Edge Pro Question

R

razorhunter

Joined
Jan 27, 2002
Messages
470
I have done a little research on this system, and I will be purchasing one soon. I have noticed there is no mention of any diamond stones with the set. Why is this? I have read that the coarse stones wear out pretty fast, and wonder why they don't offer a diamond set up for heavy work?
 
First up, Ben Dale is a great guy to do business with before and after the sale. The best answers to your questions would come from him.

I'm not aware of diamond stones being available. I'm also not aware of why you would need them ;) The performance you get from the Edge Pro is unlike anything else I've tried. The "stock" stones do a fantasic job.

I have had my Pro model for close to 3 years now and I have not replaced a single stone. I'm just now getting to the point where I'll need to replace my 100 grit stone. I have sharpened countless knives; kitchen knives, cheapy knives (for others), ATS34, 154CM, BG42, etc...

Technique, matching the existing bevel as closely as possible, and keeping your stones flat will go a long way towards extending their life.

Brent...
:p
 
The last time I talked to Ben on the phone, he did have some diamond coarse stones, but said they actually didn't last as long as the regulars, which I found puzzling. Ben is a great guy and really knows his stuff, so I didn't question him, although I might ask more on my next phone call.

I love my Edgepro, the BEST investment I have made other than the knives themselves. I have worn through several 100 and 180 grit stones, but it was doing some excessive stock removal that should have been done by a belt sander (don't have one).

I'm still learning how to use the bench stones, and getting pretty good at it, but it's really nice to have the Edgepro to fall back on.
 
Guys,
The only negative thing I have read about the Edge Pro is that there is a possibility of scratching your blade somehow during the process. I have actually heard that you have to be VERY careful to keep from doing this. JUST HOW easy is it to scratch a blade, and what is it that causes this? What do you do to prevent this from happening?
 
Razorhunter,

Scratches can happen because the EdgePro stones are waterstones and the knife rests on a surface that can get wet with slurry from the stones. As you move the blade during sharpening, the slurry can make small scratches on the blade.

It's easy to prevent: Buy a roll of blue painter's tape (a kind of masking tape, they have it at Home Depot and almost every hardware store), and tape the sides of the blade before you sharpen it. It's quick and easy. This is the method that Ben recommends.

Otherwise, just make sure you keep the surface the knife rests on clean. But for pretty knives, the tape is an easier solution. I was concerned with this issue before buying my Apex, but it's really insignificant compared to the benefits of the EdgePro system once you get the hang of it. It's really nice to get a perfect, sharp edge bevel without years of learning how to hand sharpen.

Johnny
 
If you need diamonds for your Edge Pro, contact Eze-Lap at 775-888-9500.

I have the Pro model and have used the following items from Eze-Lap:

Model 41M - 400 grit
Model 41F - 600 grit
Model 41SF - 1200 grit

I purchased the diamonds as an experiment. They allow me to save the waterstones for blades in better condition. I use the diamonds on blades that have really been trashed...trying to save a little time. I still finish with Ben's stones and tapes.

I also discovered that if I spend some time and do a real nice polished edge, I can make it more aggressive for slicing by just hitting one side of the edge gently with the 1200 grit, restoring the micro-serrations.

These are basically diamond-coated 6" x 1" x 1/4" steel bars. They have a groove down the middle for sharpening fish hooks which causes no problems with blades. The 400 grit cuts quite aggressively. On the other hand, the 1200 grit doesn't seem to be as smooth and even as one of Ben's waterstones. No opinion yet on longevity as I haven't had that many occasions to use them.

They fit right in the Edge Pro with no problem. They aren't real cheap. Unless you really need them, the stones from Ben will probably suffice. I couldn't be happier with my Edge Pro.

Good luck,

Mike
 
swede79 :

The last time I talked to Ben on the phone, he did have some diamond coarse stones, but said they actually didn't last as long as the regulars, which I found puzzling.
Click to expand...

The edge pro makes it very easy to use a lot of force on the hones, this will damage a diamond hone very quickly and wear it out.

-Cliff
 
The coarse stones wear much faster than the others. Touching up an edge, you shouldn't need them much, though, and they will last a long time if just being used for regular sharpening. If you plan to reprofile alot of large blades, and remove lots of metal, getting a couple of extra coarse stones would be a good idea.
Keep in mind all that is relative...I've tried multiple profiles on knives like the Busse Basic 9, another Busse or two, a Becker Patrol Machete, and reground the edge on dozens of other knives, including a bunch that don't belong to me. Lots of grinding. Hours of it. Been through one coarse stone, and am close to using up a second.
 
I have never seen the need for using diamond stones on my Edge Pro. As far as scratches are concerned, I have never had that problem and I've used mine extensively. Best manual sharpener on the market, IMHO.
 
I highly recommend the EdgePro, and Ben Dale.
My EdgePro with Scissor attachment Has been the center of my knife sharpening business for over six years. No, I don't work for Ben, just feel it is a high quality tool.
Ben told me, when I asked about using diamond stones, that the soft steels in most of todays knives will actualy pull the diamonds off of the hone because they stick into the steel of the blade. He recommended diamonds for very hard blades, or ceramic blades.
Brome
 
Yes, I did buy a diamond stone from Ben Dale. I don't think he's really thrilled with their performance; that's the way Ben is. He wants the best for his clients, and we go back a few years.

He sent me a 'Fine' variety. With a freshly straightened 180 grit I see no difference. But then, the only time my knives see the 180 is the first time they are sharpened, and then only if the bevel is not even, or steeper on one side.

Yes, the blue tape works wonders. The entire bed on my Edge Pro is lined with the tape. I once brushed the stone against the top edge of the bed; since I have a light touch, it only cut the tape and did not touch the bed.

Here's something you guys can lobby for. Ben prefers to sell clients the 3000 series polishing tapes. I prefer the 4000 series. To get him to sell me the latest batch, he had to cut me the entire sheet. I have enough until Hillary leaves the Oval Office.

The 4000 series seem more fragile, and it's like Ben to want to help his clients. I just start out polishing south-south-south until the edge is polished a bit; then I lightly begin stroking north-south. The tape lasts forever.

I think Ben will only bring back the 4000 if there is demand. I think there are enough knowlegible knuts here to know that ham-fisted strokes are not Ben's fault. The edges really shine!
 
I just got off the phone with Ben and he is sending me a diamond rig.

His current theory is that steel is simply too soft, and that the diamonds sink into it and are pulled out of their matrix, which is why the diamonds stop sharpening relatively quickly. He has been corresponding with someone in Sweden who has an electron microscope to understand this better.

He was very confident, though, in their ability to sharpen ceramic blades, which is what I wanted the rig for. He felt that a diamond hone would last pretty much indefinitely if only used to sharpen ceramic.
 
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