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The cutting edge

by Bruce Wellington
 

It’s not often you find a good, solid, product that does as well as it claims. I recently purchased the Lansky knife sharpening system, primarily to sharpen and re-shape the blades on my hunting knives. I’ll be the first to admit I am no professional when it comes to shaping and honing blades. After seeing how well and how easily the Lansky system worked, I have used it to re-shape and sharpen the blades on all the knives lying around my house.

Lansky sharpening systemThe Lansky knife sharpening systems uses a series of stones, which are housed in plastic carriers and attached to wire guides. The knife is placed in an alloy-type vice with wire guides at predetermined angles. The wire on the stone carrier is then put through the wire guides to achieve a repeatable and precise stone-grinding angle. Depending on the type of steel in the knife blade and the purpose of its use, the angle of grind can be altered to suit.

I purchased the standard kit, which includes three stones: fine (blue), medium (green) and coarse (red). Three guide wires were included, so it eliminates the changing of wires mid-session. A small bottle of honing oil was included, as was a replacement pivot screw and wire guide screw. The vice made of alloy is strong enough for even the heavy-handed user, such as yours truly. The grind angles on the wire guide are clearly marked for ease of use. A clear set of instructions and a replacement parts order form was also included in the black plastic carry-case. All parts of the system have their spot in the box and during the rough treatment I routinely give my gear, I have not had anything break or move from its compartment.

The sharpening system is very user-friendly. A few minutes following instructions on the correct usage of the stones will soon have a very sharp edge formed on the blade.

As for the finished product, none of my knives - kitchen or hunting - have ever been as sharp or held their edges as well as they do now. I’ve used other stones, steel leather strops and stay-sharp gadgets but this product wins hands down.

Lansky offer a stone and sharpener for just about every conceivable blade-type in production, from serrated blades to fishhooks.

Lansky sharpening system supplied by King of Knives, RRP $110. For further information, please visit www.kingofknives.com.au or www.lansky.com.