Rolling sharpener for edged tools

Abstract

A blade sharpening system may include a rolling unit and an angle guide. The rolling unit may be configured to be rolled along an edge of a blade to sharpen the edge. The rolling unit may include a main body having a first end, a second end, and two or more support members extending therefrom or mounted thereto, and an abrasive wheel rotatably connected to the main body and configured to have an abrasive disc mounted thereto. The angle guide may include one or more side surfaces oriented at non-right angles. The side surface(s) may include magnets for connecting a blade thereto.

Description

ROLLING SHARPENER FOR EDGED TOOLSBACKGROUND

[0001] Cutting tools are used in a variety of applications to cut or otherwise remove material from a workpiece. A variety of cutting tools are well known in the art, including but not limited to knives, scissors, shears, blades, chisels, machetes, saws, drill bits, etc. A cutting tool often has one or more laterally extending, straight, or curvilinear cutting edges along which pressure is applied to make a cut. The cutting edge is often defined along the intersection of opposing surfaces (bevels) that intersect along a line that lies along the cutting edge.

[0002] In some cutting tools, such as many types of conventional kitchen knives, the opposing surfaces that define the cutting edge are generally symmetric. In other cutting tools, such as many types of scissors and chisels, the surfaces that form the cutting edge are not symmetric (e.g., where a cutting edge is formed at an intersection of a planar surface and an angularly offset opposing surface).

[0003] Cutting tools can become dull over time after extended use, and thus it can be desirable to subject a dulled cutting tool to a sharpening operation to restore the cutting edge to a greater level of sharpness. A variety of sharpening techniques are known in the art, including the use of grinding wheels, whet stones, abrasive cloths, abrasive belts, etc.

[0004] One example of an existing knife sharpener is the Horl sharpener, disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2023 / 0108809. The Horl sharpener includes a cylindrical handle, a roller disposed at each end of the handle, and a sharpening disc rotatably connected to the handle. The sharpening disc and one of the rollers are interconnected to one another by a transmission such that rotation of the roller drives the rotation of the sharpening disc and at a rate that is different from the rotational rate of the roller.

[0005] Unfortunately, however, some existing sharpening systems can be dangerous to use. For instance, some existing sharpening systems may require a user to move a hand close to the knife blade in an unstable or unsafe manner. Accordingly, there remains a continual need for improved sharpener configurations that can provide accurate, repeatable, and / or safe sharpening operations.

[0006] The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one exemplary technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0007] Implementations of the present disclosure extend at least to blade sharpening systems and / or components thereof.

[0008] Some embodiments provide a blade sharpening system that includes a rolling unit and an angle guide. The rolling unit may be configured to be rolled along an edge of a blade to sharpen the edge. The rolling unit may include a main body having a first end, a second end, and two or more support members mounted thereto, and an abrasive wheel rotatably connected to the main body and configured to have an abrasive disc mounted thereto. The angle guide may include one or more side surfaces oriented at non-right angles. The side surface(s) may include magnets for connecting a blade thereto.

[0009] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by the practice of the teachings herein. Features and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS[OOH] References will be made to embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which may be illustrated in the accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the disclosure is generally described in the context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure to these particular embodiments. Items in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0012] Figure 1 illustrates an example embodiment of a blade sharpening system.

[0013] Figures 2-7 illustrate various views of example embodiments of a rolling unit from the blade sharpening system of Figure 1.

[0014] Figures 8-14 illustrate various views of an example embodiment of an angle guide from the blade sharpening system of Figure 1.

[0015] Figures 15-17 illustrate an example sharpening procedure using the blade sharpening system of Figure 1.DETAILED DESCRIPTION[00161 Implementations of the present disclosure extend to sharpening systems for edged tools (e.g., tools that include a blade). At least some disclosed embodiments may be implemented to facilitate accurate, uniform, repeatable, and safe / stable sharpening of various types of cutting tools.

