Which sharpening system?

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fatherhudson

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Apr 3, 2012
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I want to buy a sharpening system that i can use to set the bevels on my knives. I've had good luck with the sharpmaker on many of my knives but it doesn't work on more than a few of them. The 2 systems i'm considering (mostly because they're the only systems i'm aware of) are the lansky and the edge pro apex. Will the lanksy be good enough? I don't need a mirror edge, just a nice even angle that i can touch up on my sharpmaker. I'd appreciate feedback from owners of the lansky. how good are they? how much of a PITA are they?

Note: I already own a few stones but freehand sharpening isn't really my thing so please, no advice on freehand sharpening. I'm looking for a guided system so that i can set consistent edge angles. After the angles are set I'll touch them up on one of my stones or my sharpmaker.
 
The EdgePro is in a TOTALLY different category than the Lansky, honestly. It costs 3X as much, and performs to an entirely different level. Between those two? The Apex hands down, no question. The versatility and finish is out of the realm of the Lansky.

In other options, you might want to check out the DMT Aligner. Generally like the Lansky, but uses the DMT range of folding diamond hones.
 
If all you need is a clean bevel, and aren't concerned about the mirror finish, a Lansky (or Gatco or DMT Aligner) can serve your needs. I use my Lansky and DMT Aligner/Magna-Guide setups for just that purpose, after which I do all my maintenance freehand (usually on sandpaper). Don't have to spend a ton of money either. Just the clamp and a couple of hones (like a coarse & fine) can accomplish a lot. As suggested above, the DMT Aligner & Magna-Guide would be worth a look, used with perhaps a Coarse/Fine Dia-Fold. You could do something similar with Lansky's setup, as the clamp, guide rods and hones can be purchased individually. Don't necessarily need to buy an entire kit, to figure out if it'll work for you. I'd recommend the diamond hones, from Lansky, as they'll be much more useful on more modern steels.

The Lansky clamp is better at holding very small blades, such as found on traditional pocketknives. If your blades are larger, such as found on more modern tactical style knives, I think the Aligner from DMT is probably the easiest to set up and use.
 
I am quite happy with my Lansky system. The clam is a bit small but it works for everything I have. Good for the price!
 
Yeah i know the edge pro is in a whole different class but the price reflects that. Thanks for the advice Obsessedwithedges (and others). you told me exactly what i needed to hear. I've decided to hold off on buying the edge pro or lanksy for a bit and instead i ordered some really coarse ruby stones for my sharpmaker. I'll see how effective they are and if the sharpmaker still isn't doing the trick i'm going to try a lansky with a few coarse stones.
 
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