Edge Pro, Wicked, Sharpmaker, etc. for a beginner/klutz?

jbass

jbass

Joined
Dec 26, 2009
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I would like to start sharpening my own knives instead of sending them out to be sharpened. I know a lot of people suggest starting with freehand but I am a klutz and at 63 my hands are not as steady as they used to be and they were never very steady to start with. So, I am thinking that a guided system would be best.

The blades I will be sharpening are between 3 and 10 inches. I could really use some guidance in trying to pick a guided system like the Wicked Edge, Edge Pro, etc. I will only be buying once so I am willing to pay more for the best guided system. Thanks.
 
I am fifty, and have ZERO knife sharpening skills. However, I tried the Spydeco Sharpmaker, and I can make a reasonably sharp knife hair popping sharp in no time. It does not work as well for me on a REALLY dull knife, but for keeping one sharp, it is great. Just my two cents... Good luck.
 
I'd say wicked edge because its completely hands free basically. With the edge pro you have to make sure you keep the blade flat, and since you mentioned your hands not being as steady as they used to be, wicked edge all the way. Just clamp and sharpen, its pretty basic and delivers one heck of an edge! And touch ups are super easy, just re clamp it in tbe same position and in 2 mins can be brought back from butter knife to hair popping.
 
I have a small collection. Three Arkansas stones, a fine and course Dmt set and a lansky 4 rod dmt turnbox. This is similar to the 4 rod ceramic but has a pair of Dmt rods. Quite easy to use. I go back and forth between them all. Lately I have been realizing that a courser toothy edge is very handy on pocket knives vs a very refined edge.
 
I'm 58 and enjoy using my Lansky system. Unfortunately I have no hands on with any other system though I've watched YouTube videos on all of them...as I suggest you do.
Budget is also a consideration...you can spend $250 or more on some of the guided systems. If you're comfortable with spending that much then make the best decision you can, but first watch as many videos on the systems as you can...I find them very helpful.
 
I've been considering the worksharp ken onion. Can't say anything for it, but I considered it, along with the mentioned systems and it looks like an easy system that people have been saying good things about. might be worth a look.
I'll be watching for the same answer as you..
 
I bought an edge pro apex 4 today. Having never used it before I watched the video on edge pro's website and ended with a mirror polished edge. I mean it is super simple. Just keep going on either side until you have a bur. then flip. Work your way through the stones. Really really easy and unbelievably sharp!
 
I have a KME with the diamond hones. I find it very easy to use and get a razor sharp edge. The blade is held in the jaws at the angle you decide upon and the gimbal keeps the rod from deviating. No slop in the system and it's made in the U.S. I suggest that you watch some of the You Tube video's by Dean O on this system.
 
I use the DMT Aligner, I imagine it requires as much coordination as the lansky from the youtube videos I watched (correct me if I am wrong). Which means if your really worried about coordination in your hands I wouldn't bother with either system. I know in the sharpening process you can still deviate your knife a few degrees and it looks like the lansky has that same issue.

Off hand the wicked edge and KME may be the best bet from the systems I've looked at with how they were designed to get precision edges. As for working with up to 10in blades I can't comment I didn't look into them that much.

(Disclaimer: I've only worked with the DMT Aligner, the rest is just speculation from looking at the other guided setups on how it was designed.)
 
I've used the Lansky, Sharpmaker, Crock Sticks, Wicjed Edge and Edge-Pro over the years.

The Sharpmaker and Crock Sticks are really for touching up and maintenance, not for serious sharpening of dull/damaged blades or re-beveling.
I was not at all pleased with the rather flimsy little Lansky system.

The Wicked Edge is a truly superb system, albeit slightly more expensive and not nearly as versatile or precise as the Edge Pro.

Having owned and used these systems over the years, I have kept the Edge-Pro Professional for the bulk of my work, and the Crock Sticks for minor touch ups.
 
Ben Dover said:
The Wicked Edge is a truly superb system, albeit slightly more expensive and not nearly as versatile or precise as the Edge Pro.
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Ben, could you elaborate on what makes the Edge Pro more versatile and precise vs the Wicked Edge? Some claim the the Wicked Edge yields more reproducible results. I'm in the market for one of the two, and I'd appreciate your feedback.
 
Wicked Edge--simply because, with a little practice, it's basically idiot-proof and a chimp could sharpen on it.
 
mctrinket said:
Wicked Edge--simply because, with a little practice, it's basically idiot-proof and a chimp could sharpen on it.
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Sounds like it is made for me. Though I am curious why Ben thinks the Edge Pro is more precise and versatile than the Wicked Edge.
 
