Sharpening systems, free hand, choices

[Steve Warden]

I now have the Lansky Turnbox 2D2C.

I just got one of those a couple of weeks ago. Haven't really done much on it yet.

Even handles the small blades many seem to have trouble with.

[Colonel26]

Steve, that looks a lot like the old Steamboat Sharpener I used to have. But it was 4 ceramic rods. Worked great for touch ups.

I’ve used other things. But I alyeRs go back to stones. I guess I’m just stuck in the (wait for it) Stone Age! Lol

[FRJ]

I’m just stuck in the (wait for it) Stone Age! Lol

Much to your credit, my good man!

[terryl308]

Guys, I've probably got more sharpening "systems' than most and it seems like I always go back to my Norton 3 stones in oil system. I have a course , medium, and a hard Arkansas stone in it. works for me. Terry

[FRJ]

That is a nice looking sharpening station you have, Terry.
That seems like a very worthwhile tool for sharpening as are the others mentioned. Of the systems mentioned, I like that one the best.

Personally, I've always been a fan of the loose stone. They are quit portable and you can use both sides and the edges if you choose.
Here are most of my "sharpening systems".
For the most part I like the water stones but any of these are available to me by a mere reach.
I wish I knew more about Belgium water stones. I think I have four of them. In using them I think I get remarkable results.
I hope my imagination isn't playing tricks on me. For all I know they could be chunks of some paving stone.
I hope that's not the case.
It's nice to read others techniques.
Good thread.

[Cletus Awreetus]

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 prefer free hand sharpening. It takes a lot of practice but to me is much more satisfying and let's face it, this is a hobby. I' must own 15-20 various stones and when I'm in the mood I'll happily do a 4-5-6 stone progression depending on the steel just because, I can. I've got a TSProf system that I use on recurves and other funky shapes and I love it. But I much prefer free hand sharpening. as others have said, to each his own. If you can make it sharp to your satisfaction, what else is there to say.

[KnifeSlinger#81]

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.

[Mumbleypeg]

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

[royal0014]

I've got a TSProf system that I use on recurves and other funky shapes and I love it.

Had to Google that one. DANG that looks complicated!
Pricey, too .. ... ..

[Lansky1]

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 ...

[OLDE CUTLER]

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.

[Colonel26]

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.

[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".

[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.

[OLDE CUTLER]

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.

Best thing for anyone to use, what works for you!!

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[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.

[doglegg]

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.

[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.