Lansky, DMT, or Edge Pro

J

jstone16

Joined
Sep 5, 2016
Messages
5
Hello guys,

I am completely new to knife sharpening, and I need to put an edge on my knife. I figure that I want to get a guided sharpener, as I am not quite ready to jump into freehanding, though I would like to learn that one day.

So, what I am looking at has boiled down to either the Lansky or DMT guided with diamond hones, or the Edge Pro Apex.

The Apex is twice as expensive as the other two, so here is my question:

I have heard a lot of good things about all three. The most common complaint I have seen about the former two is that the clamps don't last long, and there is a lot of flex or play in them when you sharpen. However, I have seen a lot of positive feedback on the Lansky and DMT.

So, what would you all recommend? I want to find something I will be happy with for a long time first, not get something "okay" that I will eventually need to upgrade. That being said, if the Apex is worth the extra money, I will just go with that.

Tell me what you guys think. Are the Lansky or DMT all I will need, or will I be happier longer with the Apex (kind of what my gut tells me)?

Thanks, Jstone
 
Well, I don't have the EP, but I have a lansky and a dmt aligner. I then bit the bullet and bought a wicked edge. Very expensive. I have not once regretted my decision. I think you will be happy with the EP. It's in an entirely different league than the lansky and dmt
 
Sounds like you've already made your mind up. Go ahead and get the edge pro since you're leaning in that direction. I doubt you'll be satisfied with the other two you listed.
Keep in mind, there's a learning curve with any sharpening system. Start out with practice knives to gain confidence as you learn how to use the system. No doubt you'll experience frustration starting out. Be patient and before you know it, you'll have it down.
Personally, between the Lansky and KME, I don't feel the need to change the sharpening systems I have. Even though the KME is a better system for me, both systems provide the results I'm happy with.

BTW, welcome to BladeForums!!!!! Enjoy your stay.
 
The only disadvantage to the EP system is that the stones will wear. Of occasionally sharpen, you wont have issues with that. If you want to sharpen knives regularly, any of the other 2 knives will do just fine
For my personal taste, there is a bit too much 'slack' in the lansky system to provide repeatable edges.... It wobbles a bit too much for my liking.
The edgepro produces finely polished edges. Thats more difficult using diamond stones.
That said, l also ended up with the Wicked Edge. Its the best of the best, wih an according pricetag nontheless[emoji53]


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I have owned all three you mention,recently bought a wicked edge.In my opinion worth every penny.
 
I broke down earlier this year and got the wicked edge system, it is on the high side. However, I don't regret the purchase at all. It is a great system.
 
I use my Edge Pro more than my Wicked Edge. I find it to be quicker to set up. They are both very good.

Re:the Edge Pro, I think the small knife attachment is essential and well worth the $25. It stops me from trying to move the tip to meet the stone (and doing it wrong!).

I agree with the others that the Aligner and Lansky are way behind. I have produced sharp edges with them, but it can be very time-consuming.
 
I've had all 3.

Lansky - forget it - hopeless clamping system (my experience)

DMT good stones let down by poor plastic clamp - way too much flex in the components.

Edge Pro good but very messy. Your blade will be damaged if you don't protect everything with tape. And when the tape gets wet with slurry you'll need more tape. This can be very time consuming.

I'd recommend the KME diamond set. Good product at reasonable cost, backed up by top customer service.
 
Another former DMT aligner user--about 10 years or so for most reprofiles but not for minor sharpening. Reason? The soft plastic clamp just has too much slop. The stones are great and inexpensive, but the system was a disappointment requiring a ton of trial-and-error unless you were just starting over with a new angle at each re-sharpening.

Bought a KME this year. Great system and at a more appropriate price point for what is just a hobby to me. No regrets at all.
 
Okay thanks for the feedback. I guess I will look at choosing between the KME, Edge Pro or Wicked Edge.
 
NvG79 said:
The only disadvantage to the EP system is that the stones will wear. Of occasionally sharpen, you wont have issues with that. If you want to sharpen knives regularly, any of the other 2 knives will do just fine
For my personal taste, there is a bit too much 'slack' in the lansky system to provide repeatable edges.... It wobbles a bit too much for my liking.
The edgepro produces finely polished edges. Thats more difficult using diamond stones.
That said, l also ended up with the Wicked Edge. Its the best of the best, wih an according pricetag nontheless[emoji53]


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Click to expand...

Could you elaborate a little more on your point about the diamond stones? My whole use for a sharpener will be to sharpen kitchen knives, and my work knives (folders, fixed blades that I use in my outdoor/farm work. Some have serrated portions). I don't need great cosmetic appearance; what I need is a good, sharp edge that will last a decent length of time. Polish isn't a concern as much to me. I would think, seeing that diamond is harder than any metal, that diamond hones
 
banksy said:
I've had all 3.

Lansky - forget it - hopeless clamping system (my experience)

DMT good stones let down by poor plastic clamp - way too much flex in the components.

Edge Pro good but very messy. Your blade will be damaged if you don't protect everything with tape. And when the tape gets wet with slurry you'll need more tape. This can be very time consuming.

