Spyderco Tri Angle vs Lansky Sharpening Systems

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dpollard

New member
I would like to buy a simple-to-use knife sharpening system and was reading some reviews on the Lansky 5 stone kit. Most of the reviews are very positive. While reading the reviews I also came across the Spyderco Tri Angle system, which also gets a lot of good reviews. I read the post on this forum regarding knife sharpening tutorial where most people give the Lansky a lot of praise as well.

I cannot decide which kit to go with as both get great reviews. Are the Spyderco and the Lansky Ford vs Chevy? The Spyderco is a lot more $ but seems easier to use for longer bladed and could also be more versatile for brodheads, tomahawk blades etc...

Looking for some input. Thanks.
 
I have had both. Both do a good job. I much prefer the Spyderco. So simple and quick. I have learned to spend a little extra time on the finish stones for that razor finish.
 
Let me begin by saying I much prefer the Gatco system over the Lansky. If you are going to consider one of the clamp systems take a good look at the Gatco. The system Gatco uses for the rod is better, the hones are wider and of better quality IMHO. And yes, I have owned them both – a couple times each because I gave them away to family or friends here and there. This type of clamp system is excellent for all uses but really shines for profiling a badly used or abused blade. Chipped or dinged up blades take a little care and time and these systems have the courser grade hones to help with the process. The downside is they are slow to set-up for a quick touch-up on a blade. Also with a nice blade you probably want to tape the blade so the clamp doesn’t scratch it.

The Sharpmaker is one handy little system. Very fast and easy to sharpen a blade and works remarkably well “if” the blade already has the bevels the Sharpmaker is pre-set to. Reprofiling a blade with the Sharpmaker and the two factory hones can be a very time consuming chore. There are ways to make that chore easier, diamond hones and or some wet/dry sandpaper glued or taped to an old set of factory hones. That can be sorta cumbersome though. With that said I really appreciate the Sharpmaker and use it often for restoring a slightly dulled edge to shaving sharp quickly and with little time for the set-up.

I have eventually worked my way around to using an Edge Pro Apex and a Sharpmaker for my sharpening needs. The Edge Pro gets the big jobs and the Sharpmaker serves for quick touchups. My son has a Gatco and a Sharpmaker. You can get by with either one but neither is particularly expensive so get them both when you can and have the best of both worlds. The right tool for the right job and all that.
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I have the Lansky system. I find that sharpens my extremely well but I also find that it is extremely difficult to get the exact angle as the time before. Therefore I almost have to re profile the knife each and every time I sharpen which causes a lot of wear on a good blade. Maybe it's just me and not knowing how to use it properly. But I think there could be an easier and better method out there.
 
I ordered a Spyderco sharpmaker from amazon. Got it in 2 days ago and have literally sharpened every knife I own (kitchen included) HAHA!! It does an excellent job. I own both sharpeners you mentioned but I like the sharpmaker a LOT better. So simple to set up and quick to get a razor finish. I'll keep the lansky and use the rough stone to "re-profile" edges. I'm sure either one will work fine for ya! Just have to practice and use it effectively. Good luck to ya!
 
Like Crapshoot I had problems with maintaining an angle for touchup using a Lansky. I fixed the problem by setting up the top of the clamp on writing on the blade. All of my knives have some mark or lettering on the blade I can use for a benchmark. Go back to the mark on the blade each time and the angle is always perfect.

I have a question for Lansky pro's. I recently bought a knife with a rounded backbone, not flat like my others. How do you get the fixture to clamp down hard on a round backbone?
 
I used the old Crock Sticks system for a long time. Then went to a Lansky, used it for a very long time and while I got a so-so sharp knife it wasn't anything spectacular. I didn't like the set up time on it, screwing around with the rods etc.. The clamp didnt hold very well amd the guides where the rods run thru were sloppy. It's everything but user friendly and easy to handle without the mounting system.

I purchased a Sharpmaker and its a great system.
 
Not sure If I am too late but I own a Tri Angle as well as the base model lansky (one that has course medium then a pink honing stone.)

I Myself was never satisified with the edge I got on my lansky. It still sharpened them but not to my satisfaction. IMHO the sharpmaker makes my knives plenty sharp. Almost scary sharp, Co-Worker last year split her finger open just closing my knife. Pulled the unlock button and just let gravity swing the blade back in. Somehow she got a finger inbetween the blade and the handle and it split her open pretty good.

Im still tempted to buy the super fine stones but I dont really need them, I feel I will just end up hurting myself.
 
