-
The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
Price is$300$250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.
Changed my mind about the edge pro
- Thread starter alwyn
- Start date
i've never used a WE. they make me curious. however, if i KNEW for a FACT that it was a superior sharpener to the EP, i wouldn't care. truth is the EP is amazing and amazing is good enough for me
When I first saw it, and saw the video for it, I thought perhaps there might be some benefits in using it. Then I realized it was just another clamp system, a bit fancier than most, but still in all, a clamp system.
I happen to like the DMT Aligner clamp myself. At $9.95 it's a real bargain yet does everything a clamp should do and then some, having lightweight portability for backpacking, versatility to use it with bench stones, sandpaper, and strops as well as its own stones. As I said, I'm sure the Wicked Edge device produces a nice edge. But it's still just another clamp system at higher cost than most.
Stitchawl
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2010
- Messages
- 643
The biggest benefit I see in the Wicked Edge over other clamp systems is that it is much more precise and consistent. You can re-mount it much more precisely.
The biggest advatage that I feel the Edge Pro has is the ability to sharpen at lower angles. Wicked Edge is supposed to be offering an attachment that would allow the W.E. to sharpen down to almost 0 degrees which would negate that advantage.
The biggest advatage that I feel the Edge Pro has is the ability to sharpen at lower angles. Wicked Edge is supposed to be offering an attachment that would allow the W.E. to sharpen down to almost 0 degrees which would negate that advantage.
That is interesting however, I don't see how you can duplicate the angle perfectly for both sides. At least avoiding the indentations allows you to replicate the factory edge with the sharpie trick. I guess that really leaves the clamp system limitation that affects longer knives.
EDIT: Seeing the FAQ and the 11 inch knife angle demonstration I can see that the clamp limitation of angle is inconsequential. I guess getting the clamp in the same spot my be an issue but I think using a sharpie could help identify if you're on the same spot when the stone makes contact with the edge. I think with more stone choices the Wicked Edge may be closer to a real alternative/replacement for an EP. Pretty cool.
Last edited:
For $250 it should be more precise than a $9.95 clamp system. I wonder if it's $240.05 more precise? The DMT Aligner does a damn fine job for something that costs less than ten bucks.
While it does do that, for me the biggest advantage of the EdgePro is that you don't have to clamp the blade if you don't want to, can if you do want to, and still get absolutely consistent edge angles with every stroke.
Stitchawl
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2010
- Messages
- 643
Comparing the DMT Aligner with the Wicked Edge is like comparing the new Schrade Advant-Edge to the Edge Pro Apex.
Is the Apex worth $200.00 more than the Schrade? (which can be easily modified to eliminate the clamp and utilize the table system like the Edge Pro)
I would say that in either case, there isnt much of a comparison.
The DMT Aligner is good, but the two I have both are "warped" a bit from the factory. In other words, one "leg" is slightly shorter than the other. I also get some flex when tightening the plastic clamp down. It works great, but not comparable to the W.E.
Is the Apex worth $200.00 more than the Schrade? (which can be easily modified to eliminate the clamp and utilize the table system like the Edge Pro)
I would say that in either case, there isnt much of a comparison.
The DMT Aligner is good, but the two I have both are "warped" a bit from the factory. In other words, one "leg" is slightly shorter than the other. I also get some flex when tightening the plastic clamp down. It works great, but not comparable to the W.E.
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 2,270
Oooooooo way to validate your position.
Again your "logic" fails. All you have to do is substitute "Edge Pro" for "Wicked Edge". While one uses a clamp, and the other doesn't, all either one does in that regard is provide angle control, especially since you're comparing it to the Aligner clamp. So, does the Edge Pro provide a $______ more precise edge? (I left the price blank, since your comparison isn't valid in the first place... the $9.95 Aligner price doesn't come with anything else). If the Aligner does such a great job... then why do you have the need for the Edge Pro?
cbw
Last edited:
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 2,270
That's a lame attempt to deflect... how about an actual response to a legitimate question... if you have one? It seems that when you can't support your position... this is what you turn to.
cbw
I wouldn't compare them. I'd contrast them.
