Best Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Kits for Home
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A reel lawn mower sharpening kit is a set of compound or a hand sharpener used to restore the cutting edge of a reel’s blades and bed knife, so that the reel cuts cleanly instead of tearing grass. The kits in this roundup fall into two groups: back-lapping compound kits that are used with the mower’s crank, and handheld sharpeners that attach to the reel. This roundup compares eight kits from the product pack and states what each listing says about compatibility, grit, included tools and the mowers it names.
Quick answer
- Check the compatibility line first. Most listings name American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise and Scotts reel mowers, and several say the kit will not fit Fiskars, Gilmour, Sears Craftsman or rotary mowers.
- Compound kits use a crank and paste, usually in 80 grit and 120 grit. Handheld sharpeners slide along the reel and do not need a crank.
- The Generic and Dunkive listings state two grits and include gloves and a brush. The American Lawn Mower SK-1 and AAAQQ listings describe a compound kit with a crank and brush.
- Read the included items and the amount of compound on each listing, because the listings state different quantities.
How reel sharpening works
A reel mower cuts by a scissor action between the spinning reel blades and a fixed bed knife. When the blades or the bed knife dull, the mower tears grass and leaves a ragged tip. Sharpening restores the edge. The listings in this roundup describe two methods. Back-lapping uses a grinding compound applied to the reel. The mower is turned backward with a crank, so the compound grinds the blades and sharpens them without removing much metal. A handheld sharpener is a plastic or metal tool that you slide along the blade or bed knife while the reel turns, and the listing describes it as removing burrs and dull spots.
Both methods depend on the right fit. A sharpener designed for a 5-blade reel may not match a 4-blade or 7-blade reel, and a kit made for push reel mowers will not fit a rotary mower. Several listings say so in plain words, and the rule is worth taking seriously before you order.
Comparison table
| Listing | Type | Grit or compound stated | Included | Compatibility named |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Lawn Mower SK-1 | Compound kit with crank | Grinding compound (weight not stated) | Compound, application brush, back-lapping crank | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts push mowers; 1705-16 and 1815-18 |
| AAAQQ SK-1 | Compound kit with crank | Abrasive paste (grit not stated) | Abrasive paste, reel sharpening crank, application brush | Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts; not Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman |
| TOSRWGLL SK-2 | Handheld sharpener | Not applicable | Handheld sharpener | Earthwise and most reel mowers; not for rotary blades |
| Rasaech SK-1-1 | Compound kit with crank | Reel lapping compound (grit not stated) | Compound, hand crank, brush and glove | American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise; not Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman |
| Generic LL001 | Compound kit | 80 grit and 120 grit, 1.5 lb (350 g) total | Compound, long-handle brush, cut-resistant gloves | Great States, American Lawn Mower and most push reel mowers |
| huzile RLM35 | Compound kit | 80 grit and 120 grit, 0.3 lb each | Two pastes, applicator brush, gloves | Great States, American Lawn Mower and Earthwise |
| Dunkive LIF-Dunkive-1077 | Compound kit | 80 grit and 120 grit, 100 g each jar (200 g total) | Compound, brush and gloves | Great States and American Lawn Mower |
| Ulreon SK-2 style sharpener | Handheld sharpener | Not applicable | Handheld sharpener | American Lawn Mower, Earthwise, Great States and Scotts; not rotary |
Where a listing does not state a grit or quantity, the table says so. The pack gives no prices, so compare the contents and fit, not the cost.
American Lawn Mower SK-1 compound kit
The American Lawn Mower SK-1 is a compound sharpening kit with grinding compound, an application brush and a back-lapping crank. The listing says the kit is designed for Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual push mowers, and that it is designed for use with the 1705-16 and 1815-18 push mowers. It says the kit keeps reel blades in top cutting form and cuts down on mowing time. The listing does not state the amount of compound or the grit of the paste, so check the quantity on the package before you buy.
AAAQQ SK-1 compound kit
The AAAQQ kit includes an abrasive paste, a reel sharpening crank and an application brush. Its listing describes the method: apply the paste to the blade and reverse the drum with the hand crank to sharpen. The listing says the kit is compatible with Great States, American Lawn Mower, Earthwise and Scotts manual reel mowers, and that it is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman. The grit of the paste is not stated. The listing also describes a return policy for a mismatch, which is worth reading before purchase.
TOSRWGLL SK-2 handheld sharpener
The TOSRWGLL is a handheld SK-2 sharpener in orange. It does not need a crank. The listing says it is compatible with Earthwise and most reel mowers, and it warns that the sharpener is not for use on rotary mower blades. The bullets describe a design that removes burrs and dull spots and that improves mowing efficiency. Because it is a handheld tool, you slide it along the reel blades while the reel turns, and the listing does not describe a compound. Choose this style if you want a tool that stays in the garage and does not require a crank.
Rasaech SK-1-1 compound kit
The Rasaech kit contains SK-1 compound, a hand crank, a brush and a glove. Its listing says it works with American Lawn Mower, Great States and Earthwise push reel mowers, and it states that it is not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman mowers. The listing describes the crank as giving controlled operation. The grit of the compound is not stated. The glove is a practical inclusion, and the listing does not say what material it is made from.
