BG ASH-1 Meets Wicked Edge

zmbhntr

zmbhntr

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I picked up a Wicked Edge at Blade Show this year because I have quite a few Busse's and folders that I would like to be able to consistently sharpen well. I have sharpened a couple of small folders with the Wicked Edge, but not any fixed blades until this point. I know that there have been a few other Wicked Edge threads lately, but I thought that since it was my first time using the system to sharpen a Busse I would show my results.

It's definitely not as easy or quick as the Wicked Edge produced videos on YouTube make it look. That being said, it's not difficult either. I got a tip from someone that suggested that until comfortable with the system to use more of a up and down sanding motion instead of the full strokes like the videos show; I think that helped quite a bit initially. By far he most time consuming part is re-profiling the blade, which which I chose to do for the BG ASH-1. I had heard that the re-profiling is rough with the 100 grit diamond stones, so I ordered the extra course 50 and 80 grit stones. It took a long time as it is, I can't imagine how long it would take with the 100 grit stones, but I'm glad I didn't have to find out!

I think I really like the system overall. It does take time, but it is easy to precisely control the sharpening angle, which is the most important thing to me. My results are not professional by any means, but I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. I my grit progression went from diamond stones at 50, 80, 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, to ceramic stones at 1.4 micron, 0.6 micron, and then finally strops at 1 micron and 0.5 micron. When I received the BG ASH-1 it was fairly dull, and would not cut computer paper. The pics below aren't great, but they are the best I could do with my phone.

Edge after 80 grit:


Edge after 1000 grit:


Edge after 1.4 micron strop:


Edge after 0.6 micron strop:



Now it will cut paper, and is shaving sharp:
 
Excellent job!!

As the main culprit behind the "several wicked edge threads lately" --- it's only fitting for me to be the first to congratulate you on your work and progress.

I personally have not used the 50, 80 grit diamond stones on my Busse/Bussekin blades. The problem with those stones initially is that the stones leave deep cuts that can take a while to polish out. I personally use the 100's to reprofile --- takes forever, but it ensures a consistent/uniform grit finish.

Also, it's not quite that easy to get really really high quality results. It takes consistency and it takes attention to detail. For example -- handle position on the stones should be uniform and consistent. Pressure should be consistent also. The real trick is to learn to apply an even distribution of pressure at each section of the stones (meaning you should change handle positions from top to mid to bottom). This allows for a proper reprofiling of not just the edge but the shoulders also. The entire bevel from apex to shoulder should receive consistent and equal attention.


Awesome job brother!!
 
Rob_Mob said:
Excellent job!!

As the main culprit behind the "several wicked edge threads lately" --- it's only fitting for me to be the first to congratulate you on your work and progress.

I personally have not used the 50, 80 grit diamond stones on my Busse/Bussekin blades. The problem with those stones initially is that the stones leave deep cuts that can take a while to polish out. I personally use the 100's to reprofile --- takes forever, but it ensures a consistent/uniform grit finish.

Also, it's not quite that easy to get really really high quality results. It takes consistency and it takes attention to detail. For example -- handle position on the stones should be uniform and consistent. Pressure should be consistent also. The real trick is to learn to apply an even distribution of pressure at each section of the stones (meaning you should change handle positions from top to mid to bottom). This allows for a proper reprofiling of not just the edge but the shoulders also. The entire bevel from apex to shoulder should receive consistent and equal attention.


Awesome job brother!!
Click to expand...

Thank you very much! It's actually your threads that were some of the inspiration for me to buy a Wicked Edge in the first place. That's interesting to hear about the 50 and 80 grit stones, I had not thought about that but I can certainly see that you are correct. I'll do some experimenting going forward; it will be interesting to see if the time savings re-profiling with the extra course stones is worth the time required to sand out the deeper cuts that they make.

I'm sure you are correct about the consistent and even pressure being required. I'm still pretty new to this system, but I'm definitely starting to feel more comfortable with it in my hands and becoming more accustom to the motion. Hopefully, my results will get nothing but better going forward.
 
Sweet job homie, i can only echo Rob in that i own the 50 and 80 but never use them. The 100 grit is my go to for hard work. Watch the slip, the wicked edge will wicked cut you.

