I get incredible results from the Lansky and I also own the KME but have not used it yet. With the Lansky I use the Diamond stone to get the burr - mug technique is back and forth up and down alternating sides until I get a burr and then back and forth and up and down lightly 4 passes each side then 3, 2, 1 and then repeat but only strokes into the edge. 3 passes, 2 then 1. I then switch to coarse Lansky stone and repeat exactly as above very light, the medium, fine, extra fine and sapphire finishing with the Lansky strop - I get frighteningly sharp edges - hair popping, paper towel slicing sharp the only knock is if you want a perfect mirror, the KME films are needed bit for me, the Lansky is all I will ever need even though it’s not nearly at the sophisticated levels of KME’s and wicked edges.
Not my choices... but definitely usable options. I think it is important to remember that any sharpening system has a learning curve and if used correctly produce a pretty good edge.
You're right Wayne, it is a good budget option. I have a little table vise I use, but I thought that I shouldn't mention it since it's not part of the kit. The electrical tape is a great idea. Thanks for watching.
I bought one of those Lansky sharpeners at a yard sale back in the late 80's. I had it for a long time then it got lost. I am on my second now and have had it for 20 years. Great sharpeners. I recently bought a Pro Sharp knock off from China and really like it. I never could sharpen with a flat stone.
very nice! i bought the lansksy system with diamond stones maybe 30 yrs ago and have replaced and added many stones on line. the kme is much nicer, but in many cases i continue to use the lansky. more often than either is the butcher steels in the kitchen. with practice and a light touch, these are the quickest way to sharpen without damage. just say NO to anything powered like that workshop unless you absolutely don't care about marring and accidental re-profiling.
I use the Lansky diamond set for reprofiling, and their wooden turn box crox sticks for touch ups. The main thing that gets a blade super sharp is a strop. The KME looks good, but 200 bucks is way too much for me to spend on a sharpening system.
I bought a wood turn box and got a bad one. I checked the ceramic rod angles with a protractor and they were off, a bunch. I bought a stone, a dia-fold and made a strop.
You're right William, the strop is a very important step. I didn't like having to spend so much on the KME, but it is one of the easiest clamp systems I've used.
I'm building the best system for mine does any size blade, any scissor, most garden tools ,chisels and even the blade of my chipper and lawnmower blades.
May I ask which model of the worksharp you currently are using?? If it's the ko edition I dont really see any significant gains using the kme... I have multiple fixed angle systems...and find the worksharp hard to beat....only concession made is you wont get the same mirror polish...but that's using the chosera stones on the kme..and your looking at another $280-300 for that kit. Like I mentioned in a reply to another comment...the kme is a great system...but once you dive into the rabbit hole can cost you some serious coin. Currently I have about 1k invested into my kme.... Just food for thought Also keep in mind the kme has limitations on the length of blade as well as blade thickness. And to best of my knowledge they dont offer any add ons that may address those issues. But if the worksharp you are currently using is the original model, I can understand the appeal of the kme
Man, you won't regret it. I mean this, and I have bought AND ENDED UP SELLING a wicked edge. The KME is the best system you can get. Have fun with it, get rrreeeaaalllyyy sharp knives with it.
I ended up getting gate ruixin pro 800 and they sell a steel ball to help the process becasie the white plastic one sucks even with oil but with the steel ball it’s awesome . No probs with the cheap stones yet after 12 knives . They polish the edges anyways and I can finally push them through paper without slicing and the blades look even and mirror shiny but I do use 3000 grit sandpaper at the end and that gooey stuff for holding in body shop sanding discs
EXCELENT video about sharpening systems ! Just found this one , you know I have only recently subbed to your channel . I have been free hand sharpening knives longer than a lot of knife reveiwers have been alive . Had a spyderco sharpmaker back when they were much more basic than the one you show here. Had a Lansky , think I bought it in the late 1980's . Got to where I just used the stones free hand . Bought a quality bench stone in 1981 . It was great . Unfortunately I suffered a house fire and that combined with theft of items I had salvaged led me to buy a simple tri-hone system & founda tapered diamond rod and did fine with them . Wish I knew what happened to those , but I found a small Smiths stone with plastic base & that's all I have now :-( . Can' t find good bench stones available anymore . Apologise for the long post but what I really like about your video is you point out the cons not just the pros of each system . Especially the tip rounding which happens with the pull through sharpeners . I've watched so many videos about knife sharpening systems & nearly all have some downsides ( besides the cost ). As I said before , I free hand & people are frequently asking me to sharpen their knives which I am happy to do . That KME does look like the best . BTW if you can point me in the direction of some good 8 inch Arkansas stones I would be so greatful .