Generic LL001 two-grit compound kit
The Generic LL001 is a 1.5-pound (350 g) total compound kit with an 80-grit and a 120-grit paste. The listing describes 80 grit as the coarse step for restoring a dull or uneven edge and 120 grit as the fine step for honing and smoothing with less material removed. It includes a long-handle applicator brush and cut-resistant gloves. The paste is water-soluble and premixed. The listing says to mix it with kerosene or machine oil at a 1:1 to 1:2 ratio, and it says it clings to blades and rinses off with water. Follow the printed instructions in the kit, and take care with the mixing fluid. The listing says the kit works with Great States, American Lawn Mower and most push reel mowers, and that it is also suited to honing scissors and pruning shears. The brand is listed as Generic.
huzile RLM35 two-paste kit
The huzile kit contains two 0.3-pound pastes, one 80 grit for initial sharpening and one 120 grit for finishing, along with an applicator brush and gloves. The listing says the paste is fully premixed and ready to use. It names Great States, American Lawn Mower and Earthwise roller mowers as the intended machines, and it says the kit can also be used on shears, knives and other garden tools. The listing refers to the instructions on the product details page. The model number on the listing is RLM35, and the part number field reads RLM12, so confirm the model with the seller if the two numbers matter for your mower.
Dunkive two-grit kit
The Dunkive kit contains 80 grit and 120 grit grinding compound, a dedicated application brush and a pair of gloves. Each jar contains 100 g of compound, for 200 g total, which the title states as 7 oz total. The listing describes the compound as a water-soluble gel that clings to blades and rinses off with water. It names Great States and American Lawn Mower manual push mowers. The listing does not state a crank, so check whether a crank is needed for your mower before you buy. The listing describes the small jars as easier to apply and fresher than bulk tubs.
Ulreon SK-2 style handheld sharpener
The Ulreon is a handheld reel mower sharpener in orange, designed to fit the SK-2 standard size. Its listing says it is compatible with American Lawn Mower, Earthwise, Great States and Scotts reel mowers and most standard manual push reels, and it says the sharpener does not work with rotary lawn mowers. It has two grinding slots, one for curved reel blades and one for straight bed knives, and the rotating arm follows the blade contour. The listing describes sliding the sharpener back and forth 10 to 15 times on the reel, or flipping the mower to sharpen the bed knife. The handle is plastic. The listing says it is lightweight and portable.
Who each kit suits
A homeowner who owns an American Lawn Mower or Great States reel and wants a crank-based kit has the most choice in this roundup. The American Lawn Mower SK-1 and the AAAQQ and Rasaech compound kits all describe that method and name the same mower families. A homeowner who wants two grits in one set should compare the Generic, huzile and Dunkive listings, which each describe 80 grit and 120 grit. A person who wants a tool that slides along the reel without a crank should compare the TOSRWGLL and Ulreon handheld sharpeners, and should confirm that the mower is a push reel and not a rotary.
Mistakes to avoid
- Buying a kit for a rotary mower. The TOSRWGLL and Ulreon listings say their sharpeners are not for rotary blades.
- Assuming a kit fits a brand not named. Several listings say the kits are not compatible with Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman mowers.
- Mixing the compound without reading the printed instructions. The Generic listing names kerosene or machine oil as the mixing fluid, and the product instructions should be followed.
- Skipping the gloves. Several kits in the table include gloves, and the blades are sharp.
- Comparing quantities that the listings do not state the same way. The American Lawn Mower and AAAQQ listings do not give a weight, while the Generic, huzile and Dunkive listings do.
Safety and cleanup
Sharpening a reel means working with sharp blades, so wear gloves and keep hands away from the reel while you turn the crank or slide a sharpener. Keep the mower steady while you apply the compound or the sharpener. The water-soluble pastes in several listings rinse off with water. The Generic listing names kerosene or machine oil as a mixing fluid, so follow the printed instructions and keep the mixed compound away from children and pets. For regular upkeep of the rest of the mower, read the lawn mower safety checklist for homeowners.
FAQ
What is the difference between a compound kit and a handheld sharpener?
A compound kit uses paste and a crank to back-lap the reel, while a handheld sharpener is a tool you slide along the blade. The listings in the table show which kind each product is.
What grit should I use?
The listings that state two grits describe 80 grit for restoring a dull or uneven edge and 120 grit for finishing. The listings that do not state a grit should be checked with the seller.
Which mowers do these kits fit?
Most listings name American Lawn Mower, Great States, Earthwise and Scotts push reel mowers. Several say they will not fit Fiskars, Gilmour, Scott or Sears Craftsman mowers, and the handheld sharpeners say they are not for rotary blades.
Does the kit include a crank and gloves?
The American Lawn Mower SK-1, AAAQQ and Rasaech listings include a crank. The Generic, huzile and Dunkive listings include gloves. The TOSRWGLL and Ulreon listings are handheld tools and do not need a crank.
Can I sharpen other tools with these kits?
The Generic and huzile listings say the compound can also be used on scissors, pruning shears and garden tools. The American Lawn Mower and AAAQQ listings describe use on reel mowers only.
Do these kits sharpen the bed knife?
The Ulreon listing describes a slot for straight bed knives and says you can flip the mower to sharpen the bed knife. The compound listings describe sharpening the reel, and they do not say they cover the bed knife.
Bottom line
For an American Lawn Mower, Great States or Earthwise reel, a crank-based SK-1 style kit matches the mower most directly. Choose the Generic, huzile or Dunkive two-grit kits if you want 80 and 120 grit in one set, and the TOSRWGLL or Ulreon handheld sharpener if you want to avoid the crank. Confirm the mower model, the grit and the included gloves on each listing before you order. For mower blade replacement and related maintenance, see Best Blade Style for Lawn Mowers: Rotary, Mulching, Reel or Flail.