A Lansky question

Joined
Oct 3, 2012
Messages
144
Hi folks.
I bought a 5 stone Lansky sharpener and like the idea of 5 stone choices. When I got the set, I ordered the plastic mount for it. I set it up but found that when the part that holds the knife was put on the plastic support that it rocked and would not sit on the plastic mount right, or so it seemed to me. I then bought the metal stand thinking that would be better. It was not any better at holding the knife steady. Am I doing something wrong? To me (a beginner) the part that holds the knife sitting on the post should be tight or at least hold the knife steady. What I am concerned with is --Am I getting an accurate angle with the holder moving?
I love both the Lansky and my SM but concerned over the movement when I use the Lansky. Other than this one thing the Lansky has worked out very well for me on putting nice edges on my knives.
Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.
Regards
Tar :)
 
I believe the Lansky stand holds the entire sharpening unit (clamp and the stone angle guide), so even if it rocks, it's not affecting the angle between the stone and the knife... the whole unit is moving. (Unless it's not the stand I'm picturing).

Just make sure the "rocking" doesn't cause you to move the angle rod up and down in its guide hole... since it has a lot of room to do so.
 
When I first started using the Lansky system it did the same thing to me. I combated this by using a smallish vice to hold it clamps in place. What cbwx34 said is true, though. Even if the knife clamps moves a little, the guided rods won't be. I just didn't like how flimsy it felt and since I had a portable vice laying around I figured it'd be a perfect stand in.

Their system works for sure, but I definitely prefer freehand. I haven't used mine since I got my stones.
 
You can by a articulated vice that you can fasten on the side of a table or bench. Clamp the Lansky on its body.
It will be very steady and yiu can asjust it in any wanted angle.

One thing more. Take one of your guide rods, it is bended in 90 degrees in one end. Bend ghe small part 8-10 degrees more - and you can sharpen convex edges with your Lansky.

Thomas
 
the rocking between the stand and the clamp shoudlnt be an issue - but it is annoying.
to counter that, I have the stand mounted to a wooden base. when i put the clamp in the stand, I still hold it, but it doesnt take as much effort and it doesnt cause much fatigue to hold it still.
 
The stand is more so you don't have to hold the whole thing up the whole time. You still need to hold on to it to steady it.
 
Mine does the same thing. I've got the C-clamp base. I still hold on to the blade clamp even though it's loose. Habit I guess. Mine is an older Lansky and has quite a bit wobble to it. Other than that, it works fine.
 
Thanks folks for all of the replies. Now I understand. I did build a nice wooden base for the stands and have the metal one screwed to the base.
I will make sure that I hold the rod from the stone steady and therefore keep the angle.
Thanks again.
Regards
Tar :)
 
I don't use the C clamp I use the table mount and have it affixed to a 6x6" piece of oak. It takes some practice and use to learn how to hold the blade mount steady but it is doable.
To get a bit more "stroke" out of the hones replace the wing screw with a set screw. Also each hone should have its' own wire so you don't have to waste time and have an aligned hone/wire all the time.

Lately I've used my "old" worn hones as bases for wet/dry paper...I have a wide range of paper and use double face tape to hold the strips in place on the hone. It works great and using 2500 grit gives a great polished finished.
 
"replace the wing screw with a set screw"

that's brilliant. Ive used lansky for years and never thought of that!

I'll probably have to re-profile a lot of knives.
 
I've had both stands and just always put the left had on the back of the clamp to steady it. You might be able to create a snug fit with thin tape aroung the post, but it may just aggrevate flipping it
 
I recently switched to a kme system from my lansky setup. I really liked the lansky but the kme is way better. One tip I will say for the lansky is either hold your finger either under or over the guide rod on the back side of the clamp that way you have minimal variation in angle due to the angle hole being way bigger than the rod


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I have the black plastic mount that I bought about 20 years ago. I'm not even sure if they still make it but it sounds like the same one you're referring to.

Mine has that same wobble and I hold onto it as others have already mentioned. I work the stones with my right hand. I wrap my left thumb around the vertical post of the black mount while clutching the clamp with the other four fingers of my left hand. In other words, I secure the clamp/mount assembly with my left hand while working the stones with my right hand. This provides a secure grip and makes the clamp/mount assembly virtually as rigid as if it were all one piece.

Hard to describe in words but it works pretty good for me.
 
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