SK-1 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit Review for Blades

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The SK 1 reel mower sharpening kit is a compound kit for the blades of a push reel mower. The kit contains a grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank, and the listing says it is designed for reel mowers from American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise and Scotts. You apply the compound to the reel blades, then turn the reel backward with the crank so the compound works the cutting edges. This review covers the American Lawn Mower SK-1 kit in depth and compares it with two other kits that use the same SK-1 name.

Quick answer

• The SK-1 kit is a do-it-yourself compound kit. It includes grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank.
• The listing says it is designed for American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise and Scotts manual push reel mowers.
• The listing names two reel models for use, 1705-16 and 1815-18, and says the kit is not for rotary mower blades.
• Two other SK-1 kits are listed with similar contents, and both name the same reel mower brands.

What a reel mower sharpening kit does

A reel mower cuts grass with a set of spinning blades that pass across a fixed bedknife. Over time the cutting edges of the reel get dull or rounded, and the mower starts to tear grass instead of slicing it. Sharpening the reel restores the edges. A back-lapping kit does this by placing a fine compound between the reel and the bedknife, then turning the reel backward so the compound grinds the blades. The process is slow and takes some care, but it does not need a bench grinder or a machine shop.

Reel mowers are different from rotary mowers. A rotary blade is a flat blade that spins on a vertical shaft, and it needs a different sharpening method. The SK-1 listing and the Rasaech listing both state that the kit is for reel mowers, and the Rasaech listing adds that it is not for Fiskars, Gilmour, Scotts, Sears or Craftsman mowers. Check the brand of your mower before you order, because a kit that fits one reel may not fit another.

Who the SK-1 kit suits

The SK-1 kit suits a homeowner who keeps a push reel mower in good condition and wants to avoid paying a shop to sharpen the reel every season. It also suits a user who has a Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise or Scotts reel and wants a kit from the same family. The listing says the kit lets you sharpen your own mower at home, and it says sharp reel blades help you cut grass with less effort and fewer uneven edges.

The kit is less useful for a rotary mower, because the reel compound is not made for a rotary blade. It also does not replace a blade that is cracked, bent or badly worn. If the reel has a damaged blade, replace that blade first and then sharpen the rest of the reel.

What is in the box

The American Lawn Mower SK-1 listing states three components: grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank. The listing says the compound is a special abrasive, and the AAAQQ listing that uses the same contents describes it as an abrasive paste. The brush applies the paste evenly across the reel blades. The crank turns the reel in reverse, which is the step that makes the compound grind the edges. The listing does not state a grit size or a volume for the compound, so compare the amount with the number of sharpening sessions you expect.

The listing does not include gloves or goggles. Wear cut-resistant gloves when you handle the reel, and keep your hands away from the blades when the crank is turning. The Rasaech listing mentions a glove in its package, but the American Lawn Mower listing does not, so check the contents of the package you buy.

Compatibility

The main compatibility statement is the list of brands. The American Lawn Mower listing says the kit is designed for use with Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual push reel mowers. It also says the kit is designed for the 1705-16 and 1815-18 push mowers. Those model numbers matter, because they are the models the listing names directly. If your reel is a different model from the same brand, look at the model number on your mower before buying.

The listing also states that the kit is designed for reel mowers, not for rotary mowers. The two other SK-1 listings in this review say the same thing, and the Rasaech listing names the brands it does not fit. Do not buy an SK-1 kit for a rotary mower or a gas rotary mower, because the listings do not support that use.

Review: the American Lawn Mower SK-1 kit in depth

The listing presents the SK-1 as a compound sharpening kit for manual push reel mowers. The bullets describe a set of things the kit does: it maintains the cutting power of the blades, it saves time and effort during mowing, and it lets you do the work at home without a service visit. The listing also says the kit cuts down on mowing time, which is a claim about the result of sharp blades and not a measured figure.

The process is the part to understand before you start. First you remove the reel from the mower, or at least prepare the reel so you can turn it. Then you apply the compound with the brush across the reel blades and the bedknife. Next you attach the back-lapping crank and turn the reel backward. The compound grinds the edges as the reel turns against the bedknife. You repeat the turning for several minutes, then wipe off the paste and check the cut. The listing does not state a number of turns or a time, so follow the instructions that come with your mower and adjust the reel gap as you go.

