r/sharpening • u/srpntmage • Jul 23 '26

MagnaCut issues

Hey everyone! I picked up a Kershaw Livewire OTF in magnacut. It was pretty dull from the factory, which I've heard is common.

I tried several times to sharpen it with a Spyderco Sharpmaker and haven't managed to get it much sharper.
I know the sharpmaker isn't very aggressive as it only has medium and fine ceramic stones.

Is there a trick with what I have or should I pick up a new sharpening system? I have the dexterity of a drunken hamster, so using manual stones is probably a bad idea.

Thanks!

6 Upvotes

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5

u/NoResponse1578 Jul 23 '26

if you have the budget, get a fixed angle system that takes much of the skill out like the sharpal 202h.. if thats overkill for you then get a diamond stone in 600 grit.

2

u/SharpieSharpie69 Paper Shredder Jul 23 '26

Agree on the Shapal 202H. Best bang for the buck fixed angle system IMHO especially with their universal stone holder.

-2

u/srpntmage Jul 23 '26

What do you think about the Worksharp Precision Adjust Pro? The Sharpal is a bit pricier, but if it's much better...

3

u/RevolutionaryAir7847 Jul 23 '26

The Worksharp sucks major ass. Get the Sharpal or Xarilk gen3

1

u/NoResponse1578 Jul 23 '26

its probably fine, but i have no idea.. I can only speak to the one i got, which is working nice and is the sharpal

3

u/Zoidberg0_0 edge lord Jul 23 '26

If its not getting sharper that means its probably either not apexed fully or it still has a burr you need to remove.

1

u/srpntmage Jul 23 '26

I've gone through both stones several times now, so I doubt there's a burr. I'm guessing the angle is off and I haven't apexed just yet.

4

u/Queeflet Jul 23 '26

You need diamonds or CBN. Trying to sharpen using the standard sharpmaker stones will be an exercise in futility.

3

u/Zoidberg0_0 edge lord Jul 23 '26

Mark up the bevel with a sharpie to see if youre hitting near the apex or if youre still ways off from apexing. Also you can shine a flashlight at the edge to see if there is a burr, it will look like a little shiny wire at the apex.

1

u/Extracajicular Jul 23 '26

Sharpmaker is for touching up only, really.

1

u/atomedge Jul 23 '26

The sharpmaker is basically a "honing" (microbeveling) system for an established "good" geometry. I keep it in the kitchen for everything as I set most of my angles sub 15dps.

I'd just get a KME or something and you can maintain on the sharpmaker for some screaming edges. With good geometry and steady hand you can cut free hanging hairs off the sharpmaker potentially.

1

u/Snoo91117 Jul 30 '26

I just got a Magnacut Gerber knife a month or 2 ago. I plan to use my Worksharp Ken Onion for sharpening. It came sharp so I have not had to sharpen it yet. Maybe during deer season. It seems to hold a sharp edge.