Rolling knife sharpeners - how useful are they?

[dikman]

You could try using detergent (and water) on the stone, I've seen it recommended for diamond stones. When it comes to sharpening methods you will probably find any answer/method you want, and most will probably work!

[TomE]

8 hours ago, Mablung said:

Go for it, and please share your results. You may very well prove me wrong. I’m interested because I use Arkansas stones regularly, and cleaning them up and periodically washing them with soapy water starts to get a little old. 

Yes, my current protocol is to use light mineral oil and clean with dish washing liquid and a nylon brush as needed.  Will try the dry run.

[tsunkasapa]

I use my stones dry, have for 50 years. I used to wash them periodically by hand, but now I just run them through the dishwasher. Don't let my wife know that.

[TonyV]

My daughter bought a rolling sharpener for her kitchen knives.  They work ok for those, certainly better than nothing.  Quick and easy, which should give wise people a clue.  

Sharpening is a learned skill.  For leather workers it's an important skill to learn.  I'm still not all that great, but I'm better at hand sharpening than these things will do.

[dikman]

Just found this, interesting examination of these things.

[SUP]

@dikman, good one. Informative. 

[SUP]

I just got a rolling knife set - from Amazon  Vine. 

Only for kitchen knives. The set has 4 replaceable sharpening stones  360 and 600 grit diamond stones, a 1000 grit whetstone of unknown type and a 3000 grit ceramic. It allows 4 angles - 15, 18, 20, 25. They even give the type of knives which require specific angles.

Tried it on a couple of kitchen knives and it sharpens them well. A little stropping after and they are sharp enough for soft tomatoes.

It is actually easy and comfortable to use. Made of aluminium. Comfortable grip and large enough to hold firmly.

This set, at least, works well. 

 

[SUP]

Still using the above set for the ordinary kitchen knives - the ones I do not mind replacing. My Damascus knives? Especially the one that is truly layered and not painted or whatever is done to get those swirls? I do by hand. It takes time and is needed rarely, but too precious to risk on the roller.

For ordinary kitchenware though, the rolling set that I have is great. And the price cannot be beat - 80%discount when I am being honest, 100% discount if I did not want to be!