Adjustable sharpening apparatus and method for cutting implements

Abstract

An apparatus for sharpening a cutting implement includes a base assembly and first and second clamping members pivotably supported by the base assembly. The clamping members each have an inside surface, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion, where the second inside surface faces and is spaced apart from the first inside surface. The clamping members are adapted to pivot to clamp a cutting implement between the inside surfaces. A clamping assembly attached to the base assembly includes a cam member movably supported by the base assembly, a follower assembly disposed in operational engagement with the cam member and with the proximal end portions of the first and second clamping members. A handle is operatively connected to the cam member, where operating the handle moves the cam member, thereby moving the follower assembly and pivoting the first and second clamping members.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sharpening a cutting implement held in a vertical plane comprising: a base assembly; a first clamping member extending vertically above and pivotably supported by the base assembly, the first clamping member having a first inside surface, a first proximal portion, and a first distal portion; a second clamping member extending vertically above and pivotably supported by the base assembly, the second clamping member having a second inside surface facing and spaced apart from the first inside surface, a second proximal portion, and a second distal portion, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member are adapted to pivot the first distal portion and the second distal portion towards each other to thereby clamp a cutting implement between the first inside surface and the second inside surface; and a clamping assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a cam member supported by the base assembly and rotatable about a cam axis between a first cam position and a second cam position; a follower assembly having a first follower end and a second follower end, the first follower end disposed in operational engagement with the cam member and the second follower end disposed in slidable engagement with the first clamping member and the second clamping member, wherein the follower assembly comprises: a follower disposed in contact with the cam member; a wedge member disposed in contact with the first proximal portion of the first clamping member and the second proximal portion of the second clamping member; and a resilient compressible member disposed between the follower and the wedge member; and a handle operatively connected to the cam member; wherein rotating the cam member to the first cam position raises the follower assembly between the first clamping member and the second clamping member, thereby pivoting the first distal portion and the second distal portion towards each other; and wherein rotating the cam member to the second cam position lowers the follower assembly, thereby pivoting the first distal portion and the second distal portion away from each other.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cam member has a cam shaft connected thereto and an arcuate cam surface that is eccentric about an axis of the cam shaft and wherein the follower assembly is disposed in operational engagement with the arcuate cam surface.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first inside surface of the first clamping member defines a first sloped proximal portion and the second inside surface of the second clamping member defines a second sloped proximal portion; wherein the first sloped proximal portion and the second sloped proximal portion diverge from each other; and wherein the follower assembly is disposed in operational engagement with and to cause pivotal movement of the first sloped proximal portion and the second sloped proximal portion.

4. An apparatus for sharpening a cutting implement held in a vertical plane comprising: a base assembly; a first clamping member pivotably supported by the base assembly, the first clamping member having a first inside surface, a first proximal portion, and a first distal portion; a second clamping member pivotably supported by the base assembly, the second clamping member having a second inside surface facing and spaced apart from the first inside surface, a second proximal portion, and a second distal portion, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member are adapted to pivot the first distal portion and the second distal portion towards each other to thereby clamp a cutting implement between the first inside surface and the second inside surface; and a clamping assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a cam member movably supported by the base assembly; a follower assembly having a first follower end and a second follower end, the first follower end disposed in operational engagement with the cam member and the second follower end disposed in operational engagement with the first clamping member and with the second clamping member; and a handle operatively connected to the cam member; wherein operating the handle moves the cam member which moves the follower assembly causing the first clamping member and the second clamping member to pivot; and a rod positioning assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a first arm mounted to the base assembly and movable along a longitudinal direction of the first arm; a second arm mounted to the base assembly adjacent the first arm and movable in a longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first arm; and a rod positioning lever pivotably connected to the base assembly and operatively connected to the first arm and to the second arm, wherein pivoting the rod positioning lever moves the first arm in the longitudinal direction of the first arm and moves the second arm in the longitudinal direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the first arm but opposite the longitudinal direction of the first arm.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the rod positioning assembly further comprises: a central pivot pin attached to the base assembly, the rod positioning lever being pivotable about the central pivot pin; a first guide pin connected to and extending from the first arm and engaging the rod positioning lever to one side of the central pivot pin; and a second guide pin connected to and extending from the second arm and engaging the rod positioning lever to an opposite side of the central pivot pin; wherein pivoting the rod positioning lever about the central pivot pin moves the first arm in a first longitudinal direction and moves the second arm in a second longitudinal direction.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the base assembly comprises: a base; and a second base plate disposed in a spaced apart and substantially parallel relation to the base; wherein the first arm, the second arm, and the rod positioning lever are each at least partially disposed between the base and the second base plate.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the base assembly further comprises: at least one support member having a proximal support member portion and a distal support member portion, the proximal support member portion connected at a proximal end to the second base plate and the distal support member portion extending transversely from the second base plate and pivotably connected to the first and second clamping members.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising: a riser block disposed between and attached to the second base plate and the at least one support member, the riser block defining a cam member well sized to at least partially receive the cam member.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: a first guide rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotably attached to the first arm; a second guide rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotably attached to the second arm; and one or more abrasive implement holders each constructed to slidably move along the first guide rod or the second guide rod.

10. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the cam member has an inclined cam surface and moves a linear direction between a first position and a second position in response to operation of the handle, wherein moving to the first position raises the follower assembly and causes the first clamping member and the second clamping member to pivot to a clamped position and wherein moving to the second position lowers the follower assembly and causes the first clamping member and the second clamping member to pivot to an unclamped position.

11. An apparatus for sharpening a cutting implement held in a plane comprising: a base assembly; a first clamping member pivotably supported by the base assembly, the first clamping member having a first inside surface, a first proximal portion, and a first distal portion; a second clamping member pivotably supported by the base assembly, the second clamping member having a second inside surface facing and spaced apart from the first inside surface, a second proximal portion, and a second distal portion, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member are capable of pivoting to clamp a cutting implement between the first distal portion and the second distal portion; and a wedge member in movable contact with the first distal portion and the second distal portion and adapted to cause pivotal movement of the first clamping member and the second clamping member; a handle operatively coupled to the wedge member and operable to move the wedge member; a rod positioning assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a first arm mounted to the base assembly and movable parallel to a first arm longitudinal axis; a second arm mounted to the base assembly adjacent the first arm and movable parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis; and a rod positioning lever pivotably connected to the base assembly and operatively connected to the first arm and to the second arm, wherein pivoting the rod positioning lever moves the first arm in a first direction along the first arm longitudinal axis and moves the second arm in a second direction parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis and opposite of the first direction; a first guide rod pivotably connected to the first arm; and a second guide rod pivotably connected to the second arm.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: a cam member movably supported by the base assembly; a follower disposed in operational engagement with the cam member; and a resilient compressible member disposed between the follower and the wedge member; wherein the handle is connected to the cam member; and wherein operating the handle moves the cam member, thereby displacing the wedge member and pivoting the first and second clamping members.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cam member is rotatably movable and has an arcuate cam surface eccentric about a cam shaft axis and wherein the follower is disposed in operational engagement with the arcuate cam surface.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the cam member is slidably movable and has an inclined cam surface, and wherein the follower is disposed in operational engagement with the inclined cam surface.

