Question 1

Has anyone tried to use the finest stone, the yellow(?) one which is the finest in the 3 wheel in this 2 wheel version? any thoughts?

Accepted Answer

Hopefully this will sort out the confusion and some totally incorrect answers. The model 220/BR (black and red) has white and pink ceramic stones , these are a white stone which is coarse and a medium stone which is pink. The model 220/GB (Grey and Black) has pink and yellow ceramic stones., these are pink which is medium and yellow which is fine. Unfortunately the yellow stone is very pale which makes it look almost white in pictures. The confusion is compounded by ignorant sellers who imply the only difference is the handle colours. If you look carefullly between the two models in the official minosharp pictures, you will see the pink stone is in different position.  Next confusion is what type of knife will each sharpen. Both are designed to sharpen Japanese style blades which  are usually thinner and have a sharper angled edge. Global (Japanese) knives, for example, say the edge angle is sharpened at between 10 and 15 degrees. Most European knives such as Sebatier, Zwilling , Wusthof etc were sharpened at approx 20 degree angle HOWEVER many European chef knives are now being sharpened at tighter angles, Wusthof for example (in their top classic ranges using PEtech) now say that they sharpen between 10 degrees and 14 degrees. The 10 degree angle being for the Wusthof oriental (Santoku)  style knives. So, in brief some European knives can be sharpened using minosharp. In a YouTube video, the minosharp inventor says the 220/BR is better for European knives. Presumably because the coarse ceramic wheel is better for removing steel on what is likely to be a thicker edge angle. If you use the minosharp  220/GB on an older European knife with an edge which is maybe 20 to 22 degrees it risks totally wearing out the medium stone. The 220/BR with the coarse stone will cope better but obviously the pink stone will not give as fine an edge as the yellow stone. If you own new Wusthof classic or classic ikon knives which are sharpened with PEtech then they are 20% sharper than older Wusthof chef knives and you can use the minosharp 220/GB (provided the angle has not been increased through poor sharpening). For anyone intending to use a minosharp sharpener for older, blunt or traditional European style knives then buy the 220/BR and go very gently, Do NOT push down hard and use the coarse white wheel first, only switch to the pink stone once you have reshaped the angle on the knife edge.

Question 2

I know you can get replacement wheels; course and medium, but can you get a fine wheel for this model or will I have to upgrade to the next model up?

Accepted Answer

I have found the coarse/medium wheels ideal for getting an excellent edge. For the final "fine " or "razor" edge I use a good quality steel. David

Question 3

Does this work on non-Global knives including serrated knives?

Accepted Answer

Had one years ago. But got nicked. Works with any straight blade.

Question 4

Global only? according to this page yes,according to minosharp video no. impossible to find the manufactureres and ask this question directly. anybody

Accepted Answer

I have used for different knives It just puts a different angle on blade - Japanese blades (Global) Usually have  a 15-17 degree angle other blades around 20 degrees - you just have sharpen non global knives a bit more the first time you sharpen them with this

Brand	Minosharp
Model Number	220-BR
Colour	White,grey,red,pink,black
Product Dimensions	8.27 x 2.76 x 1.97 cm; 160 g
Material	steel
Auto Shutoff	No
Item Weight	160 g

Shinkansen 'Water' Sharpener - Black and Red

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