This is a great little puck to keep around and sharpen up any blade you might need because once you learn how to use it properly, you can put a hair-shaving edge on blades within a couple minutes! I would check out YouTube for a demonstration because once you see it and try it, you'll get the hang of it fast. It's really easy to use, I promise! Personally, I always have trouble keeping the blade at a proper angle when I'm trying to use a flat sharpening stone at a table. Instead of taking the blade to the stone, it makes a lot of intuitive sense to take the stone to the blade instead! It's easier to sharpen that way and more fun! So once this came in the mail and I learned to use it, I started putting dangerously sharp edges on all the things! Even on my Moraknivs Lol not just tools such as lawn mower or axe. This puck is really diverse in its applications, and easy to use, in that way! My fiance was skeptical, but he asked me to sharpen his knife for him and 5 minutes later, he had to admit that the Lansky puck did a really good job! I purchased this puck specifically to sharpen and maintain a Tramontina machete, and it has done marvelously in that regard. Traditionally, those types of machetes come a little unfinished, so the owner can modify to their specific needs, so it came without an edge. This Lansky puck was a dream to use, it's actually really zen to sit there with it rubbing the edge of the blade, and hear the way it rings when you have the angle right. I was able to put a hair-shaving edge on that machete. It took a little while for the first time but maintenance after that has been very quick. When I am able, I will be picking up more of these pucks to keep around. They're best used with either water or oil. If you choose water for a stone, stick to water, and if you choose to use blade oil, then stick with that. You can use them dry but it's not a very comfortable experience to do so. They're a fantastic value for the money, as they're inexpensive, effective, efficient, and easily portable! Read more
Worked well for sharpening my axe and hatchet after initial prep with a mill file. High quality and looks like it should last a lifetime. Read more
This is a pretty good stone. I like the dual grits because let's face it, not everything we sharpen needs the same kind of edge or starts from the same degree of dullness. You can use it dry, with honing oil or with water. Over many years I have found that water works best with a stone this coarse, (actually, my father taught me that and I just simply verified what he told me over the years). Using it dry will cause premature wear and your stone will not last as long as it could. So choose whether you can work best with honing oil or water. Even though this stone has what it calls a medium grit, it's still not nearly as smooth and hard as an Arkansas stone or something of that nature that normally requires oil. If you use oil on this stone, it will clog the pores and eventually have an affect on how well it does its job. Water on the other hand does just as well or better and does not clog. It washes out and the stone can stay clean for the next time you need it. As far as being messy I have not found that to be a problem. A small amount of oil or water is all you need anyway, and you can always add more when you need it. Just enough to cover the surface of the stone is all that is necessary and when it dries up or soaks in, just add some more. It's not that complicated. Clean it after each use to keep the surface fresh and get rid of metal particles that will collect. Read more
I actually sat at camp and used this puck on my axe and machete — and it flat-out works. The coarse side chewed through the nicks, the fine side smoothed it out, and in just a few minutes my tools were cutting like new. It’s small enough to toss in a pack, and you don’t need a workbench or a ton of know-how. Just steady hands and a little time by the fire, and you’ll be surprised at the edge you can get. If Lansky ever needs gear tested in real camp conditions, I’d be first in line — this puck earned its spot in my kit. Read more
I used to use one of these for touching up axes in the field. I keep it wrapped up in an oil soaked rag, inside of two zip lock bags. It's good for quick touch ups and working out chips/knicks, but I've since switched over to using 1/3 of a Japanese water stone, small file, and small strop in the field. I can get axes back back shaving sharp using this kit in under 10 minutes, whereas the lansky puck will never get an edge shaving/razor sharp (admittedly, not that it ever needs to be). Japanese water stones also cut much faster than the lansky which was a big reason that I made the switch(although the lansky will last 50x as long, so don't bank on needing to buy another unless you lose it). All in all, it's good at what it's designed to do, and I used one for a while before finding a better method in the field with good results. It's definitely a good item to have on hand, especially for axes, and is compact enough enough keep in your back pocket, but if you're looking to achieve a scary sharp edge, there are better tools for the job. I still use a variety of whet and arkansas stones in my shop at home, but the puck no longer has a use to me. That being said, for its price point and functionality, it's still a 5 star tool. Read more
