Lansky Axe & Machete Sharpener and Tactical Sharpening Rod

For years now I’ve used a set of Lansky stones for most of my sharpening needs, and as yet I’ve not come across a bench sharpening ‘system’ to beat them. However, this system of stones, guide rods and angled holders is neither convenient nor practical for field use. So when out and about I carry a Lansky Quick Fix pocket sharpener with tungsten carbide on one side and crock sticks on the other – this will put an edge any plain bladed knife – but for larger tools like axes, machetes, tool blades, etc. I carry a compact (pen size) butcher’s steel.

Well now Lansky have come up with a couple more great sharpening tools that will cover just about all your needs for quickly and safely putting an edge on a knife or tool in the great outdoors.

First up is the Lansky Axe & Machete Sharpener designed for any tool with a long working edge such as axes, hatchets, machetes and garden tools. This gadget features a comfortable ergonomic grip for secure handling, a built-in disc shaped handguard for protection when in use, and a Tungsten Carbide sharpening head that will put a good edge on even the toughest blades with just a few strokes on either side.

To use, you just grip the sharpener with your hand behind the guard. Place the blade to be sharpened on a flat, solid surface, cutting edge up. Let about 1” of the blade extend beyond the edge of the surface. Hold the blade steady with one hand as you sharpen with the other.
Use a 20º-25º angle to achieve an extremely sharp edge on a machete. For a more durable edge on a machete, or for axes, hatchets, shovels etc., use a 25º-30º angle. With moderate pressure push the sharpener away from you along the blade. Repeat the process 3 - 4 times on either side of the blade until it has the required edge. The sharpener can be used right or left handed.

Next up is the Lansky Tactical Sharpening Rod, designed as a tough military sharpening tool that combines the speed of Lansky’s proven tungsten carbide sharpeners with the compact convenience of a retractable diamond rod. Although comfortably weighty with its all metal construction, this sharpener could be carried at all times, and combines the best of the Lansky Quick Fix pocket sharpener and a butcher’s steel.

At one end of the cross-hatched metal handle is a pair of angled tungsten carbide plates forming a small ‘V’ for quickly setting an edge and restoring a damaged or dull blade. At the other end of the handle is another shorter chequered section that is twisted clockwise half a turn to release the diamond rod contained in the sharpener’s body tube, then twisted back half a turn to lock the diamond rod in place, ready to refine any plain knife blade to a smooth razor sharp edge.

Both these tools are priced at £19.95 each and have the usual high standard of build quality and design as expected from Lansky.