15. A method of sharpening a cutting implement, comprising: providing a sharpening apparatus comprising: a base assembly; a first clamping member extending vertically above and pivotably supported by the base assembly, the first clamping member having a first inside surface, a first proximal portion, and a first distal portion; a second clamping member extending vertically above and pivotably supported by the base assembly, the second clamping member having a second inside surface facing and spaced apart from the first inside surface, a second proximal portion, and a second distal portion, wherein the first clamping member and the second clamping member are capable of pivoting to clamp a cutting implement between the first distal portion and the second distal portion; and a clamping assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a cam member supported by the base assembly and rotatable about a cam axis between a first cam position and a second cam position; a follower assembly having a first follower end disposed in operational engagement with the cam member and having a second follower end movably engaging the first proximal portion of the first clamping member and with the second proximal portion of the second clamping member; and a handle operatively connected to the cam member; wherein rotating the cam member to the first cam position raises the follower assembly between the first clamping member and the second clamping member, thereby pivoting the first distal portion and the second distal portion towards each other; and wherein rotating the cam member to the second cam position lowers the follower assembly, thereby pivoting the first distal portion and the second distal portion away from each other; and a rod positioning assembly attached to the base assembly and comprising: a first arm mounted to the base assembly and movable along a first arm longitudinal axis; a second arm mounted to the base assembly adjacent the first arm and movable parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis; and a rod positioning lever pivotably connected to the base assembly and operatively connected to the first arm and to the second arm, wherein pivoting the rod positioning lever moves the first arm in a first direction along the first arm longitudinal axis and moves the second arm in a second direction parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis and opposite of the first direction; a first guide rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotably attached to the first arm; a second guide rod having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end is pivotably attached to the second arm; and a sharpening block slidably disposed on one of the first guide rod and the second guide rod; positioning a blade of the cutting implement between a first inside surface of the first clamping member and the second inside surface of the second clamping member; operating the handle, thereby rotating the cam member to the first cam position and causing the first and second clamping members to clamp the blade; moving the rod positioning lever to a predefined position that defines a sharpening angle between the cutting implement and the first and second guide rods, wherein the sharpening angle is between 5 and 35 degrees; frictionally engaging the sharpening block with the cutting implement; and sliding the sharpening block up and down along the one of the first guide rod and the second guide rod.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of one embodiment of a knife sharpener of the present invention showing components of the apparatus.

(2) FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view of one embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly showing a guide rod pivotably connected to a base rod.

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a knife sharpener of the present invention showing a knife held between first and second clamping members and one embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly.

(4) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly showing a control gear engaging first and second arms.

(5) FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of the angle adjustment assembly of FIG. 4 shown in a first position and a second position, respectively.

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a worm-drive gear used with one embodiment of an angle adjustment assembly.

(7) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a knife sharpener of the present invention shown with a housing and embodiments of an angle adjustment assembly and a clamping assembly.

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of the knife sharpener of FIG. 6 showing the clamping assembly and angle adjustment assembly.

(9) FIG. 9 is a perspective, partial cut-away view of the clamping assembly of FIG. 7 showing the wedge member and straight-line clamp.

(10) FIG. 10A is a side view showing the clamping assembly of FIG. 7 in a first position.

(11) FIG. 10B is a side view showing the clamping assembly of FIG. 7 in a second position.

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an abrasive element holder with adjustable face plate.

(13) FIG. 12A is a side view of the abrasive element holder of FIG. 10 engaging the cutting surface of a cutting implement at a first position along the guide rod.

(14) FIG. 12B is a side view of the abrasive element holder of FIG. 10 engaging the cutting surface of a cutting implement at a second position along the guide rod.

(15) FIG. 13 is a left, perspective view of a knife sharpener of the present invention showing embodiments of a base assembly, a clamping assembly, and a rod positioning assembly.

(16) FIG. 14 is a right, perspective view of part of the clamping assembly of FIG. 13.

(17) FIG. 15 is an exploded view of the clamping assembly of FIG. 14.

(18) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a clamping assembly, showing a straight-line clamp assembly used to advance or retract a cam member along a linear path.

(19) FIG. 17A is a front view showing the clamping assembly of FIG. 14 in a first or unclamped position.

(20) FIG. 17B is a front view showing the clamping assembly of FIG. 14 in a second or clamped position

(21) FIG. 18 is a front view of another embodiment of a cam member of the present invention shown in contact with a follower.

(22) FIG. 19 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the base assembly and rod positioning assembly of FIG. 13.

(23) FIG. 20A is a top view of the rod positioning assembly of FIG. 18 shown with the rod positioning lever moved fully to a first position.

(24) FIG. 20B is a top of the rod positioning assembly of FIG. 18 shown with the rod positioning lever in an intermediate position.

(25) FIG. 20C is a top view of the rod positioning assembly of FIG. 18 showing the rod positioning lever moved fully to a second position.

(26) FIG. 21 is a flow chart illustrating steps in one embodiment of a method of sharpening a cutting implement.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(27) The preferred embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in FIGS. 1-21. As discussed herein, terms referencing direction, such as upward, downward, etc., are used for embodiments of a sharpener 10 set on a table top as shown in the Figures. It is contemplated that sharpeners of the present invention could be used in any orientation, such as having the base mounted to a vertical surface.

(28) FIG. 1 shows an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a sharpener 10 of the present invention. Sharpener 10 has a base 20, an angle adjustment assembly 170, an optional riser block 70 connected to base 20, a clamping assembly 300, a guide rod 160, and an abrasive element holder 200 slidably mounted to guide rod 160. One embodiment of angle adjustment assembly 170, discussed in more detail below, includes a base rod 50, pivot joint 190, and bracket 172. One embodiment of clamping assembly 300 includes a first clamping member 130, a second clamping member 140, and clamping fasteners 150.

(29) A first fastener 208 extends through aligned apertures 50a in base rod 50, base 20, and riser block 70. First fastener 208 extends into and engages a proximal end portion 132 of first clamping member 130. A second fastener 209 extends through base rod 50 and base 20. Second fastener 209 extends into and engages riser block 70. First and second fasteners 208, 209 secure together base rod 50, base 20, riser block 70, and first clamping member 130.

(30) In one embodiment, base 20 is a substantially-rectangular block with a first base end 22 and a second base end 24 positioned on opposite sides of a horizontal central axis 53 centered between lateral faces 138a & 138b, 148a & 148b of clamping members 130, 140, respectively (lateral faces 138b and 148b are not visible). Base 20 provides a common element to which the other components of knife sharpener 10 are joined. In one embodiment, a middle region 26 of base 20 defines an arch between first end 22 and second end 24. Middle region 26 has an optional upper slot 28 sized and configured to accept riser block 70. Optionally, riser block 70 is omitted and upper slot 28 accepts clamping members 130, 140. Upper slot 28 provides additional stability to sharpener 10 by preventing movement of riser block 70 and clamping members 130, 140 towards either of first base end 22 or second base end 24. Middle region also optionally has a lower slot or channel 30 sized and configured to accept base rod 50. Base 20 preferably has sufficient size and mass to provide a stable foundation for using knife sharpener 10. It is contemplated that base 20 may be a flat sheet of stone, a work bench, a metal block, or other suitable object with a flat surface and that provides a stable mounting platform to which components of knife sharpener 10 are attached. When base 20 is a slab of stone, for example, it has a slot to accept base rod 50 or has feet or other feature that allow sufficient space for base rod 50 to pass below base 20. In yet other embodiments, base rod 50 is attached to a top surface of base 20 and extends through a slot (not shown) in riser block 70.

(31) Base rod 50 preferably has a square or rectangular cross-sectional profile and extends longitudinally along central axis 53 from a first end 51a to a second end 51b. Other cross-sectional geometries are also acceptable, depending on the method used to attach and adjust other components of angle adjustment assembly 170. In one embodiment, base rod 50 has a plurality of detents or recesses 52 along its length. Detents 52 are preferably in a side face 54 of base rod 50. Detents 52 allow the user to fix a bracket 172 or other connector at any one of several pre-determined locations. In one embodiment, base rod 50 has distance markings 56 to indicate the distance 165 between a reference point 58, such as the center point of base rod 50, and a proximal end of guide rod 160, which is discussed below. In one embodiment, each detent 52 corresponds to a change of one degree in a contact angle 166 between sharpening block 210 and cutting implement 8.

(32) Base rod 50 is preferably secured to base 20 along central axis 53 and oriented perpendicularly to a vertical plane 167 extending through cutting implement 8 (shown in FIG. 2) held between clamping members 130, 140. As shown in FIG. 1, for example, base rod 50 is affixed to the underside of base 20 within lower slot 30 that runs across the width of base 20.

