EP4648922A1

EP4648922A1 - Modular sharpener for edged tools

Info

Publication number: EP4648922A1
Application number: EP23916572.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jacob D. Dovel; Daniel T. Dovel
Original assignee: Darex LLC
Current assignee: Darex LLC
Priority date: 2023-01-11
Filing date: 2023-12-22
Publication date: 2025-11-19
Also published as: WO2024151416A1; CN221911059U

Abstract

A blade sharpening system may include a base and a sharpening chassis that is rotatably mountable to the base. The sharpening chassis may include a sharpening component mount and a blade clamp mount. The sharpening chassis may include a blade clamp mount, and the base and the sharpening chassis may include corresponding locking features configured to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis in at least two rotational positions relative to the base. The sharpening chassis includes an angle adjustment system configured to facilitate adjustment of a blade sharpening angle for a blade mounted to the blade sharpening system. The sharpening chassis may include an abrasive retention feature configured to facilitate positional locking of an abrasive relative to the sharpening chassis during rotation of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

Description

MODULAR SHARPENER FOR EDGED TOOLS

BACKGROUND

[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.

[0002] 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.

[0003] 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). Some cutting tools include complex blade geometries, such as multiple sets of bevels at different respective angles that taper to the cutting edge. Some cutting tools include scallops or other discontinuous features along the cutting edge, such as in the case of serrated knives.

[0004] 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 w heels, whet stones, abrasive cloths, abrasive belts, etc. Nevertheless, there remains a continual need for improved sharpener configurations that can provide accurate, repeatable, and/or safe sharpening operations.

[0005] 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

[0006] Implementations of the present disclosure extend at least to blade sharpening systems and/or components thereof.

[0007] Some embodiments provide a blade sharpening system that includes a base and a sharpening chassis rotatably mountable to the base. The sharpening chassis may include a sharpening component mount and a blade clamp mount. The base and the sharpening chassis may include corresponding locking features configured to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis in at least two rotational positions relative to the base. The sharpening chassis includes an angle adjustment system configured to facilitate adjustment of a blade sharpening angle for a blade mounted to the blade sharpening system. The sharpening chassis may include an abrasive retention feature configured to facilitate positional locking of an abrasive relative to the sharpening chassis during rotation of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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

[0010] 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.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates example unassembled components of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 2 illustrates example partially assembled components of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 3 illustrates a sectional view of a sharpening rod connected to an abrasive handle of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 4 illustrates aspects of a blade clamp of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 5A and 5B illustrate aspects of a blade clamp interfacing with a blade clamp mount of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. [0016] Figure 6 illustrates example rotational locking features of a base and sharpening chassis of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 7 illustrates a rotational position of a sharpening chassis relative to a base of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an additional rotational position of a sharpening chassis relative to a base of a blade sharpening system and depict sharpening of a blade in the additional rotational position, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 9 illustrates an example flow diagram depicting acts associated with sharpening a blade using a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of an example secondary feature mount of a base of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 11 illustrates a support member mounted to a secondary feature mount and operating in combination with a blade clamp of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 12 illustrates example components of a knife table of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 13 illustrates example attachment of alternative blade types to a knife table of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate example support bar travel for a support bar of a knife table of a blade sharpening system, in accordance wi th implementations of the present disclosure. [0025] Figure 15 depicts sharpening of a blade mounted via a knife table of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 16 illustrates example aspects of an angle indicator of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 17 illustrates an angle indicator connected to a sharpening rod of a blade sharpening system, in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Implementations of the present disclosure extend to modular sharpening systems for edged tools (e g., tools that include a blade). At least some disclosed embodiments may be implemented to facilitate accurate, repeatable, and safe/stable rod and clamp sharpening of various types of cutting tools with a modular apparatus. [0029] Conventional rod and clamp sharpeners typically include a single fixture ty pe (e.g., a single knife clamp) or a single location for attachment of blades to enable sharpening. Such configurations limit the ability of conventional sharpeners to clamp blades of varying types and shapes.

[0030] Furthermore, conventional rod and clamp sharpeners secure blades by either clamping the spine of the blade or supporting the blade on one side while providing a fence to position the spine (e.g., to locate the cutting edge at a desired position). Spine clamping systems are often limited to a minimum blade height (e.g., a minimum distance from the cutting edge to the spine) and/or are limited to angles above 15° on blade heights less than Spine clamping systems also struggle to secure blades with curved, irregular, or tapered spines (or other geometry' that prevents secure location). Although side supporting blade fixtures can often support lower angles than spine clamping systems, side supporting blade fixtures are often limited to spines that have a simple geometry' (e.g., mostly straight and parallel to the cutting edge).

[0031] Still furthermore, utilizing conventional rod and clamp sharpeners to sharpen large or long blades is associated with various challenges. For instance, although positioning the blade clamp of a rod and clamp sharpener near a surface on which the sharpener is positioned can improve stability , such positioning can limit the rotatability of larger or longer blades when secured by the blade clamp (e.g., the tip or handle of the blade can contact the surface, thereby limiting rotation). Existing approaches to account for this limitation include requiring users to remove the clamp and/or blade to enable sharpening of both sides (which can lead to imprecision), requiring mounting of the blade and/or clamp over the edge of a table (which can pose a safety risk from cutting edge exposure and/or instability), placing the cutting edge vertically (which can also present stability issues), and/or others.

[0032] Conventional rod and clamp sharpening systems also suffer from various other limitations, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a lack of a storage or docking position for the abrasive handle when not in use, a longer sw ing arm (or sharpening rod guide) that can lead to undesired contact between the swing arm and users’ hands/arms (and/or other objects), excess clearance between moving parts of the adjustment and/or abrasive systems, inaccurate positioning and/or operation of angle selection systems, etc.

