Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener Review

Let’s Talk About Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener

The quest for a consistently sharp blade is a never-ending one for any outdoorsman. Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener offers a promise of easy, on-the-go sharpening, and that’s a siren song I couldn’t resist. We’re talking about a compact, no-frills tool designed to quickly restore a dull edge.

I’ve spent years wrestling with whetstones, honing steels, and even electric sharpeners. I wanted something portable and foolproof for those moments when a quick touch-up is all I need. This tool boasts both coarse carbide blades and ceramic rods, a combination designed for both re-profiling and finishing. It also features a scissor sharpener, a bonus feature I was eager to test.

When I first unboxed it, I was struck by its simplicity. The gray and black ergonomic synthetic handle felt comfortable in my hand. Its lightweight nature immediately suggested portability, but I wondered if it would feel flimsy during use.

I considered other similar pull-through sharpeners from Lansky and Work Sharp, but the Smith’s Sharpeners product won due to its compact size and integrated scissor sharpener. The promise of sharpening both knives and scissors in a single, small package was too tempting to pass up. Honestly, I was both excited and a bit skeptical. Could something this simple actually deliver a truly sharp edge? Time would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing ground was my workshop, where I had several knives with varying degrees of dullness. I started with my trusty EDC knife, which had seen better days after weeks of opening boxes and cutting rope. The first few pulls through the coarse carbide slots were surprisingly effective.

I tested it out in dry conditions in my well-lit workspace. The pull-through design was straightforward, requiring minimal effort. After a few passes, I moved on to the ceramic rods for honing.

The first-time use revealed one initial issue: the sharpener tended to slide on the workbench. Securing it with my other hand was necessary. The scissor sharpener also proved a bit awkward initially, requiring a few attempts to find the right angle.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener has become a regular part of my kit. I’ve used it on various camping trips to touch up my hunting knife. The portability is definitely a major plus.

So far, there are no signs of wear and tear on the sharpening elements themselves, though the plastic housing is showing a few minor scratches from being tossed into my gear bag. Cleaning is simple, just wiping it down with a damp cloth. It still outperforms my previous attempts at sharpening with a dull rock in a pinch, but that’s not saying much.

Comparing it to my experience with dedicated sharpening stones, this tool is definitely faster and easier for quick touch-ups. However, it doesn’t provide the same level of refined sharpness. This is a tool for maintaining an edge, not for completely restoring a severely damaged blade.

Breaking Down the Features of Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener

Specifications

The Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener features a 7.5″ overall length, making it easily packable. It incorporates both coarse carbide blades for initial sharpening and ceramic rods for honing and finishing the edge. The unit is equipped with a dedicated sharpener for both left and right-handed scissors, increasing its versatility. It includes a gray and black ergonomic synthetic handle for a comfortable and secure grip. It comes in clam packed packaging.

These specifications translate to a portable, multi-functional tool suitable for a range of sharpening needs. The carbide blades allow for quick metal removal on dull blades, while the ceramic rods refine the edge for a sharper finish. The scissor sharpener adds value for users who also need to maintain their cutting tools.

Performance & Functionality

The Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener does an adequate job of quickly restoring a dull edge. It’s not going to give you a razor-sharp finish like a professional sharpening system, but it’s perfect for field maintenance. It is quick and easy to use, making it suitable for anyone, regardless of their sharpening experience.

Its strength lies in its simplicity and speed. The weakness is its inability to produce a truly refined edge. It meets expectations as a portable touch-up tool but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is decent for the price. The synthetic handle provides a comfortable grip, even with wet hands. It’s lightweight, which aids in portability, but it can feel a little flimsy when applying pressure during sharpening.

It is very user-friendly; there is virtually no learning curve. The pull-through design makes it easy to achieve consistent results, even for beginners.

Durability & Maintenance

With proper care, the Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener should last for a reasonable amount of time, especially with moderate use. The carbide blades and ceramic rods are replaceable, extending the life of the tool.

Maintenance is minimal; a quick wipe down after use is all that’s needed. The replaceable components make it a potentially long-lasting investment.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no official customization options available.

There is no compatibility with after-market attachments. The tool is meant to be used as is.

Pros and Cons of Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener

Who Should Buy Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener?

The Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener is perfect for: campers, hikers, fishermen, and anyone who needs a quick and easy way to maintain a sharp edge on their knives in the field. It’s also a great option for those who aren’t comfortable using traditional sharpening methods.

This product isn’t ideal for: professional chefs, serious knife enthusiasts who demand a razor-sharp edge, or those who need to repair severely damaged blades.

A must-have modification is some kind of rubberized feet to prevent slippage during use, or to add a lanyard to it for a safer use in a field environment.

Conclusion on Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener

The Smith’s Sharpeners Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener is a decent tool for its intended purpose: quick and easy edge maintenance. It’s not going to replace a full sharpening kit, but it’s a convenient option for keeping your blades in good working order while on the go.

At $27.99, the price is reasonable for what it offers. It’s not the cheapest pull-through sharpener on the market, but the inclusion of the scissor sharpener adds value.

I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a portable and user-friendly sharpening solution. Just don’t expect miracles; it’s a maintenance tool, not a complete restoration system. Pick one up, throw it in your pack, and keep those blades sharp!