Can a Lansky Get em Hair-popping sharp?

K

K man

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Nov 26, 2000
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I know most people out there think the 204 sharpmaker is the best but I can get a good deal on a Lansky delux system from a friend. Does it get them shaving sharp? What about hair popping sharp? Will it work well on a tanto (SOG x-ray Vision)? Thanks!
Knifeman==>-----
 
I've sharpened a few knives on a Lansky sharpening kit with a clamp. Most of the blades I sharpened it with were basic AUS-8, 440-C, 440-A and it did a very good job. The edge was scary sharp on all of them. If you're trying to sharpen higher quality steel like ATS-34, 154CM, BG-42, or CPM 440V, I would recommend a diamond hone.
 
K Man,
I have the Lansky and the Gatco systems. It is possible to get a scary sharp edge with these clamp type systems. Diamond hones will help with some of the harder heat treats and super steels. They're more work than the Sharpmaker however. I find the clamping systems very good for profiling the edge and thinning the edge out for the final finishing touches. They are work and require you tape or pad the back spine of the knife unless you don't mind marring that surface with the clamp.
 
I have used a Lansky sharpening system for years. It is capable of producing a good, shaving sharp edge, but I wouldn't say hair popping sharp, and certainly not Dozier sharp. For me, the only way to get that hair popping edge is to polish the edge with a strop of some kind, but the Lansky will get you to the point where with some extra work it can be done.
 
I have used a Lansky for a couple years with very good results. Like any system, there are tricks to be learned. With practice you should be able to get an edge that will cut free standing hairs and sharpen the point like a pin. I agree with the purchase of a diamond stone to help with the exotic stainless steels. I recently acquired a Spyderco Starmate in 440V. This knife was very easy to sharpen with the Lansky. I actually put a tri-bevel on it progressing from the 17 to the 20 degree settings and finally a 25 degree on the edge. Very sharp knife as a result that cuts like a dream. I used just a medium diamond stone followed up with the extra fine ceramic. Just be sure to put a piece of duct tape on the clamp to prevent marring your blades when sharpening. The Lansky is more biased towards folders and small fixed blades than larger knives. I find myself not using my 204 as much as I did when I first got it, even though it is quicker, easier and cleaner.
 
Use of the black surgical hone will produce hair popping results even at higher angles. Beware the drawbacks of clamp systems though. I've rounded a few tips; scratched a few blades; extended (for lack of a better term) a few tips with a lansky. All my edc knives are hair popping sharp though.
chet
 
I agree with Chet. If your Lansky is the clamp on type, be careful not to round off the tip of the knife and if wou don't want the blade to get scratched, trim a bit of paper and place it over the knife where the metal clamp is to go on.
 
K man,

As a first sharpening system I think the Lansky is superior to the Spyderco 204. It is much easier to use than the Spyderco. There are more angle and abrasive options with the Lansky. With more abrasive options you can effectively change the bevel of the knife and finish it with finer stones. The Spyderco can be slow with extremely dull knives or when reprofiling. It is easy to put on an extremely sharp edge on pretty well any steel (ATS 34 or 154CM is not a problem).

There are a few problems with it. If the blade is long, you will have to carefully move the clamp location once you are done sharpening a section. The actual angle depends on how wide the blade is and will usually not be the angle indicated by the hole. The rods are not very rigid and can bend and flex.

While I think the Lansky is superior it is not as convient as the Spyderco. I use the Spyderco much more often than the Lansky.

Will
 
I have used my Lansky for many years. Generally I just use it to get the edge profile that I want, and then use my Spydee to finish. I have gone through all of the Lansky stones, and finished with the 1200 grit stone. The knife gets scarey sharp. I may have to stop doing that, whenever I try a supersharp edge on my arm, the hair on my head seems to get thinner also.:) .....Steve
 
If you do get the Lansky, consider also getting one of the "Super C-Clamp" mounts to go with it. . . It makes using the Lansky much more pleasant.

I have to say that the Lansky system is excellent for reprofiling and ensuring an exact angle, although it does leave something to be desired when used on the harder steels. I've found the course stones to work fine, but the fine stones take a little patience; I may be adding a diamond stone soon to compensate.

-Latebound
 
I got a great deal on it, brand new in the packaging lansky delux for 25 bucks shipped! It sounds like it will work well! Thanks all!!
Knifeman==>-----
 
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