[0033] At least some disclosed embodiments may be implemented to provide improved blade sharpening systems with increased ease of use and/or versatility. For instance, at least some disclosed embodiments include at least two mounting locations, providing additional versatility to accommodate different blade sizes and/or types. In some instances, the first or primary’ mounting location is in the sharpening chassis (e.g., tower) of the blade sharpening system. The first mounting location may receive a blade clamp, and the blade clamp may be rotatable relative to the sharpening chassis. The sharpening chassis can be configured to rotate relative to the base of the blade sharpening systems, making blades mounted via the first mounting location on the sharpening chassis capable of multiple positions by (i) rotation of the sharpening chassis relative to the base and (ii) rotation of the blade clamp relative to the sharpening chassis.

[0034] The tilting/rotation of the sharpening chassis can facilitate various advantages over conventional systems, such as enabling safe rotation of larger blades (e.g., to enable inspection and/or sharpening of both sides) without blade removal, blade re-clamping, disassembly, or changes to sharpener settings.

[0035] In some implementations, the second mounting location of a blade sharpening system may be positioned on the base of the blade sharpening system. The second mounting location can be configured to receive various attachments such as a knife table, support member, and/or others. A knife table may be configured to support a blade to facilitate sharpening thereof by the blade sharpening system, making the blade sharpening system able to support sharpening of blades mounted at multiple locations (e.g., the first location or the second location).

[0036] This modular format (e g., including a feature/fixture mount in the sharpening chassis and a secondary feature/fixture mount in the base) can greatly increase the capability/versatility of the blade sharpening system (e g., relative to conventional sharpening systems). For instance, using a modular blade sharpening system, users may select mounting locations for blades, fixtures, abrasives, etc., based on convenience, stability, safety, blade size/style, etc., rather than being limited to a single location/position. By way of example, a user may select the secondary feature mount (e.g., on the base) for a fixture because of its low height, permitting mounting of large/heavy items close to the table surface for improved safety/stability. In another example, a user may select the primary feature mount (e.g., on the sharpening chassis) for lighter/smaller items and/or to reduce the distance between the operator and the item.

[0037] As noted above, the secondary feature mount may receive a support member. In some embodiments, the support member can support a blade clamp positioned within the primary feature mount, allowing both feature mounts to be used together to achieve greater stability/stiffness for mounted blades. In other embodiments, the support member can support a blade mounted within a blade clamp to achieve greater stability/stiffness for the mounted blade. In still other embodiments, the support member can support the sharpening chassis to provide greater stability to the sharpening chassis and a blade connected thereto. [0038] In some instances, the primary or secondary feature mounts may be utilized to mount abrasives (e.g., rather than blades), and a workpiece for sharpening (e.g., a small blade, arrowhead, craft blade, razor, clipper blade, etc.) may be mounted to the abrasive handle and/or sharpening rod, allowing users to operate the abrasive handle and/or sharpening rod to guide the workpiece across an abrasive fixed by the primary or secondary feature mounts.

[0039] In some implementations, a knife table of a modular blade sharpening system (e.g., mountable to the base or secondary' feature mount) provides various advantages over conventional designs. For instance, a knife table of the present disclosure may include three (or more) surfaces of contact on a blade spine (e.g., a table surface, a support bar, and a center support), with at least two of the surfaces having independent adjustment mechanisms associated therewith (e.g., the support bar and the center support). The independent adjustment mechanisms may take on various forms, such as lead screws, and may allow users to easily perform finetuned adjustment. Various contact surfaces of the knife table (e.g., the table surface and the center support) may include magnets to assist users in blade positioning during setup and/or adjustment.

[0040] Furthermore, at least some of the support surfaces of the knife table (e.g., the support bar and/or the center support) may be adjustable along an axis/plane that is non-parallel to the table surface. Such a configuration can allow some of the surfaces to achieve different heights (relative to the top of the table surface) in different positional configurations, allowing accommodation of different blade heights. This can allow lower sharpening angles on small blades and/or improved support for larger blades (or blades with large primary angles).

[0041] At least some modular blade sharpening systems of the present disclosure may achieve additional or alternative benefits relative to conventional sharpening systems, such as blade clamp features that facilitate improved blade centering and/or ease of use during clamping, improved blade clamp retention and/or rotation, etc.

[0042] Attention will now be directed to Figures 1 through 17, which provide various supporting illustrations related to the disclosed embodiments.

[0043] Figure 1 illustrates example unassembled components of a blade sharpening system 100. In the example of Figure 1, the blade sharpening system 100 includes a base 102, a sharpening chassis 104, a sharpening rod 106, an abrasive handle 108, an abrasive 110, a blade clamp 112, a knife table 114, and a support member 116. Figure 1 illustrates modular aspects of the blade sharpening system 100. For instance. Figure 1 depicts the components of the blade sharpening system 100 in an unassembled configuration, indicating ease of disassembly, storage, and/or transportation of the blade sharpening system 100. In some instances, individual components of the blade sharpening system 100 may be replaced and/or upgraded without tools or complex setup.

[0044] Although Figure 1 depicts the blade sharpening system 100 as including particular components, one will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that a blade sharpening system may omit one or more of the components shown in Figure 1, and/or may include additional or alternative components. For instance, a blade sharpening system 100 may omit a support member 116, a knife table 114, a blade clamp 112, etc., and/or may include additional components (e.g., alternative types of knife tables and/or fixture mounting components).