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a blade sharpening system 100. In the example of Figure 1, the blade sharpening system 100 includes a rolling unit 102 and an angle guide 104. As will be discussed in greater detail herein, the angle guide 104 is configured to stably and securely hold a blade of a tool at a desired angle while the rolling unit 102 is used to sharpen or polish an edge of the blade. While the rolling unit 102 and the angle guide 104 will be illustrated and described herein as used together during a sharpening process, it will be appreciated that the angle guide 104 may be used separately from the rolling unit 102 and either alone or in combination with a different sharpening unit. Likewise, the rolling unit 102 may be used independently from the angle guide 104.

[0018] In the following description of the blade sharpening system 100, an example embodiment of the rolling unit 102 will first be described in detail. Then a detailed description of an example embodiment of the angle guide 104 will be provided. Thereafter, a description of an example sharpening procedure using the rolling unit 102 and the angle guide 104 will be provided.

[0019] Attention is now directed to Figures 2-7, which illustrate in more detail an example embodiment of the rolling unit 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the rolling unit 102 includes a main body 106. The main body 106 may include one or more contours, surface textures, and / or applied materials that define one or more grip portions 108 of the main body 106. The grip portion(s) 108 may be configured to enable a user to securely and comfortably hold the main body 106 and controllably move the rolling unit 102 during a sharpening procedure.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiments, the grip portion(s) 108 include recesses on opposing sides and an end of the main body 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the grip portion(s) 108 are symmetrically across a longitudinal axis of the main body 106. The grip portion(s) 108 also include an at least somewhat compressible, non-slip material (e.g., rubber, foam, etc.) applied to the recesses to increase comfort and secure gripping of the main body 106. These combinations of features are merely exemplary. In other embodiments, the grip portion(s) 108 may not include recesses and / or may alternatively or additionally include projections. Similarly, the grip portion(s) 108 may be asymmetrical across the main body 106. Likewise,the grip portion(s) 108 may not include an applied material. Furthermore, different regions of the grip portion(s) 108 may have different characteristics.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the grip portion(s) 108 of the main body 106 form a protective handle / pockets for a user’s hand. The location and shape of the protective handle / pockets locates and maintains a portion of the main body 106 between the knife edge and fingers of the user during use. This at least in part shields the user’s hand from the knife blade during use, thereby improving user safety. The protective handle / pockets may also provide a safer and easier actuating surface for a user’s finger or fingers to move the main body 106 over a support surface.

[0022] The main body 106 may also include one or more support members 110 extending therefrom or mounted thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, the main body 106 includes two support members 110 mounted thereto. In the illustrated example, the support members 110 are mounted adjacent to a first end of the main body 106. As will become apparent later on, positioning the support members 110 adjacent to the first end of the main body 106 can increase the stability of the rolling unit 102 during a sharpening procedure. As best seen in Figure 5, the support members 110 may also be mounted in line with one another. The support members 110 may be formed of or include materials and / or surface textures that facilitate sliding over a support surface or gripping the support surface to facilitate rotation of the support members 110.

[0023] According to some embodiment, the arrangement of the support members 110 can prevent or limit rotation of the main body 106 relative to the support surface. Specifically, the support members 110 may provide at least two points of contact with the support surface to prevent or limit rotation of the main body 106 on the support surface. This may advantageously improve user safety by reducing undesired rotation between the hand of the user and the knife edge during use.

[0024] It will be appreciated that the number, type, and placement of the support members 110 may vary from one embodiment to another. For instance, as shown in the Figures, the support members 110 may comprise wheels that are configured to rotate as the rolling unit 102 is moved across a support surface. In other embodiments, rather than or in addition to the two illustrated circular wheels, one or more rotating tracks can be used. In still other embodiments, the support members 110 may comprise one or more skid pads that extend from the main body 106. The skid pad(s) may be formed of a low-friction material and / or have a low-friction surface texture that enables the skid pad(s) to slide across a support surface relatively easily. The main body 106 may also include one or more additional support members mounted theretoor extending therefrom near the middle of the main body 106 and / or adjacent to a second end of the main body 106. Furthermore, the support members may or may not be in line with one another. The support members and the abrasive wheel 112 (discussed below) may be spaced apart from one another in two directions to increase the stability of the rolling unit 102.

