Sharpeners, for the record...

[daddymac]

I have been reading through a bunch of posts regarding sharpeners and stones and decided on either a Lansky or a Sharpmaker system. It sounds like stones are great for the experienced hardcore folks, but I am neither of those. Before I order I wanted to ask for one last round of opinions based on my specific needs. I use a Scandi camp knife the most, but also have a number of good quality kitchen knives. So, which system is better based on these needs?

 

[Lucky Bob]

+1 vote for the Sharpmaker. Its only weakness is if the blades are too obtuse, but that's easily solved by leaning a cheap-o coarse hone against the rods and rebeveling using that.

 

[Twindog]

Between these two, I'd choose the Sharpmaker, too, mostly because it is so much easier to use. However, the Sharpmaker offers only two angles -- 30 or 40 degrees. If your knife edges do not match these angles, you would need to reprofile or mess around by raising one end of the Sharpmaker block.

 

[RussMo]

Have you thought about Edge-Pro? It cost a bit but it is outstanding.

 

[Hard H2O]

I use a GATCO kit. It is similar to the Lansky. The GATCO however offers 6 angles.

I have the GATCO professional kit. I have added a coarse diamond hone, an ultra fine hone and an ultimate finishing hone to my GATCO. I finish up with leather strops loaded with polishing compound.

The GATCO and I assume the Lansky are very easy to use and the learning curve is short.

I would definately recommend a rod guided system.

 

[Peregrin]

I use the Lansky myself and have the diamond hone set. I've used Lansky's for years and they work well for me. Like Hard H20 I finish on a leather strop using the green compound. A touch up on the strop will bring the edge back to hair popping sharp.