[0045] Figure 2 illustrates example partially assembled components of the blade sharpening system 100. In particular, Figure 2 illustrates the sharpening chassis 104 mounted to the base 102. In the example of Figure 2, the sharpening chassis 104 is rotatably mounted to the base 102, such as by insertion of chassis mounting screws 202 through openings 204 in the base 102 and into engagement with the sharpening chassis 104 (e.g., the chassis mounting screws 202 may include a threaded section for engagement with corresponding threads of the sharpening chassis 104 and an unthreaded section to enable rotation of the chassis mounting screws 202 within the openings 204 of the base 102 after engagement with the sharpening chassis 104).

[0046] Any attachment mechanism between the sharpening chassis 104 and the base 102 that permits rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102 is within the scope of the present disclosure. Additional details related to the rotational functionality of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102 will be provided hereinafter.

[0047] Regardless of the specific ty pe of attachment mechanism used to rotatably connect the sharpening chassis 104 and the base 102, various components of the system may be positioned in certain spatial arrangements relative to one another. For instance, the pivot point about which the sharpening chassis 104 pivots may be positioned at the base of the sharpening chassis 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot point (an axis extending through screws 202) extends through the base or lower end of the sharpening chassis 104. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the pivot point is also offset towards the rear of the sharpening chassis 104. In this configuration, the sharpening chassis 104 (and/or elements thereof (e.g., an angle adjustment system, an abrasive retention feature) may be positioned above or extend vertically upward from the pivot point when the sharpening chassis 104 is in the vertical orientation shown in Figure 2.

[0048] The sharpening chassis 104 may include various features for receiving other components of the blade sharpening system 100. For instance, in the example of Figure 2, the sharpening chassis 104 includes a sharpening component mount 206 and a blade clamp mount 208. The sharpening component mount 206 of the sharpening chassis 104 of Figure 2 is configured to receive the sharpening rod 106 (as indicated in Figure 2 by the dashed line extending from the sharpening rod 106 to the sharpening component mount 206). The sharpening component mount 206 may include one or more pivots to enable the sharpening rod 106, when affixed to the sharpening component mount 206, to rotate about one or more rotational axes (e.g., two rotational axes) to facilitate sharpening strokes. In some instances, the sharpening component mount 206 includes one or more compression washers or other biasing members for each of the pivots to remove product! on/assembly clearances and/or to adjust for tolerances. [0049] Furthermore, to facilitate sharpening strokes, the abrasive handle 108 and the abrasive 110 may be slidably connected to the sharpening rod 106 (as shown in Figure 2) to enable translation of the abrasive handle 108 and the abrasive 1 10 along the sharpening rod 106 (and/or rotation of the abrasive handle 108 and the abrasive 110 about the sharpening rod 106). The abrasive 110 may thus be movably mounted to the sharpening chassis 104 (e.g., via the sharpening component mount 206 receiving the sharpening rod 106 with the abrasive handle 108 and abrasive 110 slidably secured to the sharpening rod 106) to facilitate sharpening of blades secured by the blade sharpening system 100.

[0050] The sharpening chassis 104 may comprise an angle adjustment system 210 to enable repositioning of the sharpening component mount 206 (e.g., along a dimension of the sharpening chassis 104) to achieve different blade sharpening angles for blades mounted to the blade sharpening system 100. The angle adjustment system 210 may take on various forms, such as a lead screw actuator (as depicted in Figure 2, where the lead screw is rotatable by a knob 212 that cause translation of a carriage 214 to which the sharpening component mount 206 is attached). In some instances, the sharpening component mount 206 includes one or more springs or other bias members (e.g., positioned where the carriage 214 interfaces with a guide rail 220) to remove production/ assembly clearances and/or to adjust for tolerances through the full travel distance. [0051] In some instances, the slidable connection between the abrasive handle 108 and the sharpening rod 106 includes a recessed bearing, which can improve safety and/or ease of use during sharpening operations. Figure 3 depicts a sectional view of the sharpening rod 106 inserted into the abrasive handle 108. Figure 3 depicts a flush bearing 302 and a recessed bearing 304 of the abrasive handle 108. The recessed bearing 304 is offset from the end 306 of the abrasive handle 108 by a recess distance 308. Figure 3 also depicts a slide stop 310 of the sharpening rod 106 (e.g.. to prevent removal of the sharpening rod 106 from the abrasive handle 108 through the recessed bearing 304 during sharpening operations) and clearance 312 between the recessed bearing 304 and the end 306 of the abrasive handle 108 for the slide stop 310 of the sharpening rod 106 (e.g.. to permit the slide stop 310 of the sharpening rod 106 to extend through the end 306 of the abrasive handle 108 during sharpening operations).

[0052] During use, the end 306 of the abrasive handle 108 is typically nearest to the operator. Accordingly, offsetting the recessed bearing 304 from end 306 by the recess distance 308 can permit full travel of the abrasive handle 108 (and abrasive) during sharpening operations with a shorter sharpening rod 106 (e.g., as compared to systems where the bearing nearest to the user is positioned at the end of the abrasive handle). In the example of Figure 3, the recess distance 308 is greater than about half of the longitudinal length of the abrasive handle 108. Other recess distances are within the scope of the present disclosure, such as greater than 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%. 25%. 30%. 35%. 40%. 45%. 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% (or any range of percentages with end points between any of the foregoing values) of the longitudinal length of the abrasive handle 108.

[0053] The shorter sharpening rod 106 (as compared to sharpening rods for systems with unrecessed bearings in abrasive handles) can advantageously reduce/avoid undesired contact between the sharpening rod and the body of the operator during sharpening operations, and/or can facilitate easier transportation and/or storage.

