Higher End Steels on Basic Lansky Kit

T

TechandTactical

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Hello all,

My knife collection has grown quite a bit recently (I test knives on YouTube).

I have one of those basic Lansky sharpening kits (not the diamond). Can I use this kit on nicer steels like D2 and maybe even M390? The reason I'm asking is because the Lansky stones I have are basically new and I don't really have any knives left in the more basic steels.

Thanks in advance.
 
I’ve had good luck on any steel with it as long as they’re not butter knife dull
 
For a while the basic stones will work. You'll have pay attention to the wear of the stones. The higher end steel will wear out the stones sooner. You'll have to get reacquainted with the amount of pressure you use for higher end steels as compared to non high end steels thus wearing out the stones faster. It may be easier to get the diamonds and save some frustration.
 
One of the best things that I did for my knife collection was buy some quality sharpening equipment. KME is a nice guided system and not too expensive. I don't really like the lansky setup, but if it works for you, then great. Freehand sharpening is also a blast if you practice, and you can find some quality abrasives that can tackle the higher end steels no problem.

Your lansky should handle those steels ok, but I don't speak from experience. Eventually though you'll probably want to upgrade, and I'd recomend getting something nice, be it guided or freehand.

EDIT: Sharpmaker is one of my favorites as well.
 
I've used the Lansky for years and found you need the diamond stones for the modern stainless steels.

Ajack60 said:
You'll have pay attention to the wear of the stones
Click to expand...
Even D2, VG-10 and the like (high carbon/semi stainless) wear out the regular stones, in my opinion, relatively quick.
Lansky was the first system I ever used and have stayed with it even with the difficulties, you just get used to it. I still can get a pretty good edge when I want.
I have not used any other guided system so I can't speak on them.
 
cnm123 said:
I've used the Lansky for years and found you need the diamond stones for the modern stainless steels.


Even D2, VG-10 and the like (high carbon/semi stainless) wear out the regular stones, in my opinion, relatively quick.
Lansky was the first system I ever used and have stayed with it even with the difficulties, you just get used to it. I still can get a pretty good edge when I want.
I have not used any other guided system so I can't speak on them.
Click to expand...
Absolutely, going from steels like VG10, 14C28N to M390 and ZDP-189 made me re learn the pressure to apply to get good results in a timely manner. I experienced the regular stones wore out quicker with the he newer steels. Now, I have both sets which for me makes it easier to maintain the amount of pressure I’m use to
 
I bought my first Lansky about 30-35 years ago to be able to more accurately set edges faster than when using simple whetstones. It has its place, even today. There are a couple of things that will make life better with this system. First, buy the stand for the holder and attach it to a board or table edge to use as a stand/holder for the blade holder and angle guide. It will make things 100% easier when sharpening, and in my opinion should have been included with the package. Next, don't skip grits. As when sharpening anything, start with the proper (lowest) grit, then work to the finest you want. It will save wear and tear on you and your equipment.

I have never worn the stones out but I always lubricate them well with the oil included or with some very lightweight machine oil. Well lubricated, my stones have lasted quite well. For the harder steels that the set stones had trouble cutting into, I bought a "very coarse" stone from the local sporting goods store to remove material more quickly. Worked great and saved a ton of wear on the finer stones.

All that being said, the system sharpened and set edges fine on all my knife steels except one. When I got to S110V, it was a CHORE to sharpen with the carborundum stones that come in the sets. I got it done, but it took about two hours of constant, hard work to reduce down the bevel where I wanted it and then to sharpen the blade (just one!) correctly. No doubt in my mind that diamond stones would have helped enormously with that particular steel. All other steels... piece of cake!

Robert
 
Stones worked with Maxament and as expected it took a lot longer than softer steels.
S30,154,VG10,D2,ZDP and HAP40.

They worked fine with M4 and 52100 and everything below that.

Maxament is a PIA to any non Diamond system (time wise).
Stones will work. Just SLOWLY roughly 4 times longer than M4.


And because I have Maxament, I will be upgrading to diamonds once
I wear out the stones which is not going to happen anytime soon.

I only use the Lansky when the edge is really buggard up (Chips, Full reprofile)
because a SharpMaker and a Strop have the primary chore of edge maintenance.
The Lansky IMHO removes to much steel compared to a SM for touch ups.
 
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A vendor here that goes by gritomatic has some venev bonded diamond stones for the lansky. They will help make sharpening faster. You don't necessarily need them for d2 or m390 but they will certainly help pass the time much faster. And they will be useful for higher Vanadium steel if you get more knives.

If the standard kit is serving you well, stick with it.
 
Thanks for all of the great replies. I will use the normal stones on my lesser steels and probably pick up a KME or something similar for my M390, S110V, S90V, etc.
 
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