Hello dpollard,
I am fond of sharpening my knives.I love to have knowledge about sharpeners.It is common to have doubts when looking for knife sharpeners. Many of these tools only accommodate certain types of blades.I am having both Spyderco Tri Angle and Lansky Sharpening Systems.But personally,I prefer Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System.
If you want something different or more versatile, the Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System would make a good choice. I am also using it.It is the best knife sharpener . It can handle a variety of knives. Besides, you won’t have to worry about not having a slot to match a certain blade.
The Lansky Deluxe 5 Stone system is fairly divergent from other sharpening options. It is a set of 5 sharpening hones, each with a different harshness. It is good not only for kitchen knives, but also for those we use for hobbies or for the outdoors. The only downside is that it can’t do anything about the seared blades.
The set involves a knife grip and compatible screws, guide rods, honing oil, a set of instructions and a case to carry the kit around. There is an Ultra Fine honing system and an Extra Coarse hone as well. All the necessary stages are insured.
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Lansky has been around for decades; it has attained expert status when it comes to knife sharpening systems. These stones were designed to offer a consistent angle for grinding.
Thus, it will be easy to get it right. It doesn’t call for much skill. This is what most people are scared of when it comes to such sets – they believe it’s going to be so difficult to get it right and to position the stone and the blade accordingly.

1)The set is stable to sharpening long blades as well.
2)It is very good to use with your big kitchen knives, regardless of type.
3)I tried these on curved blades as well and it worked.
4)The set is suitable to sharpening long blades as well.
5) It’s affordable and long lasting.
 
My $.02 worth is this: I bought a Spyderco Tri-Angle sharpner at the Orlando Knife show 32 years ago when I was a 10 year old kid.
The guy demo'ing the knives would take anybody's pocket knife and in a matter of a minute, he would have it sharp enough to shave the hair off your arm! Lots of guys left the show with a bald spot on their arm and a new sharpener.
Fast forward to 2016. The stones have worn down enough to see a concave edge on them but if I live another 32 years I don't think I'll wear them out.
My favorite thing about the sharpener is how easily repeatable the angle is once you have a knife sharpened.
One of the best investments a 10 year old kid ever made!
 
the words "edge pro apex". owned both the lansky and the sharpmaker both sucked. the sharp maker doesn't work very well on extremely dull blades. the edge pro puts a mirro polish you can see your reflection in on the blade relief. Nothing else will come close.
 
I like my Work Sharp quite well. It easily renews terribly abused blades, makes a wonderful convex edge and will get anything to hair popping sharp. I use mine a bunch and follow it with a ceramic light bulb filament.
 
Guess I should update my own post from 2 years ago. Since I posted this I ended up buying the Lansky kit and haven't looked back. I get my knives shaving sharp and have absolutely zero complaints. I would recommend the Lansky anytime. It's fool proof and effective. Not saying the other systems aren't good, but I only have first-hand experience with the Lansky.
 
I don't care for the clamp style sharpeners out there. I do really like the Lansky type that the various stones are stood up at various angles and you draw the blade across and down them while holding the knife vertically. I have one with two different grade stones that pack inside the wooden holder. It packs easily for taking along on trips in the field
 
Yes I have 2 of the KMEs, and use them to semi professionally sharpen knives for people around the community for the past several years.

It might take a bit longer than some of the other systems, but the results are spectacular. The only drawback I have encountered is it is difficult to do blades over 10" or so.... It can be done but is a pita.

The diamond stones are a great upgrade, and have no prob sharpening some of the harder blades, ie D3, 3V ..... Breezes right through the 440s.

Ken at KME is great to deal with, and will take the time on the phone to make sure you don't buy stuff you don't need, and help with any problems you might have. I bent a rod, was completely my fault, and he sent another at no charge, within a week.

I keep notes on every blade I do, sometimes marking the spine for degree. This makes touch up a breeze.

I hand out band-aids to my customers with every sharpen, and many get used. Most people have NEVER had a truly SHARP knife, and these are the ones that come back again and again, usually with box full of old kitchen knives, or old folders. It's not uncommon for me to make $100 in an afternoon.

Depending on the degree of work they need, I charge from $1 per inch for a touch up, to $5 an inch for a angle change, chipped metal, or broken tip. I have no lack of customers.

I have the diamond stones from 50 to 1500 grit. It's funny watchin peoples faces when you start scratchin on their blade with a 50 grit ! Makes a horrible noise.
 


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