The listing says the kit is built for reel-style blades with a bedknife. Adjust the bedknife to make light contact with the reel before you apply the compound. If the reel touches the bedknife too hard, the compound will wear the bedknife as well as the reel, which shortens the life of both parts. If the reel is too far from the bedknife, the compound will not reach the edges. Set the gap lightly, turn the reel slowly, and check for a clean contact line.

The two strengths of the kit are its simplicity and its fit with the named brands. It has three parts, no power source and no electrical parts. The brand list covers the common reels from four makers. The weakness is that the listing gives no grit size, no compound weight and no step-by-step instructions, so a first-time user should read the mower manual closely. The listing also does not say how many sharpening sessions one tube of compound provides.

The kit is also a time investment. A back-lapping session takes longer than a quick blade swap, and it needs a clean workspace. Plan to do it on a flat surface, with the mower on its side only if its manual allows. Clean off the compound with water after the session, and dry the reel before storing the mower. Keep the paste away from children and pets, because it is an abrasive.

Two similar SK-1 kits

AAAQQ SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit. The AAAQQ listing includes an abrasive, a reel sharpening crank and an application brush. Its listing says the kit is compatible with Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual reel mowers, and it says the kit is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, Sears Craftsman. The listing describes the application steps: apply the paste to the blade and reverse-rotate the drum with the hand crank. The listing also mentions a return policy and a 24-hour reply window for questions. It is the closest match to the SK-1 contents. View on Amazon

Rasaech SK-1 Compound Sharpening Kit. The Rasaech listing includes the SK-1 compound, a hand crank, a brush and a glove. It says the kit works with American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise push reel mowers, and it names Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, Sears Craftsman and Scotts as not compatible in its note. The listing describes the kit as a reel mower sharpener that simplifies the sharpening process. The glove is the main difference from the American Lawn Mower kit, because the Rasaech listing names a glove in its package and the American Lawn Mower listing does not. View on Amazon

The American Lawn Mower SK-1 kit is the reference product. Its listing states the brand list and the two model numbers directly, which makes it easier to check fit. The AAAQQ and Rasaech kits offer similar contents, and their listings are less specific about model numbers. If you need a glove, the Rasaech package is the one that names one. If you want the kit from the maker that lists the models, the American Lawn Mower listing is the more direct choice.

Storage and upkeep

Store the compound with its cap sealed, and keep the crank and brush clean and dry. Wipe the brush and crank after each use so the compound does not harden in the bristles. Sharpen the reel only when the cut looks ragged or the grass tips turn brown after mowing, because frequent sharpening removes metal. Between sessions, clean the reel of grass clippings and check for nicks along each blade.

FAQ

What does the SK-1 sharpening kit contain?

The American Lawn Mower SK-1 listing states a grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank. The AAAQQ and Rasaech kits list similar contents.

Which mowers does the SK-1 kit fit?

The American Lawn Mower listing says the kit is designed for Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual push reel mowers. It names the 1705-16 and 1815-18 push mowers as models it is designed for.

Can I use the SK-1 kit on a rotary mower?

No. The listings say the kit is for reel mowers. The Rasaech listing names Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott, Sears Craftsman and Scotts as brands the kit does not fit. Use a different method for rotary blades.

Do I need gloves for the SK-1 kit?

The listing does not include gloves, and the handling of reel blades is a cut risk. Use cut-resistant gloves. The Rasaech listing includes a glove in its package.

How often should I sharpen a reel mower?

The listings do not give a schedule. Sharpen when the cut looks ragged or the grass tips turn brown after mowing. Frequent sharpening removes metal from the blades, so do not sharpen on a fixed calendar without checking the cut.

Is the SK-1 kit the same as an SK-2 sharpener?

No. The SK-1 listings describe a compound kit with a back-lapping crank. The SK-2 listings in the same category describe a handheld sharpener for reel blades. They are different products, so check the model number before you buy.

Bottom line

The SK-1 kit is a practical choice for a homeowner who owns a push reel mower from one of the named brands and wants to sharpen the reel at home. Check your mower brand and model number first. If the American Lawn Mower listing matches your reel, the kit is the direct choice. If you want a glove in the package, compare the Rasaech listing. Do not use an SK-1 kit on a rotary mower.

Internal links

For a broader view of cordless options if you decide to replace a reel with a battery model, see the best cordless lawn mower with battery and charger. For blades that need replacement rather than sharpening, read the best replacement mower blades.