[0054] Returning to Figure 2, the sharpening chassis 104 may further comprise an abrasive retention feature 216, which may enable the abrasive handle 108 and/or abrasive 110 to be fixed relative to the sharpening chassis 104, such as during rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102. The abrasive retention feature 216 is illustrated as a slot 222 with flanges 224. A user may position the abrasive handle 108 over and insert the abrasive handle 108 into the slot 222 (see Figure 7, which depicts the abrasive handle retained by the abrasive retention feature via friction fit during rotation of the sharpening chassis). The illustrated abrasive handle 108 includes open ended channels 226 that can receive the flanges 224 therein to retain the abrasive handle 108 adjacent to the sharpening chassis 104. However, an abrasive retention feature may take on various forms and is not limited to the particular form illustrated herein.

[0055] As noted above, the sharpening chassis 104 may include a blade clamp mount 208 configured to receive the blade clamp 112 (as indicated in Figure 2 by the dashed line extending from the blade clamp 112 to the blade clamp mount 208). The blade clamp 112 may secure a blade for performance of sharpening operations on the blade using the blade sharpening system 100. The blade clamp mount 208 may be positioned so that the blade clamp 112 extends from the front of the sharpening chassis 104 and near a lower end of the sharpening chassis 104. Furthermore, the blade clamp 208 may be connected to the sharpening chassis 104 so that the blade clamp 208 is positioned forward of the pivot point about which the sharpening chassis 104 rotates.

[0056] Figure 4 illustrates various aspects of the blade clamp 1 12. In Figure 4, a part of the clamp body is cut away for clarity' (the cut away portion is indicated by label 402). In the example of Figure 4, the clamp jaws 404 of the blade clamp 112 include interlocking gears 406. which can impose symmetric movement of the clamp jaws 404 about the center plane of the blade clamp 112. The symmetric movement of the clamp jaws 404 facilitated by the interlocking gears 406 can allow the clamp jaws 404 to close symmetrically about a blade, which can help position the blade on center while the user tightens the clamp (e.g., by operating tightening mechanism 408).

[0057] In some instances, the clamp jaws are biased toward a closed configuration (e.g., by a spring located at spring recess 410 in Figure 4). The biasing can further contribute to ease of clamping blades with the blade clamp 112.

[0058] In the example of Figure 4, one or more of the clamp jaws 404 of the blade clamp 112 include notched or stepped jaws 412, each of which may comprise at least partially compliant surfaces. The notched or stepped jaws 412 (with at least partially compliant surfaces/material) may facilitate secure clamping for blades that have curved spines, are distally tapered, have non-uniform sides, or are otherwise difficult to clamp using conventional blade clamps (e.g.. blade clamps that lack notched jaws and/or compliant surfaces).

[0059] In some instances, the blade clamp 112 is rotatably mountable to the blade clamp mount 208 of the sharpening chassis 104. Figures 5 A and 5B depict aspects of the rotational interfacing between the blade clamp 112 and the blade clamp mount 208. Figure 5A conceptually depicts insertion of the blade clamp 112 into the blade clamp mount 208, as indicated by the dashed line extending from the blade clamp 112 to the blade clamp mount 208 in Figure 5 A. In the example of Figure 5A, the blade clamp mount 208 includes a locking protrusion 502 configured to interface with one or more detents 504 in the blade clamp 112 when the blade clamp 112 is inserted into engagement with the blade clamp mount 208. Engagement of the locking protrusion 502 with a detent 504 can retain the blade clamp 112 within the blade clamp mount 208 and cause locking of the rotational position of the blade clamp 112 relative to the sharpening chassis 104. The locking protrusion 502 may be biased toward a locked configuration (e.g., via a spring 506)

[0060] Figure 5A also illustrates a lock lever 508 that can be actuated to partially or fully disengage the locking protrusion 502 from the detent 504 (e.g., counteracting the spring 506), thereby enabling rotation of the blade clamp 112 relative to the sharpening chassis 104 or removal of the blade clamp from the blade clamp mount 208. The locking protrusion 502 may travel along a retention track 510 in the blade clamp 112 during rotation (and may be biased into the retention track 510 by the spring 506) to prevent inadvertent removal of the blade clamp 112 from the blade clamp mount 208 during rotation.

[0061] In the example of Figure 5A, the blade clamp 112 includes two detents 504 (e.g., at opposing ends of the retention track 510) defining lockable rotational positions of the blade clamp 112 relative to the sharpening chassis 104. Any number of detents 504 (or other features for defining locking positions) may be utilized. Furthermore, although the foregoing example focused on a particular configuration of locking features (e.g., detent(s) on the blade clamp, protrusion on the sharpening chassis), other configurations and/or forms of locking features may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 5B illustrates that a front cover 512 may be placed over the blade clamp 112 when engaged with the blade clamp mount 208 of the sharpening chassis 104. The front cover may be biased to close onto the diameter of the body of the blade clamp 112 (as indicated in Figure 5B by the arrows), which may advantageously remove clearances between the blade clamp 112 and the sharpening chassis 104 (e.g., to reduce flex between moving components) and/or may provide desired friction to dampen rotation of the blade clamp 112 within the blade clamp mount 208.

[0063] Attention is redirected to Figure 2, which illustrates that the base 102 of the blade sharpening system 100 may comprise a secondary feature mount 218. The secondary feature mount may receive various types of fixtures/components, such as the knife table 114, the support member 116 (as indicated in Figure 2 by the dashed lines extending from the knife table 114 and the support member 116 toward the secondary feature mount 218), and/or others (e.g., other tools/fixtures for facilitating sharpening of scissors, chisels, arrowheads, long blades, clippers, razor blades, etc.). Additional details related to the secondary feature mount 218 and components mountable thereto will be provided hereinafter.

