Using two low angle adapters?
- This topic has 9 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 05/07/2019 at 5:13 pm by
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Ok so this might be the dumb question of the day but here goes.
I’ve been getting really comfortable with my WE system and I’m having a lot of fun, and getting very nice edges.
What I’m wondering though is how to get an even steeper angle on my primary bevels. On most of my pocket knives I can get to about 15dps with the low angle adapter. But this can sometimes be a pain because of the stones rubbing the jaws or the knife thumb stud, or whatever. So I’m wondering if it’s possible to order another LAA with the 12″ rods to achieve an even steeper angle?
Sorry if this is a dumb question! I just think if I could get the knife higher maybe it would work better. But maybe I would still run into the same problem? 🤷♂️🤷♂️
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Reid, a couple other options are
- Remove the thumb stud to get it out of your way
- Disassemble the knife, clamp and sharpen just the blade
- Try a “Tormek Small Knife Adapter” which allows you to clamp the knife handle to offset the blade out away from the vise. This different angle often gives unobstructive blade access. (Some users have clamped the Tormek SKA in the LAA).
- Install a riser block between the vise bottom and it’s mounting platform, if you can acquire a riser block. This adds height between the guide rod ball ends and the clamped knife edge level, to allow for lower sharpening angles. Then the one LAA can be used in the vise jaws also.
Reid realize there is a height limit you’ll find for your model/configuration where increased height doesn’t help any longer. The higher you go the less the advantage. I’ve found a 1″ riser block and the one LAA is about as best as you can do. Then refer to the other options, 1, 2,& 3, for other methods.
The last thing I can offer on this subject is there are so many different sizes, shapes, designs, styles and configurations, in folding knives. There will always be difficulty sharpening some of these with the Wicked Edge.
Marc
(MarcH's Rack-Its)3 users thanked author for this post.
If I recall correctly, Josh, at Razor Edge Knives posted a comment here with photo(s) showing how he had added a Tormek Small Knife Adapter to an LAA. He was able to reach angles in the 6-7 range. The mod Cliff shows in the video is also a cool idea.
I have 14″ arms and I’m sure doubling up the LAA’s would put wider knives almost out of range. 14″ is a very comfortable length for me. Having an extra set (or sets) of long arms would be a good tool to add to one’s rig.
I have an Aritsugu Santoku kitchen knife, which came from the manufacturer in Kyoto with an edge which seemed to be around 6 dps. With just my LAA in my Gen 3 vise, I am able to get down to 8 dps.
The Tormek adapter is a really useful tool, but some handles sizes and shapes (especially very small ones) don’t do well in the clamp section. I also keep in mind that older folders which have seen quite a bit of use will likely have a loose pivot pin and the blade will deflect to one or both sides. The point being that two LAA’s in tandem would be better than one LAA with a Tormek Adapter.
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Thanks for the input guys! Here is what I came up with so far.
I contacted Kyle at WE and he sold me a riser block for my setup. I am going to see where this puts me before ordering either the Tormek adapter or another LAA for now. I may also need to get the 12″ arms. I will update this thread with what I find out and if I need to add anything else.
Thanks again!
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