Avion Report post Posted April 27, 2015 I just received my Big Red Sharpening fixture from Chuck Smith, put my sk blade in and got it lined up, then spent the next hour sharpening and stripping. I have been doing this little chore by hand. Now, I'm not the best around at sharpening knives, but neither am I a slouch. This fixture put an edge on this blade Big Time! The sk glides through this Tandy leather like butter! I can't imagine using H.O leather. I am really surprised by the edge on this blade, and highly recommend this fixture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted April 28, 2015 I told you! Congrats!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avion Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Yes you did, and you aren't kidding. After using this puppy I can't imagine being without it. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Glad it worked out......carve on! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruce johnson Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Handy deal, ain't it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billybopp Report post Posted April 28, 2015 ... Now, if only they made such a nifty device for all of the other blades we use!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted April 28, 2015 I've got Tandys version of that tool, and to me it's useless, I can get a sharper edge freehand. King's X or Bruce, is that brand much better or is it just I'm not doing it right? Thanks Troy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
King's X Report post Posted April 28, 2015 Troy.....it is hard to say because I do not know what your specifics are. I purchased a keen edge barrel for my SK-3 blades and use the Big Red for the regular shaft blades. I am a real big fan of the Big Red and suggest it to most people that ask. I do not think anyone that I have run into has regretted the purchase. I have had great success. Maybe Avion can connect with the issues you are having to see if your issues are similar? Sorry, I did not have more help for you. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted April 30, 2015 Thanks King's X, I use a Barry King SK and blade. Has anyone used both brands and have an opinion? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avion Report post Posted April 30, 2015 The main difference I think between Tandys Keen Edge and Chuck Smiths big red is that the big red comes with an aluminum fixture block that is manufactured with a 30* angle. The Keen edge doesn't have this feature, you need to look at the sk blade angle and approximate the ground bevel on the blade to a flat surface. Maybe using a protractor with the keen edge would help. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Troy Burch Report post Posted April 30, 2015 Thanks Avion , thats what I needed to know. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Avion Report post Posted April 30, 2015 The big red is about $45 higher, but I am happy that I got it, and would do it again. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
