Will a Lansky Sharpmaker dull a point?

L

Lavan

Joined
Nov 8, 2000
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This is sort of a reply to a Wharncliffe post, but I need some further info on the sharpmaker (which I don't own yet)

I use crock sticks. They work well. BUT.....I just noticed that they are also slightly dulling my WONDER KNIFE (The spydie Native III) and that can't be ALLOWED.

I googled Sharpmaker and couldn't find a picture.

I searched this forum but didn't find what I am looking for.

Which is: Are the sharpmaker stones ROUND or flat? And would they also dull a point?

Any links to a PICTURE of one ....being used....would be a great help.

Dunno why I have resisted buying one, but the ole crock sticks have worked so well.....but.....the point.....

Also where's best to buy the Lansky?

TIA
 
Sharpmaker rods are triangular. They will also dull a point very well if you aren't careful.

Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker 204MF:

From knifeworks.com:

sc204mf.jpg


From www.newgraham.com:

204sharp3.jpg
 
If I were you I'd skip the Lansky alltogether. I wish I had. I sold mine for 20 buck a while back. (diamond stones) Currently I have both the Sharpmaker and Edgepro Professional. Love 'em both. If i could only get one of the two and I was limited more on my budget I'd get the Edgepro Apex with the stone upgrade kit.

Bruce
 
What Akwacko said. Either that or put in some time practicing freehand. It's worth the effort.
 
I....meant....the Sharpmaker. That's Spyderco, isn't it?

Senility is so damn fun.

Sooooo.....what about the Sharpmaker? Do THEY dull points?

(if I keep up, I may want ONLY dull points) maybe even plastic knives. sheeeee.

I ...have...done it freehand, ...BUT....I'm ....AMERICAN!

Lazy. AND retired. No hope.

:D
 
I think the problems relate to technique, not equipment. One thing you need to understand about the Lansky, is that the bevel angles are selectable but no infinitely variable. That means you need to grind the bevels to one of the set angles with the coarse stone before you begin sharpening. Otherwise, it just won't work. The Lansky system will get a knife as sharp as it can be because it allows you to maintain the angle accurately throughout the process. The downside is that it is slow and cumbersome to use. The Edgepro is way faster but also way more expensive.

If your techniques tends to round over the bevels, the knife won't perform well. You need straight, crisp, accurate bevels. Take care.
 
I think this boils down to ," Is a round or flat piece of ceramic rubbing on the blade"?.

If its round, like crock sticks or early model Sharpmaker, then it is almost impossible not to round over the tip of any blade.

No matter what technique you use, that round rod, if allowed to go right to the tip, will in time round it over.

If you stop before you get to the tip, then the whole blade will not be evenly sharpened.

I believe this is one reason that the triangle hones were developed
for the Sharpmaker 204. But even then while using the large flat surface of the rod, you have to STOP before the tip has a chance to drop over the edge.

My suggestion for what its worth is get a Edge Pro Apex model
and all your sharpening problems will go away. You will waste your money on all the other systems out there and not be happy.
 
I can see duct taping a series of stones to a brass welding rod and getting an L-shaped piece of angle iron with a hole in it.

Poke rod in hole in angle iron and Swipe repeatedly.
The width of the stones would prevent going over the point.

Seems just as good as all the fancy stuff. I may try it.

Am I wrong?
 
Originally posted by Lavan
I can see duct taping a series of stones to a brass welding rod and getting an L-shaped piece of angle iron with a hole in it.

Poke rod in hole in angle iron and Swipe repeatedly.
The width of the stones would prevent going over the point.

Seems just as good as all the fancy stuff. I may try it.

Am I wrong?
Click to expand...

NO.......

If you have even a small amount of mechanical ability,
you can home make what you describe.

My first sharpener was similar to your idea except I uses an EZE-lap diamond file ( $15 ) and it worked.

I still have it in my collection although I like the sophistication, precision and repeatability of the Edge Pro.
 
Originally posted by Lavan
I can see duct taping a series of stones to a brass welding rod and getting an L-shaped piece of angle iron with a hole in it.

Poke rod in hole in angle iron and Swipe repeatedly.
The width of the stones would prevent going over the point.

Seems just as good as all the fancy stuff. I may try it.

Am I wrong?
Click to expand...
Yes. :)
Forget all that work. Just cut a 2x4 at what ever angle you want and glue on a piece of sandpaper at whatever grit you need. Works great and fast.
 
Regardless of the sharpening system you use, don't drag the very end of the blade off of the stone. Going "over the edge" is what's rounding the tip. I don't use the corners of the Sharpmaker stones for this reason, except on serrated edges. I use just the flats and I stop the stroke with the tip still on the stone. No more rounded ends and I have very sharp, pointy tips.
 
As has been pointed out, no sharpening system blunts tips. It's the user who blunts tips. Use it right, use it carefully, and you'll have no problems with the sharpmaker.

As I said in the Wharnie posts, Start your sharpening stroke at the tip and you can use the corners of the Sharpmaker in perfect confidence.

Phil
 
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