SK-2 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit Compatible with Earthwise Mowers, Hand Sharpener Fit for Most Reel Lawn Mowers Review

Overview

The SK-2 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit from Earthwise is a specialized maintenance tool designed to restore the cutting edge on reel-type lawn mowers. Priced at just $15.03, it’s a budget-friendly solution for homeowners who own Earthwise reel mowers or any standard reel mower with a similar blade design. This kit isn’t a mower itself—it’s a sharpening accessory that lets you hone the reel blades against the bed knife, saving you the cost of professional sharpening or replacement. It’s best for DIY-minded lawn enthusiasts who want precise, clean cuts without the hassle of disassembling their mower.

Who Should Buy This

1. Earthwise Reel Mower Owners – If you own an Earthwise 14-inch, 16-inch, or 18-inch reel mower, this kit is tailor-made for your machine. It fits the bolt pattern and reel geometry perfectly, making sharpening a quick, tool-free task.

2. Homeowners with Small, Fine-Lawn Yards – If you maintain a Bermuda, fescue, or Kentucky bluegrass lawn under 1/4 acre, keeping your reel mower razor-sharp is critical for a clean cut. This kit helps you avoid ragged grass tips that invite disease.

3. Eco-Conscious Gardeners Who Avoid Gas – Reel mower fans who hate fumes, noise, and gas cans will appreciate this kit. It lets you maintain your manual mower without any power tools—just a few passes and you’re back to quiet, emission-free mowing.

4. Budget-Conscious DIYers – Professional sharpening can run $20–$40 per session. For $15, this kit pays for itself after one or two uses, and you can sharpen as often as needed without recurring costs.

Key Features Breakdown

• Compatibility with Earthwise Mowers – The kit includes a lapping compound and a specialized sharpening tool that bolts directly onto Earthwise reel mowers. It also works with most other reel mowers (like Fiskars, Great States, and American Lawn Mower) that have a similar bed knife and reel design. The key is the bolt spacing and the tool’s adjustable tension—it’s not universal, but it covers the vast majority of standard 14–20-inch reel mowers.

• Lapping Compound Included – A 2-ounce tube of abrasive lapping paste is provided. This isn’t just grease—it’s a fine-grit compound that grinds the reel blades against the stationary bed knife as you turn the wheels. The compound creates a micro-honed edge that slices grass cleanly, not tears it.

• No Disassembly Required – You don’t need to remove the reel or bed knife. You apply the compound, attach the sharpening tool (which positions itself against the reel blades), and spin the wheels. This saves 30–45 minutes compared to traditional sharpening methods.

• Adjustable Tension – The tool has a threaded knob that lets you control how firmly it presses the reel blades against the bed knife. This is crucial: too light and you won’t sharpen; too heavy and you can damage the blades. The design gives you tactile feedback as you tighten.

• Compact and Lightweight – The entire kit (tool + compound tube) weighs under 1 pound and stores easily in a shed drawer or tool bag. It’s a no-brainer to keep with your mower.

• Price Point – At $15.03, it’s roughly half the cost of a single professional sharpening. For the price of a pizza, you get a tool that can keep your mower sharp for years.

Pros

1. Significantly improves cut quality – Users report a visible difference after just one sharpening session. Grass is cut cleanly rather than ripped, reducing browning and promoting healthier turf.

2. Incredibly easy to use – Apply compound, attach tool, spin wheels for 2–3 minutes. That’s it. No disassembly, no clamping, no special skills required.

3. Works on multiple reel mower brands – While designed for Earthwise, it’s confirmed to fit Fiskars, Great States, and American Lawn Mower 14–20-inch models. Check your bolt pattern, but odds are good.

4. Durable construction – The tool is made from steel with a powder-coated finish. It won’t rust or bend under normal use, and the lapping compound tube lasts for 5–10 sharpenings.

5. Saves money long-term – At $15, it replaces the need for professional sharpening every season. Over 5 years, that’s $100+ in savings.

6. No mess or fuss – The lapping compound is thick and stays where you put it. You can sharpen on a patio or driveway without staining concrete.

Cons

1. Not universal for all reel mowers – If you have a 20-inch model with non-standard bolt spacing (e.g., some older McLanes or Scotts), this kit won’t fit. Measure your bed knife bolt holes before buying.

2. Lapping compound is messy to clean – The paste gets into the blade gap and can fling off when you spin the wheels. You’ll need to wipe down the mower afterward with a rag and degreaser.

3. Requires some physical effort – To sharpen effectively, you need to spin the wheels at a moderate pace for 2–3 minutes. If you have arthritis or limited hand strength, this might be tiring.

4. Doesn’t fix severely damaged blades – If your reel blades are nicked, bent, or heavily worn, this kit won’t restore them. It’s for maintenance, not repair. Severely dull blades may need professional grinding.

Bottom Line

The SK-2 Reel Mower Sharpening Kit is a no-brainer purchase for anyone who owns an Earthwise reel mower or a compatible manual push mower. It’s cheap, easy to use, and delivers a noticeably better cut that keeps your lawn looking like a golf course. The main drawbacks—limited compatibility and a bit of mess—are minor compared to the convenience and cost savings. If you want to extend the life of your reel mower and avoid paying for professional sharpening, buy this kit. It’s one of the best $15 investments you can make for your lawn care routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I sharpen my reel mower with this kit?
A: For typical home use on a 1/4-acre lawn, sharpen every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. If you hit rocks or sticks, sharpen immediately afterward. You’ll know it’s time when the mower starts tearing grass instead of cutting it cleanly.

Q: Will this work on my Fiskars StaySharp mower?
A: Yes, it’s compatible with most Fiskars reel mowers (including the 18- and 20-inch models