You definitely sound like an experienced sharpener. I have the utmost respect for anyone that can do it freehand. I need to practice a lot more to be better on a bench stone. I would use the Spyderco Sharpmaker more if it didn't take so darn long to use, but then again, maybe if I had the diamond rods might help speed up the process.. Thanks for watching Tom, so glad you found my channel.
Thanks so much Jay. Many scribes like myself have asked you to do a tutorial on sharpening systems. I know it's not a simple one because of your hand and it's so awesome you did this one for us. You're the greatest Jay! I'm looking at Wicked Edge now....just want to make the right choice.
@@TheKnifeBeater And I forgot to mention the stud is secured and fits perfect...I now have a one-handed deployment for my Russell Hunter....couldn't be happier...Thanks again.
Been looking for a easy to use system for the little woman. I have the Norton Tri-stone that I use successfully. I looked at all sorts of systems and the one that really irks me is the Lansky. It's cheesy, wobbly and doggone it I think it would be irritating to use especially thinking the blade was going to fall out and re-circumcise me, capishe? I'm going for the Wedgek Sharpening Stone Angle Guides because it actually teaches a skill..great review and thanks for being the only person to introduce the angle guides..
I use the Hapstone V7 sharpener with their boride and diamond stones. Comes with a nice base and very easy to use. They probably have a newer version by now. thanks for the vid!
Hapstone puts out some great systems....I had purchased the prov5 back in 2015...same concept as the current v7... an extremely versatile system. For me the best selling point was I was able to use my full size benchstones. But there is practically no limits... You can go from 2" all the way up to roughly 9" no other system I'm aware of offer that versatility in stone selection....not even my tsprof k03 which is limited from roughly 6" to 8.5 inches.
I use a TACKLIFE stone double side, 300 sharpener and 900, polisher. Finishing with (sometimes) two strops, one of them with two leather faces, inner and outer with white or/and green paste and a buffalo leather german strop, (RAZZOOR).
I have the KME and it is very good. I've managed to get a couple of additional add-ons for it - the 100 grit, the thickness compensator, and the small knife jaws. I even got a second one as a gift and haven't even used it (the person didn't know I already had one).
Good assessment, Jay. I wound up with the Lansky, which does just fine for my needs. I'm not concerned about hair shaving sharp. I just want sharp enough to do the task at hand. And I'll bet most people use their knives to open Amazon boxes and then cut them down afterwards :-) Thanks!
I reprofile with my Lansky coarse thru Sapphire ultra fine, then go a few times with the Spyderco Sharpmaker fine ceramics. Otherwise, I predominantly just do touch ups with just the Sharpmaker or my belt to strop
Yeah, the Lansky extra-coarse cuts fast, good for reprofile. I saw the sapphire hones, but I wasn't sure if it was worth the investment, sounds like it might be though. Thank you Ed.
Another great video Jay! I really enjoyed getting your opinion on this particular part of the hobby. As you know by my comments to other videos, I'm in the budget realm lol. I have a Work Sharp field sharpener and love it, just looking to get something that allows me to do more and get better skilled at sharpening. Been looking at Lansky because of the price but didn't know which kit to buy. Thanks so much for sharing buddy.
Thank you Michael, glad it helped. The budget realm is really not a bad place to be nowadays, some good stuff out there. Let me say this, you can do a lot worse than the Lansky system and you do get a lot for your money (except the base). If you get a Lansky, just get the diamond kit and you will be able to sharpen any knife in your collection. If the Spyderco Sharpmaker came with the diamond hones, I would have no reservations recommending it.
The other thing I like about the KME is the jewel stick for serious recurves. You can expand it to super course and super fine. You can get strops and even lapping films. The one thing I thought that should have been included was the angle cube. There is one where you can do both sides without flipping the knife it is a different company and much more expensive. Very fair review. The work sharp when you turn it without the angle guides you can set your knife angle then slide it across the belt holding it stable against your side. That is the Ken Onion Work Sharp Pro with blade grinder.
I've been looking into those add-ons you mention. You're right Rick, they would definitely expand the capabilities of the KME. Once the initial sting of the price I paid wears off, maybe the angle cube will be next. Thanks for watching.
Great run down Jay. I like my KME...but your right it does have its problems too. I think maybe they all do, but the KME is pretty much a good sharpener for the most part. I do wish I could sharpen the longer blades...like my kitchen knives. Might have to look into the aftermarket clamps you mentioned. I wasn’t aware they were out there. That would be great.
Edge angle is not as important as everyone makes it out to. Yes if you free hand quick with your wrist a little more loose you will end up with a slight convex, which is unavoidable to some extent when hand sharpening regardless how careful you are you are not a robot and your wrist will always have some play lol. The important things when sharpening is is your stone hard enough and coarse enough to remove the amount of metal you need to remove? Are you apexing the edge? Grinding the very edge of the edge lol forming a burr on either side and the removing said burr. Theres a lot of methods for removing the burr.
