better when it is a little thicker rather than "razor sharp" which has a thinner edge.
  
  Thorough instructions explain how to sharpen many different edges too like bread knives (serrated), scissors, Japanese blades (one sided), fish hooks, etc.
  
  
• Worth the money
  By A2528TWK6VNUCI on 2007-08-02
  I've tried at least a half-dozen cheaper sharpening gadgets over the years, put off by the Spyderco's higher price tag. I should have spent the money sooner - it is as easy to use, more versatile, and more effective than any other gadget I've tried. If, like me, you have trouble getting a fine edge with whetstones this is the best gadget out there. The standard rods put the best edge I've ever achieved on my knives, but if you really want to shave with your blades invest in the Ultrafine rods, sold seperately.
  
  
• Spyderco ROCKS!!!
  By A2VZ4NAC49LYED on 2007-11-09
  This is the best knife sharpener on the market and very simple to use!!! I highly recommend!!!
  
  
• Best Blade Sharpener Ever!
  By A2CPESJH0X2X7V on 2007-11-11
  I recently purchased a knife from Wilson Tactical, and they actually recommended this sharpener. Since Spyderco is a competitor of Wilson Tactical, I figured there must be something to it.
  
  After using a variety of stones, sharpeners, and even Tormek's sharpening System (great for tools), the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is by far the best thing I've ever used on a knife.
  
  There is a set of diamond stones available for reshaping edges (I've certainly ruined a few edges over the years), but they are a little expensive and hard to find. There is also a set of extra fine stones available. Someday...
  
  Anyway, highly recommended. The included DVD is quite good as well.
  
  
• sharper everything!
  By A1I68YQ73BNVKC on 2008-01-08
  this thing is just great, watch the video and off you go, perfect sharpness every time!
  
  
• Beauty In Simplicity
  By A3B0I5S197ZPP6 on 2008-01-14
  The Sharpmaker is well named. I have tried very hard to make my Lansky Deluxe system work but only got fair results at best. I used the Sharpmaker on a knife I had very carefully sharpened on the Lansky and saw an immediate and profound improvement. I am an engineer and was drawn to the Lansky angle control system believing that I would have best control with this system. However, in practice, the Sharpmaker gives outstanding results quickly and easily. You literally will be able to get your knives sharper than when they were new and unused. Very few products deliver on the level of the Sharpmaker. Great product. Sharpens more than just knives as well. Watch the DVD as soon as you get it. Then you'll want to sharpen everything in the house. You'll be hooked.
  
  
• Easy and effective.
  By A346LPPQK72U3O on 2008-01-19
  I have had other sharpeners, from plain stones to sharpening jigs, but this sharpening system works far better, and faster. I like the way all the parts fit together into a nice storage case, but really the most important part is how well the knives come out. Razor sharp, easy.
  
  
• Clean cuts again!
  By A2SVFT5MNTQYWX on 2008-02-09
  Our previous knife sharpener disappeared during a kitchen remodel a year ago, and all efforts to find it were in vain. My husband, who is nearly obsessed with the need to have knives at their sharpest, was becoming more and more distressed. Enter the Spyderco Triangle! Our kitchen knives are now all dangerously sharp, and he even watched the video to sharpen my scissors, which before had to be taken out for shapening. We are both impressed and happy with Spyderco.
  
  
• Sharpmaker-Easy to use!
  By A2YL9DSE25UA6V on 2008-03-07
  The Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is easy to use, and is appropriate for all manner of knives. I have even used it to sharpen hatchets for close trim work. I have owned one model or another of this item for more than 15 years. It works on serrated and plain edge blades, large or small. Be sure and use the brass rods to protect your fingers and hands, and like any dangerous work, DON'T SHARPEN knives when you are tired or impaired.
  
  
• SharpMaker fails to work for me
  By A2Z7S5X3FD4JEG on 2008-07-15
  I watched the DVD twice, spent hours with the instruction book attempting to sharpen knives. To date number of knives successfully sharpened = zero.
  
  I had previously used a cheap Byers brand knife sharpener (portable fixed angle type). This takes less than 30 seconds and works! You just draw the unit across the blade 3-4 times & you are done. Now it is by no means "scary sharp." And experts say this type is garbage. It does allow knives to shave paper from the edge. Probably "only" a utility edge. Step two of four when using the Spyderco Tri-Angle SharpMaker 204. Well I am unable to get even close to shaving paper with the SharpMaker. Despite MUCH more cost, time, trouble. I do not disbelieve that other knife enthusiasts and experts get great results with the SharpMaker. I just flat out do not believe it is either easy or simple. I think it takes skill.
  
