Lansky vs DMT systems?

fsatsil

fsatsil

Joined
Sep 15, 2009
Messages
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I want to get a new sharpening system and I really want an Edge Pro Apex but I really cant justify spending $200 for the small amount of sharpening that I do. So im trying to decide on either the DMT Aligner or the Lansky system. They are both pretty close in price and the main difference seems to be the hones. Both systems seem to get very good reviews and many people like them. Has anyone compared the two systems? Which do you prefer?? Is the sapphire polishing stone or the DMT XXfine stone fine enough to give a nice mirror polished edge? If not is there any reason why you couldnt use some polishing tape and attach it to the hones for a finer polish?? Well i guess thats it, I appreciate any opinions or ideas you guys may have.
Thanks
 
I have the Lansky, the Gatco and the DMT aligner. I have not had the DMT's for to long but they are my hands down favorite of that type of sharpener. I like the way the aligner will work with any bench stone as well. I have had no problems with the aligner but if it has a weak spot, it may be the synthetic screw that you tighten to lock the blade in the clamp. Who knows, it might last forever, it just looks a little weak. The extra/extra fine stone will leave a nice finish. You probably could use tapes with it. I am using the Diafold stones so I can carry one in the field.

If you get the DMT aligner kit, you can get the extra stone and all for about 75.00. If you get a edge pro later, your DMT stones can easly be made to work on that too. A win Win.

If you want more info you can PM me.
 
Have you tried free hand with the mouse pad ? I read all the posts here and am using a combo of different grits- a Sharpmaker and a strop with the green on it. Also am using diamond sprays on several surfaces and think I like wood the best. My next purchase is two DMT stones ( 4 grits) .I just kinda combined the knowledge here and am slowly moving along. having a great time and really enjoying it.These guys here are great !!
 
I too have the DMT, Lansky, and GATCO systems, and prefer the DMT. I like the fact that I can use the Aligner clamp with abrasives other than the ones that came with the set. I can use the angle adjustment rods sliding along the desk top as I sharpen on sandpaper or other stones and still hold consistent angles. Although as UTDJim says, its weak point seems to be the clamp screw, so far mine has held up fine and it's been used for a lot of years. Should it fail sometime in the future, a new clamp is only $9.95 if I wish to replace it.

GATCO and Lansky will sharpen edges just as well as the DMT, but the DMT can do thinks that neither the GATCO nor Lansky can. The DMT is more versatile. I often will put polishing tapes over the stones (turned upside down) to get even finer edges, and have made a strop in this same manner.

Stitchawl
 
The DMT Alinger is the one to buy as long as you get the diamond hones they work great.

I had a Lansky and it didn't hold a candle to the Alinger.

Eric
 
The DMT, with it's stone holders, works well with the Gatco clamp. My Gatco stones are worn a bit. I only use the mouse pad free hand mostly for Convex edges
 
It looks like the DMT Aligner is the way to go. Im just curious what range of angles does the Aligner have?? Id really like to use it to thin out some factory edges that are to steep. One more question, will the DMT Aligner be faster when re-profiling compared to freehand? I am pretty good freehand so the main reasons im thinking of getting the Aligner/Lansky is because i fogired it it may be easier and faster then freehand. What are your opinions?
thanks again.
 
It would not be faster, free hand might be a bit faster. However with the aligner, there will be no wasted strokes, every stoke will be at the set angle, this might save time in the long run. I use the belt sander if I have major re profiling to do.
 
fsatsil said:
will the DMT Aligner be faster when re-profiling compared to freehand?
Click to expand...

I have all 6 stones from XX Course down to EE Fine - with the XX Course I can grind the hell out of the knife steel and re-profile the edge very fast, then I work through the finer stones smoothing out the scratches until I have a near mirror finish. You can re-profile any steel to whatever angle in a pretty short time with the XX Course or X Course diamond hones, whether it is faster depends on exactly what it is that you are comparing it with.
 
Just curious what angle options the aligner has? it says it has 7 different angles but I haven't seen anything showing what those angles are??
 
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