Sharpening is a big part of knife use and I’m really happy you included this perspective on your channel! Whenever I’m considering a buying a knife with a new super steel, I wonder how it will sharpen. They all feel and sound different and perform differently depending on the type of edge I decide to put on them. I have freehand sharpened knives with; “stainless”, 8cromov, D2, XHP, CPM S30V, CPM S110V, Maxamet, kitchen knife steels like German stainless, Japanese “yellow paper” carbon steels, straight razor stainless and carbon steel. Since I like my knives to be hair whittling sharp, how a steel sharpens means a lot to me. Right now I’m waiting for delivery of a Kershaw Dividend with the composite CPM D2 edge. I wonder how it will sharpen? I have used the Spyderco triangle sharpmaker quite a few times on kitchen knives. It is so easy it is boring in a good way. I also have the Ken Onion version of the Work Sharp. The belts on it are wider and the guide is different so as not to scratch the blade. It is handy fir sharpening a lot of dull knives quickly and for other tools like blenders and sheers. I wish I had a KME for my nicer super steel pocket knives though.
I just got a nice whetstone kit. It came with everything. But I can’t for the life of me get it to sharpen. I’ve watched videos and tutorials. I just drop my knives off to the local steel smith and they sharpen them for me at 6$ a pop. Which adds up when you have 25+ knives you constantly carry in rotation.
Yeah, freehand sharpening can be challenging. I would love to be good at it someday, but it requires practice. A great resource for this is Jef Jewel, he's very good. Outpost 76 is a great channel to learn about different blade steels and how they behave. Hope this helps.
Hi Jay just want to make clear what I was trying to say.. the guided systems are great but when you start adding strops,extra stones,etc. etc. they can almost double in price
No question in my book the Ken Onion Work Sharp is the easiest and quickest by a country mile , you seem to be using yours back to front is that correct for that model ?
Yeah, everything I've read or watched suggests to sharpen back to front, in order to cut the power as you get to the tip to avoid rounding it. Thanks for watching Fred.
If you want greater versatility from the kme as far as angle settings there is a very simple hack...you turn the angle holder upside down...I believe you can get below 15 degrees. Another major advantage thr kme had over the lansky is the plethora of aftermarket stones..the stone carriage accepts any 1x4 stones. Comparing the 70 grit lansky stone...look at Kme's website...they offer the "beast" it's a 50 grit diamond plate, makes quick work of any repairs even on today's super steels. But be forewarned...sharpening is an addiction...once you go down that rabbit hole...its deep! Lol
@@TheKnifeBeater your more than welcome....we are all on this journey together...that's what this platform is about... May I suggest 2 channels to view... Knife crazy Knife guy They both have numerous tutorials on using the kme system...with plenty of tricks and hacks to get the best out of it. Matt over at knife crazy is a good guy for advice. Also ron over at kme has a plethora of knowledge that he is always more than ready to share.
The Worksharp is responsible for more screwed up knives than any other sharpening tool. I would never, ever recommend it. The Lansky is severely limited in the length of knife it can handle due to the short guide rod. I consider it a good novice tool but one you will rapidly outgrow. If you are into knives as a hobby, or want them really sharp with a beautiful mirrored edge, skip right to the KME. The Professional kit with diamond stones is enough to sharpen anything. You can add the tape strips to bring up a mirror edge. Personally, I added a 3000 grit stone and 2 strops (1 micron and .5 micron) that give me results close enough without endlessly buying strips. The price is right, about what you'd pay for one PM2 but now you can maintain ALL your knives razor sharp. You didn't mention the king of the hill, the Wicked Edge. Yes, its expensive to the point I don't even own one yet, however, the accuracy, repeatability and ease of use are second to none. Starting with the simple lever locking blade clamp, precisely machined angle guides and no need to rotate the blade to sharpen both sides, its just the best at what it does. This is not to mention having more options than any other system. Last point, don't buy a sharpening system without buying a 2 sided leather strop. It is the single most valuable tool in the sharpener's arsenal.
I was really excited when the Work Sharp was release, but that faded quickly because of what it did to few of my knives. I would love to try out a Wicked Edge kit, maybe someday. You're right though Len, the strop is very important. Thanks for watching.
Just save your cash and buy a lansky and the lansky turn box ...the diamond turn box for 30$ will make your knifes 95% as Sharpe as anything ...if its for pocket knifes they rock..and he should try diamond stones on lanky ..
Hey Jay thank you for another great review… If I had to pick one of those systems it would probably be the KME but even that one gets to be expensive when you start adding accessories. Unless you can freehand it doesn’t seem to be a budget sharpening method…
You bet Jim, thanks for watching. Yeah the KME is expensive, but I absolutely do not regret the purchase. I do need to practice freehand more because once mastered, it's a great skill to have and it opens up more choices and affordable purchasing options. Bench stones offer a larger sharpening surface and more specific grits that are not available with many kits.