[0025] Mounted to the second end (opposite to the first end where the support members 110 are mounted) of the main body 106 is an abrasive wheel 112. The abrasive wheel 112 is rotatably mounted to the main body 106 such that the abrasive wheel 112 can rotate relative to the main body 106. As discussed below, the rotation of the abrasive wheel 112 produces a sharpening affect during a sharpening procedure.

[0026] The abrasive wheel 112 includes a surface engagement feature 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface engagement feature 114 may include an annular tire, gasket, or other protrusion that extends beyond at least the lower outer dimension of the main body 106. Thus, when the rolling unit 102 is positioned on a surface, the rolling unit 102 rests on and is supported by the two or more support members 110 and the surface engagement feature 114 (without the main body 106 or the rest of the abrasive wheel 112 directly engaging the surface). The surface engagement feature may be formed of or include materials and / or surface textures that facilitate gripping, such that the abrasive wheel 112 will rotate (rather than slide) when the rolling unit 102 is moved across a surface.

[0027] The abrasive wheel 112 is also configured to have an abrasive or polishing disc 116 (generally referred to as an abrasive disc) attached to a face thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the abrasive disc 1 16 may be attached to the abrasive wheel 1 12 in any of a variety of manners, including with hook and loop fasteners, adhesives, magnets, mechanical fasteners, and the like.

[0028] As can be best seen in Figures 3-5, the abrasive disc 116 can be mounted to the abrasive wheel 1 12 such that the abrasive disc 116 is oriented generally vertically. It will be appreciated, however, that the abrasive disc 116 may be mounted so that it is oriented at other, less vertical angles.

[0029] As can also be seen in Figures 3-5, the abrasive disc 116 can have a contoured (e.g., curved, domed, or angled) shape. That is, a central portion of the abrasive disc 116 may extend or be laterally offset further from the surface engagement feature 1 14 and / or the main body 106 than the outer edges of the abrasive disc 116. The contoured shape of the abrasive disc 116 may desirably provide more surface pressure to the blade during a sharpening procedure, thereby removing material from the blade more quickly.

[0030] A face and / or rim of the abrasive wheel 112 may include one or more recesses 117 formed therein. The one or more recesses 117 may be configured to facilitate removal of one abrasive disc 116 so that a new abrasive disc 116 may be mounted on the abrasive wheel 1 12.

[0031] In some embodiments, the abrasive disc 116 is mounted to the abrasive wheel 112 such that the abrasive disc 116 rotates with the abrasive wheel 112. In such embodiments, the abrasive wheel 112 may be mounted to the main body 106 such that the abrasive wheel 112 can freely rotate relative thereto. Thus, as the abrasive wheel 112 rotates relative to the main body 106, the abrasive disc 116 likewise rotates relative to the main body 106.

[0032] In other embodiments, the rolling unit 102 may include a motor 119a that is configured to actively rotate the abrasive wheel 112 and / or the abrasive disc 116 relative to the main body 106. For instance, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 3B, the motor 1 19a may be disposed at least partially within the main body 106. The motor 119a may be powered by a battery 119b or other internal power source or may be connectable to a power source via a cable and plug. The motor 119a may be activated with an input device on the main body 106, such as a button switch, or the like. Alternatively, rotation of the abrasive wheel 112 (e.g., via movement against a support surface) may activate the motor 119a. The motor 119a may be connected to the abrasive wheel 1 12 and / or the abrasive disc 116 to drive rotation thereof. For instance, in embodiments wherein the rotational movement of the abrasive wheel 112 and the abrasive disc 116 are linked together, the motor 119a may be connected to one of the abrasive wheel 112 or the abrasive disc 116. As the motor 119a drives rotation of the abrasive wheel 1 12 or the abrasive disc 1 16, the other component will likewise rotate. In contrast, in embodiments where the rotational movement of the abrasive wheel 112 and the abrasive disc 116 are not linked together, the motor 119a may be connected to the abrasive disc 116 so as to rotate the abrasive disc 116 independent of the movement of the main body 106 or the rotation of the abrasive wheel 112.

