Lansky System Angle-flaw

[Kenix]

Overall, I like the guided rod systems of sharpening. They are designed to be easy and effective. The biggest flaw, however, is that the angles indicated on the guide slots are measured from the slot to the end of the clamp. The angle actually becomes smaller when you add a blade to the end of the clamp.

I broke out the protractor, pencil, and ruler to get some approximations of the adjustment needed to get a desired angle. From a glance, it looks like on the Lansky that 1cm of blade past the end of the clamp is approximately good for 4 degrees. So sharpening on the 25 degree slot with a blade protruding 1cm past the clamp will actually give a 21 degree bevel. Has anyone else done this and can confirm?

 

[cj65]

I am sure you are good on your measurements. I guess it is their way of setting a standard, and letting the user choose what level to set the guide rods into. I moved past the Lansky, but it did help me learn some skills and attributes about sharpening. It is a good device, not great, just good.

 

[Keyman]

I have been using the Lansky system for years and have become quite accustom to it. For fine tuning the angles; I will slide the stone up(+) or down(-) the finger of the rod before clamping it to the rod. Using this method I have had no issues recreating the existing angles.

 

[cj65]

I have been using the Lansky system for years and have become quite accustom to it. For fine tuning the angles; I will slide the stone up(+) or down(-) the finger of the rod before clamping it to the rod. Using this method I have had no issues recreating the existing angles.

Absolutely important. I learned that the hard way. I have a real high bevel at the base of a 70's Case small Stockman from learning that lesson. When I give that knife to one of my kids, I will show them that, and tell them that is when I was learning how to sharpen.

To make the stroke longer on the Lansky, (and use more of the stone), I replaced the flag style thumb screws with thin profile head hex screws. The local hardware store had a thread match. It gained about a .5 inch of stroke.