Your review of the Lansky was poor. If you had used the system, you would have noticed the extra screw that is included to replace the red knob (makes it so you can clear the guide). Also, you need the stand to give a give a fair review, otherwise it is not an accurate representation of the system or its capabilities. Also, a lot of premium sharpening systems (KME/WE) do not come with a base, you need to purchase it as an extra, so that criticism is also not fair.
Actually, the KME does come with the base. www.amazon.com/KME-RPSH-Combo-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B081TL3K1R/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=kme&qid=1581664315&sr=8-2
Thank you for your feedback. First, this wasn't a review, apologies if you feel I wasn't clear on that. If the base is needed for an accurate representation of the Lansky, shouldn't it be included then? At the 16:46 mark, I pointed out that the my KME does not come with the base and that it should. Thanks for watching.
I've never seen anyone struggle with a lnsky there kinds idiot proff ..and use masking tape over both holes..get a ice pick and poke hole and then use rods ..its like a ball joint and cuts out 99% of that slop..
The sharp motorize one …. Your going the wrong way !!! Your body needs to be on the other side and you take you knife all the way out that way not the way your doing . Upgrade your model it’s way old … they have several new things to help you …. You have to make sure you do it correctly first before you use this take care And we’ll all your equipment looks ancient I wouldn’t trust anything about anything your doing Bless your heart Need to spend money on products of today Anyway I can’t watch anymore of this lol
OMG - talk about getting to the point... Blah blah blah blah blah! I'm at my wits end with these dull kitchen knives! Ahhhh! "5 Top knife sharpeners - then 5 hours of why I shouldn't use them! Yeah me!
I get incredible results from the Lansky and I also own the KME but have not used it yet. With the Lansky I use the Diamond stone to get the burr - mug technique is back and forth up and down alternating sides until I get a burr and then back and forth and up and down lightly 4 passes each side then 3, 2, 1 and then repeat but only strokes into the edge. 3 passes, 2 then 1. I then switch to coarse Lansky stone and repeat exactly as above very light, the medium, fine, extra fine and sapphire finishing with the Lansky strop - I get frighteningly sharp edges - hair popping, paper towel slicing sharp the only knock is if you want a perfect mirror, the KME films are needed bit for me, the Lansky is all I will ever need even though it’s not nearly at the sophisticated levels of KME’s and wicked edges.
Not my choices... but definitely usable options. I think it is important to remember that any sharpening system has a learning curve and if used correctly produce a pretty good edge.
If you on a budget, Lansky works well. The base is absolutely necessary, I also wrapped the clamp with electrical tape. Great video.
You're right Wayne, it is a good budget option. I have a little table vise I use, but I thought that I shouldn't mention it since it's not part of the kit. The electrical tape is a great idea. Thanks for watching.
YUP,.. I bought the Sapphire stone to go with the Basic Kit / base mount as,.. I don't need, 2 Coarse Stones.
ive been using lansky since the 80s, i never knew about the soft clamp. thanks for telling me about it, i just ordered 1 from amazon
I bought one of those Lansky sharpeners at a yard sale back in the late 80's. I had it for a long time then it got lost. I am on my second now and have had it for 20 years. Great sharpeners. I recently bought a Pro Sharp knock off from China and really like it. I never could sharpen with a flat stone.
Wow, you definitely got your monies worth. I have mad respect for people that can consistently sharpen on a bench stone. Thanks Eric.
I have one of the SpyderCo type and they have 3 granularity stones of sharpener stone. Easy and simple to use and very well made....
very nice! i bought the lansksy system with diamond stones maybe 30 yrs ago and have replaced and added many stones on line. the kme is much nicer, but in many cases i continue to use the lansky. more often than either is the butcher steels in the kitchen. with practice and a light touch, these are the quickest way to sharpen without damage. just say NO to anything powered like that workshop unless you absolutely don't care about marring and accidental re-profiling.
i have 10 EDC knives and the spiderco tri angle thingy but i want a mirror polished edge wich one should i buy Jay? Taking in i'm a lefty.
Great video Jay, thanks!!!
I use the Lansky diamond set for reprofiling, and their wooden turn box crox sticks for touch ups. The main thing that gets a blade super sharp is a strop. The KME looks good, but 200 bucks is way too much for me to spend on a sharpening system.
I bought a wood turn box and got a bad one. I checked the ceramic rod angles with a protractor and they were off, a bunch. I bought a stone, a dia-fold and made a strop.
You're right William, the strop is a very important step. I didn't like having to spend so much on the KME, but it is one of the easiest clamp systems I've used.
