Sharpening/sharpener HELP!!!

dustd3

dustd3

Joined
Jul 7, 2014
Messages
133
Ok I posted previously about sharpeners. I got the lansky system and absolutely hate it. I am having a hard time getting any sort of decent edge with it. I've tried different things with it and nothing seems to work.

So I want something different. I have about 10 different knives that I would like to rotate in my edc but I can't get most of them sharp to my liking.


At this point freehand stones and the like are out. I just wouldn't be confident at this point. I will take all suggestions but I am not spending several hundred dollars on a system right now. I know the suggestions are going to be work sharp etc, but I cannot afford that.

So something that is easy to use and works. I'm not even looking for a mirror polish/hair popping edge. It would be nice, but given my current situation I'm not to confident I can get there.
 
Have you tried the spyderco sharpmaker, I use it free hand and sometimes in its slot
 
Rappy said:
Have you tried the spyderco sharpmaker, I use it free hand and sometimes in its slot
Click to expand...
No. But in my own research that's my first choice. However the lansky was my first choice last time and that didn't get me very far!
 
Just what Rappy said, When i first started sharpening back in the day, I tried all kinds of useless sharpening systems, last five years Ive progressed from the Sharp-maker, to the Edge Pro Apex and to the penultimate free hand Japanese Whetstones. I have to say, the is nothing quite like taking some wonky grind some of these knife companies put out, or a worn down edge and putting the most beautiful, polished, sharp edge you've ever seen, its very therapeutic to me, and very, very satisfying and rewarding. Good luck.
 
Its perfect for my needs, if you keep your angle consistent it'll keep your knives sharp easily.
I also maintain the edge with a leather strop so I really don't take it to the spyderco too often.

[video=youtube;s2DDpB8Pjho]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2DDpB8Pjho[/video]
 
I've been using a Lansky for years and don't have any issues with it. Are you using all three stones when you sharpen a knife? Are you using a sharpie to mark the edge to determine the angle you need? Are you feeling a burr after each stone? Are you getting the burr off before you use the next stone? Are you keeping the guide rod steady and not letting it float in the angle slot? Are you putting the knife blade in the middle to upper part of the clamp? Do you have a strop for the final cleaning of the burr?
It may take watching some videos to getting better at it. The reason I don't buy a high end system is because the Lansky has performed the job I'm after. I also have a KME system that is better than the Lansky. I am now using both systems for my knives
 
Ajack60 said:
I've been using a Lansky for years and don't have any issues with it. Are you using all three stones when you sharpen a knife? Are you using a sharpie to mark the edge to determine the angle you need? Are you feeling a burr after each stone? Are you getting the burr off before you use the next stone? Are you keeping the guide rod steady and not letting it float in the angle slot? Are you putting the knife blade in the middle to upper part of the clamp? Do you have a strop for the final cleaning of the burr?
It may take watching some videos to getting better at it. The reason I don't buy a high end system is because the Lansky has performed the job I'm after. I also have a KME system that is better than the Lansky. I am now using both systems for my knives
Click to expand...
I think a lot of the issue is with me. I have tried all those little tricks and sometimes it has worked and sometimes it hasnt. The set screws on my system always stick up too far for me to get one side evenly. I'm not saying the system is flawed, it's just not the one for me.

As for the strop, no. I got the strop attachment for the lansky and it is terrible. I also do need some recommendations on a strop and where to get one.
 
Agree with Ajack60 above. I too have used the Lansky system without a lot of trouble.

But ... NO sharpening system will work without learning how to use it. As with any skill, you must put in the time to practice, practice, practice.

BTW, the Spyderco Sharpmaker is primarily to maintain a sharp edge but will not sharpen a dull edge. For that you need to buy the diamond rods but then you'll have ~$100 spent total.
 
For a strop get a piece of leather about a foot long and some mother mcguires metal polish at walmart. Strop away. Cheap and easy.
 
dustd3 said:
Ok I posted previously about sharpeners. I got the lansky system and absolutely hate it. I am having a hard time getting any sort of decent edge with it. I've tried different things with it and nothing seems to work.

So I want something different. I have about 10 different knives that I would like to rotate in my edc but I can't get most of them sharp to my liking.


At this point freehand stones and the like are out. I just wouldn't be confident at this point. I will take all suggestions but I am not spending several hundred dollars on a system right now. I know the suggestions are going to be work sharp etc, but I cannot afford that.

So something that is easy to use and works. I'm not even looking for a mirror polish/hair popping edge. It would be nice, but given my current situation I'm not to confident I can get there.
Click to expand...

You might take a look at the block I make, links below. It doesn't do it for you, but makes it a lot easier to freehand a real nice edge. Ultimately freehand is the way to go - own the process and the results.
 
I started with the lansky in the beginning. Pretty good system but will be a headache when it comes to slightly bigger fixed blades. Housing the sharper and strops. .5 micrograms
 
Now that it's under M T & E, look up the stickies, especially the one started by magnanimous. Whatever the system used, understanding what sharpening is about will be very useful.

Also I second HH's block (washboard) and his recent video he put up. Good luck!
 
I just picked up the KME sharpening system and love it!

I have sharpened everything from my case folders to my 12" Japanese chefs knives with ease. It does a great job!

Just my 2 cents!
 
Systems are a crutch, buy a stone and do it the way it's been done for more than 1000 years.
 
I am willing to bet if you used a Sharpie on the edge you would see your mistake. I have used a Lansky system for many years. Once I started with the Sharpie I never had an issue. Also, my Lansky came with 2 screws-- a long one and a short one. Lastly, it is important to "float" (I think that's what it's called) your Lansky stones with the supplied honing oil. They clog easily and the efficiency decreases fast.

Now I am trying to learn the Edge Pro Apex......
 
Well if you "hate" using something I guess you're better off moving onto something else.
There are many methods of sharpening a knife the most basic being a stone that you use to rub against the edge until you achieve the level of sharpness desired.
I like using the Lansky but like most things there are flaws...like all things you have to learn to work around or with the flaws to achieve what you desire. But also, as with all things, practice, patience and consistency are required to learn and become good at any skill.

As you try other sharpening methods tell us about your experiences.
My suggestions are to use the right stone/hone for the knife material...diamond hones work better on the harder "super" steels while "natural" stones/hones work well, as do diamond, on steels that aren't in that category. I do use natural stones on my harder steel knives but they are used during the grit progression process...I use the diamond hones to start the sharpening or reprofiling process and move up the grits as I come to the limits of the stone/hone in use.
 
Thanks guys. I understand that the issues I am having with the lansky derive from myself. I think there are just too many variables for me to keep trying to use it. Even freehand with stones I think would be easier once I learned.
The KME is also an option.

HH maybe I'm just stupid...but I can't find your links...
 
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