Guided Knife Sharpening System Angles by Blade Width
What angles can I sharpen to with each Guided Sharpening System?
At Sharpening Supplies, we carry guided knife sharpening systems from three manufacturers: DMT, Lansky and Gatco. While similar, there are differences in the capabilities of each. This chart is designed to help you determine which system will allow you to sharpen your knife to the angle you want.
All three systems have multiple settings for sharpening at different angles. However, it is not just the guide position that determines the angle. There are other factors as well. The thickness of the blade, its shape in cross section and the amount of the blade that projects beyond the jaws of the holding clamp will all affect the angle at which the stone meets the edge.
With all of these variables, it is difficult to predict the exact degree you will achieve on your knife. We have provided measurements that will allow you to make a good estimate of your sharpening angle.
Can I use any of the angle selection positions with my knife?
In all three systems, narrow bladed knives can present interference problems when being used with the lower angle settings. In these positions, the clamp that holds the blade can interfere with the sharpening stone, making contact with the blade difficult or impossible. This chart also shows the usability by position of the different brands depending on the amount of blade projecting beyond the holder.
 |
 |
| Interference: Knife holder interferes with sharpening stone. |
No Interference: Knife holder does not interfere with sharpening stone. |
 |
GATCO Guide Position
|
| 11 |
15 |
19 |
22 |
25 |
30 |
Width of
Blade
Past End
of Holder |
1/4" |
no 15.5 |
no 19.3 |
no 22.9 |
no 26.8 |
no 30.0 |
yes 33.5 |
| 3/8" |
no 15.0 |
no 18.7 |
no 22.3 |
yes 26.2 |
yes 29.3 |
yes 32.8 |
| 1/2" |
no 14.6 |
no 18.2 |
yes 21.7 |
yes 25.5 |
yes 28.6 |
yes 32.0 |
| 5/8" |
no 14.3 |
yes 17.8 |
yes 21.1 |
yes 24.9 |
yes 27.9 |
yes 31.3 |
| 3/4" |
no 13.9 |
yes 17.3 |
yes 20.6 |
yes 24.3 |
yes 27.3 |
yes 30.6 |
| 7/8" |
no 13.5 |
yes 16.9 |
yes 20.1 |
yes 23.7 |
yes 26.7 |
yes 29.9 |
| 1" |
no 13.2 |
yes 16.5 |
yes 19.7 |
yes 23.2 |
yes 26.1 |
yes 29.3 |
| 1 1/4" |
no 12.6 |
yes 15.7 |
yes 18.8 |
yes 22.2 |
yes 25.0 |
yes 28.1 |
| 1 1/2" |
no 12.6 |
yes 15.0 |
yes 18.0 |
yes 21.3 |
yes 23.9 |
yes 27.0 |
| 1 3/4" |
no 11.5 |
yes 14.4 |
yes 17.2 |
yes 20.4 |
yes 23.0 |
yes 26.0 |
|
yes/no = Guide can/cannot be used without interference from holder
Number = Actual degree of sharpening*
|
 |
LANSKY Guide Position
|
| 17 |
20 |
25 |
30 |
Width of
Blade
Past End
of Holder |
1/4" |
no 15.1 |
no 19.4 |
no 23.4 |
no 27.2 |
| 3/8" |
no 14.7 |
no 18.8 |
yes 22.7 |
yes 26.4 |
| 1/2" |
no 14.2 |
yes 18.2 |
yes 22.1 |
yes 25.7 |
| 5/8" |
no 13.8 |
yes 17.7 |
yes 21.4 |
yes 25.0 |
| 3/4" |
no 13.4 |
yes 17.2 |
yes 20.9 |
yes 24.3 |
| 7/8" |
no 13.0 |
yes 16.7 |
yes 20.3 |
yes 23.7 |
| 1" |
no 12.7 |
yes 16.3 |
yes 19.8 |
yes 23.1 |
| 1 1/4" |
no 12.0 |
yes 15.5 |
yes 18.8 |
yes 22.0 |
| 1 1/2" |
yes 11.4 |
yes 14.7 |
yes 17.9 |
yes 21.0 |
| 1 3/4" |
yes 10.9 |
yes 14.0 |
yes 17.1 |
yes 20.1 |
|
yes/no = Guide can/cannot be used without interference from holder
Number = Actual degree of sharpening*
|
 |
DMT Guide Position
|
| 1 lowest |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 highest |
Width of
Blade
Past End
of Holder |
1/4" |
no 14.2 |
yes 18.2 |
yes 23.3 |
yes 27.4 |
yes 31.3 |
yes 35.3 |
yes 38.6 |
| 3/8" |
no 13.8 |
yes 17.7 |
yes 22.6 |
yes 22.7 |
yes 30.5 |
yes 34.5 |
yes 37.7 |
| 1/2" |
yes 13.4 |
yes 17.2 |
yes 22.0 |
yes 26.0 |
yes 29.7 |
yes 33.7 |
yes 36.9 |
| 5/8" |
yes 13.0 |
yes 16.8 |
yes 21.5 |
yes 25.4 |
yes 29.0 |
yes 32.9 |
yes 36.1 |
| 3/4" |
yes 12.7 |
yes 16.3 |
yes 20.9 |
yes 24.7 |
yes 28.3 |
yes 32.2 |
yes 35.3 |
| 7/8" |
yes 12.3 |
yes 15.9 |
yes 20.4 |
yes 24.1 |
yes 27.7 |
yes 31.5 |
yes 34.5 |
| 1" |
yes 12.0 |
yes 15.5 |
yes 19.9 |
yes 23.6 |
yes 27.1 |
yes 30.8 |
yes 33.8 |
| 1 1/4" |
yes 11.4 |
yes 14.7 |
yes 19.0 |
yes 22.5 |
yes 25.9 |
yes 29.5 |
yes 32.5 |
| 1 1/2" |
yes 10.9 |
yes 14.0 |
yes 18.1 |
yes 21.5 |
yes 24.8 |
yes 28.3 |
yes 31.2 |
| 1 3/4" |
yes 10.4 |
yes 13.4 |
yes 17.3 |
yes 20.6 |
yes 23.8 |
yes 27.2 |
yes 30.0 |
|
yes/no = Guide can/cannot be used without interference from holder
Number = Actual degree of sharpening*
|
*Due to variables of blade size and shape, our angles may not match those stated by the manufacturers. We used a blade thickness of 1/10". Thicker blades will result in slightly steeper angles.
How long of a blade can I use the Guided Sharpening Systems on?
In theory, there is no limit to the blade length, as you can simply move the clamp from place to place along the blade. In practice, blades of up to 8 – 9 inches are workable from a single position.
However, keep in mind that the farther to the side of the blade holder you move, the lower the angle at which the stone will meet the edge. Blade curvature will affect this decrease. A straight blade will have a more pronounced decrease in angle than a curved one.
What other features does each Guided Sharpening System have?
Each system has different features, and each is available in multiple packages. For a look at the options, see our chart comparing the systems.
Questions About Guided Knife Sharpeners?
Call a Product Specialist
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone US: 1-800-351-8234
Outside US: +1-608-203-1129
Email a Product Specialist