I find the Sharpmaker great for touching up an edge, but not nearly aggressive enough (without adding an aftermarket set of diamond rods) for repairing or setting a new edge
I don't care if you are a fifteenth generation swordmaker who practiced for sixty years...you cannot hold a blade in your hands steadily, at sub-mm precision, for more than one stroke
changing the angle even slightly is effectively starting over
but if you must go old school - BELGIAN COTICULE...all other sharpening stones are inferior, it is no contest imho
>> you cannot hold a blade in your hands steadily, at sub-mm precision, for more than one stroke
That's what the guiding rails are for... So far whetstones with guiding rails are the best sharpening method I found. As you can see from my other comment in this sub-thread, I find Spyderco lacking.