Sharpening for 560 series

prelude92

prelude92

Joined
Dec 23, 2012
Messages
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I am interested in finding a sub-$50 range angle sharpener for my ZT's. I know this might not be in the right forum, but I figured some 550/560 users here might have a certain preference. I have a couple diamond plates, but I'd pretty much like a sharpening system that will allow me to clamp the blade in some sort of vice or contraption, and set the desired angle. Any ideas? Thanks for the input.
 
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I'd go Lansky. I just received one from a very gracious friend and I love it. I might not be able to get knives razor sharp yet, but I'm happy with the results.
 
I'm thinking about getting a DMT A-PROKIT. They can be had for around $50 and get good reviews for edge setting. I'd finish with something else though, like the Sharpmaker.
 
Well if you already have plates just get the dmt aligner, lots of people seem to like em. I used a lansky for a long time, they work. Ever since I got the edge pro apex, nothing even come close to the level of perfection that it makes. Id say just save up and get an EP.
 
Im all for saving up and getting an edge pro, but I havent. Mostly because ill buy a new knife befor. An edge pro lol. I have got some extreemly sharp edges out of thenlansky systems. For elmax id go with the delux kit. The coarse stone sucks so if you would order a diamond stone from them you would be set. I shapened my 551 with the delux kit and have a nice polished edge. Is it as beautiful as an edge pro? No, but it hair popping sharp. I could easily shave my face with it. I also use it for my chris reeve and emerson, benchmades, and ill use It on my 561 as soon as I dull the factory edge a bit. Lansky is cheap and can be bought at most outdoor or sporting stores.
 
Wicked Edge. 15 degree primary bevel with a 22 degree microbevel.


whoops: $50 limit means you can't even buy a sharpmaker. :(
 
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Spyderco sharpmaker is a good budget system, the 0560 is pretty easy to do on it.
 
Thanks everyone. I will take that in to consideration. It really sucks that the edge pro and products like that are that expensive. I would send them in, but I would be lost without them for weeks! Lol. Plus I would like to be able to perform my own sharpenening in the end.
 
theres the smiths and lansky systems. Honestly I wouldnt buy another apex. Ive owned one for years and hate it. My biggest gripe with it is that it doesnt actually clamp on to your blade so there is plenty of room to slip. My next sharpener will be a wicked edge.
 
I've used a DMT Aligner before, and it works well. They're the same surface as their larger interrupted-surface stones. They cut very aggressively on all the steels I've tried so far. Haven't had to sharpen Elmax yet, but it has handled S30V, S35VN, CPM-D2, and ZDP189 just fine.
 
Lanksy diamond kit, its a bit over 50, but on am%&#on its cheaper and will get the job done nicely
 
BrentD86 said:
Wicked wdge is awesome once you get the hang of it
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Yeah, I think I'd prefer the Wicket Edge if I were going to spend that kind of money on a sharpener. But I'm not that demanding. The main drawback to the SharpMaker is that it's a fixed edge and it's not very good for setting or reprofiling an edge. I was also told not to invest in the diamond sticks for the SharpMaker because it's so easy to miss and ruin a blade, and the sticks cost as much as an aligner anyway. I do have a set of superfine sticks for the SharpMaker, which gets stuff really sharp. I noticed that the DMT A-PROKIT gets better reviews than the Deluxe Aligner, and it's only slightly more expensive. One of my next purchases, I think.
 
I think the only difference between the DMT Aligner Pro Kit and Deluxe is the method of storage. The Pro Kit has the plastic case with foam inserts, whereas the Deluxe comes with a fabric pouch. Same stones, same clamp, same handle, same serration tool.
 
flarp said:
I think the only difference between the DMT Aligner Pro Kit and Deluxe is the method of storage. The Pro Kit has the plastic case with foam inserts, whereas the Deluxe comes with a fabric pouch. Same stones, same clamp, same handle, same serration tool.
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Thanks. I'd probably prefer the bag so you saved me some money. That's two I owe you. :-)
 
I have both the Sharpmaker and the Lansky system. They're both great! I use the sharp maker to touchup knives, and the Lansky system is for reprofiling a bevel.

I have found that I can put a stupidly sharp polished flat apexed bevel on any knife with the Lansky system. If you do go for it I highly recommend you get the stand or clamp attachment. Trying to get a perfectly flat bevel is awkward when you're holding the knife and clamp in your hands. It just takes some practice before you develop a process that works for you. I considered going for a Wicked Edge for a long time but I'm so glad I went Lansky instead. I have the ceramic set which works great, but for reprofiling high speed steels like ZDP-189 you should have a extra course diamond stone. I also have the sapphire stone for getting a mirror polish. You should also get yourself a 10x jewelers loupe for examining your bevel. You need to constantly check to see if your bevels are even and whether or not your burr is centered. Progress can be slow especially if you have to remove alot of material from a very hard steel. But as long as you're conscious of what your doing and take your time it'll come out perfect. It's a cool feeling when you realize that the sharpest knife you own has an edge that you put there.
 
I've been checking them out some more, and I think I'm going to go with one of the dmt packages. I have experience with those plates anyway, and I think it will do great for what I need it for. Plus I already have the red and blue plates a buddy from work gave me, so I'll have extra!
 
Don't use alot of force with diamond stones. Otherwise you'll knock the little diamonds off and the stone will be useless. Use light/moderate pressure.
 
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