Lansky Deluxe System for sharpening knives.

Blackjack_21

Blackjack_21

Joined
May 15, 2001
Messages
522
That's the last time I try that thing on my 42! I think I wrecked, or at least marred, the edge. There are spots where it looks like uneven pressure was applied during the strokes, and the edge is in no better shape that before. That, and I had to clamp the jaws to the raised area between the swedge and the blade (bevel?). Next BM bali I buy is going to be a 47, by God. Or, I might just save up and buy a Tachyon. It looks to be more user friendly. Or, more sharpener friendly. Anyone got a Sharpmaker, or something easier, that would clean this thing up? :(
 
Just a suggestion Blackjack.., not meant to insult!! If you haven't used the clamp/jig type set-ups for sharpening (which I have no way of knowing), I think it would be wise to simply send your knife to Benchmade while you practice on "beater" type knives.

There is a "learning curve" even with the best of sharpening devices, including the Sharpmaker, Lansky, and Edge-Pro, etc. (all of which are excellent IMO).

Benchmade does a terrific job of sharpening knives and gets them back to you quickly. If you practice on a few Jags or other less expensive knives, you will get the hang of the Lansky in very little time. It is a good sharpening system.

Maybe someone else can help because I haven't used a Lansky in some years.., but I think they have a video that's instructional???? If you haven't seen a "Demo"..or had a knowledgeable friend walk you through it.., that may also help.

For now.., I'd send that sucker right to Oregon and let'em fix it up for ya. ;)

Good Luck...



"Hunters seek what they [WANT].., Seekers hunt what they [NEED]"
 
The Sharpmaker is great for touching up an edge that's just basically dull. But, it's not great for restoring a damaged edge.

Any sharpening system takes some practice and experience to use well. I use a Gatco Edgemate which is very similar to the Lansky. I started out practicing on serveral charming china cheapies before I felt ready to attempt a good knife. Since then, I've just gotten better and better with the Edgemate.
 
Blackjack I use the Lansky and it does take some getting use to. Like the other guys say pratice on a cheap blade, if your worried about the clamp leaving marks on the blade use a piece of duck tape
 
I was just curious as to how long the turnaround time is for lifesharp service and warranty service :D
 
How steep, I mean sharp, is the learning curve? I plan on buy this one or something similar.
 
I've been using the Lansky system for over 15 years, and it's worked very well for me. I was fortunate to have come from the old Arkansas stone days where you learn to maintain the proper angle without the use of guide rods, or predefined angles. (And every now and then I still use them for some of my bigger knives. There's something very Zen-like when you're focusing on stroking that big blade across that stone.) But that seems to be the hardest part of learning how to sharpen a knife. The other is to know how to maintain proper stroke pressure so that you don't wind up with high spots. Learn those two basics and most of the modern sharpening system will be easy to use.

My $0.02.
 
One problem you are probably having is by clamping it at the ridge on the swedge the blade may be "rocking" to on side in the clamp. This will give a very nasty looking uneven edge. I wouldn't give up on the kit just yet. I use a Lansky for my reprofiling needs and on the 42 it can be a bit tricky. One warning I don't have a 47 so I don't know if it's chisel ground or not but Lansky kits don't really have high enough angles for chisel edges. If you want something a little easier go with a 43, keep practicing and keep practicing. Of course my Sharpmaker will get my knives a lot sharper than a Lansky will but only if they don't need reprofiling or I already did that on the Lansky.

Hope this helps
 
If you want the ultimate in knowledge and sharpening equipment go to: http://www.razoredgesystems.com/

The video and book are excellent. You will learn everything about sharpening and then some. They have great kits with everything included.

Take a look.

Mer
 
Okay, I tried this after I started this thread, and I think I've partially re-profiled my blade. I got the crazy notion to try and use the stones on the Lansky by hand, without the clamp and rods, and held the stone with one hand. I though I had the angle right, but I think I've added a 25 degree bevel to one side of my blade. It's time to admit defeat after two tries and send this monster back to BM. Maybe they can do a slight re-profile on the tip, as I snapped a half to three-quarter millimeter off the end. This won't cost me anything, will it?
 
Save yourself alot of time and aggravation and get rid of the Lansky. I used one for a couple of years and got pretty good with it but it still didn't change the fact that it was a big pain in the glutaeus. I got rid of the Lansky and got a Sharpmaker and now I get the same hair poppin edge but in a fraction of the time.

As far as using the Sharpmaker to restore a damaged edge, it's probably not the best way to go but it seemed to work pretty good for me. Last week at work I had to use my neck peck to pick a lock and in the process took a small chip out of the blade. A couple extra strokes on the Sharpmaker and it was a good as new.

Steve
 
Originally posted by BalisongMan
The 47 is not chisel ground, just double flat ground. :)
Click to expand...
Whoa, hold up there. The 47 isn't flat ground. A flat grind is what you typically find on a kitchen knife. The 47 is just has your standard bevels.
 
It was to my understanding that if something wasn't hollow ground (like the 49) and had a double grind (not chisel ground) that it was considered to have a flat grind.
 
Alright, to get back on topic, the original manual says to use a back and forth motion, perpendicular to the blade, sawing from tang to tip. I just went backand forth over aq small area, stopping to move the stone, and sawing again. I think this is what kinda flawed my edge. If I go back to the sawing motion, moving parallel while moving perpendicular, will this cure my problem?
 
It couldn't hurt but I use my Lansky more in the way you described doing roughly up to 4" at a time, if you go much over 4" the angle starts to change and makes doing points a real pain.
 
Nevermind, I tried it the "correct" way, and the edge is more wrecked than before. The flaws are in my technique. I need something a bit more idiot-proff than this system. Maybe a Sharpmaker is what I'm looking for after all. Of course, I don't think anyone around here has one, but I'm going scouting tomorrow. I'll find one, or I'll buy one online. Well, another lesson learned the hard way. Until after the holidays, I think I'll just cough up 5 bucks and let Benchmade fix this thing. That way, I'll know someone more competant than myself will be in charge. That, and who could pass up an offer like that? A sharpening for just the price of shipping? I'm sold, where do I sign?!?! :D:D
 
I'd side with you and just say ship to BM let them fix it. And while your waiting I'd go to Walmart and buy a couple old hickory kitchen knives and practice whatever system (Lansky or Sharpmaker if you find one) on those. There about 2-4 bucks each and are perfect for teaching yourself to sharpen on. Everytime I try something new I buy an Old hickory or two. Not to mention they are great kitchen knives with a great carbon steel (1095).
 
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