Benchmade Mini-Griptilian 556 and Lansky 4-Rod Turn Box (Ceramic)

[Dry-cell]

Hi guys, I'm new to BladeForums.

What's the best method for sharpening the Mini-griptilian 556 with Lansky's 4-Rod Turn Box with medium and fine grit ceramic rods?.

I read that the edge of the Mini-griptilian 556 is 70 degrees inclusive, will I be able to sharpen with this system?.

Do I use the 2 stage sharpening method where you start off on the 20° side then finish on the 25°?.

For the first time sharpening should I start with medium grit then move to the fine?.

I recently ordered myself the Lansky 2-Rod Diamond system for even harder steels and/or really dull knives.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Hi guys, I'm new to BladeForums.

What's the best method for sharpening the Mini-griptilian 556 with Lansky's 4-Rod Turn Box with medium and fine grit ceramic rods?.

I read that the edge of the Mini-griptilian 556 is 70 degrees inclusive, will I be able to sharpen with this system?.

Do I use the 2 stage sharpening method where you start off on the 20° side then finish on the 25°?.

For the first time sharpening should I start with medium grit then move to the fine?.

I recently ordered myself the Lansky 2-Rod Diamond system for even harder steels and/or really dull knives.

YIKES! Hope that's not actually the case. No decent edge should be anything more than 40° inclusive (20°/side) to cut reasonably well. I'd bet, or at least hope, whatever you read might've been a mis-interpretation of a more reasonable '35° edge' (implying inclusive, or 17.5° per side) which some will incorrectly assume to be 35° per side (or 70° inclusive). There's often some confusion as to what 'inclusive' actually means, among those who are new to knives and sharpening.

The normal convention with V-crock sharpeners like yours, is to do as you've asked (narrower setting to back-bevel first with the medium, then wider setting to add the secondary/microbevel with medium, then fine). You don't have to use both angle settings, if you don't want to; you can use only one setting (I'd personally choose the 20° side). Nor do you have to use both grits; I've always liked the bite left by the 'medium' rods on most of these systems, and haven't used the Fine rods much. If your existing edge is actually very wide (obtuse), it may take some time on the first step to re-set the bevels within the limits of the sharpener. Assuming you start with the 20°, it'll take more time to grind away all that excess steel.


David

 

[cbwx34]

I read that the edge of the Mini-griptilian 556 is 70 degrees inclusive,...

That's 35° per side... never seen a Benchmade that large. Usually around 20°.

(Maybe that's Canadian degrees...)

 

[Dry-cell]

Sorry, I meant to say a 30 degree primary bevel. I'm fairly new to knives, but I've got a nice little collection so far.

 

[Modoc ED]

I use a Lansky 4-Rod Turn Box sharpener regularly to sharpen my Benchmade knives and most other knives for that matter.



For my Benchmade knives, I use the 25º position. It has worked well for me. I've found that most of the Benchmade knives are ground at about +/- 30º so the 25º position works well. Because these sharpeners are so easy to set up, I always use both sets of rods - medium first and then fine. Do not use heavy pressure when passing the blade down the rod. Medium/moderate pressure is the key.

You might want to consider the Spyderco Sharpmaker too. It also is a great rod-system sharpening system.



KEEP IN MIND - When these sharpeners or any sharpener that uses degree settings come to you, the degree angle on them will not be exact. They all have some +/- variation built into their specs. As far an any sharpening system goes, follow the directions that come with them.

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Sorry, I meant to say a 30 degree primary bevel. I'm fairly new to knives, but I've got a nice little collection so far.

Yes, you do indeed. :thumbup:

Good to hear there isn't a (usually respected) maker out there putting 70° edges on their blades. I was a little worried.


David

 

[Dry-cell]

Thanks very much for the info guys!, I'll be sure to print this out for future reference. I plan to get a Spyderco sharpmaker eventually and I've watched the videos with Sal using the system. I believe it comes with an instructional DVD as well. The only thing that prevents me from getting one right now would be the price, at least for the time being.

 

[Dry-cell]

Thanks for the thumbs up on my collection Obsessed with Edges. Here some closeups of my knives from the first picture I posted. The Buck Vantage Select (small) comes with those lines on the blade out of the box, which are grinding lines.

 

[Dry-cell]

This video here by jdavis882 gives some very good information regarding the Lansky and Spyderco Sharpmaker systems in his video that I find very helpful.