I'd recommend the KME diamond set. Good product at reasonable cost, backed up by top customer service.
Click to expand...

Could you elaborate on your point about the Edge Pro being messy? Messy how? Is the damage you are speaking of cosmetic or functional, and can it be avoided with good practices?
 
You need to apply painters tape to the platform on which the knife rests,and tape the blade well .water is used as lubricant.
If the tape is allowed to wear the blade will be scratched,that's why I sold mine.
 
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jstone16 said:
Could you elaborate on your point about the Edge Pro being messy? Messy how? Is the damage you are speaking of cosmetic or functional, and can it be avoided with good practices?
Click to expand...
Hi,
the stone is on top of the blade,
you have to use lube like soapywater so the stone doesn't load too quickly,
because we have gravity the soapywater,
along with swarf and any loosened grit,
splashes down all over the machine/knife,
which might scratch/scuff up the blade finish
when you're flipping the blade or during any jiggling
...
the damage is cosmetic
...
painters tape to mask the blade
towels to dry/dab/wipe the mess
...
maybe a sink to wash the mess
...
another way to reduce the mess is diamond stones
they can be used relatively dry, not dripping wet


the ebay lists many diamond stones for edge pro (~$5 and less)
as low as 60/80 mesh and as high as 3000
even the clones can be had for $8
 
jstone16 said:
Could you elaborate a little more on your point about the diamond stones? My whole use for a sharpener will be to sharpen kitchen knives, and my work knives (folders, fixed blades that I use in my outdoor/farm work. Some have serrated portions). I don't need great cosmetic appearance; what I need is a good, sharp edge that will last a decent length of time. Polish isn't a concern as much to me. I would think, seeing that diamond is harder than any metal, that diamond hones
Click to expand...

In diamonds it is the the sharp diamonds in the stone that actually cut the metal. That leaves a scratchpattern. Notnih to worrie about, it will hardly affect cutting(some even like a toothy edge, because it 'bites' easier)
In natural stones, the stone itself will gradually make a slurry on the stone, ofcourse the stone will cut metal, but that slurry is so fine, it polishes your edge.
Cosmetically betterlooking, my personal preference, but lm not gonna tell you one is better over the other...


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jstone16 said:
My whole use for a sharpener will be to sharpen kitchen knives, and my work knives (folders, fixed blades that I use in my outdoor/farm work. Some have serrated portions). I don't need great cosmetic appearance; what I need is a good, sharp edge that will last a decent length of time. Polish isn't a concern as much to me. I would think, seeing that diamond is harder than any metal, that diamond hones
Click to expand...

For kitchen knives and working knives, both the EP and Wicked Edge (yes I've had that too) would be overkill imo. The only reason I can see to pay the extra for WE is if you want pretty polished edges - pointless for a farm tool I would have thought?

For your application, I'd look at the KME, or the Work Sharp Ken Onion. The Work Sharp is quick and easy and can also be useful for other tools, axes, mower blades etc., but won't do serrations. The KME has an add-on hone for serrated edges. Whatever you decide to get, I would also buy a strop and honing compound.

EP I sold because of the mess - as well described in the posts above.

Wicked edge I sold because it struggles with full flat grinds - you have to fiddle around with bits of foam tape or leather to get the blade vertical in the clamp. Time consuming and poor design at the price point. Again, just my experience, and I have a lot of FFG knives. I know many folk love the WE, as you've already seen in this thread.
 
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jstone16 said:
Could you elaborate on your point about the Edge Pro being messy? Messy how? Is the damage you are speaking of cosmetic or functional, and can it be avoided with good practices?
Click to expand...

This such a small issue, and is so easy to deal with, that, unless your sharpening presentation knives... I wouldn't consider this a major factor in your decision. It definitely isn't a functional issue.

[video=youtube;rj40AVpq62A]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj40AVpq62A[/video]

In regards to the Wicked Edge, (if that's now on your radar)... they sell different levels... you don't need to buy everything needed to 'polish out' an edge. Stopping at a 600g level easily leaves an edge that works great.
 
Well Ben is the manufacturer and he makes it look easy. But he is only taping in a straight line from heel to tip, leaving a good portion of the flat exposed. He also doesn't mention that you are likely to have to do it all again when the original tape gets wet.

The vid below is more typical of how most EP users tape their knives, following the curve of the bevel:


[video=youtube;WuQ-N0CCskU]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuQ-N0CCskU[/video]
 
banksy said:
Well Ben is the manufacturer and he makes it look easy. But he is only taping in a straight line from heel to tip, leaving a good portion of the flat exposed. He also doesn't mention that you are likely to have to do it all again when the original tape gets wet.

The vid below is more typical of how most EP users tape their knives, following the curve of the bevel:
Click to expand...

If you watch the whole video, he does tape a 2nd knife completely. But my main point is... not a major factor I'd consider, especially sharpening 'users'.

Also, just from reading your posts, I'm guessing you were using too much water. Water shouldn't be running off the stone getting everything wet. I honestly think you just didn't spend enough time (or effort) learning the system before making the conclusions you did.

All systems, especially guided ones, usually have something to deal with... most are pretty simple to solve.
 
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