  I tried a variety of plain edge knives & 2 serrated knives. (None of them terribly dull, but not sharp--they can all cut paper IF I poke the point through the sheet & then cut) I did NOT try it on any of my Spyderco knives as I didn't want to ruin them with the SharpMaker. Besides, my Spydercos are still (relatively) sharp. (They all shave paper)
  
  I have yet to try using a permanent marker on the blade edge or a mirror to somehow check to see if I am holding the knife vertical. I will probably try these things soon. (THIS is ease of use, LOL) This surely would never be in the manual or no newbie wold ever buy this! When Sal sharpens on the DVD it looks so easy. It is not easy for the unskilled. I'm sure an expert can make using a cheap whetstone & oil look simple. I haven't tried to sharpen my dental tools (just kidding) or the array of other strange tools nor will I ever. I did try to sharpen a nail clipper--seemed easy. There was absolutely zero effect on the clippers. But, I didn't buy this contraption to sharpen nail clippers, or shop tools, or dental instruments. I bought it to make plain edge & serrated edge knives very sharp.
  
  I DID rub the edges of the gray, medium grit stones over each other & same with the flat sides several times to "break it in" as Sal said on the DVD. I am doing 40 strokes medium to light pressure (20 per side) for each step. I am using the 40 degree angle (not the 30 degree). I have NOT tried the Back Bevel pg. 6. Since I don't know that all my knives have been over-sharpened & need to have the shoulders removed. I don't really know how I wold be able to tell. I really doubt that is the problem on all my pocket knives & kitchen knives.
  
  I don't know if the 40 strokes per step is wrong & I need to do 80 or 200 strokes.
  
  Some posts say to not move on to the next step until & unless the sharpness is tested for the prior step. This makes sense. If you cannot shave paper after step 2, going on to step 3 may be worthless.
  
  I would certainly not have purchased this tool had I known it would not work without considerable expertise. Not a happy customer.
  
  
• Foolproof Sharpener
  By A1W6JPV8TBCSR9 on 2007-01-11
  The Spyderco Tri-Angle sharpener is the best I've owned. It is thoughfully designed, with all components storing neatly in the carrying case. It is essentially a crock stick sharpener on steroids. No clamping of blades, no holding blades at odd angles. If you can hold a knife blade vertical you can put a sharp edge on any knife. It will also do scissors and other tools but for most people it will primarily be used on knives. Although the manufacturer recommends using the flat side of the stones, I am always in a hurry and so prefer the more agressive cutting of the edge. There are lots of cheaper sharpeners, but this is a quality product built to last a lifetime. One word of advice- when you are finished sharpening all the kitchen knives, put a note on the counter cautioning your spouse. It might prevent needless nicks or worse.
  
  
• A great investment for a razor sharp knife!
  By AXWHQ06HOVUY7 on 2007-04-04
  This is the best knife sharpening system I have ever owned. The kit has 2 medium sharpening rods, 2 fine sharpening rods, a booklet, a VCR instruction tape,& the plastic storage case which doubles as the base.
  I can easily keep my Spyderco Delica knife razor sharp; also my Wusthof kitchen knives. (Even the serrated knives!) This kit takes all the guesswork out of keeping the right angle to sharpen your knives!
  
  
• good product fair price
  By A3P23CONCTJ08X on 2007-05-15
  I am very satisfied with the Spyderco. Take a couple of minutes and watch the CD and you will have no problems.
  
  
• Can't complain
  By ABFXKJ0U7TNXK on 2007-06-14
  I got what I ordered, in the time frame promised. The transaction was what I expected, so I can't give it five stars. Still, I'd buy from this vendor again. I actually haven't used the product yet, so I can't vouch for the value. But the DVD and the accommpaning printed brochure make me think this product is fine.
  
  
• Fantastic value
  By AWNC1GQ75W8K8 on 2008-01-07
  I bought the Spyderco Triangle Sharpmaker last month and could not be more pleased with the results. Like most people I have many kitchen, utility, camping knives that have grown dull over the years. I've tried using regular sharpening stones in the past but the results were always unsatisfactory.
  
  The Sharpmaker is an excellent system no matter what your experience or background in sharpening. The product comes with both a helpful instructional DVD and an instruction book. I used both and within 10 minutes of viewing the DVD I was sharpening knives like a pro. This system will literally sharpen anything including knives, scissors, darts (their points), fishing hooks, you name it.
  
  The key to its usability is that you just have to hold the knife straight up-and-down. You do not have to try and hold it at a difficult angle. Who can hold a knife at a 40-degree angle? But holding a knife vertically is much easier to do and results in a uniformly razor sharp edge.
  
  I rarely post reviews but this product is so good (and so affordable) that every household should have this kit. Really, anyone can use this tool to make razor sharp edges on their knives.
  
  

• Delica Style, Plain Blades 3", Spyderco Delica And Endura Knife
• Kershaw Ken Onion Scallion Folding Knife - Choose Style
• Kershaw Military Fixed I Knife Edge Plain Blade 4 1/2",
• Jeep Knives Black 8 1/2-InchSurvival Knife
• Gerber 05640 River Shorty Knife

• Spyderco Ultra Fine Triangle Sharpening Stone
• Spyderco Diamond Triangle Pair
• SAS Survival Handbook: How to Survive in the Wild, in Any Climate, on Land or at Sea
• Meyerco® Sharpen-It™ Knife Sharpener with Sheath
• Leatherman 934870 40 Bit Assortment with Nylon Sheath