I have the Wicked Edge Pro Pack 1 with the upgraded arms. I have to say it is the best system I have used. I haven't used the edge pro so I can't say anything about it. If I had to do it over again I would still buy the WEPS.
 
I'll throw in another vote for the Wicked Edge. Previous to the WE, I used various systems and had the most success with the Gatco/Lansky guided systems. The problem that I had with those systems was that the set angles never seemed to match my knives exactly. I never was able to get a really sharp edge. The Wicked Edge is very simple to use and the flexibility has made it very easy to get a consistent, razor sharp edge. After I set the initial bevel angle, I record everything in an Excel spreadsheet. Then I simply have to touch up the knives when needed.
 
I am an Edge Pro guy and love it. I know alot of people like the wicked edge and it seems like a great system but I am not a fan of having to clamp the blade. I have to manually hold the knife for the Edge Pro but its not difficult and I love the results.
 
I have the wicked edge, sharp maker, oil tri hone stones. The wicked edge has spoiled me. After you center the blade, set your angles, just go to it with the stones. You can use a marker to make sure your reaching the apex, or make sure your raising a burr on each side. I reprofiled many knives, the good thing is they give you a little book to right down exactly where, and what degree you positioned and sharpened that knife at. Simple to go back and touch up perfectly, I bought number 2 I believe it is also bought the 1200 - 1600 ceramics to use before the strops. I feel like I'm cheating, so now I bought some waterstones to learn the art of freehand. Whicked edge is my suggestion all the way.
 
jbass said:
Sounds like it is made for me. Though I am curious why Ben thinks the Edge Pro is more precise and versatile than the Wicked Edge.
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The Edge-Pro uses a continuously adjustable angle adjustment. With an angle cube, I can set the angles to previsely 12.5 or 17.5 degrees or any other angle.


There are far more useful accessories available for the EP. From el cheapo stones to Shapton Glass and Chosera, ATOMA diamond, DMT diamond to polishing tapes and Kangaroo strops that fit the machine.

I only need one stone per grit with the EP. The WE requires two, making extra stone grits twice as expensive.

By holding, rather than clamping the blade on the blade table, I can move it around, compensating for curvature and getting excellent results on the tip.

Long blades require re-clamping on the WE, but the EP allows you to just slide it along, maintaining the same angle.

I've used both extensively. They are BOTH fine systems. I would never "bad-mouth" either of them.

But after use, I find that the EP fulfills my needs better, and IMHO is far easier to use, and more economical.
 
While it's true that either system would be an excellent choice, you might not be aware that some of these comparisons have changed...

Ben Dover said:
The Edge-Pro uses a continuously adjustable angle adjustment. With an angle cube, I can set the angles to previsely 12.5 or 17.5 degrees or any other angle.

You can do the same with the WE in a couple of ways... either by turning the angle bar around, or using the screws on the back side where there's no indents. I think a better comparison... you can achieve lower angles (below around 12-13 deg.) easier on the EP than the WE.

There are far more useful accessories available for the EP. From el cheapo stones to Shapton Glass and Chosera, ATOMA diamond, DMT diamond to polishing tapes and Kangaroo strops that fit the machine.

These same accessories are also available for the WE (probably from the same person you're getting them from for the EP).

I only need one stone per grit with the EP. The WE requires two, making extra stone grits twice as expensive.

True... although you get twice as much which should also (theoretically?) last twice as long. But the initial cost is higher, as well as the cost for most accessories.

By holding, rather than clamping the blade on the blade table, I can move it around, compensating for curvature and getting excellent results on the tip.

The flip side... there are some users of the EP who have found it necessary to clamp the blade or have installed magnets to hold the blade. But for the most part this is true... although you can set up the knife in the WE to correctly sharpen the tip, it is easier to adjust the knife on the EP. You do have to take greater care not to scuff the sides of the knife on the EP vs. the WE, since you can move it around.

Long blades require re-clamping on the WE, but the EP allows you to just slide it along, maintaining the same angle.

The WE will sharpen a 17" long knife without moving, which should more than cover the majority of knives most users have. BUT, you do have to set the knife for the tip area, so it can be a bit more limiting... but will still cover most knives.

I've used both extensively. They are BOTH fine systems. I would never "bad-mouth" either of them.

Me too, and I agree with this. I think the comparison should be made more on cost - the WE costing more (especially the initial outlay), ease of use - the WE has a shorter learning curve, and is a bit simpler to use, speed - it's quicker to work both sides of the blade at once. I think portability might also be something to consider... the EP is easier to tote around and setup/teardown.

But after use, I find that the EP fulfills my needs better, and IMHO is far easier to use, and more economical.
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Hope this helps... either way you go...you'll end up with a knife sharper than you've probably ever held. :)
 
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