I haven't used the Simmons but have read the recent sharpening threads.

I was in Wally World yesterday,looking at kitchen knives and saw a diamond sharpener,made by Smith,that I wish you guys would look at.It might be just the ticket for the Simmons.

It is has a handle like a butcher's steel,the "steel" part is 8" long by 5/8" wide but instead of being round in cross section,it is shaped like a half-round file on both sides.

The diamond surface is perforated like other Smith,diamond stones and I'm not sure but a handy person might even be able to drill into the end,install a rod and use it with the KME system.I couldn't find what grit it is.

Anyway,as soon as I saw it I thought of the Simmons discussion and would be interested to see what you guys think.maybe Smith's has a site that shows it?

Here is a similar 10" one on their site.it is 750 grit.They also have a 1000 grit ceramic one.http://smithsedge.com/products/product.asp?id=16&cid=6

Hey Jim,

Yep I have that or something very similar to that.  I use it to sharpen "curvey" heads like the Simmons.  It will put a very nice edge on them - What Fred Bear would call a sharp "file edge" = sharp but with some jagged edges that bite.  This edge is very good to hunt with, but if you want scalpel sharp, do a couple more swipes over a regular butchers steel or ceramic rod.  The diamond edge will really sharpen a dull head quickly though and if you like that final edge - go with it.  It's really a matter of personal taste.  You will be pleased with your purchase.

I have had the most success with a set of crock sticks for my simmons heads, but like all of the sharpening, it is still hit or miss for me.

They sell a sharpener that anybody can use it makes the heads scary sharpe it will work on any 2 blade head. I have even sharpened individual replacable blades. There is a pic on the web site I think it is $40. It has what looks like a lansky sharpener mounted to a board and a half round file and 2 croc sticks. It works just follow the direction. LCH

LCH, you are right on.  The steelmaster sharpener that they sell is the ticket.