willieR said:
Max, you prefer the Sharp Crusher over the Chromium Crusher? I'm using a MFLB and like the smallest grind. I won't use an electric. I'd like the 4-piece rather than 2-piece to collect kief.
My little 2-piece nano ball works but is such a small diameter it's a little akward.
The holes / teeth on the Sharp Crusher are smaller than the Chromium Crusher? I hate to pester you with this but you seem to have great insight into the specs. For example "Holes sizes (round holes anyway) range from 3-6mm, with only a very few available with the 3mm size. Most have 5-6mm" Not sure where you got that but that's great insight.
Thanks
Some of this post is in response to your question. Some is just me trying to clear up some stuff with what I've seen in the past, and some revealing current info.
There is no 2" Sharp Crusher-only 2.25" and 2.5". I can't compare the 2" CC holes to my Sharp Crusher. I've only seen the original alloy CC and my aluminum model, described below. I like the Sharp Crusher because it's a great buy ($15 including shipping via ecrater), and it doesn't have a ton of teeth and holes like the original CC (which seems to copy the Space Case design in those respects). It's very similar to the CC in fit and finish, and even the name on the top is very much like the CC logo-just a different font. And I'm comparing to my old aluminum CC, which doesn't appear to be still available in this particular design (two different hole configurations-inner holes (3) rounded but slightly triangular, and the outer holes are rounded off but rectangular). The original alloy CC, gunmetal colored and much heavier than any other grinder, is also similar as far as fit and finish. The Sharp Crusher screen also has a slightly larger mesh size than the CC, and that suits my taste as well. As far as the number of teeth and holes, I've found that the grind consistency kind of evens out, between models with fewer teeth and holes, and those like the alloy CC, Mendo Mulcher, and Space Case, where the grinder is crammed full of teeth and holes. Fewer is just my personal preference, mostly for easier loading and cleaning.
Although the particular aluminum CC that I have is no longer made, I'm now seeing it stated that the original heavy alloy CC has been out of production for a year. I guess there's a lot of stock still out there. Now some eBay selllers have a new aluminum Chromium Crusher with the rectangular holes around the outside like mine, but with 14 round inner holes. This is a 2". There's also a 2.5", but a good view of the holes isn't available.
There are also auctions for a Space Crusher-looks just like a CC, and this info on the auction is very interesting-
"This listing is for a Space Crusher Herb Grinder. These grinder are actually the exact same as the original gun metal color Chromium Crushers. It came from the same factory and made of the exactly same material as the Chromium Crushers. It was originally an OEM for one of our customers, but the order was never completed. We are selling these grinders at a reduced price on eBay." You also see clear top CC models, just like Sharpstone, which are now 100% CNC, so no more broken/bent teeth as in the past. All of these lookalikes and slight variations just confirm, as far as I'm concerned, that one factory is producing them all, and just putting different names on them. When a previously unique model like the alloy CC is being sold with a different name, and the seller confirms it's from the same factory, enough said. It's damn confusing too. As soon you think you've got a handle on what's available, they change designs and/or names on you. :/
I would strongly suggest avoiding any clear top grinder, or any with a color, even black. The clear top is a gimmick and defeats the purpose of getting an all CNC made grinder-you're just asking for trouble. Same goes for colored models. Plain aluminum will have the best appearance, long term.
I've gotten familiar with hole sizes because, according to vtac, I have a grinder addiction.
Luckily, I'm mainly hooked on cheap grinders. Like you, I was looking for models with small holes for a finer grind. I found hardly any name brands with 3mm holes (SC 4pc. Scout according to Gratefulbuys), and most do have 5-6 mm. Even the small (2") SC 4 pc. has 5mm. I believe you can still get a 2.5" from kellysgreatproducts on eBay (NEW STYLE 2.5" Spaceage Aluminum Herb Pollen - Grinder) with either 3 or 4mm holes (default is 5), but you have to specify what size you want, and I'd contact him to confirm that this is still the deal. This model runs $18.50 w/shipping.
I have a nice little 4 pc. that's only 1 5/8" (41 mm), and it has 13 holes, with 11 teeth in the bottom and 13 in the top. The holes are 3 mm, and I feel safe in saying that you won't find smaller holes on a grinder. With 3 mm holes, you can end up getting quite a bit of herb trapped in the holes unless you're grinding very dry stuff. Even with very dry, which powders easily, it's hard to get it all ground so that it drops through without some clogging. So small holes can take a little more work-kind of a tradeoff. IMO, there isn't a 4 pc. grinder, no matter the design, that will grind fine enough (especially with high grade herb) to be optimum for the LB. You can always turn it upside down and grind longer, and that's the best method for a fine grind with a 4 pc., but I don't like to do that. It's messy to clean out. Even with a small 2 pc., you'll have some ground to a fine consistency, and some that could stand some more grinding. I find it worthwhile, for the PD and especially the LB, to finish off with the Nano. If you want it any finer than the Nano can grind (only for the LB, I'd say), then a coffee grinder is the best bet. If a coffee grinder doesn't suit (it doesn't for me), and a Nano is too small for your fingers (or too hard to find for a good price), I think the best bet is a 2 pc., just reloading the herb that needs to be ground finer.
SmokingElectricity said:
pretty sure they are both manufactured by the same company. im sure you can't go wrong with either. just make sure you stay away from the colored sharp crushers because it's paint.
I'd agree with all that, and add any colored grinder to the list (that doesn't include MixnBall, since that's scratch resistant anodizing).
another piece of equip we both have 