Love this guy and his karate stance in the vids!!!
I'm building the best system for mine does any size blade, any scissor, most garden tools ,chisels and even the blade of my chipper and lawnmower blades.
I would definitely try the Spyderco first. I don’t have any exotic steels so it should work. Thanks for pointing that out!
You are awesome bro! Great job! Nice video. Well done 👏 ✔👍👌
Thanks for sharing this one Jay. I want to move on from my Work Sharp to a KME. Just have to be willing to drop the cash on it!
I hear ya Jody. It is a lot of coin to drop on a sharpener, but man is it easy to use. Thank you.
I will end up with one...just need to work some OT...lol!!!!
May I ask which model of the worksharp you currently are using??
If it's the ko edition I dont really see any significant gains using the kme...
I have multiple fixed angle systems...and find the worksharp hard to beat....only concession made is you wont get the same mirror polish...but that's using the chosera stones on the kme..and your looking at another $280-300 for that kit.
Like I mentioned in a reply to another comment...the kme is a great system...but once you dive into the rabbit hole can cost you some serious coin. Currently I have about 1k invested into my kme....
Just food for thought
Also keep in mind the kme has limitations on the length of blade as well as blade thickness. And to best of my knowledge they dont offer any add ons that may address those issues.
But if the worksharp you are currently using is the original model, I can understand the appeal of the kme
Man, you won't regret it. I mean this, and I have bought AND ENDED UP SELLING a wicked edge. The KME is the best system you can get. Have fun with it, get rrreeeaaalllyyy sharp knives with it.
@@TorlingJarl I do have a KME now and I also have the new Work Sharp Precision Adjust!!
I ended up getting gate ruixin pro 800 and they sell a steel ball to help the process becasie the white plastic one sucks even with oil but with the steel ball it’s awesome . No probs with the cheap stones yet after 12 knives . They polish the edges anyways and I can finally push them through paper without slicing and the blades look even and mirror shiny but I do use 3000 grit sandpaper at the end and that gooey stuff for holding in body shop sanding discs
EXCELENT video about sharpening systems ! Just found this one , you know I have only recently subbed to your channel . I have been free hand sharpening knives longer than a lot of knife reveiwers have been alive . Had a spyderco sharpmaker back when they were much more basic than the one you show here. Had a Lansky , think I bought it in the late 1980's . Got to where I just used the stones free hand . Bought a quality bench stone in 1981 . It was great . Unfortunately I suffered a house fire and that combined with theft of items I had salvaged led me to buy a simple tri-hone system & founda tapered diamond rod and did fine with them . Wish I knew what happened to those , but I found a small Smiths stone with plastic base & that's all I have now :-( . Can' t find good bench stones available anymore .
Apologise for the long post but what I really like about your video is you point out the cons not just the pros of each system . Especially the tip rounding which happens with the pull through sharpeners . I've watched so many videos about knife sharpening systems & nearly all have some downsides ( besides the cost ). As I said before , I free hand & people are frequently asking me to sharpen their knives which I am happy to do . That KME does look like the best . BTW if you can point me in the direction of some good 8 inch Arkansas stones I would be so greatful .
You definitely sound like an experienced sharpener. I have the utmost respect for anyone that can do it freehand. I need to practice a lot more to be better on a bench stone. I would use the Spyderco Sharpmaker more if it didn't take so darn long to use, but then again, maybe if I had the diamond rods might help speed up the process.. Thanks for watching Tom, so glad you found my channel.
Thanks so much Jay. Many scribes like myself have asked you to do a tutorial on sharpening systems. I know it's not a simple one because of your hand and it's so awesome you did this one for us. You're the greatest Jay! I'm looking at Wicked Edge now....just want to make the right choice.
Yeah, I knew it would be some work making this video, which is probably why I kept putting it off. Glad to hear it helped some Andrew. Thank you.
@@TheKnifeBeater And I forgot to mention the stud is secured and fits perfect...I now have a one-handed deployment for my Russell Hunter....couldn't be happier...Thanks again.
This was awsome!!! Great pics!
Thank you very much Dom.
Good one Jay, very informative.
Thank you much JP.
Been looking for a easy to use system for the little woman. I have the Norton Tri-stone that I use successfully. I looked at all sorts of systems and the one that really irks me is the Lansky. It's cheesy, wobbly and doggone it I think it would be irritating to use especially thinking the blade was going to fall out and re-circumcise me, capishe? I'm going for the Wedgek Sharpening Stone Angle Guides because it actually teaches a skill..great review and thanks for being the only person to introduce the angle guides..
Thanks for the video! I really enjoyed the comparison between the lansky and the kme
You are so welcome HP, glad it helped. Thanks for watching.
