Should I get the Lansky Sharpening system? (new at this)

New_World · **on:** March 21, 2011, 03:05:03 AM

I am looking at the Lansky Deluxe Kit.
I'm new to sharpening.

I am thinking this is what a want, but I am open to suggestions on what to start with.
Is it better to start with some cheap stones?

link
http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Deluxe-5-Hone-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8IEA4/ref=pd_sim_sg_3

New_World · **Reply #1 on:** March 21, 2011, 04:08:17 AM

they also have a professional lansky model for a couple dollars more.

whats the difference?

http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Professional-Sharpening-System-Serrated/dp/B001KN3OKO/ref=sr_1_cc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1300672686&sr=1-3-catcorr

diabolicturtle · **Reply #2 on:** March 21, 2011, 05:18:24 AM

I have the GATCO version of this, they work really well for re profiling, and fixing nicks, but they can chew off a pretty good amount of metal if your not to careful, I would recommend buying a decent stone in addition to this, so you can practice with it (ideally with a cheap knife) and if you really mess up the edge you can still fix it.

ironraven · **Reply #3 on:** March 21, 2011, 05:21:23 AM

I started with one of these, and when I'm fixing a badly abused edge, I'll set it up. The stones aren't too bad, but the coarse is very coarse.

New_World · **Reply #4 on:** March 21, 2011, 05:39:00 AM

thanks for the reply.

I am looking at the Gatco version of this now.
Now I can't decide which one I want.

Edit:

I've pretty much decided I want the Gatco or Lansky.

Gatco - $42 - (that includes buying an extra stone)
http://www.gatcosharpeners.com/product/sharp_systems/edgemate_sys.mgi?mgiToken=41D30B03124F3306B5

or
Lansky 32.88
http://www.amazon.com/Lansky-Deluxe-5-Hone-Sharpening-System/dp/B000B8IEA4/ref=sr_1_cc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1300677153&sr=1-1-catcorr

Jors · **Reply #5 on:** March 21, 2011, 08:10:19 AM

New_World,
I have been using the Lansky kit (5 stone version) since 1985 and it is still the only set that I am using.
I am of the opinion that the three stone version is good enough as I don't use the very course stone neither the very fine one.
When I do a knife for the very first time I use the course (not ultra course) to take off metal, then medium (220) and then fine(600). I then can shave hair. The ultra fine (1200) is just a waste of time.

Due to the fact that the stones are always at the exact same angle I just do about two swipes with the medium stone and hone with the fine - shaving sharp every time.

By using this type of sharpening system (several makes do), you remove the minimum of metal and after a hundred sharpenings you will not notice any wear at all. Try doing this by hand and you will wear down the blade very soon. This will be your very best investment you will ever make.

Styerman · **Reply #6 on:** March 21, 2011, 05:08:27 PM

The Lansky system works , I had one , but much prefer the Spyderco Sharpmaker . I found the Lansky too much of a PITA to bother with .

Chris

Inzelique · **Reply #7 on:** March 21, 2011, 10:05:53 PM

I picked up the lansky turnbox with the 4 rods, and it has made sharpening stupid easy.

it only cost me $13 at academy. one of the best investments i can think of. one day I may upgrade to the Sharpmaker, but I don't see a need to yet

Tsquare · **Reply #8 on:** March 21, 2011, 10:28:54 PM

I have the five stone model lansky and it worked great to take the serrations off a swisstool spirit, using the ultra course stone. I like the lansky but the the sharpmaker is much faster setup for general use.

Craig · **Reply #9 on:** March 22, 2011, 09:03:23 AM

Quote from: Styerman on March 21, 2011, 05:08:27 PM

The Lansky system works , I had one , but much prefer the Spyderco Sharpmaker . I found the Lansky too much of a PITA to bother with .

Chris

Same here. The Lansky works fine but I haven't used mine much since my Sharpmaker arrived; the Sharpmaker being much more convenient.

New_World · **Reply #10 on:** March 22, 2011, 09:15:03 PM

i went ahead about bought the lansky system.

I think it will be a good place to start and its pretty cheap at $32.

I may get something else later if i feel the need to. (sharpmaker or an edge pro)

Ashley · **Reply #11 on:** March 23, 2011, 03:06:03 AM

I started out with the sharpmaker and hated it. I then got a lansky and love it. Different strokes for different folks.

Styerman · **Reply #12 on:** March 23, 2011, 04:07:18 PM

A quick word of advice , with any angle guide system , apply sharpie marker to the edge , just to be sure you are hitting the right spots . The trick behind all sharpening is to remove the right metal , and no more than nescessary .

Chris

New_World · **Reply #13 on:** March 24, 2011, 05:52:04 PM

the lansky is going to be here today.
can't wait practice while messing up cheap knives! =)

dks · **Reply #14 on:** April 01, 2011, 10:19:29 AM

I have the deluxe too and though not all the stones are used regularly it’s good to have the option available to you.

The Lansky comes with some fixed sharpening angles which may not match the original angles of your knives, so some work is needed first to re-sharpen the knives to match the available Lansky angles.
Once this is done it’s a lot easier/faster to sharpen when needed.

I also took pictures of the knives being sharpened, showing which angle setting I used for each knife, so I don’t need to re-figure out which angle to use every time I need to sharpen them. I just look at the reference picture.

Finally, make sure the rods are straight and are flat on a table before you fix them to the stones, as these factors will affect the sharpening angle, and use medium to low pressure when sharpening.