Using two low angle adapters?

[Reid]

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? 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

1 user thanked author for this post.

Brewbear

[Organic]

If they fit into one another then I don’t see why not. It might get a little wobbly and the 12 inch rods may not be long enough but it will make the angle more acute.

2 users thanked author for this post.

Brewbear, Marc H

[Reid]

Yeah that’s what I was wondering. Thought maybe someone has tried it

[Marc H]

Reid, a couple other options are

1. Remove the thumb stud to get it out of your way
2. Disassemble the knife, clamp and sharpen just the blade
3. 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).
4. 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)

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NotSharpEnuff, Brewbear, Organic

[Reid]

Thanks Mark!  I had to remove the thumb stud on a Mini Grip this weekend and it helped, even though I would have still gone a little steeper if I could have. I will order one of those Tormek ska for sure, now that you mention it, I’ve heard that one before.

I love that riser block idea too!  Is that just something I need to fabricate or did you find something to purchase somewhere?

 

Thanks again for your input!  I do understand what you mean about a limit on going higher and it being beneficial.  if I can put a riser block on there and still have the option of the Tormek adapter and the LAA I feel like that will really give me some good options and flexibility.

 

Thanks again!

[Marc H]

That riser block is a Wicked Edge part off an upgrade kit from years ago that I wasn’t using any longer and I had in my parts box.  A forum particpant “rummels” recently posted he had gotten a “riser block” from Wicked Edge.  So try to contact them.  It’s simply a bolt on part requiring longer screws.

Marc
(MarcH's Rack-Its)

[Brewbear]

A long time ago I used to train people and the one thing I always told them is “There are no dumb questions, just dumb mistakes, but then again, every mistake is a learning opportunity”. So, no, your question isn’t dumb and I’m waiting to see what comes out of this experiment. There is a contraption I remember seeing in the mods thread (I think), one I also saw in Curry Custom Cutlery video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4E6cDZJlFw and I asked him about it but no reply yet. I think at least one of the folks here may know what it is and let us know.

[tcmeyer]

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.

2 users thanked author for this post.

NotSharpEnuff, Expidia

[Reid]

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!

4 users thanked author for this post.

Brewbear, Haffner, Organic, Marc H

[rummels]

I purchased the riser block from Kyle about a month ago.  He also recommended the 12″ arms.

rummels

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Brewbear, Reid, Marc H

[Author]

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