So I started out like most with a bowed worn dual grit wet stone that got handed down from either a grandpa or dad. I could get a decent edge but always seemed to get it just about right and then get greedy at the end and wipe out the edge I was after.
Next was the invention of Diamond stones. They were ok. They solved or reduced the bowing, but you could never re-profile them back flat. They still seemed to remove too much material if one has too heavy of a touch. I then fell for the marketing and purchased a Lansky Diamond kit. I turned out several good edges with this kit, but the short narrow strokes were so aggravating.
I finally arrived at the Apex 4 sharpening system. This is like a lansky on steroids. It is so nice to get a decent wide stroke and a consistent angle. You can even true your stones back up. I tell you this is the nicest edge I have ever put on a knife and I am only going up the the 1000grit stone. I feel I could mirror polish the edge if I cared to with the lapping/fine grit sandpaper stones.
I was going to try the belt systems, but they seemed overly complicated for what they are and run the risk of removing too much material or rounding tips.
APEX is where it is at for me as of now. I did add the desk clamp mount as I did not care for the little bit of bounce from the suction cups.
What are you all using to tune up your blades?
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