Edge Pro Apex

Chief_Wiggum

Chief_Wiggum

Gold Member
Joined
Jan 19, 2003
Messages
306
I just wanted to write up a quick review of my EdgePro Apex. I've only had it a couple hours now, but I've already sharpened three knives. In a two word summary: it's awesome.

A lot of people debate over whether or not to spend about $50.00 on the Spyderco Sharpmaker or spend 3x that for the EdgePro system. After owning them both, let me just say take the money you would've spent on the Sharpmaker and put it into the Apex. It's worth it. The Sharpmaker is fine for touch ups and the casual user, but it just cannot sharpen a knife as consistently, accurately, or repeatedly as the Apex can.

Setting up the Apex is a breeze, and Ben provides great documentation and usage instructions. Ben also includes a nice carrying case, water bottle, washcloth, everything you would need should you decide to sharpen away from home. I had the sharpest paring knife ever only 30 minutes after opening the box.

The best part of the Apex is the time (lack of) needed to sharpen a knife. The design allows all the force you apply to the stone to be transferred directly to cutting the blade. This dramatically reduces the time it takes to raise that critical burr. I could raise a burr on my Sharpmaker, but only after about 30 minutes and hundreds of strokes. The Apex did it in less than 20 strokes (same knife). Perhaps with the Sharpmaker's diamond rods it'd be faster, but then the whole cost comparison is a wash and the Apex becomes the better deal.

The Apex also creates perfect even edges every stroke on both sides of the blade. Using the finer stones and the polishing tape you can easily achieve a mirror finish if you so desire. This consistency also allows for easy burr removal. Once you're done sharpening, just a few light strokes on each side of the blade removes the burr without ruining the edge.

If you don't yet have a good sharpening system, buy this one...now. You can't beat it using anything any system in it's price range or sharpening by hand. Plus Ben offers great service, support, and is just a nice guy to deal with.
 
I've got to agree with the review about 95%. I also own both a Sharpmaker and an EdgePro Apex w/stone upgrade. I actually use the Sharpmaker more often, but only because I don't need to rebevel very often. The Apex is hands down faster than the Sharpmaker for putting a new angle on a blade. Once that angle is there though, it's a matter of a few minutes to upkeep it with the Sharpmaker. I also find the Sharpmaker easier to upkeep recurves.

If you can afford both, they make a great combo. If I could only own one though, it would be the one I bought first, which is the EdgePro Apex. :)
 
I picked up the Edge Pro from Ben at the Eugene show. I have wanted one for awhile. I already have a Lansky diamond system and the Sharpmaker. The Sharpmaker is great for maintaining the edge. I had used the Lansky to bevel the edge to the Sharpmakers angle and to sharpen a dull blade. However the Edge Pro will sharpen larger blades including kitchen knives that the Lansky and Sharpmaker won't. This is the best all around system. The perfect combo is the Edge Pro and the Sharpmaker.
 
Not very well. A v-rod system like the SharpMaker will do a better job on those. Which is another reason why I'd agree with Patryn and Hawaiian, about the combo being ideal.
 
Wait until you try the PROFESSIONAL. The only thing I did not like about my APEX was the fact that it tended to move around when I was using it alot. I gave the Apex to my dad and bought the Pro. The 300.00 is money well spent. I never thought I would spend 300 for a sharpener, but looking at all the money I have spent on all the other sharpeners, I wish I had found Ben sooner:D


Cerberus
 
Illustrious company here I must say. That was a turnup and a half, pardon the pun.

I'm not a gamer at all really, but that one? Well that was something else. Good luck for September.
 
You have been assimilated, there's no hope now. Soon you'll be buying new knives just because the rest of your collection is already sharp and you need something new to work on. Seriously, congratulations on choosing a great systema and happy sharpening.
 
anyone have problems sharpening really small pocket knives? i put
razor sharp edge on some kitchen knives but i couldnt get a burr on this small knife (CRKT Apache III).. and I couldnt get it sharp to my liking.

it may just be because I'm new to the apex, I had to use my sharpmaker to get the razor edge on it.
 
I don't think that you can get the pro mod anyehre but the web site posted.

As for sharpening the smaller knives, I still use the bench stones for now. I got careless and ran one of the stones across one of my knuckles and took off some skin. Can you imagine the profanity?

Cerberus.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top