ALL THINGS BUDGET KNIVES

Since you guys mention the Sharpmaker: I have a REALLY hard time restoring an edge to really blunt knives with that thing. Do you guys only use it to “finish”? Or have you all gotten add-on ceramics that are rougher than the two grits that come with it? If so, any recommendations?

I use my Sharpmaker for finishing or sharpening not too dull blades. Spyderco offers diamond rods for it designed for more demanding sharpening / reprofiling jobs but they are not cheap. As an alternative you can lay cheaper aftermarket diamond stones against the ceramic rods and fix them with zip ties to keep the angle.

I know that it is anathema to talk about belt grinders BUT, for those of you that somehow can not get those sharpmakers, or flat stones to work (i was one), don’t take my word for it, do a search on utube for knife sharpening and just watch what a $50 generic 1” x 30” belt sander can do! you might end up spending ~$100 if you get all the different size grits, compound, and strops but all of my knives are razor sharp both kitchen and pocket and it really only takes a minute or two. start by practicing on a beater knife and see what you can do. two of my friends now own setups like mine. of course you can use them for other things if you want… for those of you that have success with the stones, go for it otherwise you might just watch a few of the videos on line and make your own decision.

ken

The 1x30 or 1x42 bent grinders/sanders can do wonderful things for many materials. I’d suggest good belts, a light touch and a way to cool the blade by your side.

Also PRACTICE!!! Your idea of building your sense of touch on beater knives is an important idea.

Where can I find decent automatic knives? I’ve bought a few from Bladeplay. Just wanted to see if you guys have experiences with another site? Thanks!

I’ve just received my first ever OTF auto - a small Microtech copy from Aliexpress.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/JUFULE-UTX-Mini-Ultratech-Marfione-D2-blade-aluminum-handle-camping-survival-outdoor-EDC-hunt-Tactical-tool/32851580248.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.Ir5Yvp

It’s only a dinky blade but the action is spot on and it came pretty sharp. It is lightweight yet feels well made. I’m very happy for the £25/$30 or so it cost me. From order to hand, 19 days.

That store does larger OTF’s, should you wish to peruse it.

Didn’t know Aliexpress did automatics, but cool. I’m going there right now to see what I can get into. Ha! Thanks a lot for the info!

dhgate is a way to go.
Mike

Traded my Ganzo FB7601CF for a Harnds Talisman and I am just amazed how amazing this thing is!!!
Now I have extra $$ to spend and I can’t decide which knife should I buy. At the end I liked FB7601, only thing I didn’t like were few scratches on scales, I heard this is usual for Carbon fiber version…Now I am deciding whether should I order FB7601 BK version, or F7562 or newer F7611. I like all of them but I currently can’t order all 3…I’m looking for build quality and quality finish! Which of these 3 are proven to be best for my requirements?

Thanks mate. I’ll stick to sharpening up the really dull ones on a proper stone first then, and just use the Spyderco for the final edge and/or weirdly shaped blades :slight_smile:

Usually I use my Sharpmaker for adding a micro bevel at the 40 degrees setting. It works especially well if I reprofile the blade around 37-38 degrees than use the ultra fine rods of my SM for adding a micro bevel at 40 degrees.

I have all of those folders and I like all of them.
If the word “BM940” means something for you then you should go for the F7562.
If you like super smooth action and deep carry pocket clip go for the FB7601 BK.
The F7611 is also very good design if you prefer a wider blade combined with a curved handle.

The 7601 is one of the smoother ganzo, the 7611 one of the best looking from ganzo. The talisman is beauty and super smooth but the retention is too hard for my taste.

I’ll order F7562, love that blade shape and similarity to a BM940… However, I’ve seen some reviews that blades can be way off-center, that moved me away from 7562 and 7611, good thing it can be fixed easily.

It’s quite pretty with CF:

Is it true that most of the Ganzo CF scales have scratches? Heard of this a lot of times, even my FB7601 had 1 scratch on scale and on clip side near lanyard hole there was tiny bubble underneath CF layer…I am kinda OCD lol, that little imperfections really annoys me.

If I hold the handle against the light I can see tiny scratches but nothing serious. I suppose I could give it a nice uniform finish with a high grit sandpaper.

Yes, sometime they have scratches. For example in my G753 CF, but i think not in my F729.

Ordered F7562 with CF scales.

I don’t mind micro scratches visible only on sun, but my FB7601 had one really nasty and visible at the middle of the scale, it poked my eyes all the time.

i have belts from 85 to 2000 plus a leather stropping belt along with several different jewelers rouges but really not necessary for every day carry. an 85 and 240 belt will do most of the work along with a ceramic rod for light touchup.