[0064] As noted above, the sharpening chassis 104 may be rotatably mounted to the base 102 to enable rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 (and components thereof) relative to the base 102 for various purposes. Figure 6 illustrates example locking features of the sharpening chassis 104 and the base 102 that enable controlled rotation and locking of rotational positioning of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102.

[0065] For instance, Figure 6 illustrates recesses 602 on the base 102 that are configured to receive actuatable protrusions 604 of the sharpening chassis 104 to cause locking of the rotational position of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102. The actuatable protrusions 604 of the sharpening chassis 104 may be biased into a locked configuration via one or more biasing members (e.g., springs 606) biasing the actuatable protrusions 604 into engagement with the recesses 602. The rotational position of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102 may be selectively unlocked via a lock release mechanism 608, which, in the example of Figure 6, may be actuated to counteract the springs 606 to bring the actuatable protrusions 604 out of engagement with the recesses 602 to allow rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102.

[0066] In some instances, a blade secured by the blade clamp 112 connected to the sharpening chassis 104 camiot be safely rotated within the blade clamp 112 while the sharpening chassis 104 is arranged relative to the base 102 as shown in Figure 6 (e.g., especially for large blades). Figure 7 illustrates the sharpening chassis 104 in a tilted rotational position relative to the base 102 (e.g., after operation of the lock release mechanism 608 to disengage the actuatable protrusions 604 from one set of recesses 602 and rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 to bring the actuatable protrusions 604 into engagement with another set of recesses 602). In some instances, rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102 (e.g., as shown in Figure 7) permits safe rotation of a blade 702 secured by the blade clamp 112 (e.g., by rotation of the blade clamp 112) without removal of the blade 702 from the blade clamp 112 and/or changing sharpening settings. Thus, in some instances, users may rotate the sharpening chassis 104 to enable rotation of the blade 702 to inspect sharpening progress and/or to enable sharpening from the other side of the blade 702.

[0067] Figure 7 illustrates the abrasive handle 108 mounted via the abrasive retention feature 216 (e.g., for safety and/or convenience during rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 and/or the blade clamp 112). In some instances, the base 102 is weighted to lower the center of gravity of the blade sharpening system, which may improve stability of the sharpening chassis 104 (and components connected thereto) during rotation.

[0068] In the examples of Figures 6 and 7, the base 102 includes two sets of recesses 602 to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102 in two rotational positions. A base 102 and sharpening chassis 104 may include any quantity/configuration of corresponding locking features to enable locking in any number of rotational positions (e.g., 1 position, 3 or more positions, etc.). For instance, Figures 8A and 8B illustrate an example in which a base 802 includes three sets of recesses 804 to enable rotational locking of the sharpening chassis 104 in 3 rotational positions.

[0069] In some instances, the different rotational positions of a sharpening chassis 104 relative to a base may enable multiple sharpening and/or work holding positions. For instance, Figures 8 A and 8B conceptually depict sharpening of a blade 806 in a rotational position of the sharpening chassis 104 where the blade 806 is held in a substantially vertical position (with arrows 808A and 808B representing movement of the abrasive handle 108 for sharpening operations). Both sides of the blade 806 may be sharpened by rotation of the blade clamp 112 that secures the blade 806 (indicated in Figures 8A and 8B by the arrows 810A and 810B). Advantageously, in some instances, users may rotate the blade 806 within the blade clamp 112 in the rotational position of the sharpening chassis 104 shown in Figures 8A and 8B without the blade 806 contacting the surface on which the base 802 is positioned. Sharpening may similarly be performed when a blade is held in a tilted position (e.g., as shown in Figure 7) or any other position.

[0070] Although the examples of Figures 6, 7, 8A, and 8B include particular corresponding locking features (e.g., one or more recesses on the base, one or more protrusions on the sharpening chassis), one will appreciate that any form of corresponding locking features of the base and sharpening chassis may be implemented in accordance with the present disclosure. Furthermore, different locking/retention modalities may be utilized for different rotational positions of the sharpening chassis relative to the base. For instance, at one or more extremity rotational positions of the sharpening chassis relative to the base, a blade sharpening system may rely on gravity to lock/retain the rotational position of the sharpening chassis relative to the base, and one or more mechanical locking features may be included to facilitate locking in intermediate positions.

[0071] The locking features described above may be considered as one example of a rotational stop feature. Other rotational stop features may be included in addition or as alternatives to the described locking features. For instance, an interface between the sharpening chassis 104 and the secondary feature mount 218 (as shown in Figures 2, 5A, 5B, and 10) may form a rotational stop feature that limits the extent to which the sharpening chassis 104 may rotate forward relative to the base 102. In some embodiments, this rotational stop feature at the interface between the sharpening chassis 104 and the base 102 may be adjustable. For instance, a set screw may be mounted in one of the sharpening chassis 104 and the base 102. The set screw may be adjustable in order to alter or vary the extent to which the sharpening chassis 104 may rotate relative to the base 102. A similar rotational stop feature interface may also be included between the base 102 and the sharpening chassis 104 to limit how far back the sharpening chassis 104 can rotate.

