Gatco Micro-X

While earlier versions of this sharpener did in fact have removable and replaceable ceramic rods, this description is out of date, and as JohnP states, the current version does not have this feature. However, on the upside, this is a much more solid unit than the original, which had quite a lot of flex in it. Also, with the new model, both coarse and fine rods are ready to use at all times, whereas with the original, you had to switch the rods over.

I was just given one of these and while it is an excellent sharpener, unlike what the description states, the rods can only be removed by braking the unit apart as it is a solid piece of molded plastic with a few bits of rubber stuck on for grip. And no, there is no access under any of the rubber end or side pieces.

Hence only three stars, as past experience shows that on these types of sharpeners, with regular use, the rods become worn at the sharpening point so that the preset angle is lost. Hence the value of types that allow moving and rotating the rods. It can also get so bad that a knife edge drags along the plastics when being pulled through.

Don't get me wrong, if you only want a sharpener that you will use to occasionally with the odd blade, then this is perfectly fine. But if you will use it with any degree of regularity, I would look for one that allows the rotating and moving of the rods.

I bought this to replace an old Fiskars sharpener which is of the same type but with only 1 set of rods. The Gatco is far superior. I didn't think I could get my EKA Swede 90 any sharper...but I was wrong! Having two sets of rods makes all the difference. This is a good, cheap sharpener, perhaps a bit large for a keyfob, but pocket sized at any rate.