(33) Riser block 70 is an optional accessory for sharpener 10 that raises clamping members higher above base 20 to achieve a smaller contact angle 166 between sharpening block 210 and cutting implement 8. Riser block 70 in one embodiment has an upper riser slot 72 that is sized and configured to accept clamping members 130, 140. Riser block also has a lower riser shoulder 74 sized and configured to fit into upper slot 28 of base 20. Upper riser slot 72 and lower riser shoulder 74 provide stability to sharpener 10 by preventing movement between adjacent components.

(34) In one embodiment, first clamping member 130 and second clamping member 140 are each wedge-shaped blocks with respective bottom surfaces 135, 145, sloping outer surfaces 136, 146, vertical inner surfaces 137, 147, proximal end portions 132, 142, top portions 139, 149, and two lateral surfaces 138a, 138b, 148a, 148b. Preferably, first and second clamping members 130, 140 have the cross-sectional shape of a right triangle with an angle in a range of about five to fifteen degrees between sloping outer surfaces 136, 146 and vertical inner surfaces 137, 147, respectively. Having a wedge shape provides top portions 139, 149 with smaller profiles than the profiles of proximal end portions 132, 142. The smaller profiles at top portions 139, 149 allows sharpener 10 to be used to sharpen very small cutting implements since having thicker top portions 139, 149 would impede sharpening blocks 210 from approaching and being applied to a cutting edge located relatively close to top portions 139, 149 of clamping members 130, 140. Other configurations of first and second clamping members 130, 140 are also acceptable, such as an L-shaped bracket. In one embodiment, first and second clamping members are sized and shaped to permit a contact angle 166 below ten degrees and as small as five degrees.

(35) In one embodiment, one or more apertures 134 extend through or partially through clamping members 130, 140. Clamping fasteners 150 extend horizontally through apertures 134 in first clamping member 130 and into apertures 144 (not visible) of second clamping member 140. Clamping fasteners 150 extend into and engage second clamping member 140 to fasten second clamping member 140 to first clamping member 130. Clamping fasteners 150 and first and second fasteners 208, 209 preferably are threaded machine screws, bolts, or the like. By tightening clamping fasteners 150, second clamping member 140 is drawn towards first clamping member 130 to engage cutting implement 8 and securely hold it in place with its blade in a vertical plane 167 (shown in FIGS. 2 & 3).

(36) Still referring to FIG. 1, a plurality of apertures 134, 144 may be used at different vertical positions along clamping members 130, 140 to adjust the gap 307 (shown in FIG. 6) and angle between vertical surfaces 137, 147.

(37) First clamping member 130 and second clamping member 140 are supported by riser block 70 with bottom surfaces 135, 145 positioned in upper riser slot 72 of base 20. If riser block 70 is not used, lower surfaces 135, 145 of clamping members 130, 140, respectively, are supported by base 20 and preferably positioned in an upper slot 28 of base 20.

(38) Clamping members 130, 140 optionally include depth control apertures 154. Cutting implement 8 may be supported between clamping members 130, 140 on horizontal posts (not shown) that extend through depth control apertures 154. In this manner, cutting implement 8 is secured at a consistent vertical position between clamping members 130, 140 for each sharpening session. Clamping members 130, 140 are then drawn together by tightening clamping fasteners 150.

(39) Alternate embodiments may use different systems for controlling the depth of cutting implement 8 between clamping members 130, 140. One example (not depicted) is a slidable shoulder located between clamping members 130, 140 that slides up and down. In one embodiment, slidable shoulder is a fulcrum block 304 that slides up and down clamping member 140 along a channel 330 in inside vertical face 140a (shown in FIG. 9 and discussed below).

(40) One or more guide rods 160 are pivotably connected to base rod 50 or to base 20. Guide rods 160 are preferably rigid cylindrical rods made of metal with a proximal end 162 positioned towards base rod 50 and a distal end 164 extending above base 20. In one embodiment, proximal end 162 of one guide rod 160 is positioned towards a first end 51a of base rod 50 and a proximal end 162 of a second guide rod 160 (not shown) is mounted towards a second end 51b of base rod 50. The position of first guide rod(s) 160 relative to vertical plane 167 is preferably adjustable along base rod 50 or on base 20. Other shapes and materials of guide rod(s) 160 are acceptable provided that guide rod(s) 160 have the rigidity, strength, and other physical characteristics to deliver the desired level of precision positioning and adjustment.

(41) Angle adjustment assembly 170 allows guide rod 160, and thus sharpening block 210, to move both parallel and perpendicular to a vertical plane 167 through cutting implement 8 (shown in FIGS. 2-3) to allow sharpening block 210 to continuously contact the cutting edge 9 of cutting implement 8. In one embodiment, angle adjustment assembly 170 connects guide rods 160 to base 20 with base rod 50. Contact angle 166 between sharpening block 210 and vertical plane 167 can be adjusted based on the position of bracket 172 along base rod 50 or on base 20. Angle adjustment assembly 170 enables the user to adjust a distance 165 between proximate end 162 of guide rod 160 and a reference point 58. For example, reference point 58 may correspond to the center of base rod 50 or to the horizontal position along base rod 50 of vertical plane 167 extending through cutting implement 8. By adjusting distance 165, contact angle 166 is defined between abrasive element holder 200 (and attached sharpening block 210) and cutting implement or vertical plane 167. Contact angle 166 may also correspond to the angle between guide rod 160 and vertical plane 167.

(42) An abrasive element holder 200 is configured to slide along guide rod 160 via holder aperture 212 that extends through abrasive element holder 200 from end to end. Sharpening block 210 is removably attached to abrasive element holder 200, which is slidably mounted on guide rod 160. In one embodiment, abrasive element holder 200 has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, therefore including four holder sides 200a, 200b, 200c (not visible). A sharpening block 210 with a grinding or honing material is affixed to one or more of holder sides 200a, 200b, 200c, 200d. When using multiple sharpening blocks 210, for example one on each side 200a-200d, abrasive element holder 200 may be rotated about guide rod 160 to select a honing material with the desired grit. Grinding or honing material may take any of a number of forms. Such honing material typically ranges from a coarse grit to a fine grit (for example, 80 to 1000 grit) and multiple honing materials are used in successive iterations during the sharpening process to achieve the desired sharpening effect.

(43) In one embodiment, sharpening block 210 comprises a strap of leather or a synthetic material that is embedded with a diamond paste or other abrasive or polishing compounds. Similarly, diamond or polishing paste may be applied to the strap. Abrasive element holder 200 optionally has hand or finger depressions along opposite sides (e.g., 200a, 200c) that provide an ergonomic benefit as well as a functional benefit of protecting the user's fingers from the cutting edge 9 (shown in FIG. 3) of cutting implement 8.

(44) In one embodiment, knife sharpener 10 includes an inclinometer 220. In one embodiment, inclinometer 220 has a digital display 221 and is affixed to or built into abrasive element holder 200. For example, in place of sharpening block 210 on holder side 200d, inclinometer 220 is removably attached using magnets, fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners, clips, adhesive, or the like. As another example, components of inclinometer 200 (e.g., battery, digital display 221, electronics) are included in abrasive element holder 200 with digital display 221 along holder side 200a. Inclinometer 200 may alternately be affixed to abrasive element holder 200 using a frame 222 that supports inclinometer 220 around its perimeter. For example, frame 222 is configured to be inserted into guide slots (not shown) along abrasive element holder 200 or attach to abrasive element holder 200 using methods described above. An example of one acceptable inclinometer is the iGaging digital AngleCube, which measures an angle with respect to a reference surface (e.g., vertical surface 137) with an accuracy of +/0.2 degree, precision of 0.1 degree, and resolution of 0.05 degree. Inclinometer 220 is useful to measure contact angle 166 between sharpening block 210 and cutting implement 8.