[0033] In some embodiments, the motor 119a may be configured to rotate the abrasive wheel 112 and / or the abrasive disc 116 at a constant speed. In other embodiments, the motor 119a may be configured to rotate the abrasive wheel 112 and / or the abrasive disc 116 at a variety of different constant or variable speeds. In some embodiments, the rotational movement and / or the rotational speed of the abrasive wheel 112 and / or the abrasive disc 116 (via the motor 119a) is independent from the movement of the main body 106. In some embodiments, the motor 119a is not connected to the support members 110. Thus, when the support members 110 comprise wheels, the motor 119a does not drive or cause the wheels to rotate. However, inother embodiments, the motor 119a may be connected to the wheels of the support members 110 and may be configured to drive or cause them to rotate.

[0034] Attention is now directed to Figures 8-14, which illustrate in more detail an example embodiment of the angle guide 104. In the example embodiment, the angle guide 104 includes a top surface 118, a bottom surface 120, and side surface 122a, 122b, 122c, 122d that extend between the top and bottom surfaces 118, 120.

[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, the top surface 118 includes recesses 124. The recesses 124 may be shaped and configured to receive therein abrasive discs 116. For instance, one or more abrasive discs 116 may be stored within each of the recesses 124 prior to or after use on the rolling unit 102. The recesses 124 may be sized so that the abrasive discs 116 extend partially above the top surface 118 when stored within the recesses 124. The number, size, and placement of the recesses 124 within the top surface 118 may vary from one embodiment to another.

[0036] The bottom surface 120 may include one or more feet 126. The feet 126 may be configured to support the angle guide 104 on a support surface. The feet 126 may be formed of or include a non-slip material (e.g., rubber) to hold the angle guide 104 in place during a sharpening procedure. In other embodiments, the feet 126 may be formed as suction cups that can suction to the support surface.

[0037] One or more of the side surfaces 122a-d may be angled to help orient a blade for a sharpening procedure. As can best be seen in Figures 9-13, the side surfaces 122a-d are angled relative to a vertical orientation (when the angle guide 104 is resting on a support surface) and / or the top and / or bottom surfaces 118, 120. For instance, the side surfaces 122a-d may form non-right angles with the support surface upon which the angle guide is resting. Stated another way, the side surfaces 122a-d may be angled away from a line that is normal to the support surface. Additionally or alternatively, the side surfaces 122a-d may be oriented at nonright angles with the top and / or bottom surfaces 118, 120.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment: (i) the side surface 122a is oriented at a 25° angle relative to a support surface, a 115° angle relative to the bottom surface 120, and a 295° angle relative to the top surface 118; (ii) the side surface 122b is oriented at a 15° angle relative to a support surface, a 105° angle relative to the bottom surface 120, and a 285° angle relative to the top surface 118; (iii) the side surface 122c is oriented at a 20° angle relative to a support surface, a 110° angle relative to the bottom surface 120, and a 290° angle relative to the top surface 118; and (iv) the side surface 122d is oriented at a 17° angle relative to a supportsurface, a 107° angle relative to the bottom surface 120, and a 287° angle relative to the top surface 118.

[0039] It will be appreciated that the above-noted angles are merely exemplary. The side surfaces may be orientated at various other angles or combinations of angles. Additionally, in some embodiments, one or more of the side surfaces 122a-d may be oriented at a right angle relative to the support surface and / or the top and / or bottom surfaces 118, 120. Furthermore, the angle guide 104 may include two or three side surfaces or more than four side surfaces with various angled orientations.

[0040] Each side surface includes one or more magnets 128 that are configured to selectively secure a blade to the angle guide 104 for a sharpening procedure. In the illustrated embodiment, the shorter side surfaces 122a, 122c include two spaced apart magnets 128 and the longer side surfaces 122b, 122d include three spaced apart magnets 128. The number and spacing of the magnets 128 can vary from one embodiment to another.

