Best sharpening system ~400 or under?

CrimsonTideShooter

CrimsonTideShooter

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Oct 23, 2010
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I'm looking for a sharpening system other than the sharpmaker I already have. I'm thinking of something like the wicked edge or something similar. What do you guys suggest? I'm willing to spend up to 400. Thanks!
 
Edge pro might be what you are looking for. I know I've seen some pictures of wicked sharp knives from many users here on BF done with this system.
 
Edge Pro. Trust me on this one. It took me from zero to hero.

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kawr said:
Its about 400 bucks I believe. Should be easy to find.
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Well the Edge Pro "Pro" kit is upward of $400. However the Edge Pro "Apex" is $235 for the kit with the most stones/accessories. Unless you are working on blades for the whole day i.e. in a shop, the apex should suffice.
 
Get the Apex, a few extra polishing tapes if that's your thing. Future upgrades would be glass blanks, diamond stones for ceramic or hard steels, and there's so much more. There are also aftermarket stones, and people have modified the system for more precise sharpening of serrated edges, etc. 1/2" stones for recurve blades. Purchase the Pro version if you're interested in sharpening scissors or other mountable blades (or if you're a professional sharpener).

I'd personally stay away from the Wicked Edge until the kinks are worked out.
 
+1 on the Edge Pro, google Edge Pro, get their # and call Ben Dale, he is a pleasure to deal with and very helpful while you learn to use his system.

Remember though, there is no replacement for learnin' to sharpen freehand, it'll only help ya learn how to maintain yer sharpenin' angle, besides what happens if ya have to sharpen a knife without your Edge Pro, even with it's case ya can't take it everywhere, :)
 
Another vote for the Edge Pro...I own an Apex 4 and it's rendered both benchstones and Sharpmaker 204 I had before that obsolete. Once having some practice it takes only 20 to 30 minutes to get a razor sharp edge.
 
I'm looking to be able to reprofile an edge and then bring it to hair whittling sharp. Will the apex accomplish that? And also what other stones or accessories would be needed to do that?

In other words, if you were going to buy it and wanted to get the sharpest edges possible after reprofiling - what would your order look like?

BladeChemist said:
Get the Apex, a few extra polishing tapes if that's your thing. Future upgrades would be glass blanks, diamond stones for ceramic or hard steels, and there's so much more. There are also aftermarket stones, and people have modified the system for more precise sharpening of serrated edges, etc. 1/2" stones for recurve blades. Purchase the Pro version if you're interested in sharpening scissors or other mountable blades (or if you're a professional sharpener).

I'd personally stay away from the Wicked Edge until the kinks are worked out.
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The EdgePro is a great system and at this point can put a finer edge on a blade than the Wicked Edge, but the Wicked Edge is more precise and easier to use. The lower grits are diamond stones. You don't need to use water, as you do with the EdgePro.

These are the two premium systems. I've had both. I kept the Wicked Edge. It's easier, faster and more precise. But the EdgePro will do anything you want.
 
powernoodle great statement--"from zero to hero " love looking at the results from the apex edge pro. i'm in my 4th week with the edge pro & certainly recommend it to formites.
dennis
 
T. Erdelyi said:
+1 on the Edge Pro, google Edge Pro, get their # and call Ben Dale, he is a pleasure to deal with and very helpful while you learn to use his system.

Remember though, there is no replacement for learnin' to sharpen freehand, it'll only help ya learn how to maintain yer sharpenin' angle, besides what happens if ya have to sharpen a knife without your Edge Pro, even with it's case ya can't take it everywhere, :)
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Exactly. :thumbup:

Learning freehand will help a lot when using the Edge Pro, the background is invaluable with any method.
 
For $400 you could get the Edge-Pro, a 1X30" or 1x42" sander and all the belts, and a paper wheel system including buffer/grinder
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
I'm looking to be able to reprofile an edge and then bring it to hair whittling sharp. Will the apex accomplish that? And also what other stones or accessories would be needed to do that?

In other words, if you were going to buy it and wanted to get the sharpest edges possible after reprofiling - what would your order look like?
Click to expand...

Either the Wicked Edge or the Edge Pro will put a great edge on a knife. If you go with the Edge Pro, the Apex 4 kit, should keep you in sharpening heaven for a while, and accomplish your goal. If you plan on doing a lot of reprofiling, I'd get an extra 120 stone or two, (mounted so you don't have to mess with mounting one in the middle of a job). The leveling kit has been the best way I've found of keeping the stones not only level, but performing well, so I would consider that too. If you think you'll really be into polished bevels, you could get some extra tapes but I found after a while, I didn't use them that often. The 1K stone will leave a pretty refined finish.

cbw
 
CrimsonTideShooter said:
Ok thanks. How much is it? And can I just order one or is there a wait time for them?
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The Edge Pro Apex is in the low $200s. Got mine from accuratesharp.com. Fast shipping, no worries.

I agree that learning freehand is good. I'm just too stupid. But the Edge Pro and other systems which maintain a fixed angle demonstrate the underlying secret of good freehand sharpening, which is keeping the correct angle
 
powernoodle said:
The Edge Pro Apex is in the low $200s. Got mine from accuratesharp.com. Fast shipping, no worries.

I agree that learning freehand is good. I'm just too stupid. But the Edge Pro and other systems which maintain a fixed angle demonstrate the underlying secret of good freehand sharpening, which is keeping the correct angle
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Thanks for pointing me to that site. I think I'm going to order the apex ultimate kit that comes with all the stones and tapes.

I'm excited. Haha. Is it fairly easy to use? And also since you have to use water is it messy?
 
So, based on the many Votes for the Edge Pro Apex 4 (EPA4) on this thread, I'm on the verge of dropping the 200 hundred + dollars for it!
With only the stones/tapes that the EPA4 come with, will I be able (assuming a little acquired skill) to put a mirror edge on my knives?
Is there an accessory I should consider purchasing with the EPA4? (like aftermarket stones?)
 
Yes you'll be able to put a mirror edge on your knives. The only other accessories I can think of is the leveling kit and maybe a set of the 1/2" stones.

Have fun, you're going to love the Edge-Pro Apex. :)
 
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