[0072] Regardless of the specific type of rotational stop feature(s) employed, the rotational stop features may be configured to limit the forward and/or rearward rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102. In some embodiments, the rotational stop features may limit the forward rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 so as to orient the sharpening chassis 104 generally vertically or generally perpendicular to a support surface (±25° from vertical, ±15° from vertical, ±10° from vertical, ±5° from vertical). Similarly, the rotational stop features may limit the rearward rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 so as to orient the sharpening chassis 104 generally horizontally or generally parallel to a support surface (±25° from horizontal, ±15° from horizontal, ±10° from horizontal, ±5° from horizontal). In still other embodiments, the rotational stop features may limit the rearward rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 so as to orient the sharpening chassis 104 about 15° from vertical, about 25° from vertical, about 30° from vertical, about 45° from vertical, about 60° from vertical, or any other desired angle.

[0073] Figure 9 illustrates an example flow diagram depicting acts associated with sharpening a blade using a blade sharpening system (e.g., blade sharpening system 100). In the example of Figure 9, the blade is already secured by a blade clamp, and the blade clamp is mounted to a sharpening chassis of the blade sharpening system. The abrasive is connected to the abrasive handle, and the abrasive handle is connected to the sharpening rod, and the sharpening rod is connected to the sharpening component mount of the sharpening chassis of the blade sharpening system.

[0074] Act 902 of Figure 9 includes sharpening a first side of the blade (e.g., by operating the abrasive handle in sharpening strokes). Act 904 of Figure 9 includes parking the abrasive via the abrasive retention feature of the sharpening chassis. Act 906 of Figure 9 includes rotating the sharpening chassis relative to the base. Act 906 can include locking of the rotational positioning of the sharpening chassis via one or more corresponding locking features of the sharpening chassis and/or base. Act 908 of Figure 9 includes rotating the blade. Act 908 may include operating a lock lever of the sharpening chassis to enable rotation of the blade clamp that holds the blade. Act 910 of Figure 9 includes locking the blade clamp and the blade in the rotated position. The lock lever of the sharpening chassis may re-engage with a detent of the blade clamp to facilitate the locking. Act 912 of Figure 9 includes rotating the sharpening chassis relative to the base. Act 912 can include unlocking the sharpening chassis via the one or more corresponding locking features of the sharpening chassis and/or base, rotating the sharpening chassis relative to the base, and locking of the sharpening chassis via the one or more corresponding locking features of the sharpening chassis and/or base. Act 914 of Figure 9 includes retrieving the abrasive from the abrasive retention feature of the sharpening chassis. Act 914 of Figure 9 may also include sharpening the second side of the blade (e.g., by operating the abrasive handle in sharpening strokes). [0075] As is evident from Figure 9, the rotational axis of the sharpening chassis relative to the base may be angularly offset from the rotational axis of the blade clamp relative to the sharpening chassis. One will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that a process for sharpening a blade utilizing a blade sharpening system of the present disclosure may omit one or more of the acts and/or may include variations on one or more of the acts shown in Figure 9. |0076| As can be seen in Figures 7-9, as the sharpening chassis 104 is rotated relative to the base 102, the blade clamp 1 12 is also rotated about the same pivot point, thereby maintaining the relative orientation between the sharpening chassis 104 and the blade clamp 112.

[0077] Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of the secondary feature mount 218 of the base 102 of the blade sharpening system 100. In the example of Figure 10, the secondary feature mount 218 includes a mounting rail 1002 and a top plate 1004. In some instances, the top plate 1004 is biased toward the mounting rail 1002 to facilitate precise positioning and/or stable retention of components/accessories mounted to the secondary feature mount 218.

[0078] Although Figure 10 illustrates the secondary feature mount 218 with in a particular form, other forms are within the scope of the present disclosure. For instance, a secondary feature mount may include a rail that is oriented in a different direction than that shown in Figure 10 (e.g., across the width of the base, vertical, etc.), or may include multiple rails. In some instances, a secondary feature mount comprises recess or protrusions to engage with/interface with corresponding recesses or protrusions on accessory components. In some instances, a secondary feature mount (or a blade clamp mount) may define multiple linear or rotary positions for components mounted thereto.

[0079] As noted hereinabove, a secondary feature mount of a blade sharpening system may be configured to receive various types of fixtures, features, and/or accessories. Figure 11 illustrates the support member 116 mounted to the secondary feature mount 218. In the illustrated embodiment, the support member 116 is operating in combination with the blade clamp 112 of the blade sharpening system 100. The support member 116 includes one or more supports 1102 that is configured to interface with and support the blade clamp 112 when the blade clamp 112 is mounted to the sharpening chassis 104 and the support member 1 16 is mounted to the secondary feature mount 218. With the configuration shown in Figure 11, force applied to the blade clamp 112 (e.g., indicated by arrow 1104) may be counteracted by contact force of the support member 116 (e.g., indicated by arrow 1106), which can advantageously reduce flexing and/or improve rigidity/stability of the blade clamp 112 (and/or the blade mounted thereto) during sharpening operations. [0080] In other embodiments, a support member mounted to the secondary feature mount 218 may provide support to components other than the blade clamp 112. For instance, a support mount may be mounted to the secondary feature mount 218 such that a blade mounted within the blade clamp 112 can be supported by the support member. Similarly, a support member mounted to the secondary feature mount 218 may provide support to the sharpening chassis. For instance, the sharpening chassis may have a surface that engages with the support member so that the support member can support and provide stability to the sharpening chassis. Regardless of whether the support member provides support directly or indirectly to a blade mounted in the blade clamp 112, the support member can provide additional stability /stiffness to the system and the blade.

[0081] The support member may be considered another example of a rotational stop feature that limits the rotation of the sharpening chassis 104 relative to the base 102. For instance, as the sharpening chassis 104 is rotated forward, a portion of the sharpening chassis 104, the blade clamp 112, or a blade mounted in the blade clamp 112 may engage the support member, thereby limiting further forward rotation of the sharpening chassis 112.

