[Dave223]

After doing some reading here and there, Im looking to purchase one of the Lansky sharpening systems. After looking at the different models they have Im now unsure which I need. They offer a 3 stone, 5 stone, Arkansas stone and diamond stone systems. Which do I need for just basic resharpening of pocket, skinning and kitchen knives? Also, who has the best prices on the systems like this: http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com/Universal-Lansky-Sharpening-System-P135C57.aspx?UserID=20732765&SessionID=WrOc554f{WcoRruGLcVA

 

[woodchukhntr]

I have a 3 stone one that I bought at an estate sale for $5.00. It works very well, I have never been able to sharpen a knife anywhere as sharp as I can with it. My hunting knives and my wife's kitchen cutlery have never been so sharp.

 

[hillbill]

i have a similar system of a cheaper brand and i wasnt happy with it until i purchased a coarse diamond stone to go with it. the problem is if yu get a new knife or a really dull one you dont want it to take forever to get a new edge ground on it.the diamond stone seems to cut a lot faster.id go with the diamond stone one if it has varying degrees of grit.

 

[hillbill]

i use mine once year on all my knives i use for skinning and butchering. it gets the edges back in shape and razor sharp.from there i use a steel and a fine diamond stick to keep them sharp till the end of hunting season. then it starts all over.

 

[cwlongshot]

I have had two of them.
They do make it pretty easy to put an edge on a blade. But both of mine failed within a year of purchase... The plastic failed where the wire enters. Rendering them useless.

Now I invest of quality stones and learned how to use them. Its ALL ABOUT THE ANGLES!!

CW

 

[Joel]

I had the basic 3 stone Lansky for around 15 years, and it did good work as long as the knife wasn't almost edgeless. Finally gave it to a buddy when I went to sharpening on a belt and he still has it. The diamond stones work really well, BUT you need to make sure you don't use too much pressure 'cause they'll flat remove some steel. It's a lot better to hone a knife and straiaghten the edge, than sharpen one and have to remove a lot of steel, so the 3 stone did a good job of keeping the edge up without removing excess steel.