Great review sir. I’m gonna go with the spiderco. It kinda looks the most western out of all. That Texas cowboy look
Your No. 1 is a really nice setup...
Thank you Alexander. I put off buying it for a long time.
Nice knife!
I have the Lansky plus the 1000 and 1500 ceramic and strap and a bench base to hold it.. Cool system. Looking at the KME, but it is pricey.
Those are some nice add-ons that I should also look into getting. Thanks for watching.
I use the Hapstone V7 sharpener with their boride and diamond stones. Comes with a nice base and very easy to use. They probably have a newer version by now. thanks for the vid!
You bet David. Thanks for the heads up on that sharpener.
Hapstone puts out some great systems....I had purchased the prov5 back in 2015...same concept as the current v7... an extremely versatile system.
For me the best selling point was I was able to use my full size benchstones.
But there is practically no limits...
You can go from 2" all the way up to roughly 9" no other system I'm aware of offer that versatility in stone selection....not even my tsprof k03 which is limited from roughly 6" to 8.5 inches.
My Lansky don't need a base as I have a vice where I sharpening
I use a TACKLIFE stone double side, 300 sharpener and 900, polisher.
Finishing with (sometimes) two strops, one of them with two leather faces, inner and outer with white or/and green paste and a buffalo leather german strop, (RAZZOOR).
Sounds like you have a very nice setup Josep.
Hey myman it's been a long time love your content
Hey, thank you Gregory, I appreciate it.
Awesome 🤙🖖
I have the KME and it is very good. I've managed to get a couple of additional add-ons for it - the 100 grit, the thickness compensator, and the small knife jaws. I even got a second one as a gift and haven't even used it (the person didn't know I already had one).
Yeah, those are some add-ons I would really like to buy next. Wow, two KME's?!?! Very nice David. Thanks for watching.
The KME is over $200 now. This is a significant cost. Most people are over 250 by the time it is all said and done.
hey i wanted to ask if im able to use a small pocket wet stone to sharpen something like a bowie knife or axe/hatchet ?
Good assessment, Jay. I wound up with the Lansky, which does just fine for my needs. I'm not concerned about hair shaving sharp. I just want sharp enough to do the task at hand. And I'll bet most people use their knives to open Amazon boxes and then cut them down afterwards :-) Thanks!
The Lansky is a good system. If it was my only kit, I would be just fine. A more than capable sharpener. Thanks for watching.
I reprofile with my Lansky coarse thru Sapphire ultra fine, then go a few times with the Spyderco Sharpmaker fine ceramics. Otherwise, I predominantly just do touch ups with just the Sharpmaker or my belt to strop
Yeah, the Lansky extra-coarse cuts fast, good for reprofile. I saw the sapphire hones, but I wasn't sure if it was worth the investment, sounds like it might be though. Thank you Ed.
Another great video Jay! I really enjoyed getting your opinion on this particular part of the hobby. As you know by my comments to other videos, I'm in the budget realm lol. I have a Work Sharp field sharpener and love it, just looking to get something that allows me to do more and get better skilled at sharpening. Been looking at Lansky because of the price but didn't know which kit to buy. Thanks so much for sharing buddy.
Thank you Michael, glad it helped. The budget realm is really not a bad place to be nowadays, some good stuff out there. Let me say this, you can do a lot worse than the Lansky system and you do get a lot for your money (except the base). If you get a Lansky, just get the diamond kit and you will be able to sharpen any knife in your collection. If the Spyderco Sharpmaker came with the diamond hones, I would have no reservations recommending it.
The other thing I like about the KME is the jewel stick for serious recurves. You can expand it to super course and super fine. You can get strops and even lapping films. The one thing I thought that should have been included was the angle cube.
There is one where you can do both sides without flipping the knife it is a different company and much more expensive.
Very fair review. The work sharp when you turn it without the angle guides you can set your knife angle then slide it across the belt holding it stable against your side. That is the Ken Onion Work Sharp Pro with blade grinder.
I've been looking into those add-ons you mention. You're right Rick, they would definitely expand the capabilities of the KME. Once the initial sting of the price I paid wears off, maybe the angle cube will be next. Thanks for watching.
Very well made content. I also like you attitude and smile, thanks.
So nice of you to say! Thank you Donnie.
I just use a Fällkniven DC4, it has a learning curve, but wow is it portable!
And that's exactly why I have to get better at freehand sharpening, so I don't have to carry a kit with me. Thanks for watching.
Great run down Jay. I like my KME...but your right it does have its problems too. I think maybe they all do, but the KME is pretty much a good sharpener for the most part. I do wish I could sharpen the longer blades...like my kitchen knives. Might have to look into the aftermarket clamps you mentioned. I wasn’t aware they were out there. That would be great.
Thank you Mick. I wasn't aware of the other clamps either until I found them during my research preparing for this video.
