First Impressions of Smiths Products 51328
The Smiths Products 51328 2-Stone Sharpening Kit promises a simple yet effective solution for maintaining a sharp edge on knives and tools. It includes a medium grit stone for edge setting and a fine Arkansas stone for polishing, along with honing solution and an angle guide. For someone like me, who spends a significant amount of time in the outdoors, keeping blades in top condition is not just a matter of convenience, it’s a safety issue.
My go-to sharpening method for years has been a combination of diamond stones and a strop, but I was looking for something more compact and less reliant on specialized stropping compounds for a more streamlined field kit. The Smiths Products kit seemed like a good option.
Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed was the compact design of the kit. The medium stone is securely mounted on a plastic base, which cleverly houses the fine Arkansas stone. The stones felt solid and well-made. The included honing solution felt a bit light, but I was eager to see how it performed. Compared to my larger sharpening stones, this kit felt more portable than the Lansky system I sometimes use or my combination water stone. I picked the Smiths Products 51328 for its perceived portability and the promise of a complete sharpening solution in a single package. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping it would live up to its promise of simplicity and effectiveness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Smiths Products 51328 to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test of the Smiths Products 51328 took place in my workshop, where I subjected a heavily used fixed-blade knife to its sharpening prowess. I began with the medium stone, following the included angle guide as best as possible. Sharpening was noticeably faster compared to my super fine ceramic stones. The process felt straightforward, and the honing solution seemed to aid in smooth blade gliding.
However, even with the sharpening guide, consistently maintaining the same angle proved challenging, and the medium stone felt a bit coarse for my preference. After using the medium stone, I transitioned to the fine Arkansas stone. The Arkansas stone smoothed out the rougher edge left by the medium stone. After this stage, the edge was sharp enough to cleanly slice paper, but not quite hair-popping sharp. The wet conditions of the workshop cleaning station didn’t affect performance, though keeping the stones clean was important.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, I’ve come to appreciate the Smiths Products 51328 for its convenience, but it does have limitations. It has held up reasonably well, but the plastic base shows some minor scuff marks, but the stones themselves still show no signs of wear. Regular cleaning with a brush and honing oil is necessary to maintain optimal performance. Compared to my previous sharpening methods, the Smiths Products kit is less refined and doesn’t produce as keen an edge. It is certainly faster and simpler to use, though, making it a good choice for quick touch-ups in the field.
Breaking Down the Features of Smiths Products 51328
Specifications
The Smiths Products 51328 features a 5-inch medium grit stone and a 4-inch fine Arkansas stone. The medium stone is designed for setting the initial edge, while the fine stone is for polishing. The kit includes a plastic base for stone storage and stabilization, honing solution to aid sharpening, and a sharpening angle guide to help maintain a consistent angle. The plastic base has dimensions of approximately 6 x 3 x 1.5 inches, making the kit relatively compact. It’s important to note the difference in size and grit between the two stones, as using them in the wrong order will not produce the desired results.
These specifications are important because they dictate the kit’s portability and effectiveness. The stone sizes are suitable for most common knife sizes, while the varying grits allow for both coarse sharpening and fine polishing. The angle guide is a helpful tool for beginners, although experienced sharpeners may prefer to rely on their own technique. The quality of the Arkansas stone is crucial, as it is responsible for achieving the final, polished edge.
Performance & Functionality
The Smiths Products 51328 performs its intended function reasonably well, providing a capable solution for sharpening knives and tools. The medium stone effectively removes material to reset a dull edge. The fine Arkansas stone polishes the edge to improve sharpness. The included honing solution does improve the smoothness of the sharpening process.
However, the kit is not without its limitations. The angle guide is somewhat flimsy and can be difficult to use consistently. The medium stone is a bit too coarse for my liking. Ultimately, it’s a solid tool for maintaining an edge but does not achieve the keenest sharpness of more advanced sharpening systems.
Design & Ergonomics
The Smiths Products 51328 features a practical design focused on portability and ease of use. The plastic base provides a stable platform for sharpening and protects the fine Arkansas stone during storage. The kit is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in a backpack or toolbox. The plastic base is not particularly durable and feels somewhat cheap.
The angle guide is a useful addition for beginners. However, the overall design feels somewhat basic and lacks the refinement of more expensive sharpening systems.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Smiths Products 51328 should last for a reasonable amount of time. The stones themselves are durable and resistant to wear, although the plastic base is more susceptible to damage. Regular cleaning is essential to maintain optimal performance. This requires brushing the stones after each use and occasionally cleaning them with a solvent to remove accumulated metal particles.
The honing solution should be replenished as needed. Overall, maintenance is relatively straightforward, but neglecting it will significantly reduce the kit’s effectiveness.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Smiths Products 51328 comes with a honing solution and an angle guide. There are no other accessories included. There are no official customization options for the Smiths Products 51328. The kit is intended to be used as a standalone sharpening solution. The absence of additional accessories or customization options may be a drawback for some users.
Pros and Cons of Smiths Products 51328
Pros
- Convenient and portable design.
- Includes both medium and fine grit stones for comprehensive sharpening.
- Easy to use, especially for beginners.
- Affordable price point.
- Honing solution helps to keep the stone clean during sharpening.
Cons
- Plastic base feels cheap and may not be very durable.
- Angle guide is somewhat flimsy and can be difficult to use consistently.
- Does not produce as keen an edge as more advanced sharpening systems.
Who Should Buy Smiths Products 51328?
The Smiths Products 51328 is perfect for casual campers, hikers, and anyone who needs a simple and portable sharpening solution for their knives and tools. It’s also a good choice for beginners who are just learning how to sharpen blades.
However, professional chefs, serious outdoorsmen, and anyone who demands the absolute sharpest edge should skip this product. They would likely prefer a more advanced sharpening system, such as a diamond stone set or a water stone setup.
Must-have accessories for the Smiths Products 51328 would include a high-quality honing oil and a durable carrying case to protect the kit during transport.
Conclusion on Smiths Products 51328
The Smiths Products 51328 is a decent sharpening kit for the price. It offers a convenient and portable solution for maintaining a sharp edge on knives and tools. However, it does have limitations in terms of durability and sharpening performance.
At $34.99, the price is justified for what you get. It’s a good value for a basic sharpening kit.
I would recommend it to casual users who need a simple and affordable sharpening solution. However, serious users should consider investing in a more advanced sharpening system. Overall, the Smiths Products 51328 is a decent option for those who prioritize convenience and portability over ultimate sharpness. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to keep your blades in good working order, this kit is worth considering.