Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

A place to share, learn, & show off sharpening tips, tricks, techniques, & tools for sharpening edges of all kinds.
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

Lansky1 wrote:One aspect that I don't thing has been bought up yet ... the Lanksy gets a perfect, I mean PERFECTLY shaped edge. No offense guys, but I can't imagine even the most skilled hand sharpener among us could get perfectly formed edges like a guided rod system can obtain. For practicality, it probably doesn't cut much better than a finely hand honed edge, but it sure looks better to me ...
Right you are, I have used the Lansky since 1982. And as far as sharpening small pen blades, the blade clamp does get in the way sometimes. What I do in that case is don't use the blade clamp, but hold the blade with the cutting edge facing up and use the Lansky stone freehand while trying to keep a uniform angle. On small pen blades it doesn't take that much. I too like that very uniform width of the sharpen line you can get with the Lansky.
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Colonel26
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by Colonel26 »

Mumbleypeg wrote:
KnifeSlinger#81 wrote:
Cletus Awreetus wrote:I don't know about you guys but in my experience, there just are not a lot of people who have a clue about sharpening a blade. I mean people that hunt and fish, etc let alone just take on average kitchen duty. I think the sharpening systems available these days are great but make no mistake, they ain't magic. You really need a good working understanding of the way an edge is formed or you're setting yourself up for frustration and failure even with what appears to be the most fool proof system.
I think you've got it exactly right Cletus.
True, but guys, it ain't rocket science either!

IMHO there's too many folks these days that are into instant gratification. If they can't master it in 5 minutes or less, many don't have the patience to learn it. They just quit and start looking for a machine to do it (or hire someone). JMO

Ken
+1. I’m with you and Cletus, and Paul.

The Lansky thing is alright. But in my experience it ain’t “perfect”. Still have to count passes, you have to go in an up and down motion and its not going to be the same every time, rods bend and have to be straightened, and clamps get in the way. And in my experience it’s easier to round the tip of a Clío blade quicker with a lansky than freehanded.

I do use one occasionally, but I still prefer stones.
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

I think you are doing something wrong if you are bending the rods on a Lansky sharpener. And in the 35 years I have been using one I have not once "counted passes".
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by Dinadan »

Jackh - any comments on the replies to your post?

Personally, I just use a stone and free hand sharpen. Until a few years ago I was not too picky about my stones and would just buy a combination stone at Lowe's or somewhere. Now I have switched to soft Arkansas stones and hardly ever use anything else. For my kitchen knives I use a six inch stone glued into a wood box: that gives me a bit more to hold on to and a bit more clearance for my fingers. For my pocket knives I usually use a four inch stone, either mounted on a paddle or just held free. I do count the passes: six to a side then switch for six on the other side, then switch again. Twelve passes on each side of the blade is good for my purposes, but then I do not try shaving with my knives.
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

Dinadan wrote:Jackh - any comments on the replies to your post?

Personally, I just use a stone and free hand sharpen. Until a few years ago I was not too picky about my stones and would just buy a combination stone at Lowe's or somewhere. Now I have switched to soft Arkansas stones and hardly ever use anything else. For my kitchen knives I use a six inch stone glued into a wood box: that gives me a bit more to hold on to and a bit more clearance for my fingers. For my pocket knives I usually use a four inch stone, either mounted on a paddle or just held free. I do count the passes: six to a side then switch for six on the other side, then switch again. Twelve passes on each side of the blade is good for my purposes, but then I do not try shaving with my knives.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by JACK OF ALL TIRADES »

My newly learned method, after a lifetime of no method, and never a sharp knife, is simple. I have a new, HF cheapo, large, two sided stone and a older two sided and much finer one. Instead of running the knife on the stone I hold the knife and polish the edge with the stone. It seems easier to hold an angle and goes really quickly. I doubt my knives come out better than anyones here but they all turn out pretty well or better.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by AR Norby »

I use a Smith's 6 inch fine diamond hone mounted on wood block that I've used for the last 15 years. It never seems to shoe wear and puts a hair popping edge on pocket knives, fixed blades and kitchen knives.. I do also have a Smith's version of the Lansky system that I use if re-profiling is called for.
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OLDE CUTLER
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by OLDE CUTLER »

I use this crock stick setup after sharpening with the Lansky to remove the wire edge and really smooth things up. It will also touch up an edge that is still relatively sharp. When I first got it, I had to laugh at the printed instructions that came with it, especially the part about sharpening knives when drunk, partially drunk, or just drinking. But it probably is good advice for everyone sharpening no matter what method you are using.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by Nev52 »

I like to free hand sharpen. I use a soft novaculite Arkansas stone to start. Then go to a medium novaculite Arkansas stone. Then finish with a black novaculite stone. After stoning I finish with a white strop compound. Green compound. Then finish with a red compound. You can lay the blade on a fresh tomato and cut thru with little pressure applied.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by Montanaman »

I use a Sharpmaker for touch ups, but mostly all freehand on Shapton glass stones. I have and use also a set of DMT, Dan's black novaculite, Norton silicone carbide and Norton combination waterstone. I use an Atoma 140 for re-profile and stone flattening.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by Rotten »

I use the Edge Pro simply because no matter how long I tried I could not get the hang of freehand. My brother can freehand sharpen to an astounding edge and he tried to show me many times but it's just not in my stash of abilities. That said I find it easy to freehand maintain an edge that I've sharpened on the EP. I like to go 38 deg inclusive on most blades, it makes any touch ups while I'm away from home much easier.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by mrwatch »

At a Goodwill Store yesterday I bought a Smiths 50378 electric diamond sharpener. For $6.00. Just watched a YouTube video on using it.
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by doglegg »

mrwatch wrote:At a Goodwill Store yesterday I bought a Smiths 50378 electric diamond sharpener. For $6.00. Just watched a YouTube video on using it.
They gave it to you MR. Great buy. ::nod::
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Re: Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

Post by deltaboy »

I use Lanskey Crock Sticks and touch ups on the bottom of a coffee ☕cup! I got 2 large bench stones ,small stones and some Harbor freight Diamond ones I got for free. I also got a nice Ark Black barber's stone. ::tu::
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