[0082] Figure 12 illustrates example components of the knife table 114 of the blade sharpening system 100. As noted above, the knife table 114 can be mountable to the secondary feature mount 218 of the base 102. In the example of Figure 12, the knife table 114 includes a table surface 1202, a support bar 1204, and a center support 1206, each of which may independently contact a blade (e.g., blade 1208) arranged on the knife table 114. The multiple points of contact (e.g., 3 points of contact) with the blade 1208 can contribute to blade stability and/or positional consistency during sharpening operations.

[0083] Furthermore, the support bar 1204 and the center support 1206 may be independently adjustable, which may enable accommodation and proper/precise positioning of cutting edges of blades near the front edge of the table surface 1202, even for blades with irregularly shaped spines (e.g., where the spine is nonparallel to the cutting edge) and/or for very short or small blades. In the example of Figure 12, the support bar 1204 and the center support 1206 are adjustable by lead screws 1210 and 1212, respectively, though other adjustment modalities are within the scope of the present disclosure (e.g., slide and clamp knobs, detents and protrusions, and/or others). The center support 1206 and the support bar 1204 may comprise different types of adjustment mechanisms in some implementations.

[0084] In some instances, the table surface 1202 includes one or more magnets (e.g., positioned according to labels 1214 in Figure 12) to assist in positioning and/or retaining the blade 1208 during sharpening. Additionally, or alternatively, the center support 1206 may comprise one or more magnets to assist in positioning and/or retaining the blade 1208 during sharpening.

[0085] In the example of Figure 12, the table surface 1202 includes distance marks 1216 to aid users in alignment of the cutting edge of the blade (e.g., blade 1208) with the edge of the table surface 1202.

|0086| Although not shown in Figure 12, a knife table 114 of a blade sharpening system 100 may include additional or alternative features, such as a blade clamp to facilitate clamping of blades to the knife table 114, and/or others. For instance, Figure 13 illustrates an example in which the knife table 114 is configured to receive retaining components 1302 (e.g., bolts or other features) on a front face 1304 of the knife table 114. The retaining components 1302 may operate in combination with the center support 1206 and/or the support bar 1204 to retain different blade types, such as scissors 1306 (and/or others such as shears, arrowheads, clippers, etc.). Other types of clamping or locating members may be utilized to enable the knife table 114 to support various types of edged tools.

[0087] Figures 14A and 14B illustrate example travel of the support bar 1204 of the knife table 114. In particular, Figure 14A depicts the translational axis 1402 of the support bar 1204 along which the support bar 1204 translates in response to actuation of the lead screw 1210. In the example of Figure 14A, the translational axis 1402 of the support bar 1204 is nonparallel to the table surface 1202 of the knife table 114. Such a configuration can enable the portion of the support bar 1204 that extends above the table surface 1202 to have reduced height (e.g., height 1404 in Figure 14A) when the support bar 1204 is advanced toward the front face 1304 of the knife table 114 (as depicted in Figure 14A). Similarly, such a configuration can enable the portion of the support bar 1204 that extends above the table surface 1202 to have an increased height (e.g., height 1406) when the support bar 1204 is retracted away from the front face 1304 of the knife table 114 (as depicted in Figure 14B).

[0088] The reduced height (e.g., height 1404 of Figure 14A) can be advantageous for accommodating abrasive clearance at very low angles for small blades while also enabling increased support thickness for larger and/or thicker blades. The center support 1206 (which may be coupled to the support bar, yet independently adjustable) may additionally (or alternatively) translate nonparallel to the table surface 1202.

[0089] Figure 15 depicts sharpening of a blade 1502 mounted via the knife table 114 mounted to the base 102 of the blade sharpening system 100. Figure 15 illustrates that, in some implementations, the sharpening chassis 104 may comprise different sets of angle markers for different blade mounting locations on the blade sharpening system 100. For instance, the sharpening chassis 104 of Figure 15 includes angle markers 1504, which are associated with an angle scale for sharpening of blades mounted via the blade clamp mount 208. The sharpening chassis 104 of Figure 15 also includes angle markers 1506, which are associated with an angle scale for sharpening of blades mounted via the knife table 114 (or other accessory mountable to the base 102).

|0090| A blade sharpening system 100 as presently disclosed may employ additional or alternative components for facilitating angle indication and/or selection. For instance, Figure 16 illustrates an example angle indicator 1602, which may be utilized in combination with other components of a blade sharpening system 100 as discussed herein. The angle indicator 1602 may comprise one or more tilt sensors, which may take on various forms (e.g., electrolytic, liquid capacitive, accelerometer-based, gas/liquid, pendulum, MEMS, gyroscopic, etc.). The angle indicator includes a display 1604 and various controls (e.g., a power button 1606, a calibration button 1608) to facilitate use thereof by operators.

[0091[ In the example of Figure 16, the angle indicator 1602 includes various features enabling the angle indicator to selectively mount to the sharpening chassis 104 and/or the sharpening rod 106. For instance, the angle indicator 1602 includes alignment features 1610 that are configured to align with the geometry of the sharpening component mount 206 of the sharpening chassis 104. The angle indicator 1602 of Figure 16 furthermore includes a rod groove 1612 configured to receive the sharpening rod 106. The angle indicator 1602 may additionally (or alternatively) include a magnet 1614 for causing magnetic force between the angle indicator 1602 and the sharpening rod 106, which may help prevent the angle indicator 1602 from slipping with respect to the sharpening rod 106.