(45) Referring now to FIG. 2, a side view is shown of one embodiment of angle adjustment assembly 170 of the embodiment of FIG. 1. Angle adjustment assembly 170 includes base rod 50, a bracket 172 adjustably mounted to base rod 50, and a universal or pivot joint 190 connected to bracket 172. Bracket 172 is preferably an L-shaped bracket with a horizontal portion 173 and an upright portion 178. Other shapes for bracket 172 are also acceptable where bracket 172 is configured to slidingly engage base 20 or base rod 50 and attach to universal joint 190. Horizontal portion 173 has a first channel or first opening 175 extending longitudinally therethrough. First opening 175 is sized and configured to receive base rod 50 for sliding movement of bracket 172 along base rod 50. A first adjustment opening 174 (preferably threaded) extends transversely through horizontal portion 173 of bracket 172. First adjustment opening 174 preferably extends transversely through first opening 175 and aligns with detents 52 along base rod 50. A threaded set screw 176, spring-biased pin, or the like extends through first adjustment opening 174 to engage detents 52 of base rod 50 and securely hold pivot joint 190 in a fixed position along length of base rod 50.

(46) In other embodiments of knife sharpener 10, bracket 172 slides along a channel or track in or on base 20. For example, horizontal portion 173 of bracket 172 includes a flange that mates with a channel recessed into base 20.

(47) Upright portion 178 extends upwardly from horizontal portion 173, along an upright axis 178a preferably oriented at an angle 180 of between seventy-five and eighty-five degrees to central axis 53. Angle 180 is not limited to these values. Upright portion 178 has a transverse second opening 182 extending therethrough, preferably perpendicular to upright axis 178a and aligned in the same general direction of base rod 50. Second opening 182 is preferably threaded and accepts a stem portion 194 of pivot joint 190.

(48) In one embodiment, pivot joint 190 is a ball-and-socket joint, universal joint, coupling, or the like that permits proximal end 162 of guide rod 160 to pivot freely in any direction. When pivot joint 190 is a ball-and-socket joint, a first part 192 of pivot joint 190 has a stem portion 194 that is received in second opening 182 of bracket 172 and terminates in a sphere or ball 196 at its opposite end. A second part 198 has a socket portion 200 at one end with an opening that receives ball 196. Second part 198 has a rod connector 202 opposite of socket portion 200 to attach proximal end 162 of guide rod 160. Rod connector 202 may be a hollow cylindrical sleeve, a threaded rod, a coupler, or other connector shaped and configured to accept and retain proximal end 162 of guide rod 160.

(49) By advancing threaded stem portion 194 into or out of second opening 182, proximal end 162 of guide rod 160 moves closer or farther away from vertical plane 167. Thus, the user may finely and precisely adjust contact angle 166 between sharpening block 210 and vertical plane 167. Preferably, stem portion 194 is threaded and has a hexagonal recess in one end to receive hex-wrenches for adjusting the position of stem portion 194 relative to vertical plane 167. In one embodiment, a 180 turn of threaded stem portion 194 advances pivot joint 190 towards or away from vertical plane 167 to cause a change in contact angle 166 of about 0.5 between sharpening block and cutting implement 8. By rotating stem portion 194 in smaller increments (e.g., 5, 10, or 15) the user may achieve highly precise adjustment of contact angle 166. The position of stem portion 194 may be fixed by tightening a set screw 176 extending transversely through upright portion 178 and contacting stem portion 194. In other embodiments, second opening 182 is not threaded and receives a smooth stem portion 194.

(50) Turning now to FIG. 3, a perspective view illustrates another embodiment of sharpener 10 with base 20, cutting implement 8 held in gap 307 between clamping members 130, 140, vertical plane 167 extending through cutting implement 8, and another embodiment of angle adjustment assembly 170 that includes a control gear 246 (shown in FIG. 4 and discussed below). For clarity of illustration, guide rods 160 and abrasive element holders 200 are not shown. Base 20 has a longitudinal first arm recess 226, a longitudinal second arm recess 228, a block recess 230, and a lever recess 232. First and second arm recesses 226, 228 are disposed in surface 20a of base 20 and preferably have a generally trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. First and second arm recesses 226, 228 are sized and configured to receive first and second arms 242, 244, respectively. A block recess 230 is disposed in top surface 20a of base 20 to accept and guide proximal end portions 132, 142 of clamping members 130, 140, respectively, and defines a block bridge 231. One of clamping members 130, 140 is secured to a block bridge 231. For example, fasteners (not shown) extend vertically through block bridge 231 from below and into lower end 132 of first clamping member 130 to secure clamping member 130 to base 20. Second clamping member 140 is attached to first clamping member 130 by clamping fasteners 150 (shown in FIG. 1) that extend horizontally through clamping openings 134 in first clamping member 130 and engage second clamping member 140. Second clamping member 140 is capable of sliding horizontally within block recess 230 while being fixed to first clamping member 130 with clamping fasteners 150. First clamping member 130 may alternately be welded to base 20 or fixed using other methods.

(51) A lever recess 232 extends through top surface 20a of base 20 and tunnels below block bridge 231, where lever recess 232 communicates with first arm recess 226 and second arm recess 228. First arm 242 and second arm 244 extend from first and second arm recesses 226, 228, respectively, into lever recess 232 below block bridge 231. First and second arms 242, 244 move longitudinally along first and second arm recesses 226, 228, respectively, due to engagement with a control gear 246 (not visible), which is discussed in more detail below.

(52) Referring now to FIG. 4, an embodiment is illustrated of rod positioning assembly 240 with control gear 246. Rod positioning assembly 240 has a first arm 242, second arm 244, control gear 246, and rod positioning lever 248 fixedly attached to control gear 246. First arm 242 has a longitudinal stem portion 242a extending parallel to a first axis 250, a beam portion 242b extending from the stem portion 242a parallel to a second axis 252 transverse to the first axis 250, and an upright portion 242c extending parallel to a third axis 254 transverse to the second axis 252 and to the first axis 250. Preferably, first axis 250, second axis 252, and third axis 254 correspond to X-, Y-, and Z-axes, respectively. Thus, beam portion 242b extends in a Y-direction and defines an L with stem portion extending in an X-direction; upright portion 242c extends in a Z-direction and defines an L with beam portion extending in the Y-direction. Second arm is similarly configured with stem portion 244a, beam portion 244b, and upright portion 244c. This preferred configuration enables stem portions 242a, 244a to engage opposite sides of control gear 246 while also enabling upright portions 242c, 244c to be aligned along a central axis 53 with center 246a of control gear 246 and clamping members 130, 140. Upright portions 242c, 244c are each coupled to pivot joints 190 by openings 182 (preferably threaded) similar to those in brackets 172 discussed above. Other configurations of first arm 242 and second arm 244 are acceptable, preferably provided that pivot joints 190 align and move along or parallel to central axis 53 in response to engagement with control gear 246.

(53) As the user pivots rod positioning lever 248 about center 246a of control gear 246, control gear 246 rotates in engagement with first and second arms 242, 244, causing their longitudinal movement along central axis 53 towards or away from vertical plane 167 and clamping members 130, 140 (shown in FIG. 3). In one embodiment, control gear 246 is a toothed wheel that engages respective recesses or openings (not shown) on first and second arms 242, 244. Alternately, control gear may utilize an outer surface 246b having sufficient frictional engagement with first and second arms 242, 244 to cause their movement. In other embodiments, each of first and second arms 242, 244 has its own control gear 246 for independent movement of arms 242, 244.

(54) As shown in FIG. 5A, for example, an embodiment of rod positioning assembly 240 is illustrated with rod positioning lever 248 in a first position. With rod positioning lever 248 in its first position, control gear 246 causes first and second arms 242, 244 to be positioned away from center 246a of control gear 246. Preferably, center 246a of control gear 246 is positioned directly below and in vertical plane 167 through cutting implement 8 (shown in FIG. 2). As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, rod positioning lever 248 is in a second position, where control gear 246 causes first and second arms 242, 244 to be positioned closer to center 246a of control gear 246.

(55) In one embodiment, rod positioning assembly 240 is configured with detents, notches, or other structure on control gear 246 and/or rod positioning lever 248 that indicates to the user visually, audibly, and/or tactilely that movement has occurred between each pre-determined incremental distance between pivot joints 190 and clamping members 130, 140.

