DMT vs Gatco : Diamond Kits

Hawk45

Hawk45

Joined
Jan 28, 2005
Messages
2,154
Need to pick up a kit and I'm not good at freehand. I have decided on a kit, but it is between the DMT Aligner Deluxe Diamond Kit or the Gatco Diamond Kit. They are both around the same price so just looking for suggestions. Cheap, simple, easy is all I am looking for. I've tried the Sharpmaker a buddy had and didn't work well for me. Not a fan of bench stones (no offense) so I am sticking with a kit. Not going to drop the $$ for an edgepro either.

So does one of these have a benefit over the other?

Thanks
 
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I haven't use the DMT so I will not comment on it.

The GATCO I have is has the stones not the diamonds. I have added the extra fine and ultimate finishing stones to my kit. I also bought a coarse diamond hone to try out.

My kit came with an extra coarse stone and I wanted something to rprofile a bit quicker. Their coarse diamond is not the ticket.

As far as use of the GATCO in my experience it is very quick and easy to use. After the first few tries the sharpening just flows. I get very nice results. The extra fine and ultimate finishing hones are very nice for maintenance.

I would highly recommend getting the stand. I can not iagine sharpening a bunch of knives without it.
 
No experience with the Gatco, but I own and use the DMT Aligner. I suck at sharpening and even I can get my knives shaving sharp with this kit. HTH.
 
I'm not familiar with the Gatco but I have DMT and Lansky clamp style kits. I do not like the DMT's plastic blade clamp. Also the DMT storage pouch is kind of cheezy. Their diamond hones are excellent though.
 
I have the DMT Magna-Guide system, and it's great. Simple and easy to use, it puts a shaving sharp edge on any of my knives quickly. Then give it a couple of passes on the strop, and it's spooky sharp. I don't have any experience with the Lansky, although I investigated both before buying the DMT system. DMT's diamond stones are outstanding, and should last a lifetime.
 
I have used both systems and both are very good.

The GATCO system might be a bit easier to use as it is a 'fixed' system. However the DMT system allows for a lot more flexibility and choices for your sharpening.

GATCO must be used with its own rods and stones. Period. DMT can use its own stones, any other stones, sandpaper, etc. The DMT system is smaller and a lot lighter than the GATCO, but the GATCO will probably last longer than the DMT. (We are talking 30-40 years vs 75-100 years...)

Both will give you a great edge easily. Personally, I used the DMT a LOT more than the GATCO. In fact, I gave away the GATCO but still have the DMT. That must say something right there!

Stitchawl
 
I went ahead and ordered the Gatco system that was on sale at Cabela's. Came with the sand for free. I'll give it a shot when it gets here and see how she goes. Both systems seem to be good deals.
 
Hawk45 said:
I went ahead and ordered the Gatco system that was on sale at Cabela's. Came with the sand for free. I'll give it a shot when it gets here and see how she goes. Both systems seem to be good deals.
Click to expand...

That's where I got mine. The extra fine and ultimate finishing hones refine an edge quite nicely.

A light touch is usually all that is needed.

Report back on how the kit does for you.

Good luck.
 
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