[0092[ The alignment features 1610 and the rod groove 1612 may allow the angle indicator 1602 to interface with the sharpening component mount 206 and the sharpening rod 106 (e.g., while the sharpening rod 106 is retained by the sharpening component mount 206) in a manner that maintains proper positioning of the angle indicator 1602 relative to the sharpening rod 106 when detecting a sharpening angle for sharpening operations.

|0093| Figure 17 illustrates the angle indicator 1602 connected to the sharpening rod 106 and the sharpening component mount 206 of the sharpening chassis 104 of the blade sharpening system. In the example of Figure 17, the alignment features 1610, the rod groove 1612, and/or the magnet 1614 of the angle indicator 1602 allow the origin plane of the angle indicator 1602 to remain parallel to the sharpening rod 106. The alignment features 1610, the rod groove 1612, and/or the magnet 1614 of the angle indicator 1602 may additionally or alternatively allow the angle indicator 1602 to remain vertical and/or remain on center with the sharpening rod 106 (and/or the abrasive handle 108 and abrasive 110 connected thereto).

[0094] In some instances, a user positions the angle indicator 1602 as shown in Figure 17 to select/set a desired sharpening angle for sharpening operations to be performed using the blade sharpening system 100. Upon selection/setting of the desired sharpening angle, a user may remove the angle indicator 1602 and proceed with sharpening operations.

Conclusion

[0095] 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.

[0096] 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.

[0097] 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.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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.

[00100] 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

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A blade sharpening system, comprising: a base; and a sharpening chassis selectively and rotatably mountable to the base, the sharpening chassis comprising: a sharpening component mount; and a blade clamp mount.

2. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the sharpening chassis further comprises an abrasive retention feature configured to facilitate positional locking of an abrasive relative to the sharpening chassis during rotation of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

3. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, further comprising a sharpening rod selectively connectable to the sharpening component mount, the sharpening rod have an abrasive mountable thereon.

4. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, further comprising a blade clamp rotatably mountable to the blade clamp mount.

5. The blade sharpening system of claim 4, wherein the blade clamp mount comprises a locking protrusion that is configured to selectively engage one or more detents in the blade clamp to selectively secure the blade clamp in on or more desired rotational orientations.

6. The blade sharpening system of claim 5, wherein the locking protrusion is configured to selectively engage a retention track in the blade clamp, wherein engagement of the locking protrusion with the one or more detents or the retention track secure the blade clamp in the blade clamp mount.

7. The blade sharpening system of claim 1, wherein the base and the sharpening chassis comprise corresponding locking features configured to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis in at least two discrete rotational positions relative to the base.

8. The blade sharpening system of claim 1. wherein the base further comprises a secondary feature mount.

9. The blade sharpening system of claim 8, wherein the secondary feature mount is configured to receive one or more of a support member or a knife table.

10. The blade sharpening system of claim 8, wherein the secondary feature mount comprises a mounting rail and a spring-biased top plate.

11. A blade sharpening system, comprising: a base; a sharpening chassis rotatably mountable to the base, the sharpening chassis comprising a blade clamp mount; and one or more rotational stop features configured to limit rotation of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

12. The blade sharpening system of claim 11, wherein the one or more rotational stop features comprise corresponding locking features on the base and the sharpening chassis that are configured to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis in at least two rotational positions relative to the base.

13. The blade sharpening system of claim 12, wherein the corresponding locking features comprise: one or more recesses in the base or the sharpening chassis; and one or more actuatable protrusions in the base or the sharpening chassis.

14. The blade sharpening system of claim 13, wherein the one or more actuatable protrusions are biased toward a locking configuration.

15. The blade sharpening system of claim 13, wherein the corresponding locking features comprise a lock release mechanism configured to actuate the one or more actuatable protrusions to facilitate selective unlocking of rotational positioning of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

16. The blade sharpening system of claim 12, wherein the corresponding locking features are configured to facilitate locking of the sharpening chassis in at least three rotational positions relative to the base.

17. The blade sharpening system of claim 12, wherein the blade sharpening system further comprises an abrasive, and wherein the blade sharpening system is configured to facilitate sharpening of a blade mounted via the blade clamp mount by the abrasive in a plurality' of the at least two rotational positions of the sharpening chassis relative to the base.

18. The blade sharpening system of claim 11. wherein the one or more rotational stop features comprise an interface between the sharpening chassis and the base or a component mounted to the base.

19. The blade sharpening system of claim 18, wherein the interface comprises an adjustable set screw.

20. A blade sharpening system, comprising: a base comprising a secondary feature mount; and a sharpening chassis mountable to the base, the sharpening chassis comprising a blade clamp mount; and a blade clamp selectively connectable to the blade clamp mount.

21. The blade sharpening system of claim 20, further comprising a support component selectively connectable to the secondary feature mount.

22. The blade sharpening system of claim 21, wherein the support component comprises a support member or a knife table.

23. The blade sharpening system of claim 21 , wherein the support member comprises a blade support member configured to support a blade mounted in the blade clamp.

24. The blade sharpening system of claim 21, wherein the support member is configured to be connected to the secondary feature mount while the blade clamp is connected to the clamp mount.

25. The blade sharpening system of claim 21, wherein the knife table is configured to be connected to the secondary feature mount when the blade clamp is not connected to the blade clamp mount and the support member is not connected to the secondary feature mount.

26. A blade sharpening system, comprising: a base comprising a secondary feature mount, and a sharpening chassis rotatably mountable to the base, the sharpening chassis comprising: a blade clamp mount; an angle adjustment system configured to facilitate adjustment of a blade sharpening angle for a blade mounted to the blade sharpening system; and a first set of angle markers associated with an angle scale for sharpening blades mounted via the blade clamp mount; and a second set of angle markers associated with an angle scale for sharpening blades mounted via the secondary feature mount.