[0041] In some embodiments, the magnets 128 are recessed within the side surfaces 122a- d and the side surfaces and magnets 128 are covered with insert guides 130a-d. The insert guides 130a-d may be formed of a material (e.g., rubber) that will not scratch or burnish the blade or hold grit over time. The insert guides 130a-d may be washable and / or replaceable.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the short side surfaces 122a, 122c includes a blade support shelf 132a, 132c. A spine of the blade (opposite to a cutting edge thereol) may rest on the blade support shelf during a sharpening procedure. As can be seen in Figure 8, one or more magnets 134 may be embedded in or mounted on the blade support shelf to further secure the blade in place during a sharpening procedure.

[0043] Attention is now directed to Figures 15-17, which illustrate an example embodiment of a sharpening procedure using the system 100.

[0044] Depending on the desired bevel angle of the blade, one of the side surfaces 122a-d of the angle guide 104 is selected for use during the sharpening procedure. For instance, for a stepper bevel angle, the side surface 122a is selected. In contrast, for a shallower bevel angle, the side surface 122b is selected. For an intermediate bevel angle, one of side surfaces 122c, 122d is selected.

[0045] Once the desired side surface of the angle guide 104 is selected, the blade is attached to the selected side surface, as shown in Figure 15. More specifically, the side of the blade is brought into contact with the selected side surface with the to-be-sharpened edge pointing upwardly. The magnets 128 (and, optionally, the magnets 134) hold the blade in place relative to the angle guide 104.

[0046] The rolling unit 102 is then used to sharpen the edge of the blade. For instance, as shown in Figure 16, the rolling unit 102 is positioned alongside the blade with the abrasive disc 1 16 in contact with the to-be-sharpened edge of the blade. The rolling unit 102 is then rolled back and forth along the length of the to-be-sharpened edge. In a non-motorized embodiment, the rolling movement of the rolling unit 102 on a support surface causes the abrasive wheel 112 to rotate, which causes the abrasive disc 116 to likewise rotate. In a motorized embodiment, the motor 119a causes the abrasive disc 116 (and, optionally, the abrasive wheel 112) to rotate. In either case, the rotation of the abrasive disc 116 while in contact with the to-be-sharpened edge of the blade removes material from the edge of the blade, thereby sharpening the edge.

[0047] As noted above, the arrangement of the support members 110 can prevent or limit rotation of the main body relative to the support surface, which can advantageously improve user safety by reducing undesired rotation between the hand of the user and knife edge during use.

[0048] As the rolling unit 102 is rolled along the length of the to-be-sharpened edge, the rolling unit 102 can be steered along the to-be-sharpened edge. By steering the rolling unit 102, the abrasive disc 116 can remain in sufficient contact with the to-be-sharpened edge so that a consistent sharpened edge is applied to the blade. Steering the rolling unit 102 can be accomplished by moving the first and second end thereof faster or slower than the other end.

[0049] Depending on the style of blade being sharpened, one or two sides of the blade may need to be sharpened. For blade styles that require sharping on two sides, the first side can be done as described. Thereafter, the blade can be removed from the angle guide 104, flipped around, and re-mounted thereto. The rolling unit 102 can then be used in the same manner to sharpen the second side of the blade.

[0050] Once the blade has been sharpened with a first abrasive disc 116, the first abrasive disc 116 can be removed from the abrasive wheel 112. A second abrasive disc 116 can then be attached to the abrasive wheel 112 and used to further sharpen the blade as described. The same process can be repeated through various grits of abrasive discs 116 until the blade is sufficiently sharp.Conclusion

[0051] While certain embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, with reference to specific configurations, parameters, components, elements, etcetera, the descriptions are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the claimed invention.

[0052] Furthermore, it should be understood that for any given element of component of a described embodiment, any of the possible alternatives listed for that element or component may generally be used individually or in combination with one another, unless implicitly or explicitly stated otherwise.