(56) In other embodiments of rod positioning assembly 240, as illustrated in FIG. 6, for example, control gear 246 is rotated by engagement between a worm-drive gear 249 and a drive gear 247. Drive gear may be attached to or formed as part of control gear 246. For example, worm-drive gear 249 and drive gear 247 are helical gears, where worm-drive gear engages drive gear 249 substantially at ninety degrees to an axis of rotation 251 of drive gear 249. In yet other embodiments, the user's hand contacts control gear 246 to rotate it. For example, control gear 246 is coupled to a second wheel or disk (not shown) that the user rotates to rotate control gear 246. Second wheel may engage control gear 246 to cause it to rotate, such as when control gear 246 and second wheel are both toothed gears. As another example, second wheel is a disk larger than control gear 246 and that extends through sharpener housing 260 instead of rod positioning lever 248.

(57) Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view is illustrated of another embodiment of knife sharpener 10 with base 20, rod positioning assembly 240, sharpener housing 260, and another embodiment of clamping assembly 300 that includes first and second clamping members 130, 140 and straight-line clamp 302. Sharpener housing 260 is preferably made of metal and encloses a major portion of clamping assembly 300 and rod positioning assembly 240. Sharpener housing 260 protects moving parts of sharpener 10 and is an extension of base 20 for attachment of components. Sharpener housing 260 optionally includes front cover plate 262 and rear cover plate 261 to partially conceal gap 307 between first and second clamping members 130, 140.

(58) In one embodiment, front cover plate 262 and rear cover plate 261 are fixed to housing 260 and are attached to clamping members 130, 140 by a fastener, pin, rod or the like (not shown) that extends through plate opening 262a and fulcrum blocks 304, 306 (shown in FIG. 8 and discussed below.) Thus, clamping blocks 130, 140 have a fixed overall vertical position and have the ability to pivot, as discussed below.

(59) In one embodiment, sharpener housing 260 has a substantially rectangular main housing body 262 with one or more side openings 263 (not visible) for access to moving parts of clamping assembly 300 and gear assembly 240. Main housing body 262 is preferably affixed to base 20 with fasteners (not shown). Side housing covers 264, 265 are preferably removably or hingedly attached to main housing body 262. Side housing covers 264, 265 are rectangular box-like covers, but may also have the form of a door or substantially planar panel. First arm 242 extends through a first arm aperture 266. Second arm 244 extends through a second arm aperture 268 (not visible). First and second clamping members 130, 140 are disposed over top opening 270 (not visible) through a top 262a of main housing body 262.

(60) In one embodiment, first clamping member 130 is secured to housing and second clamping member 140 is attached to first clamping member via fulcrum blocks 304, 306 disposed connected to first and second clamping members, respectively, and discussed in more detail below. In another embodiment, riser block 70 is attached to top 262a of main housing body 262 and has an opening therethrough for wedge member 320. With riser block 70, first clamping member 130 is attached to riser block 70 with fasteners and second clamping member 140 is attached to first clamping member via fulcrum blocks 304, 306.

(61) Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view illustrates clamping assembly 300, rod positioning assembly 240, and portions of housing 264. Clamping assembly 300 includes first clamping member 130, second clamping member 140, and straight-line clamp 302. One or more fulcrum blocks 304 are disposed between first clamping member 130 and second clamping member 140. In one embodiment, fulcrum block(s) 304 extends from an inside surface 130a of first clamping member towards second clamping member 140. Similarly, second fulcrum block(s) 306 may also extend from an inside surface 140a of second clamping member 140 towards first clamping member 130. In one embodiment, a single fulcrum block 304 is used. For example, fulcrum block 304 may be one or more protrusions from inside surface 130a of clamping member 130, such as block having a rectangular, triangular, or rounded cross-sectional profile. Fulcrum block 304 may also be distinct from or removably attached to first clamping member 130 or second clamping member 140.

(62) In one embodiment, fulcrum blocks 304, 306 have fulcrum openings 304a, 306a that extend parallel to a central cutting implement axis 305. Fulcrum blocks 304, 306 preferably overlap or alternate with one another where fulcrum openings 304a, 304b are aligned. Like a hinge, a pin, screw, bolt, or other connector extends through openings 304a, 304b of fulcrum blocks 304, 306 so that clamping members 130, 140 pivot about openings 304a, 304b, respectively, in response to operation of straight-line clamp 302, which is discussed below. Fulcrum blocks 304, 306 preferably are shaped as solid protrusions with a rounded or semi-circular profile, but other shapes and forms are also acceptable provided that they permit clamping members 130, 140 to pivot about fulcrum block(s) 304, 306, respectively. For example, one or both of fulcrum blocks 304, 306 may be a tab, plate, or other structure that permits hinged or pivoting movement.

(63) Fulcrum block(s) 304 and/or 306 define a gap 307 between clamping members 130, 140. Gap 307 is measured between inside surfaces 130, 140a when inside surfaces 130a, 140a are parallel to each other. Gap 307 is preferably adjustable using a set screw to adjust the distance that fulcrum blocks 304, 306 extend from inside surfaces 130a, 140a, respectively.

(64) Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, one embodiment of straight-line clamp 302 has a clamp housing 308 that is fixedly attached to sharpener housing 260 or to another object. Only a right side portion of clamp housing 308 is shown in FIG. 9. Attachment to sharpener housing 260 may be achieved, for example, by using threaded fasteners that pass through sharpener housing 260 and engage or pass through openings 310 in straight-line clamp 302. Straight-line clamp 302 may also be secured to sharpener housing 260 by tightening nut 312 against top 262a of sharpener housing 260. Straight-line clamp 302 includes a wedge member block 314 attached to a wedge member 320 at a first wedge member end 320a. Wedge member block 314 has a slot 318 to receive L-bracket 316, which is pivotably attached at a first L end 316a at first pivot point 315, such as by a pin extending through wedge member block 314 and L-bracket 316. Second L end 316b (visible in FIGS. 10A & 10B) is pivotably attached at second pivot point 322 to elbow brackets 324. A handle 326 is fixedly attached to elbow brackets 324. Elbow brackets 324 are pivotably attached to clamp housing 308 at a third pivot point 328.

(65) In one embodiment, at least one of clamping members 130, 140 has a slot or channel 330 along its inside surface 130a, 140a sized and configured to receive or guide second wedge member end 320b or an attachment thereto. As noted above, slot 300 may also be used for a sliding shoulder or fulcrum block 304. For example, engagement surfaces 332 are attached to wedge member 320 and are aligned to engage inside surfaces 330a of channels 330 in first and second clamping members 130, 140. Channels 330 extend into inside surfaces 130a, 140a by the distance of a channel depth 330a that preferably tapers from a first depth 330a near proximal end portions 132, 140 to a second, shallower depth 330b towards upper portion 139, 149.

(66) Referring to FIGS. 10A and 10B, side views illustrate clamping assembly 300 in a first position and a second position, respectively. As handle 326 is moved from a first position (shown in FIG. 10A) to a second position (shown in FIG. 10B), elbow brackets 324 rotate about third pivot point 328, causing second L end 316b of L-bracket 316 to move forward and draw wedge member block 314 and wedge member 320 vertically downward. In one embodiment, by moving handle 326 between first position and second position, second wedge member end 320b changes in vertical position by about 0.75 inch. While FIG. 10A shows a downward movement of handle 326 moves wedge member vertically downward, clamping assembly can be configured where an upward movement of handle 326 moves wedge member vertically downward.

