Compound Sharpening Kit, Reel Lawn Mower Sharpening Kit Compatible with Great States and American Lawn Mower Manual Push Lawn Mowers, Includes Back Lapping Crank, Compound and Brush Review

Overview

The American Lawn Mower Compound Sharpening Kit is not a mower itself, but an essential maintenance tool designed specifically for owners of manual reel push mowers like those from Great States and American Lawn Mower. Priced at just $14.99, this kit provides everything you need to restore a dull, skipping reel blade to like-new cutting performance. It’s built for homeowners who want to keep their manual mower running smoothly without expensive shop visits or complicated sharpening rigs.

Who Should Buy This

Owners of manual reel mowers with 7–10 blades – If you have a Great States or American Lawn Mower reel mower (or most other standard manual push mowers), this kit is your go-to for annual or bi-annual sharpening. It’s not for gas or electric mowers.

Homeowners who want to avoid shop fees – A professional reel mower sharpening can cost $30–$50. This kit pays for itself in one use and keeps you self-sufficient for years.

New manual mower owners – If you just bought a reel mower and notice it’s skipping grass or leaving uncut strips, don’t assume it’s defective. The blade likely needs a simple lapping—this kit is the fix.

Budget-conscious lawn nerds – For under $15, you get a crank, compound, and brush. That’s less than a single tank of gas for a power mower, and it keeps your manual mower cutting like new.

Key Features Breakdown

Back Lapping Crank – This is the tool that attaches to your mower’s reel axle. You turn the crank in reverse while applying compound, which rotates the reel backward against the stationary bed knife. The action hones both edges simultaneously. It’s simple, but it works—just a few minutes of cranking can restore a mower that was tearing grass.

Sharpening Compound – A fine-grit abrasive paste (usually silicon carbide or similar) that does the actual cutting. You apply it to the reel blades before cranking. The compound is water-soluble, so cleanup is easy, and a tube lasts multiple sharpenings. Don’t substitute with automotive valve grinding compound—it’s too coarse and can damage the bed knife.

Cleaning Brush – After lapping, you brush away the gritty residue. This step matters because leftover compound will dull your blades faster and can rust if left on. The included brush is stiff enough to clean between blades but won’t scratch the reel.

Compatibility – The kit explicitly fits Great States and American Lawn Mower models, but it also works with most other manual reel mowers (e.g., Fiskars, Scotts, Earthwise) as long as the axle is accessible and the reel has a standard hex or square drive. Check your mower’s axle before buying—some newer Fiskars models use a different crank interface.

Price – $14.99 is a steal compared to buying compound and a crank separately (which can run $10–$15 each). This is an all-in-one solution that’s cheaper than most single-purpose sharpening tools.

Pros

1. Restores cutting performance in minutes – A dull mower will skip grass and tear blades. Ten minutes of lapping with this kit can make your mower cut as cleanly as the day you bought it.

2. Extends mower life – Regular lapping (once per season or after 10–15 mows) prevents the blade edge from getting so dull that it needs professional grinding. This kit helps you maintain, not just fix.

3. Incredible value – At under $15, it’s cheaper than a single sharpening service. You can use it dozens of times before the compound runs out.

4. Simple, no-skill-needed operation – No disassembly, no tools beyond the included crank. Attach, apply compound, crank backwards for 2–3 minutes, brush clean. Anyone can do it.

5. Works on most manual reel mowers – While it’s branded for Great States and American, it fits many others. The crank’s universal design (a simple rod with a hook) adapts to most reel axles.

6. Compact and easy to store – The crank is about 12 inches long, the compound tube is tiny, and the brush is small. Toss it in your mower’s storage bag or a toolbox.

Cons

1. Not a substitute for professional sharpening – If your reel is badly nicked, bent, or the bed knife is worn unevenly, lapping alone won’t fix it. You’ll need a professional blade grind or replacement. This kit is for maintenance, not major repairs.

2. Crank can feel flimsy – The crank is made of lightweight metal and plastic. It works fine for light-duty lapping, but if you apply too much force or the mower’s reel is seized, the crank can bend or break. Use gentle, steady pressure.

3. Compound is messy – The abrasive paste gets everywhere if you’re not careful. It can stain concrete and clothing. Work on a drop cloth or old newspaper, and wear gloves.

4. Limited instructions – The kit includes basic directions, but they assume you know how to lap a reel mower. If you’re a beginner, you may need to watch a YouTube video to understand the correct technique (e.g., which direction to crank, how much compound to use).

Bottom Line

The American Lawn Mower Compound Sharpening Kit is a no-brainer purchase for anyone who owns a manual reel mower. For the price of a fast-food meal, you get the ability to keep your mower cutting crisp, clean grass season after season—saving you money on sharpening services and preventing the frustration of a skipping, tearing blade. It’s not a repair tool for badly damaged reels, but as a maintenance kit, it’s hard to beat. If you have a Great States, American, or similar manual mower, buy this kit and use it once a year. Your lawn will thank you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use this kit on a Fiskars StaySharp mower?
A: Yes, with a caveat. The Fiskars StaySharp system uses a different blade design (the reel is self-sharpening), but the crank fits the axle on most models. You can still use the compound to touch up the bed knife if needed, but the StaySharp mower’s reel usually doesn’t require lapping. For standard Fiskars manual reel mowers (non-StaySharp), this kit works fine.

Q: How often should I sharpen my reel mower with this kit?
A: It depends on your lawn size and grass type. For a typical 1/4-acre lawn, once per season (or every 15–20 mows) is sufficient. If you mow thick, tough grass like St. Augustine or Bahia, you may need to lap every 8–10 m