What is the difference between the blue, white and stainless sharpeners? other than the steadily increasing price point?
915901
metal is metal. so i'm not particular so long as a fine razor edge is the end result. the cheap blue one does the trick in only a couple of swipes.
1280300
Very easy to sharpen. Takes a fine edge. VERY sharp. Hold better than most. 154,s30v and Elmax are far superior though. Good for the price compared to the others.
1571799
Yep, definitely get the GK or GKP if you can afford it. Either is far superior to any of Cold Steel's stamped metal blades, like the RK. Sure the less expensive blades have the protective coating, but once it wears off through sharpening and use, it is just as susceptible to corrosion if not more so. The GK and GKP are monster blades, light and durable, and if properly maintained either will outlive you.
1146036
I'm not sure there's an actual difference. I do use the 001 for kitchen and pocket knives, and some kitchen utensils. I use the 060 for outdoor tools, but, I think the 060 is too light a sharpener for outdoors tools. I more use the Accusharp scissor sharpener for outdoor tools given the blade shape and position.
883050
All three of these are stainless steels. To keep things simple, the harder the steel the harder it will be to sharpen, the softer the steel the more often it will need to be sharpened. 440HC and 8CR13MoV are approximately equivalent higher carbon SS, with the 8CR being from China. They will dull faster than S30V but are easier to sharpen. S30V is, being harder and holding an edge better, considered a better choice for knife blades. The softer steels are not bad choices however; they may dull faster but are relatively easy to sharpen, and that's what you get in return for a lower price point for the knives. All three of these are stainless steels. To keep things simple, the harder the steel the harder it will be to sharpen, the softer the steel the more often it will need to be sharpened. 440HC and 8CR13MoV are approximately equivalent higher carbon SS, with the 8CR being from China. They will dull faster than S30V but are easier to sharpen. S30V is, being harder and holding an edge better, considered a better choice for knife blades. The softer steels are not bad choices however; they may dull faster but are relatively easy to sharpen, and that's what you get in return for a lower price point... » Read More All three of these are stainless steels. To keep things simple, the harder the steel the harder it will be to sharpen, the softer the steel the more often it will need to be sharpened. 440HC and 8CR13MoV are approximately equivalent higher carbon SS, with the 8CR being from China. They will dull faster than S30V but are easier to sharpen. S30V is, being harder and holding an edge better, considered a better choice for knife blades. The softer steels are not bad choices however; they may dull faster but are relatively easy to sharpen, and that's what you get in return for a lower price point for the knives. « Show Less
1806757
One of the best and least expensive (about $10) sharpeners is made by Accusharp. There are many similar sharpeners (ones that have a carbide v-groove) but the Accusharp works the best.
1656558
Based on reviews of this product, others seem confused as well. Two sharpeners are pictured but the price is for a single sharpener. I ordered two @ $4+ each. I paid a little over $9 and received two sharpeners. That said, although these are pricey, they are the best sharpener I've ever used. In the long run they should be worth the money. Good luck.
935754
They both have good steel. The first uses VG-1 steel which has a very hard core, the second uses AUS8A which is very slightly less hard. Pick the one in your price range, with the color you like. One caveat many black blades get marred with use and the inner steel shows through.
426106
Not a whole lot until you get to an even higher series that is guaranteed for commercial use. We bought the 1363 for the stainless steel color. ALL are guaranteed for the home use the same, so you can choose with confidence.
630700
It all depends on how much you use a knife of this type, and how you use it. Personally, it was definitely worth it; the VG-1 inner core (and thus the edge) can become sharper than the carbon SRK, which the 420J stainless outer core helps strengthen the blade and adds further corrosion resistance. If you use this type of knife often, and your budget allows you to spend a little more, then the extra cost IS worth it.
1837514
I don't know. I gave them as a gift. I have another brand that I use daily and haven't had to sharpen them yet.
1399493
My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this helps you. My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this... » Read More My understanding is O1 is slightly better and the change was a factory decision. I may be wrong about it but either one is good, outstanding even. I have the Laredo in what I believe is SK5 and a Natchez in O1 and have sharpened both, neither seemed better at sharpeneing or edge retention or wear. Both of mine are shaving sharp and yes I have used them outdoors with no problems just be sensable and don't start whacking on the handles. Both blade steels I highly recommended. The only steel (layered) that I know to be better is the San Mai but the price increase is substantial. I hope this helps you. « Show Less
1019201
I have a few companions both stainless and carbon and a heavy duty carbon. I prefer the carbon steels, easy to sharpen and take a great edge. I use wet stones to sharpen them. They are great for fine wood work. The stainless require less maintenance. I have not batoned any wood with them because I have other knives for that.... over all great bushcraft knife
1506202
ebay. There is a wealth of sharpeners there at varying costs. I have had great success with a very simple knife sharpener with opposing wheels. Looks like a knife handle with a dual set of wheels on the end. Just run the slicer and let the sharpener do its thing. You can pick one up of these vintage sharpeners on ebay for about $5-$10 (Or less in auction). This will get you many sharpenings. A new blade wheel is about $35. Pick up a cheap sharpener on ebay and slice on!
83629
S30V has the highest wear resistance of the three so it should stay sharp the longest. It is the hardest to re-sharpen as well.
346311
To me, they are about the same. I keep one of those small sharpeners in the drawer and just run the blade through it on occasion. It's a good knife.
694946
I didn't experience any difference between these and my other knives when using a mechanical sharpener. It looks the same to me.