(67) Although wedge member 320 is shown in the figures as having a cylindrical shape, wedge member 320 may also be a wedge, bar, block, or other shape that is configured to increasingly separate proximal end portions 132, 142 of first and second clamping members 130, 140, respectively, as wedge member 320 advances upwardly or otherwise between them. In one embodiment, second wedge member end 320b has engaging surface(s) 322, such as a roller, block, shoulder, protrusion, or other geometry that is shaped and configured to slidably engage or roll along inside surfaces 130a, 140a of clamping members 130, 140, respectively. As wedge member 320 moves upward between clamping members 130, 140, proximal end portions 132, 142 of clamping members 130, 140 are forced apart. Clamping members 130, 140 pivot about fulcrum block(s) 304 causing top portions 139, 149 of clamping members 130, 140 to move towards each other. Thus, when cutting implement 8 is positioned between clamping members 130, 140, handle 326 is moved to its first position to cause top portions 139, 149 to firmly engage cutting implement 8 and securely hold it in place for sharpening.

(68) In other embodiments of clamping assembly 300, wedge member 320 has gears or threads. Wedge member 320 may alternately be advanced upward between first and second clamping members 130, 140 by engagement between a worm drive and gear or threads on wedge member 320. In other embodiments, the end of a lever or bar may be positioned between proximal end portions 132, 142 of clamping members 130, 140 and its opposite end moved sideways to increase or decrease gap 307 between proximal end portions 132, 142 of first and second clamping members, respectively. In such an embodiment, proximal end portions 132, 142 are preferably biased towards each other with a spring, piston, gravitational force, or other means.

(69) Referring now to FIG. 11, a perspective view illustrates another embodiment of abrasive element holder 400 with a body 402, an adjustable face plate 408, and a holder aperture 404 that extends along a guide rod axis 406. Adjustable face plate 408 is hingedly or pivotably attached to body 402 of abrasive element holder 400. Adjustable face plate defines a second stone angle 412 with guide rod axis 406. Adjustable face plate 408 is preferably a substantially planar rectangular plate that is configured to receive sharpening block 210. Sharpening block 210 is removably attached to adjustable face plate 408 similar to attachment methods described above for abrasive element holder 200.

(70) A second stone angle 412 may be set and adjusted between adjustable face plate 408 and guide rod axis 406. Abrasive element holder 400 optionally has an angle guide 414 attached between adjustable face plate 408 and slidably attached to body 402 of abrasive element holder 400. In one embodiment, angle guide 414 is fixed at one end 416 to adjustable face plate 408 with a fastener 418. Angle guide 414 has a slot 420 and fastener 422 extending into body 402 for slidable adjustment of second stone angle 412. Fastener 422 may be tightened against angle guide 414 to lock in second stone angle 412. Notches (not shown) along angle guide may similarly be used to adjust and lock in second stone angle 412, where a notch is hooked over fastener 422 or other protrusion from body 402. In other embodiments, adjustable face plate 408 is adjusted by moving a threaded rod or fastener (not shown) forward or backward between body 402 and adjustable face plate 408.

(71) Referring now to FIGS. 12A and 12B, abrasive element holder 400 enables the user to precisely sharpen cutting implements 8 having a curved cutting edge 9 as is found on sport knives, barber's shears, and other cutting implements. As the user slides abrasive element holder 400 up and down guide rod 160, angle 426 changes between sharpening block 210 and vertical plane 167 through cutting implement 8. As shown, abrasive element holder 400 in FIG. 12A is at a lower position on guide rod 160 than in FIG. 12B. As a result, angle 426 is smaller than angle 426. Using this approach, cutting implements 8 with curved cutting edges 9 can be precisely sharpened.

(72) Referring now to FIG. 13, a left perspective view illustrates components of another embodiment of sharpener 10 that includes a base assembly 19, clamping assembly 300, and rod positioning assembly 240. For clarity, not all components of sharpener 10 are shown. Base assembly 19 includes base 20, upper base plate 21 attached to base 20 in a spaced-apart and substantially parallel relation, riser block 70 secured to upper base plate 21, and at least one support member 80 extending from riser block 70. Rod positioning assembly 240 is disposed between base 20 and upper base plate 21.

(73) In one embodiment, clamping assembly 300 includes first support member 80a and second support member 80b, each of which extends upward from riser block 70 in substantially parallel and spaced-apart relation to each other. In some embodiments, support members 80a, 80b are fixedly attached to riser block 70, such as by using screws, welding, or other means. For example, fasteners extend through upper base plate 21, through riser block 70, and into a proximal end portion 81a, 81b of support members 80a, 80b, respectively. In other embodiments, riser block 70 is omitted and support members 80 extend upward from and are connected directly to upper base plate 21.

(74) Each support member 80 has a plurality of support pins 82 or rods extending from an inside surface 84 and into first and second clamping members 130, 140. Each of first and second clamping members 130, 140 pivots about one or more support pin 82 that extends through or into the respective clamping member 130, 140.

(75) Referring now to FIG. 14, a right perspective view shows clamping assembly 300 with support member 80b. Clamping assembly 300 includes first and second clamping members 130, 140, cam member 90, follower assembly 100, and handle 120 connected to cam member via cam shaft 92. Each of first and second clamping members 130, 140 has a support pin opening 131, 141 sized to receive a corresponding support pin 82 extending, for example, therethrough from support member 80b.

(76) Operation of handle 120 rotates cam member 90, which acts on follower assembly 100 to cause first and second clamping members 130, 140 to pivot and therefore to engage cutting implement 8 (shown in FIG. 3) disposed between distal end portions 133, 143, respectively.

(77) Referring now to FIG. 15, a perspective, exploded illustration shows components of one embodiment of clamping assembly 300 with cam member 90, follower assembly 100, handle 120, cam shaft 92, and riser block 70. Riser block 70 defines a cam member well 71 that extends into riser block 70 through riser block top surface 70a. Cam member well 71 is sized to receive cam member 90 partially or completely and permit its rotation therein about cam shaft axis 92a. In one embodiment, cam member 90 is disposed between opposite well walls 71a, 71b of riser block 70. A cam shaft opening 75 extends through well wall 71b to cam member well 71. Cam shaft 92 extends through cam shaft opening 75 to cam member 90 disposed in cam member well 71.

(78) One embodiment of cam member 90 has a cam shaft opening 91 sized to receive one end of cam shaft 92. Cam shaft 92 may be operatively connected to cam member 90 in other ways, such as being integrally connected by welding or being formed as a single item, or by using a coupler to connect cam shaft 92 to cam member 90. Cam shaft 92, or portion thereof, can have a cross-sectional shape that is circular, rectangular, triangular or other regular or irregular geometric shape. In one embodiment, for example, a tip of cam shaft 92 has a square cross-sectional shape that is received in a square cam shaft opening 91.

(79) Cam surface 90a is eccentric of cam shaft axis 92a and may have a spiral, circular, oval, snail, or other profile shape that results in rise and fall of follower assembly 100 to operate first and second clamping members 130, 140 as cam member 90 is rotated. In one embodiment, cam member 90 has a generally cylindrical shape with cam shaft axis 92a being off-center to the cylindrical shape. A handle 120 is attached to the opposite end of cam shaft 92. Handle 120 can be a lever, wheel, knob, bar, protrusion, enlargement, or other structure that facilitates the user in rotating cam shaft 92 and therefore in rotating cam member 90.

(80) Follower assembly 100 includes follower 102, a resilient compressible member 110, and wedge member 320. In one embodiment, follower 102 is a flanged follower pin that includes a pin portion 103 extending from a disk-shaped flange 104. Pin portion 103 usually has a cylindrical cross-sectional shape, but other cross-sectional shapes are acceptable. Follower 102 has a bottom surface 102a that contacts cam member surface 90a as cam member 90 rotates or moves. In one embodiment, bottom surface 102a is on flange 104. Pin portion 103 is sized to fit into resilient compressible member 110 that is a spring, where resilient compressible member 110 preferably abuts flange 104. In other embodiments, follower 102 has a cup shape that receives resilient compressible member 110 in a central cup opening (not shown).