The Knife Beater ...so I guess the next question is are they available on the KME website?
I think the lansky or KME is the way to go .
Loving the content
Thanks so much Shannon!
The Knife Beater I just ordered from ABKT and told them on the order form that you sent me.. make sure you hit them up for more samples 😉
Edge angle is not as important as everyone makes it out to. Yes if you free hand quick with your wrist a little more loose you will end up with a slight convex, which is unavoidable to some extent when hand sharpening regardless how careful you are you are not a robot and your wrist will always have some play lol. The important things when sharpening is is your stone hard enough and coarse enough to remove the amount of metal you need to remove? Are you apexing the edge? Grinding the very edge of the edge lol forming a burr on either side and the removing said burr. Theres a lot of methods for removing the burr.
Sharpening is a big part of knife use and I’m really happy you included this perspective on your channel! Whenever I’m considering a buying a knife with a new super steel, I wonder how it will sharpen. They all feel and sound different and perform differently depending on the type of edge I decide to put on them. I have freehand sharpened knives with; “stainless”, 8cromov, D2, XHP, CPM S30V, CPM S110V, Maxamet, kitchen knife steels like German stainless, Japanese “yellow paper” carbon steels, straight razor stainless and carbon steel. Since I like my knives to be hair whittling sharp, how a steel sharpens means a lot to me. Right now I’m waiting for delivery of a Kershaw Dividend with the composite CPM D2 edge. I wonder how it will sharpen?
I have used the Spyderco triangle sharpmaker quite a few times on kitchen knives. It is so easy it is boring in a good way. I also have the Ken Onion version of the Work Sharp. The belts on it are wider and the guide is different so as not to scratch the blade. It is handy fir sharpening a lot of dull knives quickly and for other tools like blenders and sheers. I wish I had a KME for my nicer super steel pocket knives though.
Jesus christ this guy is a super star.
Nice picks
Thank you much keifer.
I just got a nice whetstone kit. It came with everything. But I can’t for the life of me get it to sharpen. I’ve watched videos and tutorials. I just drop my knives off to the local steel smith and they sharpen them for me at 6$ a pop. Which adds up when you have 25+ knives you constantly carry in rotation.
Yeah, freehand sharpening can be challenging. I would love to be good at it someday, but it requires practice. A great resource for this is Jef Jewel, he's very good. Outpost 76 is a great channel to learn about different blade steels and how they behave. Hope this helps.
The Knife Beater I just ordered the work sharp belt sharpener cuz I got it on sale for 60$. Gonna return the stones.
Hi Jay just want to make clear what I was trying to say.. the guided systems are great but when you start adding strops,extra stones,etc. etc. they can almost double in price
I hear ya Jim, I knew what you meant. The freehand bench stones are economical.
Great video
Thank you G W, much appreciated.
I bought a cheapo knife to practice on and found the curve was the hard part I'm getting the wedge guide that has four sides.
That's a good idea to use a cheap knife for practice. Those wedge guides really do help build up that muscle memory. Thanks for watching James.
iwish i could afford the TSProf Kadet. i do not like my KME but it's way better than the Apex Pro
No question in my book the Ken Onion Work Sharp is the easiest and quickest by a country mile , you seem to be using yours back to front is that correct for that model ?
Yeah, everything I've read or watched suggests to sharpen back to front, in order to cut the power as you get to the tip to avoid rounding it. Thanks for watching Fred.
TSPROF K03 2021 Kit. $140 cheaper than newest model.
I have an ancient lansky system. Really need to get that upgraded soon. But every time i want to buy it there's a knife I want instead.. 😁
I know exactly what you mean John, I usually do the same. Thank you.
If you want greater versatility from the kme as far as angle settings there is a very simple hack...you turn the angle holder upside down...I believe you can get below 15 degrees. Another major advantage thr kme had over the lansky is the plethora of aftermarket stones..the stone carriage accepts any 1x4 stones. Comparing the 70 grit lansky stone...look at Kme's website...they offer the "beast" it's a 50 grit diamond plate, makes quick work of any repairs even on today's super steels.
But be forewarned...sharpening is an addiction...once you go down that rabbit hole...its deep! Lol
Wow, what a great idea! Thank you for that JC.
@@TheKnifeBeater your more than welcome....we are all on this journey together...that's what this platform is about...
May I suggest 2 channels to view...
Knife crazy
Knife guy
They both have numerous tutorials on using the kme system...with plenty of tricks and hacks to get the best out of it.
Matt over at knife crazy is a good guy for advice. Also ron over at kme has a plethora of knowledge that he is always more than ready to share.
The Worksharp is responsible for more screwed up knives than any other sharpening tool. I would never, ever recommend it. The Lansky is severely limited in the length of knife it can handle due to the short guide rod. I consider it a good novice tool but one you will rapidly outgrow.
