Best Reel Mower Sharpening Equipment for Home Use
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Reel mower sharpening equipment falls into two groups in this set. The first is back-lapping equipment: a compound, an applicator brush and often a hand crank, used to grind a reel against its bed knife while the mower sits in place. The second is the handheld sharpener, which works on a reel’s edge without a crank. This roundup compares seven listings from the pack, covering grit levels, kit contents and the reel brands each listing names, so you can buy only the equipment your mower can use.
Quick answer
- For a complete back-lapping kit, the Rasaech and American Lawn Mower SK-1 listings both include a hand crank, a brush and compound. The Rasaech adds a glove.
- For a grit choice, the Dunkive listings are sold as an 80-grit compound and a 120-grit compound, each in two 100g jars. The 80-grit suits initial sharpening and the 120-grit suits finishing.
- For a two-grit kit with a glove and brush, the 1.5 LB kit lists 80-grit and 120-grit compound and cut-resistant gloves.
- For a handheld option with no crank, the SK-2 listing describes a reel-mower sharpener for most reel mowers, and says it is not for rotary blades.
How back-lapping equipment works
Back-lapping is a slow process. You coat the reel with compound, turn the reel backward so the blades pass over the bed knife, and let the abrasive grind both edges. A coarse compound removes nicks and rounds a dull edge, and a fine compound refines the edge so the cut is clean. The Dunkive listings describe the 80-grit as medium-coarse for restoring cutting edges and the 120-grit as fine for smoothing them. The huzile listing describes the same two-step idea: 80-grit for initial sharpening and 120-grit for finishing.
Because the work happens on the mower, the equipment has to suit the reel. Most listings in this set name the brands whose reels they fit. Those notes matter more than grit, because a compound that is listed for another brand may not suit your reel’s blade pattern. Read the brand note first, then the grit.
Comparison at a glance
| Equipment (listing) | Type | Grit or form | Contents stated | Brand fit stated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower SK-1 Compound Kit | Back-lapping kit | Grinding compound | Compound, application brush, back-lapping crank | Push reel lawn mowers |
| SK-2 Hand Reel Mower Sharpener | Handheld sharpener | Not stated | One handheld tool | Earthwise and most reel mowers; not rotary |
| Rasaech SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit | Back-lapping kit | Compound | Compound, hand crank, brush, glove | American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise; not Fiskars, Gilmour, Scotts, Sears Craftsman |
| huzile 2PCS Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Kit | Back-lapping compound | 80 and 120 grit, 0.3 lb each | Two pastes, applicator brush | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise |
| Dunkive 80 Grit Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Compound, 2 Packs | Back-lapping compound | 80 grit, medium coarse | Two 100g jars, 7 oz total | Great States and American Lawn Mower |
| Dunkive 120 Grit Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Compound, 2 Packs | Back-lapping compound | 120 grit, fine | Two 100g jars, 7 oz total | Great States and American Lawn Mower |
| Reel Lawn Mower Backlapping Sharpening Compound Kit, 1.5 LB | Back-lapping kit | 80 and 120 grit | 1.5 lb total, long-handle brush, cut-resistant gloves | Reel mowers; brand not stated in title |
Where a listing does not state a value, the table says so. The brand notes come from each listing’s title and bullets, and they are the listing’s own claims rather than a fit guarantee.
The equipment one by one
American Lawn Mower Company SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit
The SK-1 is a do-it-yourself sharpening kit for push reel lawn mowers. The listing says it contains grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank, and that it keeps reel blades at their cutting power. The brand is American Lawn Mower Company, and the listing is written for manual push reels. The listing does not give the grit of the compound or the size of the jar, so ask the seller or read the package before you start. The SK-1 is the most complete kit with the crank included in this set that is written for the American Lawn Mower brand itself.
SK-2 Hand Reel Mower Sharpener
The SK-2 is different from the kits. It is a handheld reel mower sharpener, and the listing says it improves and maintains the blade edge and removes burrs. The bullets say it fits Earthwise and most reel mowers, and they say clearly that it is not for rotary mower blades. The listing describes the design as easy and safe to use at home, and it calls the body high-quality. Because it is handheld, it can replace the crank step for some owners, but the listing does not describe how long each session takes or what grit it uses. If your mower is a reel and you do not want a compound, this is the one handheld option in the set.
Rasaech SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit
The Rasaech kit is a full back-lapping set. It includes SK-1 compound, a hand crank, a brush and a glove, and the listing says the glove helps with safe handling. The listing names American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise as the push reel brands it works with. It also names four brands it does not suit: Fiskars, Gilmour, Scotts and Sears Craftsman. Those exclusions matter, because the Fiskars and Scotts names are common in the reel market. If your reel is from one of the listed brands, this kit is the most complete back-lapping package in the set. If it is from one of the excluded brands, do not buy it.
huzile 2PCS Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Kit
The huzile kit is two pastes, an 80-grit and a 120-grit, each listed at 0.3 pounds. The listing says the pastes are fully premixed and ready to use, and it includes an applicator brush. The listing says the kit is designed for roller mowers from brands such as Great States, American Lawn Mower and Earthwise. The 80-grit is for the initial pass, and the 120-grit is for finishing. The listing says the kit can also be used to sharpen other blades, but the listing does not say which ones. Because the grits are sold in one kit, you can do both steps without buying a second product.
