DMT Aligner / Lansky or Other

[Big Dave]

Greetings,

After I got my butt kicked trying to reprofile a D2 blade with my Sharpmaker. I'm in the market for a different system. I'm using traditional pocket knives these days and some have small blades like on a Stockman.

I was wondering how the DMT Aligner stacks up to the Lansky and other systems?

Does the DMT have settings for different angles and can it go down to 15 degrees?

Thanks for the advice,
Dave

 

[db]

I have both the DMT and the Lansky. The DMT does have more preset angles, and both can be easily tweeked to get more angles out of them than the preset angles. I do feel the Lansky clamp is the better of the two clamps, and the DMT has better hones. I'd say they are really a horse a piece but if pushed I'd give the DMT with the coarsest hone the choice for regrinding an edge.

 

[Blues]

I agree with Bill. I find that for the few knives I've used the "system" on thus far, the combination of the DMT Diafolds with Magna-Guide and the GATCO clamp (and base) makes an unbeatable combination.

I had already been gifted the two sets so it wasn't necessary to go out and purchase both to create the hybrid.

Despite the better GATCO clamp, as Bill said, the DMT hones offer a superior alternative imho.

 

[Big Dave]

Thanks guys. I want the ultimate and I'm willing to buy the best components from different systems. Along with the DMT Aligner kit what other accessories do I need from Gatco or Lansky?

Here's a link to the Gatco and Lansky accessory pages.

http://www.gatcosharpeners.com/product/acc_components/clamp_angle.mgi?mgiToken=26F8F203D59BE3B73

http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/parts_accessories.php

Thanks for your help.
Dave

 

[Blues]

Dave,

IMHO, all you need from GATCO is the clamp and base.

With the DMT Diafolds and Magna-Guide you can use everything from XC through Ceramic.

You may be able to add a couple of options with the standard Aligner kit since you can use any of the 4" hones from DMT including the XX (120 grit) that's available in the ski/skate section of the DMT site. (Thus far I've found the XC grit sufficient for getting the bevels established on blades that require reprofiling but that's only been on slipjoints at this point.)

Personally, I like the convenience of the Diafolds for the dual grits and the fact that the folding handles give a good grip while working with the clamp setup. Also, the Diafolds work great freehand at home and in the field.

 

[kgd]

If you want the best, why not go with edge-pro? I was under the impression this was the gold standard for sharpening V-shaped bevels....

 

[Blues]

While I have no doubt that the Edgepro is by all accounts an unbelievable system, the advantage of the setup described is the incredible speed of setup (about a minute) and the ability to use the hones dry. No muss, no fuss, and no mess to clean up.

Rinse off the diamond hones with water (and a toothbrush if needed) and move on.

Also, no stones to lap or flatten.

So, while there may be advantages to the Edgepro, there are also some drawbacks even if not deal killers.

 

[db]

I have to agree with Blues. I even believe this setup will help you with your free hand skills. I should say I have never used a EdgePro, but I also have never felt under equipped with the clamp systems I have.

 

[Hard H2O]

I have a GATCO. I have the Professional. I added the extra fine and ultimate finishing hones. I have also added stropping to my sharpening regimen. You will also want the stand for the GATCO. If you buy it from Cabela's you get the stand free.

I prefer the GATCO to the Lansky.

There is another system called the KME that is very nice.

There have been a few threads with regards to the comparison of the rod guided systems. Here are a few:

Now, which sharpener to choose? Hmm...

GATCO vs. Lansky

KME Sharpener