Looking to upgrade from the Lansky.

G

Giunta

Joined
Aug 8, 2006
Messages
46
Hi all,
I've been using the Lansky setup for about a year now and it's not really working as I'd hoped. It seems a bit too flimsy and I haven't been able to sharpen my small blades to 17deg because the clamp hasn't allowed it. Overall though it takes quite a while and I don't get too get far. Every now and then I have access to a water stone which I like so I wanted to get something like that for home. The only problem I have with that is it seems like more of a tool to re-grind an edge if badly damaged. Most of the time though I don't need that sort of firepower. :P I've searched this forum and there are two things that have stuck out. First is sharpening system that re-profile/grind and edge...... mostly coarse benchstones, lansky, gatco, edge pro, belt sanders and bench grinders. Then there's the touch ups which you use more of the fine stones and strops. What I'm looking for is the whole lot.

I have considered one of the following, Extra Coarse, Coarse, Fine and Extra fine 6" DMT Diamond Whetstones. Edge Pro kit(not sure which). Bench Grinder with the Razor Sharp Edgemaking System. As I understand, any knife can benefit from a strop no matter how it was sharpened? The Razor Sharp system might be a little bit different because one of the belts are paper and use a wax(if I read correctly). But in any case, should I always use a strop(as per the sharpening kung-fu master :P)?

I'm leaning towards the bench grinder or the bench stones. I'm assuming the benchstones are the hardest(need to hold a constant angle) and because of that probably take longer than something on a motor or a guided system(edge pro). Speed isn't a huge issue but it's definitely something to think about because I get asked to sharpen quite a few knives.

I guess they all work and it's a personal preference thing(which can get quite heated :P) but I was more interested in covering all my bases. It's probably going to end up costing a bit and I just want to make sure I have every situation covered. I'm fairly certain all of the above can regrind edges but as for maintaining an edge I'm kind of lost. At the end of the day after using a knife I'd like to quickly touch it up. Is that where a strop comes into play or would you use a fine grit benchstone(even a DMT Diafold)?


Any advice would be great.
Thanks.
 
go with the wheels. stevebot is a member who sells the wheels. he gives bladeforum members a discount. i have used the wheels since the early 90 and i wouldnt trade them for anything. the kit has 2 wheels, one with a grit coating along with a wax to keep heat down and the other has no coating other than a white rouge which you apply and slots every few inches to aid in keeping heat down. if time is important to you along with getting a razor sharp edge every time you sharpen a knife, go with a set of these wheels. you can also make money by sharpening knives for other people.
i made over $700. in a weeks time one deer season. you can also sharpen scissors, pinking shears, sheet metal shears and any other straight edge tool. i dont sharpen lawn mower blades because it takes too long and they dont need to be razor sharp. you will need at least a 1/2 hp 110 motor that runs at least 1725 rpm. i found out that the high rpm motors run too fast for my liking and creates more heat. you cant go wrong with these wheels, just dont buy the cheap copycat ones. i have a set that i bought from koval knives and i dont like them. they dont do as good a job as the origonal wheels.
 
Thanks for the help Richard. Is the second buffing wheel similar to a strop or is it meant to work differently? Do you ever use that wheel to touch up blades or only use it after you've used the gritted wheel? For instance, if you bought a new knife that was sharp but you could get it sharper, what would the process be?

Just making sure I have all the bases covered before I go and buy a bench grinder. :D
 
I have no experience with the wheels, but I got an EdgePro Apex a week or so ago and I love it. It works well to quickly remove material, and polishes nicely too. I have been using my Spyderco Sharpmaker to put a microbevel on at the end, and I think its' a great combo.
 
if you get a new knife and run it over the buffing wheel, it will make it razor sharp. its similar to a leather strop only better. dont buy a bench grinder, all you need is a 1/2 hp 1725 rpm motor and an arbor. the bench grinders in my opinion run too fast and create more heat. the wheels have a wax that cuts down on heat but i have water close by if needed. i can take a dull knife and have it shaving sharp in minutes. (one exception, when i sharpen a knife i made for the first time, it takes quite a while since i'm starting with a 1/32" flat and the edge is hardened to around 60-65 c rockwell.) here is a link to stevebot's website. he is a member here and sells the wheels at a discount to members. http://users.ameritech.net/knives/paper.htm
 
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