Lansky Fixed Angle for a beginner

M

MihajloS

Joined
Apr 22, 2021
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17
I've been unable to get anything even remotely shaving sharp with my sharpening methods. Granted I've only used cheap metal apliances like rods, speedy sharps, and an old leather belt. I know whetstones are the way to go but I don't plan on ruining too many knives getting it dialed in lol. I know the basics of apexing, creating a burr, and stropping, but I'm just wondering if there's a big learning curve to the point I might ruin a good knife lol. Also how good is this for D2 and big curved knives like a kukri? Thanks!!
 
If at all possible, I would highly recommend spending a little extra cash and getting a KME system vs. a Lansky. They are similar, but the KME has a lot more accessories available. I've seen people get some unbelievable edges with their KME's.

That said, both systems are going to be made for normal sized (under 8") blades, so you are going to struggle a bit trying to sharpen anything big, much less curved and big like a Kukri.
 
The Lansky is a waste of money, mines collecting dust in my shop. I'd take that money and put it into a better system like an Edge Pro etc
 
I have and have used a lansky in the past but don't anymore. I know it is tempting when you see other systems out there like KME, Hapstone, Edge pro etc that are in or above the $200 range to skimp and jump at lansky but right now or the money you can do better. There are some other products out there that you can get good bang for your buck. I would take a look at the Ruixin Pro RX008. You get a solid clamped system that can be attached to any table, and you get the dual benefit of being able to use Edge pro/Hapstone style 1x6 stones that are readily available.

Of course, if you can swallow the sunk cost the other systems (Hapstone, Edge Pro, Wicked Edge, KME) are all going to be better. Just mentioning it as a lower budget option if throwing $200 at sharpening is out of the question now.
 
I recommend a Wicked Edge. They will soon come out with some lower priced revised WE Go sharpeners later this year.

But no matter which system you use, you need to practice with cheaper knives that won't make you want to cry if you mess it all up.
 
The Lansky will do the job and you'll probably be happy with it for a while. Eventually though, you'll start experiencing the limitations it has and want something better, and then you'll start trying to remember that quote about crying once and wish you had saved your money.
 
big curved knives like a kukri

i'd throw a tormek at it :cool:

no matter if beginner or not , you can do it! 🥳
 
DeadboxHero said:
The Lansky is a waste of money, mines collecting dust in my shop. I'd take that money and put it into a better system like an Edge Pro etc
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I have owned and used a lansky system for over 25 years???

I definitely got my money's worth out of it.

It has its limitations but will do the job.

It is less handy with larger blades.

Especially something like a khukri with "non parallel" spine/bevels.
(By that, I mean, my hand made Khukries don't appear to have much flat, parallel spots to reliably attach).

I do not use my lansky much at all, these days.

I broke it out to reprofile a custom Kwaiken, which turned out to be a very poor decision (it was a knife with no choice at all, and I buggered/cut into the plunge while not paying enough attention sharpening and watching a show in low light).

I tend to hand sharpen these days, either on a set of diamond hand stones, wet stone, or sandpaper on a mouse pad.

Or a Spyderco set of ceramic sticks. (These are not great for reprofile at all!!).

I also have a 2x72 belt sander to reset an edge if damaged (I don't do this much on nice knives, or customs, because it is a high speed, no variable speed, and 3000 rpm is not good for keeping edges cool, particularly the tip).

I advise people to other systems like, rather than the lansky if they plan on sharpening larger knives.
 
Bigfattyt said:
I have owned and used a lansky system for over 25 years???

I definitely got my money's worth out of it.

It has its limitations but will do the job.

It is less handy with larger blades.

Especially something like a khukri with "non parallel" spine/bevels.
(By that, I mean, my hand made Khukries don't appear to have much flat, parallel spots to reliably attach).

I do not use my lansky much at all, these days.

I broke it out to reprofile a custom Kwaiken, which turned out to be a very poor decision (it was a knife with no choice at all, and I buggered/cut into the plunge while not paying enough attention sharpening and watching a show in low light).

I tend to hand sharpen these days, either on a set of diamond hand stones, wet stone, or sandpaper on a mouse pad.

Or a Spyderco set of ceramic sticks. (These are not great for reprofile at all!!).

I also have a 2x72 belt sander to reset an edge if damaged (I don't do this much on nice knives, or customs, because it is a high speed, no variable speed, and 3000 rpm is not good for keeping edges cool, particularly the tip).

I advise people to other systems like, rather than the lansky if they plan on sharpening larger knives.
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Yeah I don't think my opinion will hurt their sales, Lansky is in every sporting good store in America and on Amazon Prime.

It's not advertised to hardcore enthusiasts like here on Bladeforums that are more discerning.


I gave them my money, however, If I had a time machine, I wouldn't do it again. So I'll share my opinion if it could make up for a lack of a time machine for me and someone else.
 
DeadboxHero said:
Yeah I don't think my opinion will hurt their sales, Lansky is in every sporting good store in America and on Amazon Prime.

It's not advertised to hardcore enthusiasts like here on Bladeforums that are more discerning.


I gave them my money, however, If I had a time machine, I wouldn't do it again. So I'll share my opinion if it could make up for a lack of a time machine for me and someone else.
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There wasn’t much to choose from when I purchased mine. Lansky was considered one of the best at the time.

I don’t think I would purchase it again but, it still does the job and meets my needs.
 
sabre cat said:
There wasn’t much to choose from when I purchased mine. Lansky was considered one of the best at the time.

I don’t think I would purchase it again but, it still does the job and meets my needs.
Click to expand...

Still one of my favorite sharpening videos on YouTube
 
DeadboxHero, thanks for posting the video!

I always appreciate and respect simple "back to the basics" teachings, no matter what the subject is. They can be vital if one is in a situation where things are no longer normal.
 
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