(81) In one embodiment, resilient compressible member 110 is a helical compression spring (i.e., coil spring), but may also be a wave spring, one or more stacked wave washers, a resilient compressible polymer, or other resilient member. For example, resilient compressible member 110 is polyurethane, such as polyurethane 95A, with an uncompressed thickness of about 35 mm between wedge member 320 and follower 102. Other materials and thicknesses are acceptable. In other embodiments, resilient compressible member 110 is a gas piston, a gas piston together with a spring, or other compressible structure that compresses under a load and returns to its uncompressed shape partially or completely after the load is reduced or removed. In one embodiment, resilient compressible member 110 is retained on follower 102 by having pin portion 103 of follower 102 inserted in a first compressible member end portion 111 (e.g., lower end), with first compressible member end portion 111 abutting flange 104. In other embodiments, first compressible member end portion 111 is attached to follower 102 with a clip, hook, fastener, welding, or other method.

(82) In the embodiment shown in FIG. 15, wedge member 320 is a block with a generally rectangular shape and is sized to engage inside surfaces 130a, 140a of clamping members 130, 140, respectively. In one embodiment, wedge member 320 has a distal wedge surface 321 (e.g., top wedge surface) that is curved or angled with a wedge apex 322 that is aligned with vertical plane 167 (shown in FIG. 3) and/or cutting implement axis 305 (shown in FIG. 8). Wedge member 320 defines a well 323 that extends into wedge member 320 through wedge bottom surface 320a. Well 323 is sized to receive second compressible member end portion 112 of resilient compressible member 110.

(83) Referring now to FIG. 16, a perspective view shows another embodiment of cam member 90. In this embodiment, cam member 90 slides linearly in response to operation of handle 120, which is part of straight-line clamp 302. Handle 120 moves between a first position and a second position to move cam member 90 towards or away from follower assembly 100. As a result, follower assembly 100 is raised or lowered as it follows sloped cam surface 90a, causing clamping members 130, 140 to pivot to a clamped or an unclamped position.

(84) Cam member 90 can be advanced or retracted with other methods. For example, cam shaft 92 threadably engages cam member 90. As cam shaft 92 rotates, cam member 90 moves along cam shaft 92 with sloped cam surface 90a in contact with follower assembly 100. In other embodiments, cam shaft 92 has a geared engagement with cam member 90.

(85) Referring now to FIGS. 17A and 17B, front views show a portion of clamping assembly 300 in a first clamping position (e.g., open) and in a second clamping position (e.g., closed or clamped), respectively. Clamping members 130, 140 have first and second proximal end portions 132, 142 and first and second distal end portions 139, 149, respectively. Inside surfaces 130a, 140a of clamping members 130, 140, have a sloped proximal portion 130b, 140b, respectively. In the first clamping position (e.g., open) shown in FIG. 17A, handle 120, cam shaft 92, and cam member 90 are positioned so that cam surface 90a has an increased distance 95 to clamping members 130, 140. Wedge member 320 may contact sloped proximal portions 130b, 140b of clamping members 130, 140, respectively, but the position of wedge member 320 in the non-clamping position does not cause distal portions 139, 149 to pivot together to close gap 307 on knife 8 (shown in FIG. 17B) and resilient compressible member 110 is not compressed or is minimally compressed.

(86) As handle 120 is rotated to the second clamping position (e.g., closed or clamped) as shown in FIG. 17B, cam member 90 rotates to reduce distance 95 from cam surface 90a to clamping members 130, 140, thereby causing follower assembly 100 to move linearly (e.g., upward) towards clamping members 130, 140. As follower assembly 100 moves to the second clamping position, distal wedge surface 321 of wedge member 320 engages sloped proximal portions 130b, 140b of inside surfaces 130a, 140a, respectively. As it does so, clamping members 130, 140 pivot about support pins 82a, 82b, respectively, thereby forcing apart proximal portions 132, 142 and closing gap 307 with distal portions 139, 149 clamping knife 8. Since knife is typically made of steel and therefore is generally incompressible, when handle 120 is further rotated after distal portions 139, 149 contact knife 8, wedge member 320 cannot move further between clamping members 130, 140, so resilient compressible member 110 compresses providing a predefined compression force to clamping members 130, 140.

(87) As cam member 90 rotates to the second clamping position, it compresses resilient compressible member 110. The compression force of resilient compressible member 110 makes it possible for the clamping assembly 300 to hold and lock onto knives 8 of varying thicknesses. When cam member 90 is in the second clamping position, such as with handle 120 rotated ninety degrees relative to the first clamping position as shown in FIGS. 17A-17B, all or most of the spring force is exerted against cam member 90, effectively locking clamping assembly 300 in the clamping position.

(88) Optionally, wedge member 320 includes a set screw that moves a bias plate to adjust the depth of well 323 in wedge member 320. As such, compression of resilient compressible member 110 can be adjusted. Another option is to include adjustable bias plates on one or both of sloped surfaces 130b, 140b that independently adjust the contact point of wedge member 320 on clamping member 130, 140, respectively. Such an adjustment can be used to align cutting implement 8 with vertical plane 167 when clamping assembly 300 is in the second clamping position.

(89) Referring now to FIG. 18, a front view of another embodiment of cam member 90 is shown, where cam surface 90a optionally has a straight or flat portion 97. Flat portion 97 further facilitates locking clamping assembly 300 in the second clamping position (e.g., closed or clamped). As cam member 90 rotates, follower 102 passes over cam shoulder 96, which provides an increased amount of compression compared to that of flat portion 97 since it extends further from cam shaft 92 than does flat portion 97. Thus, resilient compressible member 110 relaxes slightly as follower assembly 100 moves from cam shoulder 96 to flat portion 97. Similarly, resilient compressible member 110 compresses slightly when follower assembly 100 moves from flat portion 97 to cam shoulder 96. This increase in compression locks clamping assembly 300 in the second clamping position since the force required to further compress resilient compressible member 110 is greater than the force required for clamping assembly 300 to slip out of the second clamping position. For the same reason, flat portion 91 provides a stopping point that is perceivable to the user for rotating handle 120 to the second clamping position.

(90) Referring now to FIG. 19, a partially-exploded, perspective view illustrates parts of base assembly 19 with another embodiment of rod positioning assembly 240. In this embodiment, rod positioning assembly 240 includes rod positioning lever 248 operatively coupled to first arm 242 and second arm 244. In one embodiment, first arm 242 and second arm 244 are elongated bars with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, although other cross-sectional shapes are acceptable. Each of first arm 242 and second arm 244 are slidably retained by base 20 with the ability to slide along a first arm longitudinal axis 242x parallel to a first (X) axis 250 between a first arm position and a second arm position, where first (X) axis is parallel to the first arm longitudinal axis 242x and the second arm longitudinal axis 244x. In one embodiment, arms 242, 244 are positioned between a first slide guide 255a and a second slide guide 255b that are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. Slide guides 255a, 255b extend substantially parallel to first (X) axis 250 and define or partially define a sliding path of each of arms 242, 244 substantially parallel to first (X) axis 250. Slide guides 255a, 255b may be a slot, channel, protrusion, rail, lip, attached bar, plurality of pins, or other structure on or attached to base 20 that is capable of maintaining the position of arms 242, 244 along a second (Y) axis 252 as arms 242, 244 move orthogonally to second (Y) axis 252.

(91) Rod positioning lever 248 pivots about a central pivot pin 245. In one embodiment, central pivot pin 245 extends along or parallel to third (Z) axis 254 (e.g., upward) from base 20 and into or through rod positioning lever 248. A center 245a of central pivot pin 245 is positioned between arms 242, 244. In such an embodiment, first arm 242 has a first arm cutout 242b and/or second arm 244 has a second arm cutout 244b to accommodate central pivot pin 245 as arms 242, 244 slide in close proximity or in abutment with each other. In other embodiments, arms 242, 244 are positioned longitudinally in the direction of second axis 252 to permit arms 242, 244 to slide in opposite X-axis directions without the need for first arm cutout 242b and/or second arm cutout 244b. In yet other embodiments, central pivot pin 245 extends along or parallel to third (Z) axis 254 (e.g., downward) from a second or upper base plate 21 and into or through rod positioning lever 248. Accordingly, central pivot pin 245 may not extend between arms 242, 244, thereby obviating the need for first arm cutout 242b or second arm cutout 244b.

