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Main Boards => Hunting Knives and Crafters => Topic started by: gudspelr on June 07, 2010, 03:01:00 PM

Title: Sharpening Issue
Post by: gudspelr on June 07, 2010, 03:01:00 PM
I hope I'm putting this in the right spot-if not, Mods please move me...

I've read several how to sharpen threads, including the one at the top of this forum.  I must say, I'm "sharpening chellenged" and seem to have great difficulty keeping the angle of the knife consistent and proper throughout.  So, I've ended up with a Lansky (sp?) sharpener.  Was hoping that would cure all my issues, but one remains and is pretty annoying.

I run into a problem where the straight part of the blade begins the curve upward towards the point.  I usually put a 25 degree angle on my knives and it seems no matter where I place the clamp, I can't get the angle remain through the curve.  It's almost like it wants to create a tanto type or angular junction-it wants to continue the straight portion of the blade and anything curving up doesn't keep the nice curve anymore.  It's driving me a little crazy and I don't want to change the profile like that on my "nice" knives.

I hope that description makes sense and that someone here can help me out...  One would think I could manage just sharpening a knife   :banghead:  

Thanks for the help

Jeremy
Title: Re: Sharpening Issue
Post by: skullworks on June 07, 2010, 06:54:00 PM
Can you post a photo of what you are talking about?
Title: Re: Sharpening Issue
Post by: gudspelr on June 07, 2010, 09:21:00 PM
Sorry-unfortunately my camera crapped out...  Gotta love technology.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Sharpening Issue
Post by: robtattoo on June 07, 2010, 11:13:00 PM
The main problem with the Lansky/Gatco style shrpener is the amount of play between the rods & the angle plate. The rods can move both laterally & vertically & both of these movements will change the angle of the stone in relation to the edge.

Give Ron at KME a shout. The genius of the KME sharpener (and the reason it really does work so well) is that there is a delrin bearing that allows zero play. Blade placement can be replicated over & over & the sharpening angle remains constant for the entire length of the sweep.

The only way I've ever managed to get a Lansky to work even half well is to lock my thumb over the rod & push it against one edge of the guide & to the bottom of the slot. Mind you, your hand cramps like mad   :D
Title: Re: Sharpening Issue
Post by: gudspelr on June 08, 2010, 12:00:00 AM
Rob-

Thanks for the reply-that makes sense.  I'm pretty sure my hand will be cramping like heck just thinking about it.

I've looked at your site and boy, would I love to get my grubby little hands on some of your knives!  Unfortunately, I'll have to stick with the Buck, Schrade, etc. for the time being.  Maybe someday I can save some pennies up...  :) .

Thanks again-guess hand cramps are much better than a less than sharp blade.

Jeremy
Title: Re: Sharpening Issue
Post by: gudspelr on June 08, 2010, 03:55:00 AM
After a couple hours of work and trying to concentrate on keeping the rod in the right spot, looks like I finally have a decent edge on it.  Thanks for the advice, Rob.

Jeremy