12-29-2019, 09:49 AM
Thanks for the information guys.
The Kallamazoo is quite tempting because it's packaged and ready to go and not all that expensive. Having never used one though, I wonder how careful I need to be with it running at "full speed" all the time. What I mean is, I don't want to hog stock off of a blade accidentally. A few years ago I watched a video of a man with his brand new WorkSharp sharpener. This was the original that runs at a fixed speed and has a 1/2" by 12" belt. This poor guy put a rather pronounced recruve into the base of two Spyderco knives, right on video for all to see. He simply spent too long with the base of the blade against the belt as he began his stroke. Probably 1 full second or so.
I realize that the WorkSharp and the 1SM are different machines with different width and length belts. I'm not sure how they will compare, though I expect the Kallamazoo actually has more grinding power? I'm just trying to make sure that I buy a tool that is easy for me to use and not damage blades easily.
On the other hand, re-reading Mr. Grepper's post, I think he already answered my question:
So maybe I should just abandon the idea of a variable speed motor. Even if it's really cool!
Do either of you use the 1SM horizontally? I saw a manufacturer's video that showed it easily adjusting into the downward position. My idea is that with the belt horizontal and the blade on top, I should be able to watch the shiny line of the burr appear as I sharpen, thus making it faster and easier for me to detect a full length burr.
Thanks again,
Brian.
The Kallamazoo is quite tempting because it's packaged and ready to go and not all that expensive. Having never used one though, I wonder how careful I need to be with it running at "full speed" all the time. What I mean is, I don't want to hog stock off of a blade accidentally. A few years ago I watched a video of a man with his brand new WorkSharp sharpener. This was the original that runs at a fixed speed and has a 1/2" by 12" belt. This poor guy put a rather pronounced recruve into the base of two Spyderco knives, right on video for all to see. He simply spent too long with the base of the blade against the belt as he began his stroke. Probably 1 full second or so.
I realize that the WorkSharp and the 1SM are different machines with different width and length belts. I'm not sure how they will compare, though I expect the Kallamazoo actually has more grinding power? I'm just trying to make sure that I buy a tool that is easy for me to use and not damage blades easily.
On the other hand, re-reading Mr. Grepper's post, I think he already answered my question:
Quote:The Kally’s relatively slow belt speed never has a problem of overheating when sharpening so variable speed has just not been an issue.
So maybe I should just abandon the idea of a variable speed motor. Even if it's really cool!
Do either of you use the 1SM horizontally? I saw a manufacturer's video that showed it easily adjusting into the downward position. My idea is that with the belt horizontal and the blade on top, I should be able to watch the shiny line of the burr appear as I sharpen, thus making it faster and easier for me to detect a full length burr.
Thanks again,
Brian.