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Sharpmaker vs. Lansky

sabre cat

sabre cat

Joined
Jul 4, 2014
Messages
6,176
I have an old Lansky system with some problems. It is about time for a replacement. Should I just get another Lansky or go with a Spyderco Sharpmaker? Your thoughts, please, about each system. Or any other system to sharpen knives for that matter.

Thanks.
 
This isn't directly what you asked, but personally, I've found that I like freehand sharpening.

One main reason I like it is once the skill has been learned, you can use pretty much anything abrasive to sharpen. I actually usually use wet/dry sandpaper for most of my sharpening.

Anyway, just another idea for you.

No idea about sharpmaker vs Lansky though. Someone else will have to give input for that comparison.
 
I have both. I have found that with a little practise, the Sharpmaker is faster and more versatile. I keep mine in the kitchen. I never used to do that with the Lansky.
 
The Sharpmaker has the advantage of more options from the manufacturer, but both have nearly unlimited options for things like new rods if you look at aftermarket rods. The Sharpmaker is a much more slick package, but the rods have an insane amount of wiggle room so angles can get off, while most circular rod systems will have less room due to the more simple design.
 
I also have only had the Lansky system. First the stone one and now the diamond one.
 
OP, which Lansky did you have ?

I had an angle guide type set that didn't work well for me at all. Id go Spyderco. While i don't have the sharp maker, i do have the same abrasives in my Profile set, and would highly recommend them. Just keep in mind the Sharpmaker is made for light work and honing. Would work awesome as long as your angles matched and you like to keep your knives constantly sharp.
 
Jamesh Bond said:
OP, which Lansky did you have ?

I had an angle guide type set that didn't work well for me at all. Id go Spyderco. While i don't have the sharp maker, i do have the same abrasives in my Profile set, and would highly recommend them. Just keep in mind the Sharpmaker is made for light work and honing. Would work awesome as long as your angles matched and you like to keep your knives constantly sharp.
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I don't know the model number. It is one of their systems with the cast metal clamp that fits on your blade. The clamp is my main complaint. The darn thing cracked on me. Also have a couple of stones that have come loose from the bases because of poor glue jobs.

My heart is not set on a Sharpmaker. I am considering it because it looks super easy to use and the price is right. My wife is very understanding about all my knives but it is time for me to buy some stuff for her, considering that I have bought eight blades recently. I know that she will not be very pleased if I purchase something like a Wicked Edge.

Amos Paul & wilejoe suggested something called KME. I need to check that out. Any other ideas or suggestions?
 
I just got a sharpmaker awhile ago. just used it to sharpen 2 kitchen knives & though my initial thoughts on using it hadme wanting to sell the damn thing i'm glad i waited to use it properly as intended. with that said both the larger santoku and the much samller one both cut paper well, and shaved hair.

doesn't seem like the knife is going to end up being that sharp as you go through the process and check the edge. yet, it sure ends up that way. :thumbup: I'm glad i kept the thing now actually. I can only get better at using it with more knives sharpened under my belt, but that's a no brainer.

i will say that the feel of the angles is somewhat fluctuating in a strange way imho, but nothing more experience wouldn't remedy to the point where it was not a big issue. so far as design flaw that allows this; i say they should place a seated fixture inside the base to give the stones more stability. that would solve the issue imho.

i wanted to stay away from the high cost of the wicked edge/edge pro and others. my expensive custom knives are sharp enough so i don't need to reprofile an edge & only need to touch it up if i choose to use them. yet, most won't actually cut anything as i like to keep my higher end knives minty. :)
 
One thing I noticed recently about the Lansky system is that there are 3 different types of clamps available. I found this out because I broke the original one (cast with holes in it). The new one I got has rubber pads on my the Jaws. My neighbor just went to Smokey Mountain Knife Works in TN and they offer a third model with no rubber, solid aluminum and a tiny recess on the end of the jaws.
I say all that to say they have likely made changes due to some issues. The newer model might be better for you.

Also, replacing the red screw piece with a smaller set screw will help with lower angles!
 
The Sharpmaker is great for maintenance but not putting an edge on a completely dull knife nor re-profiling a bevel. I like to think of my Sharpmaker as the best honing rod system out there (yes I know they technically do different things).

Then again, my personal experience with the Lansky was that it wasn't very good at re-profiling either and was terrible for touch ups...
 
justsomedude said:
The Sharpmaker is great for maintenance but not putting an edge on a completely dull knife nor re-profiling a bevel. I like to think of my Sharpmaker as the best honing rod system out there (yes I know they technically do different things).

Then again, my personal experience with the Lansky was that it wasn't very good at re-profiling either and was terrible for touch ups...
Click to expand...

Get the coarse diamond rods for the SM, cuts faster.
 
I love the Lansky with the ceramic hones but I use the DMT clamp instead. Its great for re profiling and doing some serious work. I use it on most of my knives once a year or so to get a good starting point using up to the fine or extra fine hones. From there I can strop or use the waterstones to really refine the edge. The lansky is kind of a pain for quick touch ups because with the extra fine hones you need to get the clamp in the exact same spot as last time. I had a sharpmaker at one point and sold it in less than a week. I found the angles didnt really fit any of my knifes and if a quick touch up was needed the benchstones and strop made a much better edge much quicker.
 
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