Stoked for the Hennessey in the cold, you know.... The stump, my nemesis...
 
wow! that is sick..I had a "professional" knife guy sharpen my RMD and he said it was "tough" to work with the sr101.. I was not happy with the end result.. I gotta get one of those sharpening rigs so I can do it myself cause sr101 takes a wicked edge..obviously..
 
zmbhntr said:
Thank you very much! It's actually your threads that were some of the inspiration for me to buy a Wicked Edge in the first place. That's interesting to hear about the 50 and 80 grit stones, I had not thought about that but I can certainly see that you are correct. I'll do some experimenting going forward; it will be interesting to see if the time savings re-profiling with the extra course stones is worth the time required to sand out the deeper cuts that they make.

I'm sure you are correct about the consistent and even pressure being required. I'm still pretty new to this system, but I'm definitely starting to feel more comfortable with it in my hands and becoming more accustom to the motion. Hopefully, my results will get nothing but better going forward.
Click to expand...

I'm sure they will man --- but you're off to such a great start. Keep in mind that if you find some other knives to break in the 50/80 grit stones --- the harshness of the stones diminishes and will leave leave less deep cuts.

See for yourself what works best --- there really isn't a written rule. I will say though that with the 100's I have absolutely zero reservations about REALLY digging into it and applying a lot of pressure and going fast (please be careful -- I have had too many close calls and pretty soon I'll be typing with just 2 fingers). The 50's require some more care and control as to avoid creating scratches too deep as a result of a lot of pressure. Also -- avoid hitting the apex with the 50/80 stones -- because it can easily chip the edge and force you to start all over.

I'm sure when you go to test your knife on wood --- you'll see that there is nothing out there better. The edge is truly consistent and perfect and STRONG. You can also easily maintain the edge with a Sharp Maker --- just a few passes and it'll restore it.

Great Job!!
 
It looks damn good, would have never guessed you were a first timer. What model Wicked Edge did you get?
 
breavis5694 said:
Sweet job homie, i can only echo Rob in that i own the 50 and 80 but never use them. The 100 grit is my go to for hard work. Watch the slip, the wicked edge will wicked cut you.

Stoked for the Hennessey in the cold, you know.... The stump, my nemesis...
Click to expand...

Thanks buddy! I'm definitely game for some winter camping. Lets focus on a trip in the fall first though, I'm thinking October.

slowride11 said:
It looks damn good, would have never guessed you were a first timer. What model Wicked Edge did you get?
Click to expand...

Thanks! I bought the Pro Pack II. It was 20% off at Blade which was a nice discount.

Robdude said:
wow! that is sick..I had a "professional" knife guy sharpen my RMD and he said it was "tough" to work with the sr101.. I was not happy with the end result.. I gotta get one of those sharpening rigs so I can do it myself cause sr101 takes a wicked edge..obviously..
Click to expand...

Thanks man! It's a bit of an investment up front, but I think it's probably worth it for the significantly larger investment I have in knives.
 
Sr101 blades are the only ones I've ever been able to get sharp enough to almost pull my fingertip deeper onto the cutting edge. Good stuff

Nice job there too Truffle. Each one of these WE threads I see make me want to buy one.
 
Great work Ben! I was waiting for some feedback from you about that WE. Glad to see it performing well for ya bro! I have to get one some day. Sup Breavis.
 
Thanks guys!

JFLemm said:
About 20 degrees?
Click to expand...

Yeah, about 19.8 degrees actually (I just didn't feel like adjusting the fine adjustments on the WE to get it any closer). That brings up a good point though, the digital angle gauges are really helpful. Depending on the blade height and the exact mounting location in the WE, the edge angle can change quite a bit. To get the 19.8 degree angle I used the 22 degree setting on the WE. The angle can of course be calculated with good ol' fashioned math, but the digital angle gauge makes it much quicker and more precise.
 
I tried good ol Math once --- but then my neighbor's abacus, my calculator, my digital caliper, my phone, and my angle cube all started laughing at me . . . So I gave in to peer pressure
 
Nice job! love the SR101 on the WE!

Watch your fingers, it is better to keep most of them intact, right TFHT?
 
Looks Fantastic as usual zmbhntr!!!

Every time someone posts a pic of an ASH, I keep telling myself... "Dang, I should try one of those someday."

I know, no regrets and all, but the wonder and awe is always there. Maybe someday.
 
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