Sharpener choices (shaky hands)

D

daddÿ

Joined
Aug 9, 2009
Messages
163
Part A:

I have been reading through many of the threads on this site as well as reviews on other sites about different sharpeners; as well as watching different videos about said sharpeners. And based upon what I have seen I think that the (lansky) type sharpeners may fit the bill (think gatco.)

I don't really have steady hands, pretty shaky by most standards of thought. I have looked at flat stones and the spyderco systems and I really don't think I would be able to hold a consistent angle at all. The lansky type systems seem to be able to help a person keep a consistent angle.

Any thoughts on this?

Now part B:

I will using a sharpening systems on the following kind of and steels (for now), most knives will not have any kind of dramatic re-curve or any odd blade angles or types that may throw my plans into the trash.

D2
440c
154cm
1095
INFI (in the future....distant future)
M4
M2
Cheap steels used in many cheap kitchen knives
S30V


Based upon the info given, as well as any other that may need to be provided. What would be recommended for a person like me? A lansky-ish (gatco....I say gatco because I have a Cabelas gift card) system? And if so what would be recommended? Something like the following: CLICKY HERE with some other stone based hones to accompany a set like this?

Any insight will be appreciated. If there is anything else that y'all think I may have missed let me know and I will try to ask/re-write this post to better fit.

Thank you for your help.

PS: Sorry I should have mentioned I am budget limited around/ at most $100 to start off (to use for the next year or so.)

daddÿ
 
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An edge pro?

edgepro001%20006.jpg


The EP is very expensive though, they run from $150-$400 depending on which kit you get.
 
It depends how shaky your hands are, but I second the EdgePro. As long as you can hold the knife onto the holder you're good.
 
I edited my original post. As must as I would love the EdgePro thats out of my price range.

Thank you for responding and sorry for not putting a $$ amount in my original post.

As for how shaky my hands are, I think I wouldn't be able to hold a constant angle on a Sharpmaker but the Lanksy type systems seem to fit the bill.


daddÿ
 
daddÿ;7446031 said:
As for how shaky my hands are, I think I wouldn't be able to hold a constant angle on a Sharpmaker but the Lanksy type systems seem to fit the bill.
Click to expand...

Why do you want to hold a constant angle? A slight convexity has never been an issue. Really, any stone-based sharpening system would work well, including all the ones you've mentioned.
 
DMT aligner with the complete set of diamond hones, cheap and will give you the results to rival even the best systems.
 
Where are you located? I think that with a little practice, the Sharpmaker would work for you. If you are in MN, ND, or SD, you can give mine a try. I'm sure that if you know someone who has one, they would let you try it. You can shake all you want, if you can hold it straight & let it slide down the triangles, it will work for you. If you do a little research & buy it right, you can always come out on it if it doesn't work.
 
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I used the Lansky, and it was ok. However, saying that, and knowing that Knifenut knows his stuff, I would lean towards his recommendation. The Lansky had some frustrations such as the tip bevel angle will be diffferent from the base bevel angle. Also, the stones load up quickly because they are small. You will need to tape the spine for the clamp, and also get the pedestal to mount the clamp on. It will sharpen knives, and it was great to learn on, but I being at the back end of it, I would try another method. Hence the knifenut recommendation.
 
I like the looks of that GATCO system. I looked at it today in my CABELAS catalog and if I counted right, it has six different angle choieses. The LANSKY has four, and the SMITH that I use offten has two. Knowing that I am putting the angle on the knike that I want, PRICELESS!!!!! HL
 
I think one of the rod-guided systems (Lansky, Gatco, EdgePro) would be an easy way to start, if you're not comfortable with free-handing it. If you're already leaning towards the Gatco system, get the Diamond set. It's within your price range (especially if you've got a coupon), and the diamond hones will make quick, easy work of setting the initial bevel and producing the burr on the edge.

I've been using the Lansky system for a while now, and I've just recently begun to experiment with the Gatco Diamond System. Both of these systems will get the job done. The Gatco's hones are larger & wider than the Lansky's, and their holders are also bigger and therefore more comfortable in the hand. Any system you start with will have a bit of a 'learning curve' and, whichever system you choose, just remember to have patience while you're getting acquainted with the setup & techniques in using it. Here are some tips:

1. Whichever system you use (Lansky or Gatco), get yourself a small vise (attached to bench or countertop) that you can use to hold the clamp. The 'pedestal' that's optional with the Lansky system will hold it, but it won't keep the clamp from turning/swivelling while you're using it. A small vise that's securely mounted down will make sure that NOTHING moves while you're concentrating on the honing of your edge. This makes a big difference while you're still trying to 'learn' the system; you don't have to worry about anything moving & distracting you from the process.

2. Start with a hone that will allow you to set the bevel & produce the burr on the edge with a MINIMUM of pressure. Let the GRIT do the work. You only need enough pressure to make sure that the hone stays flush against the edge as you work, no more than that. This will also make a big difference in how fatigued you get (or don't) while you're working. So far, with all of the blades I've re-profiled, I've never used anything more than a COARSE hone to start and, most of the time, I start with a MEDIUM (diamond) hone. I've never used my EXTRA COARSE hones at all. The diamond hones make it easy. I lubricate them with water, pausing every couple of minutes or so to rinse them off & wipe the blade with a paper towel. And, the paper towel will help you see if/when the burr forms; the paper will 'catch' on the burr and fray.

3. Make SURE that you produce a burr on the edge before proceeding with the finishing hones. This is all-important. Producing the burr is what will allow you to get a true, well-defined edge. Everything after that is basically just dressing it up. The finishing hones will help to clean up most of the burr and begin to polish the edge. You might still have a small burr or 'wire edge' on the blade after this. Stropping should take care of whatever's left.

4. Keep your hones CLEAN. I use some Comet cleanser with water and a green Scotch-Brite type scrubbing pad to clean my hones after every sharpening session. The hones will work a lot better if you keep 'em clean.

I suppose the only 'knocks' against the Lansky or Gatco systems are that it's somewhat difficult to re-position the clamp in exactly the same location on the blade, each time you sharpen. Also, on longer blades (more than maybe 4 or 5 inches), you'll likely have to move the clamp, depending upon which portion of the blade you're sharpening. On very small blades, like a pen blade on a Swiss Army Knife for example, you might have difficulty getting the clamp to hold it securely, AND it might be difficult or impossible to sharpen those small blades at the lower angle settings (the hone will 'sharpen' the edge of the clamp). To aid in holding small blades, some masking tape wrapped around the spine of the blade will give the clamp a little more 'grip'.

Hope this helps with your decision. Good luck!
 
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I have the Gatco Ultimate (diamond hone). It works well within the limitations or quirks that are mentioned previously. I started out by sharpening less expensive blades (ie. Aus8) and learning the technique before going after D2. Using a magic marker on the edge helps. - Phil
 
Thanks for the input everyone. From the looks of it I may run with a Gatco system +sharpie as well as stropping.

On top of the gift card, Cabelas just sent me 2 different $10 coupons in the mail. I can only use one at a time but that will help to reduce the cost. I will not be buying anything till it goes on sale (thinking black friday) so there is plenty of time for other suggestions / recommendations.

Once again, thanks for the responses.

daddÿ
 
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