Sorry yours don't fit so well. Mine seems fine. Or maybe I just haven't noticed.
As for trying to compare it to the W.E., I wouldn't expect it to be the same. One is extruded plastic the other machined metal. One costs $250 and the other $9.95. The question remains; is it $200.00+ better than the Aligner?
Stitchawl
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 2,270
I wouldn't compare them. I'd contrast them.
Sorry yours don't fit so well. Mine seems fine. Or maybe I just haven't noticed.
As for trying to compare it to the W.E., I wouldn't expect it to be the same. One is extruded plastic the other machined metal. One costs $250 and the other $9.95. The question remains; is it $200.00+ better than the Aligner?
Stitchawl
Absolutely... for the same reasons the Edge Pro is better. Your comparison is without merit.
cbw
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2010
- Messages
- 643
Thats a tough one to answer. I guess time will tell. If I end up using the W.E. and get satisfying results then yes, I would say it is worth it.I wouldn't compare them. I'd contrast them.
Sorry yours don't fit so well. Mine seems fine. Or maybe I just haven't noticed.
As for trying to compare it to the W.E., I wouldn't expect it to be the same. One is extruded plastic the other machined metal. One costs $250 and the other $9.95. The question remains; is it $200.00+ better than the Aligner?
Stitchawl
I feel the Edge Pro Apex is worth it as well. I use both. Im still waiting for some additional stones I ordered from W.E., as well as the leather strop hones. I will do some more experimenting before I decide which one is best for me. With that said, I wont be selling my W.E., Edge Pro, DMT Aligner, or my Spyderco and Razor Edge Bench Stones. Heck, I use em all!
- Joined
- Feb 27, 2010
- Messages
- 622
I have had both the Edge Pro and the WE, I sold the WE, and never regretted the sale.
I like the Edge Pro does avery aspect of sharpening perfect, takes some knowledge of the tool as do all tools.
Great support should you need it.
Made in the USA, not China.
Hand Made in the USA, and signed by the owner of the Co.
Stones are reasonable.
Quality is excellent.
Seems like I buy all new knife sharpeners as they come out, and then after trying them they end up in the bottom desk drawer, The Edge Pro is the one I use. and have for about 20 years, and never a regret for doing business with Ben Dale.
A large portion of the cost for the WE is there adds,
I also waited for stones a long time, backed ordered from China.
The clamp system is hard to adjust with any amount of repeatability, and get the same angle on both sides of the blade, and long knives, forget it.
I kept one part of the WE, the base it's to heavy to reship, I may need a anchor some day, and that would be a good use for it.
gary
I like the Edge Pro does avery aspect of sharpening perfect, takes some knowledge of the tool as do all tools.
Great support should you need it.
Made in the USA, not China.
Hand Made in the USA, and signed by the owner of the Co.
Stones are reasonable.
Quality is excellent.
Seems like I buy all new knife sharpeners as they come out, and then after trying them they end up in the bottom desk drawer, The Edge Pro is the one I use. and have for about 20 years, and never a regret for doing business with Ben Dale.
A large portion of the cost for the WE is there adds,
I also waited for stones a long time, backed ordered from China.
The clamp system is hard to adjust with any amount of repeatability, and get the same angle on both sides of the blade, and long knives, forget it.
I kept one part of the WE, the base it's to heavy to reship, I may need a anchor some day, and that would be a good use for it.
gary
- Joined
- Mar 1, 2010
- Messages
- 10,844
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2010
- Messages
- 643
I may be misinformed, but I was told that the Wicked Edge was made in the USA. Including the stones. I have also heard that Ben gets his stones made for him overseas. These are just things I have read on the internet and do not know for sure. If someone knows for sure that would be good information to know.
As far as cost, the Wicked Edge uses diamond stones, and they are not cheap. I dont believe the majority of the cost is due to ads.
