gransfors axe stone

[DrivebyTrucker]

At $45, it's expensive compared to the Lanksy puck. But I haven't heard many good things about the lanksy puck. So I was wondering if anyone has the Gransfors axe stone and can comment on it. I like the shape compared to the lansky as it looks more compact. It could be a great performer in the field for sharpening machetes/axes/large camp knives. Or, it could be an overpriced rip-off. Or just the wrong tool for the job for sharpening machetes (what I'm primarily wanting a tool for) while in the field.

 

[kikaso]

I have the stone and I like it a lot. It's a great size to put in your pocket while you're out chopping. It's hard to tell what the grit it is, but I think the coarse side is pretty high, (800?.) It's great for touching up tools in the field, but I wouldn't recommend it as your only sharpener. I find that it clogs pretty quickly, but a quick rinse keeps it clean. Be sure to dry before putting away and use the entire stone when sharpening that way the stone will remain flat. I have used it on my large knives, (Scrap Yard Dogfather) with good results, but again, consider it a field sharpener. I tried it on one machete and the results were pretty good. With axes, however, I find that as long as you don't do anything foolish with the ax, (ie chopping stones) the gransfors stone would pretty much be all you will need for touch ups until you get really dull and need a file.

Good technique for sharpening: http://youtu.be/CKpsFLNvTD4

Hope this helps.