Dunkive 80 Grit Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Compound, 2 Packs
The Dunkive 80-grit compound is described as medium coarse, for back-lapping reel lawn mowers. The listing says it helps restore cutting edges and improve cutting performance. It comes in two 100g jars, which the listing gives as 7 ounces in total, and the listing says smaller jars stay fresher than bulk containers. The compound is premixed with minerals in a water-soluble gel, and it is designed to cling to the blades during back-lapping and rinse off after. The listing names Great States and American Lawn Mower manual push mowers as compatible. This compound is the coarse step, so use it first on a reel with a dull or uneven edge.
Dunkive 120 Grit Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Compound, 2 Packs
The Dunkive 120-grit compound is the fine step in the same line. The listing describes it as fine, for refining blade edges and improving cutting smoothness. The package and water-soluble gel match the 80-grit listing: two 100g jars, 7 ounces in total, premixed and designed to cling to the blades. The listing names the same two brands, Great States and American Lawn Mower. If you have already used a coarse compound, the 120-grit is the step that finishes the edge. The listing does not say how many sessions a jar supports, so keep a note of how much you use.
Reel Lawn Mower Backlapping Sharpening Compound Kit, 1.5 LB
This kit is the largest package in the set, with 1.5 pounds of compound in total, which the listing describes as more paste than a typical starter kit. It contains 80-grit and 120-grit compound, a long-handle applicator brush and cut-resistant gloves. The listing describes a premixed water-soluble abrasive paste, and it says the paste is mixed with kerosene or machine oil at a ratio of 1 to 1 or 1 to 2. That mixing step matters: read the listing’s instructions and handling notes before you mix anything, and follow the ventilation and disposal rules that apply where you live. The brand is listed as Generic, and the title does not name a reel brand, so check the mower model before buying.
Closer look: the Dunkive pair in depth
The two Dunkive listings are the most consistent pair in the set, so they deserve a closer read. Each is a two-pack of 100g jars, which the listing gives as 7 ounces in total. Each is premixed, uses a water-soluble gel and is described as designed to cling to blades during back-lapping. The 80-grit compound is described as medium coarse, and the 120-grit as fine. Both name the same two brands, Great States and American Lawn Mower manual push mowers. The listings do not give a number of sessions, a shelf life or a jar weight beyond the 7-ounce total. If you want the two grits from one brand, buy the pair. If you need only one step, the 80-grit is the one to start with on a dull reel, and the 120-grit comes after.
How to choose reel mower sharpening equipment
Start with the mower. Find the brand and model, and then compare the brand notes in each listing. The SK-1, Rasaech, huzile and Dunkive listings all name reel brands, while the 1.5 LB kit does not. Next, decide between a full kit and a compound alone. A full kit includes the crank and brush, so you need nothing else. A compound alone assumes you already have a crank and brush, which many owners do not. Then check the grit. A coarse step removes damage, and a fine step finishes the edge. A two-grit kit covers both steps, while a single grit does only one.
Last, check the safety notes. The 1.5 LB kit lists a mixing liquid that is not water, so its instructions matter more than the other listings. The Rasaech kit includes a glove, and the 1.5 LB kit lists cut-resistant gloves. A reel blade is sharp, so work with gloves on regardless of the kit.
Mistakes to avoid
- Choosing by grit alone. The Rasaech listing says it does not suit Fiskars, Gilmour, Scotts or Sears Craftsman reels.
- Using the SK-2 on a rotary mower. The listing says it is not for rotary blades.
- Skipping the mixing instructions. The 1.5 LB kit names kerosene or machine oil as the mixing liquid, so follow its instructions and handling notes exactly.
- Buying a second compound without checking the grit. Coarse and fine compounds do different jobs, and the listings describe them differently.
- Assuming gloves come in every kit. The Rasaech and 1.5 LB kits list gloves, and the others in this set do not.
FAQ
What is the difference between 80-grit and 120-grit compound?
The Dunkive listings describe the 80-grit as medium coarse, for restoring cutting edges, and the 120-grit as fine, for refining and smoothing them. The huzile listing says the same: 80-grit for initial sharpening and 120-grit for finishing. Use the coarse step first when the edge is dull or uneven.
Which equipment includes a hand crank?
The SK-1 and the Rasaech kits include a back-lapping crank, and the listing for each says so. The huzile, Dunkive and 1.5 LB listings describe compound and brushes, but they do not list a crank in the package. Check the included items before buying if you need the crank.
Is there a handheld option that does not use compound?
Yes. The SK-2 is a handheld reel mower sharpener, and its listing says it improves the blade edge and removes burrs. It is for reel mowers and not for rotary blades.
Which brands do these compounds fit?
The Dunkive listings name Great States and American Lawn Mower reels, and the huzile listing adds Earthwise. The Rasaech listing names American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise, and it excludes Fiskars, Gilmour, Scotts and Sears Craftsman. The 1.5 LB kit does not name a reel brand, so check your mower model before buying.
Do I need gloves for reel mower sharpening?
The listings do not require gloves, but a reel blade is sharp. The Rasaech kit includes a glove, and the 1.5 LB kit includes cut-resistant gloves. The other listings do not say whether gloves are included, so plan to wear your own.
Bottom line
For a complete kit with a crank and brush, choose the SK-1 for an American Lawn Mower reel or the Rasaech for an American, Great States or Earthwise reel. For a two-grit compound with no crank, the huzile or the 1.5 LB kit covers both steps. For a fine finish from a known brand, pair the two Dunkive jars. Check the brand note before you buy anything, because the listings do not all name the same reels.
Related reading
For a wider look at reel blade replacement, see Best Replacement Mower Blades, and the Reel and Robot Mowers Listed Beside Them. For how reel and rotary blades differ, read Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail.