Hard to adjust? Mine isnt. Repeatability? Easy, they even give you a ruler so you put it in the same way. They even give you a journal in the instructions so you can write down the exact position according to the ruler.
Long knives have been no problem at all with mine.
If you have been using the Edge Pro for 20 years with excellent results, why do you spend money on other Sharpeners?
I hope you'll post your results.
That really IS the name of the tune. There are some I use once a week, some I use once a year, others I use only as the need arises. One doesn't replace the other. Each has its own place in the scheme of things. There are some devices that I've given up on and given away, (Lansky, GATCO, Buck clamp, and that ridiculous three-stage electric diamond sharpener!) as well as stones that I haven't cared for, but the group you mention (minus the W.E. which I don't have) are all 'users' along with the three different Razor Edge devices and a neat little rolling device I use to sharpen my swivel knife for leather work. And of course, three strops.
Stitchawl
I don't know about him, but I spend money on other sharpeners because each has its own 'special' advantage. No question in my mind that EdgePro gives the very best results, but I sure wouldn't want to take it backpacking. The DMT Aligner is much better for that! And the Aligner might be a great lightweight device that can be used with sandpaper but I wouldn't want to sharpen a large machete with it (unless absolutely needed.) The RazorEdge clamp is great for a Wharncliff edge but not so good when one needs to sharpen a Kris, but the EdgePro with a round stone makes short work of the most wavy Kris I can find!
"To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven." (It was in some book I read awhile ago.)
Stitchawl
- Joined
- Dec 27, 2004
- Messages
- 2,270
You are right, Ben has definitely set the bar with the Edge Pro in a quality product, great customer service, as well as a device and process (a lot of people leave the process part out), in producing one of the best edges you can get on a knife.
The Wicked Edge however, has become one of the first sharpeners to, in some aspects, give the Edge Pro a run for the money. A quality product and process, that produces one of the best edges you can get on a knife. My dealings with Clay, the WE inventor, have been great in regards to customer service.
Like any new company, Wicked Edge has had growing pains. Clay has told me that even he was surprised by the response he's received. They're addressing their growth issues as fast as possible, and have been responsive to consumer issues.
I would disagree that repeatability and getting the same angle is a difficult process. Maybe in the first version this was an issue (I don't know, it wasn't a version I used.) I haven't found this an issue with the current version, and its my understanding it may have addressed some of this. (BTW, if anyone owns the first generation, WE is providing upgraded parts... contact them for details.)
I don't expect the Edge Pro or the Wicked Edge to fit the needs of everyone. But the cool thing is, now you have a choice between two quality products that produce great results, just taking a little different path to get there. So, assuming that you've decided to purchase a quality angle guided system, the choice becomes which one fits your needs better.
Like I've said before, I would have a hard time declaring a "winner". Both should easily meet the needs of the user. The Edge Pro has the ability to sharpen at lower angles. Not clamping the blade allows more freedom in the type and size of knives. The Wicked Edge has a bit of advantage in ease of use, less issue with scratching the blade, and is quicker in getting an edge on a knife.
There are also differences in the stones used, Waterstones vs. Diamond, and their related pros and cons. Some of the aftermarket stones available for the Edge Pro, can be made for the Wicked Edge, so that shouldn't be a concern in the not to distant future.
There's more... these are just a few that quickly come to mind. But the consumer now has a choice which is a good thing. The reality is, there's probably room for both in the market. I honestly don't see a need for it to become a competition, or that one is better than the other. Both work, and the decision should be made on which one best suits your needs... and desires for that matter.
cbw
p.s. If the "anchor" you refer to is the granite plate... there's a lot of uses for it... you can mount your EP on it, you can use sandpaper and sharpen on it, a flat base to flatten stones, check knives, etc.
- Joined
- Aug 12, 2010
- Messages
- 643
Well said. You pretty much said what I was thinking.
We are lucky to have two great products to choose from. Both Ben and Clay are great people to deal with who really care about their products and customers. I have spoken to both of them at great lengths. Both have made a product that really works.