(92) First arm 242 has a first guide pin 247a and second arm has a second guide pin 247b extending upward therefrom. Rod positioning lever has a first lever slot 248a or channel and a second lever slot 248b or channel positioned longitudinally along rod positioning lever 248 and each generally oriented to extend opposite of central pivot pin 245 from each other. As rod positioning lever 248 is pivoted about central pivot pin 245, first and second lever slots 248a, 248b engage guide pins 247a, 247b, respectively, causing arms 242, 244 to move in the second (X) axis 250 direction. As each arm 242, 244 moves in the second (X) axis 250 direction, a proximal end 162 of guide rod 160 (shown in FIG. 1) attached thereto by way of bracket 172 is positioned closer or farther away from vertical plane 167 (shown in FIG. 1). Therefore, rod positioning assembly 240 defines a range of contact angles 166 between abrasive element holder 200 and cutting implement 8 (shown in FIG. 2).

(93) In one embodiment, upper base plate 21 is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from base 20. For example, fasteners 208 extend up through base 20, through first and second slide guides 255a, 255b, through standoffs 207, and into upper base plate 21. Standoffs 207 also may function as a stop block for rod positioning lever 248. Riser block 70 (shown in FIG. 14) attaches, for example, to upper base plate 21 using fasteners 209 that extend through upper base plate 21 into rise block 70.

(94) Optionally, upper base plate 21 has a plurality of angle measurement indicia 177, such as numbers, lines, dots, or other markings that relate the position of rod positioning lever 248 to contact angle 166 between vertical plane 167 and abrasive element holder(s) 200 (shown in FIG. 1).

(95) Optionally, rod positioning assembly 240 includes one or more locking screws 256 that extend in the second (Y) axis 252 direction through or along first and/or second slide guides 255a, 255b to first and second arms 242, 244, respectively. For example, after setting contact angle 166 locking screws 256 can be advanced to engage first slide guide 255a and lock its position.

(96) Referring now to FIGS. 20A-20C, top plan views show rod positioning assembly 240 in a first position (FIG. 20A), in an intermediate position (FIG. 20B), and in a second position (FIG. 20C). In each view, central pivot pin 245 is aligned with vertical plane 167 (also shown in FIG. 1). In the first position shown in FIG. 20A, rod positioning lever 248 is pivoted fully left to abut standoff 207a, where brackets 172 on arms 242, 244 are in their closest position to vertical plane 167. In the intermediate position shown in FIG. 20B, rod positioning lever 248 is pivoted to the right, where brackets 172 are moved partially away from vertical plane 167. In the second position shown in FIG. 20C, rod positioning lever 248 is pivoted fully to the right to abut standoff 207b with brackets 172 moved to a farthest position away from vertical plane 167.

(97) Referring now to FIG. 21, a flow chart illustrates steps of one embodiment of a method 800 of sharpening a cutting implement 8. In step 801, the user provides a sharpener having first and second clamping members 130, 140, a clamping assembly 300, and one or more guide rods 160 supported on a base assembly.

(98) In step 805, a cutting implement 8 is placed between distal end portions 133, 143 of first and second clamping members 130, 140, respectively. In one embodiment, distal end portions 133, 143 are upward end portions of clamping members 130, 140 that extend upwardly.

(99) In step 810, the distal end portions 133, 143 of the first and second clamping members 130, 140, respectively, are drawn together to engage cutting implement 8. In one embodiment, the distal end portions 133, 143 are drawn together by advancing a piston or wedge member 320 upwardly between the first and second clamping members 130, 140, thereby increasing gap 307 between proximal end portion 132 of first clamping member 130 and proximal end portion 142 of second clamping member 140 and causing distal end portions 133, 143 of the first and second clamping members 130, 140 to engage cutting implement 8. For example, sharpener 10 is selected to include cam member 90, follower assembly 100, and handle 120, where operation of handle 120 moves wedge member 320 between first and second clamping member 130, 140.

(100) In step 815, if a contact angle or first angle 166 has not been set between an abrasive implement holder 200 and a vertical plane 167 through cutting implement 8, the user optionally adjusts first angle 166. First angle 166 can be set by changing the horizontal distance between proximal end 162 of guide rod 160 and vertical plane 167 through cutting implement 8. In one embodiment, first angle 166 is adjusted by operating rod positioning lever 248 to move first arm 242 and second arm 244 towards or away from vertical plane 167. For example, sharpener 10 is selected to include rod positioning assembly 240 with rod positioning lever 248 connected to control gear 246 or rod positioning assembly 240 with rod positioning lever 248 pivotable about a central pivot pin. When sharpening cutting implement 8 having a curved or complex cutting edge 9, the user optionally sets a second stone angle 412 between sharpening block 210 and guide rod axis 406. Setting a second stone angle 412 may be performed by using an abrasive element holder with adjustable face plate 408 and pivoting adjustable face plate 408 with respect to body 402 and guide rod axis 406.

(101) First angle 166 is chosen in part by the cutting edge sought and in part on the type of cutting implement to be sharpened. For example, for Japanese culinary knives, first angle is typically from about nine to about thirteen degrees and may be as small as about five or six degrees. For some knives (e.g., German culinary knives), first angle 166 may be selected to be from about fifteen to about twenty-two degrees or from fifteen to about twenty-five degrees. For sport knives (e.g., bush knives), first angle may be set from twenty-five to about thirty five degrees. For other cutting implements, such as salon shears, first angle may be selected to be from forty to sixty degrees or from forty to seventy degrees. These values are merely illustrative and acceptable values for first angle 166 are chosen as needed. These ranges for first angle 166 are not limited to a particular cutting implement and include all angles within the ranges.

(102) Similarly, second stone angle 412 is chosen in part on the type of cutting edge sought and in part on the type of cutting implement to be sharpened. In general, a larger value for second stone angle 412 results in a greater curvature of cutting edge 9. In some cases, a larger value for second stone angle 412 reduces the need for a larger value of first angle 166. Also, a larger value for second stone angle 412 tends to provide less precision for cutting edge 9. When sharpening knives, second stone angle 412 is selected, for example, from zero to forty-five degrees. When sharpening salon shears, second stone angle 412 is selected, for example, from forty-five to eighty degrees. These values for second stone angle 412 are merely illustrative and other values for second stone angle 412 are acceptable. These ranges for second stone angle 412 are not limited to a particular type of cutting implement

(103) In step 820, sharpening block 210 attached to the abrasive implement holder 200 is drawn in frictional engagement across the cutting edge 9 of cutting implement 8 by reciprocally moving sharpening block 210 along a guide rod 160. When cutting edge 9 faces upward, this reciprocal movement is performed in an up-and-down motion. Sharpening block 210 is repeatedly drawn against and along all or a substantial portion of the length of cutting edge 9 of cutting implement 8 as necessary to obtain the desired sharpening effect. When sharpener 10 is equipped with two sharpening blocks 210, one on each side of cutting edge 9, each sharpening block 210 may be drawn across cutting edge 9 in an alternating fashion, one at a time for a repeated number of strokes before applying the opposite sharpening block 210. The use of alternating sharpening blocks 210 has been shown to be a very efficient method of sharpening cutting implement 8. By using sharpening blocks 210 that progress from coarse grit to fine grit, the desired angle of the cutting edge 9 of cutting implement 8 is created or set.

(104) In step 825, cutting edge 9 of cutting implement 8 is optionally polished or finished. Once the user feels a burr being created on one side of the cutting edge 9, the burr indicates that the ridge of the cutting edge 9 is rolling over and that the angle is created or set, at which point it is appropriate to begin polishing cutting edge 9 with sharpening blocks 210 of finer grit. Polishing the cutting edge 9 may also be done by using a sharpening block 210 having a leather strap embedded with a diamond paste or other abrasive. As a final polishing or finishing step, it is preferable in some embodiments of sharpening method 800 that the first angle 166 is altered by about 0.5 to 1 degree to achieve a better sharpening effect.

(105) Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described herein, the above description is merely illustrative. Further modification of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.