[0053] In addition, unless otherwise indicated, numbers expressing quantities, constituents, distances, or other measurements used in the specification and claims are to be understood as optionally being modified by the term “about” or its synonyms. When the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like are used in conjunction with a stated amount, value, or condition, it may be taken to mean an amount, value or condition that deviates by less than 20%, less than 10%, less than 5%, less than 1%, less than 0.1%, or less than 0.01% of the stated amount, value, or condition. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0054] Any headings and subheadings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims.

[0055] It will also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” do not exclude plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, an embodiment referencing a singular referent (e.g., “widget”) may also include two or more such referents.

[0056] It will also be appreciated that embodiments described herein may also include properties and / or features (e.g., ingredients, components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions) described in one or more separate embodiments and are not necessarily limited strictly to the features expressly described for that particular embodiment. Accordingly, the various features of a given embodiment can be combined with and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include such features.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A blade sharpening system, comprising: a rolling unit configured to be rolled along an edge of a blade to sharpen the edge, the rolling unit comprising: a main body having a first end, a second end. and two or more support members extending therefrom or mounted thereto; and an abrasive wheel rotatably connected to the main body, the abrasive wheel being configured to have an abrasive disc mounted thereto, wherein the abrasive wheel and the two or more support members are space apart from one another in two directions and are configured to support the rolling unit on a support surface.

2. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the two or more support members comprise two support wheels.

3. The blade sharpening system of claim 2. wherein movement of the rolling unit relative to the support surface causes the two support wheels and the abrasive wheel to rotate.

4. The blade sharpening system of claim 2, wherein the two support wheels are arranged in line with one another.

5. The blade sharpening system of claim 1. wherein the two or more support members are disposed at or adjacent to the first end of the main body.

6. The blade sharpening system of claim 5, wherein the abrasive wheel is mounted at the second end of the main body.

7. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, the main body comprising one or more gripping portions.

8. The blade sharpening system of claim 7, wherein the one or more gripping portions comprise one or more contours, projections, surface textures, and / or surface applied materials for gripping.

9. The blade sharpening system of claim 7, wherein the one or more gripping portions comprise a protective handle or pocket for a user’s hand, such that a portion of the main body is positioned between the protective handle or pocket and the edge of the blade during a sharpening procedure.

10. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the two or more support members comprise two or more low-friction skid pads.

11. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the abrasive wheel comprises a surface engagement feature.

12. The blade sharpening system of claim 1 1, wherein the surface engagement feature extends beyond an outer dimension of the main body.

13. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the abrasive wheel comprises one or more recesses configured to facilitate removal of an abrasive disc from the abrasive wheel.

14. The blade sharpening system of claim 1. wherein the abrasive disc comprises a contoured shape.

15. The blade sharpening system of claim 14, wherein the contoured shape includes a curved shape, a domed shape, or an angled shape.

16. The blade sharpening system of claim 1. further comprising an angle guide configured to selectively and securely hold a blade during a sharpening process.

17. The blade sharpening system of claim 16, wherein the angle guide comprises a top surface, a bottom surface, and a plurality of side surfaces extending therebetween.

18. The blade sharpening system of claim 17, wherein the top surface comprises one or more recesses configured to have stored therein one or more abrasive discs.

19. The blade sharpening system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the plurality of side surfaces forms a non-right angle with the top surface, the bottom surface, and / or a support surface upon which the angle guide is positioned.

20. The blade sharpening system of claim 19, wherein each of the plurality of side surfaces forms a different non-right angle with the top surface, the bottom surface, and / or a support surface upon which the angle guide is positioned.

21. The blade sharpening system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the plurality of side surfaces comprises one or more magnets configured to selectively secure a blade thereto.

22. The blade sharpening system of claim 17, wherein the one or more side surfaces comprise an insert guide formed of a non-abrasive material.

23. The blade sharpening system of claim 17, wherein one or more of the plurality of side surfaces comprise blade support shelf.

24. The blade sharpening system of claim 23, wherein the blade support shelf comprises one or more magnets.

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