Sharpening with a Lansky

**Andrew Leigh** · 07-05-2012, 21:15

I have two blades, the first is a folder with a blade some 75mm long. The second is a Gerber with a fixed blade about 100 /120mm long and has a skinner shape to it.

The question is at what angle should each blade be sharpened? I assume that the larger fixed blade should have more obtuse angle?

**Rikster2** · 07-05-2012, 21:37

Hi Andrew... I really dont know too much about sharpening but i saw there are some EPIC videos on youtube that show you exactly whats best!!

**Davidc** · 07-05-2012, 21:40

I use 20°~25° for all my knives. The smaller the angle the quicker they get blunt.

**Andrew Leigh** · 07-05-2012, 22:03

Thanks fellers.

**Maroelas** · 08-05-2012, 06:26

I have used the 20 degree angle but found my knife gets blunt real quick. For skinning you don't need smaller than 25 degrees.

**Andrew Leigh** · 08-05-2012, 06:51

So I see, was watching the Lansky video, very informative. They also say that 25 degrees seems to be the number. Will have a go tonight.

My day always says "It is not a sharp knife that cuts you but a blunt one". Inferring that the harder you have to work a blunt knife the more likely you are are of making sa mistake.

**Michaelrp** · 08-05-2012, 07:57

I go 25 degrees on all my blades. Lasts a bit longer. But if I don't need the longevity of the edge I use 20 degrees to make it super sharp.

**Vaal** · 08-05-2012, 09:52

I use 20 deg on my dedicated SD knifes and 25 on my normal edc ones. Just to keep them in shape I use a Mini Crocstick to pollish the edge back when they show usage.

**marthinus** · 09-05-2012, 13:43

What steel is it?

The properties of the steel greatly affect the edge it can take and hold.

Dont be afraid to go to the lowest angle possible and then maintain the edge at a higher angle. You will find that maintenance will be much easier if you have a small primary angle with a micro bevel at a higher angle.

**Rjowen0984** · 12-05-2012, 18:30

Originally Posted by marthinus

What steel is it?The properties of the steel greatly affect the edge it can take and hold.Dont be afraid to go to the lowest angle possible and then maintain the edge at a higher angle. You will find that maintenance will be much easier if you have a small primary angle with a micro bevel at a higher angle.

I really like micro bevels, almost best of both worlds. You can have a low angle laser then strengthen it with the microbevel. Also it's much easier to touch up a micro bevel as you can just strop or stone the small edge. I reprofiled an Elmax blade the other day but it was made from 4mm steel at first I thought I would leave the microbevel but after sukkeling for 4 hours to reprofile I decided I'm not doing that again, I gave it a microbevel!