If you are into knives as a hobby, or want them really sharp with a beautiful mirrored edge, skip right to the KME. The Professional kit with diamond stones is enough to sharpen anything. You can add the tape strips to bring up a mirror edge. Personally, I added a 3000 grit stone and 2 strops (1 micron and .5 micron) that give me results close enough without endlessly buying strips. The price is right, about what you'd pay for one PM2 but now you can maintain ALL your knives razor sharp.
You didn't mention the king of the hill, the Wicked Edge. Yes, its expensive to the point I don't even own one yet, however, the accuracy, repeatability and ease of use are second to none. Starting with the simple lever locking blade clamp, precisely machined angle guides and no need to rotate the blade to sharpen both sides, its just the best at what it does. This is not to mention having more options than any other system.
Last point, don't buy a sharpening system without buying a 2 sided leather strop. It is the single most valuable tool in the sharpener's arsenal.
I was really excited when the Work Sharp was release, but that faded quickly because of what it did to few of my knives. I would love to try out a Wicked Edge kit, maybe someday. You're right though Len, the strop is very important. Thanks for watching.
I suggest if u wanna mid range sharpener get wicked edge or some good whetstone
Hands down the Lansky is the best for the price. Also my kit came with the base and the clamp came with the rubber inserts.
Garbage. Cheap asses choice.
in my opinion, whetstones and a bench grinder with correct discs is the best
Can't argue with that. Thank you.
Olá, poderiam colocar uma legenda.Obrigado.
Powered sharpeners mark up the knives fellas . If u don’t care about marking the blade or it not looking perfect use it and enjoy but be warned ,
Just save your cash and buy a lansky and the lansky turn box ...the diamond turn box for 30$ will make your knifes 95% as Sharpe as anything ...if its for pocket knifes they rock..and he should try diamond stones on lanky ..
Hey Jay thank you for another great review… If I had to pick one of those systems it would probably be the KME but even that one gets to be expensive when you start adding accessories. Unless you can freehand it doesn’t seem to be a budget sharpening method…
You bet Jim, thanks for watching. Yeah the KME is expensive, but I absolutely do not regret the purchase. I do need to practice freehand more because once mastered, it's a great skill to have and it opens up more choices and affordable purchasing options. Bench stones offer a larger sharpening surface and more specific grits that are not available with many kits.
Knife guy and a watch guy...what's on your wrist in the video?
Put the lansky in a vice
Yeah, I go and buy a little vise. Thanks James.
Your review of the Lansky was poor. If you had used the system, you would have noticed the extra screw that is included to replace the red knob (makes it so you can clear the guide). Also, you need the stand to give a give a fair review, otherwise it is not an accurate representation of the system or its capabilities. Also, a lot of premium sharpening systems (KME/WE) do not come with a base, you need to purchase it as an extra, so that criticism is also not fair.
Actually, the KME does come with the base. www.amazon.com/KME-RPSH-Combo-Knife-Sharpener/dp/B081TL3K1R/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=kme&qid=1581664315&sr=8-2
Thank you for your feedback. First, this wasn't a review, apologies if you feel I wasn't clear on that. If the base is needed for an accurate representation of the Lansky, shouldn't it be included then? At the 16:46 mark, I pointed out that the my KME does not come with the base and that it should. Thanks for watching.
@@TheKnifeBeater The Lansky should come with the base. What's Lansky thinking?? Oh, I get it, more money... Great video.. 👍
*
👍👍👍
Thanks for watching Patrick.
Isn't there an easier way to sharpen blades? Bench stones or do you have to be an expert?
Tormek?
I've never seen anyone struggle with a lnsky there kinds idiot proff ..and use masking tape over both holes..get a ice pick and poke hole and then use rods ..its like a ball joint and cuts out 99% of that slop..
Bro the lankys also what 179 cheaper lol...I mean if its not a money issue I'd have the wicked edge , faster and easier then the kme
The sharp motorize one …. Your going the wrong way !!! Your body needs to be on the other side and you take you knife all the way out that way not the way your doing . Upgrade your model it’s way old … they have several new things to help you …. You have to make sure you do it correctly first before you use this take care
And we’ll all your equipment looks ancient
I wouldn’t trust anything about anything your doing
Bless your heart
Need to spend money on products of today
Anyway I can’t watch anymore of this lol
man, its to bad that kme is soooo overpriced.
I wouldn’t recommend the spyderco sharpmaker
OMG - talk about getting to the point... Blah blah blah blah blah! I'm at my wits end with these dull kitchen knives! Ahhhh!
"5 Top knife sharpeners - then 5 hours of why I shouldn't use them! Yeah me!
That Lansky is garbage.