Lansky Sharpeners

If you like the looks of the Lansky system, get the diamond kit. I originally bought one of the 'Deluxe' kits, and for the most part, it was OK. It just so happens, I wore out two of the hones when re-profiling my ZT-0350 (S30V). They aren't flat anymore. I did have one medium diamond hone, bought separately, and it did at least 80% of the grunt work on that blade. I've since purchased the diamond kit.

OR, at the very least, you might consider buying an extra-coarse or coarse diamond hone separately, to supplement the Deluxe kit. Diamond is far better for heavy metal removal (such as for re-profiling), whereas the 'standard' hones in the Deluxe kit will be OK for the finishing stages. In particular, the Fine and UF ceramic hones in the Deluxe kit are very good for polishing. Those aren't included in the diamond kit. Lansky also sells the 'Super Sapphire' finishing hone, one step beyond the UF ceramic, and many seem to like that one (I don't have it).
 
Hi, I have had this system for years. I just added the Med. Diamond, the pink stone (600) I had from my original kit, the white stone (1000) and the Super Sapphire. The best thing I added was the base. That made a world of difference. I am very pleased with this set up and put a great edge on my Hinderer. If you get it do get at least the med diamond stone with the new steels you will need it. Best of luck.

Bill
 
I use the diamond stones and love them. Two of my friends have the other stones and they work OK. Definitely get the base for it as well, it is helpful.
Dan
 
Definitely get the diamond kit. I have the universal kit which works alright, but the diamond stones will work faster for you. You can also get some of the stones individually to get what you want.
 
I have the deluxe kit with a medium diamond stone and it gets the job done on my 0350. I do plan on getting the diamond full kit next month though to help out.
 
I have the full deluxe diamond kit and I love it. Easily gets knives to hair whittling sharp. I would like to add the blue sapphire hone to the set.

Those of you who have the base, how well do you like it?
 
I have the base, but haven't used it. Prior to buying it, I was already in the habit of mouting my clamp in a small hobby-type vise (Pana-Vise), which worked perfectly for me. I just put the lower half of the Lansky clamp into the vise, then flip it over when doing the other side of the blade. The vise is mounted in a base which can be positioned and locked down as I prefer (swivels, can be tilted/angled any which way), and the whole thing is bolted to a 16" square piece of MDF. I can then take & use this rig to any bench/countertop/table I prefer. It sort of spoiled me a bit, which is why I haven't used the standard base. The standard base is definitely an improvement over holding the clamp in the hand while sharpening, but it doesn't allow the rig to be held completely still. The clamp swivels on top of the 'post', so it would need to be steadied with your free hand while sharpening. My vise-rig locks everything down solidly, which leaves both of my hands (and my focus) available to the task of sharpening.
 
I got the deluxe kit about 5 years ago and I am very pleased with it. I want to pick up some diamond hones and maybe a base or a Pana-Vise for holding the clamp.
 
I leave a Lansky kit on my desk at work. I use it to touch up knives all the time. Definately get the base. Using a base makes it easier and safer. Leave a dime in the box to tighten the clamp screw. I usually just have to use the medium (280) stone and then the fine (pink - 600) stone. Finish by stropping on the heel of my leather work boot. Razor sharp every time.
 
So in short you all would recommend buying the diamond kit and then purchase the blue sapphire hone separately? My only hesitation is that I can't justify spending more than $20-$25 for a sharpening setup as I am not all that into knives. I own less than 10 knives all together (other than kitchen knives) and just use them for hunting/hiking and then I have an everyday pocket knife.
 
Well you're on a blade forum and you're looking at a Lansky so you might be getting more Ito knives than you think:D. I will say, nothing like a really sharp knife.
You may find yourself saying, "Hey wanna feel how sharp my knife is".
Just don't ask the TSA:eek:
 
rubiconss said:
Well you're on a blade forum and you're looking at a Lansky so you might be getting more Ito knives than you think:D. I will say, nothing like a really sharp knife.
You may find yourself saying, "Hey wanna feel how sharp my knife is".
Just don't ask the TSA:eek:
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Haha well in retrospect I believe you are right. I am trying to lie to myself because I need another hobby like I need another hole in my head :D. However, I am tired of my knives being dull so I thought this place would be just the kick in the pants I need to finally research and buy a sharpening system. Just don't tell my girlfriend though. :cool:
 
Wallbright said:
Haha well in retrospect I believe you are right. I am trying to lie to myself because I need another hobby like I need another hole in my head :D. However, I am tired of my knives being dull so I thought this place would be just the kick in the pants I need to finally research and buy a sharpening system. Just don't tell my girlfriend though. :cool:
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We won't. What gets talked about on BF stays on Bf. Just remember rule of 10ths. Everything costs 10% of real value.
Great knives are about $30-$50. Just hope she never tries to buy you one. Then you're in trouble.
 
rubiconss said:
We won't. What gets talked about on BF stays on Bf. Just remember rule of 10ths. Everything costs 10% of real value.
Great knives are about $30-$50. Just hope she never tries to buy you one. Then you're in trouble.
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Haha I will have to keep that in mind. I think I am going to like this place. :D
 
I've had my deluxe lansky kit for a little more than a week and I love it. My only complaints are that one of the rods seem to be defective. When I tighten the rod into the stone, it turns out of position on it's own. It gets a little annoying but I just use the other rods in place of the defective one. Another problem I've encountered is that the stones are just a little small and I sometimes slip and bump the front of the stone into the edge. Other than that,IMO, it is a great sharpening kit for the price (I paid 30 flat on the bay) and you can achieve hair popping sharpness. I also recommend getting the mount as well. And I love how the ultra fine stone leave SOMEWHAT of a mirror polish.
 
Lansky kits are great I use a regular deluxe kit with added extra course diamond stone for reprofiling . I flattened a spot on the guide rods to help keep them lined up and I make sure to tighten the rods on a flat surface with the stones to keep my angles the same. Look around and you can find a lansky kit for a good price and it will last you for many years for all kinds of cutlery . They seem expensive but they are cheap if you look at the long lasting usefulness and sense of pride you can get for yourself in carrying a keen edge you maintained for yourself.
 
+1 and :thumbup: to the above comment, regarding the 'long term returns' on investment. My OBSESSION with sharpening literally began with a Lansky kit. Once I produced my first good edge on it, I couldn't sharpen enough of my knives fast enough. The rewards from that have far exceeded the cost of the kit. If you use it persistently, and make sure to learn as much as you can about the process while doing so, it'll definitely pay off.
 
I had a set and couldn't get the hang of it. I prefer a SharpMaker, although my results there could be better.

I think the problem is more with me than with the equipment, but I just couldn't get it going with the Lansky.
 
To help keep the rods aligned, Flatten a spot on the guide rods as suggested in a previous post, and also flatten the end of the thumb screws.
 
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