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Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker - Initial Report
March 6, 2005
Thomas Vickers
37 years old
Male
5 ft 11 in tall (1.8 m)
175 lb (79 kg)
redroach@pobox.com
Southeast Texas, Houston Area
Tester Background:
I grew up in
the piney woods of southeast Texas. Camping was a quick trip into the mosquito-infested
woods behind the house. My style has evolved
and over the last 4 or 5 years, I have begun to take a lighter weight approach to hiking
gear (I still use sleeping bags and tents, just lighter versions). While I have flirted with lightweight hiking, I feel that I am
more of a mid-weight hiker now. My philosophy is one of comfort, while carrying the
lightest load possible
Manufacturer Information:
Manufacturer: Spyderco
Website: http:/www.spyderco.com
Total unit weight: 14.25 oz (404 g)
Fine grit stone length: 7 in (178 mm)
Medium grit stone length: 7 in (178 mm)
Safety rod length: 7 in (178 mm)
Widths available: B-4E
MSRP: $ 74.95 US
Information from Tester:
Case Measurements (closed): 2.75 x 1.25 x 7.5 in (70 x 32 x 191 mm)
Fine grit stone length: 7 in (178 mm)
Medium grit stone length: 7 in (178 mm)
Brass rod length: 7 in (178 mm)
Lid wieght: 2.15 oz (61 g)
Base weight: 3.95 oz (111 g)
Fine grit stone weight: 1.85 oz (53 g)
Medium grit stone weight: 1.55 oz (44 g)
Brass rod weight: 0.65 oz (19 g)
Total unit weight: 14.30 oz (405 g)
Website:
The Spyderco website was very informative and easy to navigate. The Spyderco
website is just the right mix of information and functionality.
Arrival/Initial Impressions:
The Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker arrived in a plastic packet which contained the complete
Sharpmaker kit, instruction book, and VHS instruction video. Also included in the
shipping box was a dvd copy of the instruction video.
The Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is contained in plastic (durable polymer according to the
instruction book) case. This case has a lid which comes off to reveal two fine grit
stones (white), two medium grit stones (gray), two brass safety rods, and a plastic base.
The grit stones (fine and medium) are triangle shaped in cross section. Two of the three
sides of the stones are smooth, while the third side has a groove in the center which runs
the entire length of the stone. The brass safety rods are just simple brass rods that are
used to protect the user's hands. Like the grit stones, they are held in place by
special slots/openings in the base. The Sharpmaker's base has a variety of openings
that serve to hold the various grit stones at varying angles. There are four
openings to hold grit stones on the base's top and one on one end of the base. There
are also four openings to insert the brass safety rods into as well.
Just from
looking at this system, I now know that I am going to have to read the instructions and
watch the videos. It is not that I think it is too complicated, but rather that I
know that in order to use this product correctly I am going to have to follow the
instructions. This is not a problem, but it does give me a few more things to test.
What I am most impressed with so far is the list of items that can apparently be sharpened
with the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker. According to the instruction manual this
includes plain edges, serrated edges, flexible blades, electric knives, hatchets,
scissors, tin snips, thinning shears, straight razors, chisels, wire cutters, wood gouges,
paddle bits, router bits, screwdrivers, dental tools, needles, potato peelers, nail
clippers, and cuticle nippers. When I read this part of the manual, I almost began
drooling. It was like being given a huge list of dares and knowing that I am going
try every single one of them. If I can figure out the instructions, this is going to
be one fun test series. Of course it also means that I have to get started reading
and watching those videos tonight.
Test Strategy:
Due to the nature of this item, I don't think the specific test conditions apply to this
test. I doubt it will make it into the field with me, so it will mainly be used
indoors pre and post hike.
1. How user friendly is the documentation of this device? Is it easy
to read? Is there an easy to use index/table of contents? Can I make sense of it?
2. Are there any differences between the VHS and DVD version of the instruction video? Is
the video necessary or can a user operate this item without watching it?
3. How easy is this sharpener to use on different types of blades? Will it handle serrated
edges? Scissors? Just what all can I sharpen with it? Can I figure out how to
sharpen everything it is supposed to be able to sharpen?
4. How user friendly is this sharpening system overall? Not necessarily with
different blade types, but for people (like me) who don't have experience with a
'fancy" sharpening system? Can I just pull it out and go or are the instructions a
must read? Will I have to continually refer to the instructions or can I get the
hang of using the device?
5. How long does it take to put an edge on a blade? Is this a labor intensive device or is
it fast and easy?
6. Does it sharpen things? This may seem strange, but if it doesn't make things sharp
enough for me, then it might not be that great of a sharpener.
There are plenty of items from knifes to tin snips to be sharpened around my home. I
will not only use it on my hiking tools, but on any other bladed instrument around the
house that this system is qualified to sharpen. With
the spring coming up, that means lots of yard and hiking use of my knives.
Read more reviews of Spyderco gear
Read more gear reviews by Thomas Vickers
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