Earthwise 16-Inch 7-Blade Push Reel Lawn Mower (1715-16EW) + American Lawn Mower SK-2 Reel Lawn Mower Hand Sharpener

What It Is

This purchase combines the Earthwise 1715-16EW 16-inch push reel mower with the American Lawn Mower SK-2 hand sharpener—a ready-to-use kit for maintaining a manual reel mower. The sharpener is designed to restore the cutting edge on reel blades and the bed knife without disassembly.

Fitment & Compatibility

• Mower deck size: 16-inch cutting width (the Earthwise model). The SK-2 sharpener fits most reel mowers with blades up to 20 inches, but confirm your mower’s reel diameter and bed knife clearance.
• Model check: The SK-2 is a universal sharpener for push reel mowers, not for rotary or gas-powered mowers. It works with Earthwise, American Lawn Mower, Great States, and similar brands.
• OEM vs aftermarket: The sharpener is aftermarket; the mower is OEM. No modifications needed—just apply sharpening paste (included) and run the sharpener along the reel.
• Measurement to verify: Ensure the mower’s reel turns freely and the bed knife is straight. The SK-2 requires a flat, accessible reel edge.

Key Things to Know

• Quality: The SK-2 is a durable, manual sharpener with a carbide blade. It’s effective for light maintenance but won’t fix severely dull or nicked blades.
• Installation difficulty: Very easy—no tools needed. Apply paste, clamp the sharpener onto the reel, and spin the wheels backward. Takes 5–10 minutes per use.
• Common gotchas: Over-sharpening can remove too much metal, shortening blade life. Use sparingly (every 2–3 seasons or when cutting quality drops). The mower itself has a 7-blade reel for finer cuts but requires more pushing effort.
• Maintenance note: The sharpener works best on clean, dry blades. Remove grass buildup first. For the mower, lubricate axles and adjust bed knife gap (paper-thin) for optimal performance.

Should You Buy It

Buy this if you want a low-maintenance, manual reel mower setup and prefer to sharpen at home without sending blades out. It’s ideal for small, flat lawns (under 5,000 sq ft) and users who don’t mind a bit of elbow grease. Skip it if you have a large yard, thick grass, or want zero blade maintenance—consider a rotary mower or professional sharpening instead.