Having trouble sharpening my XM-18s. Sharpening angle advice?

akrapacs said:
My edge pro has arrived and after some experimentation on a couple cheap Cryos I went to work on my XM18 Skinner. I sharpened it at 21 degrees. It seemed to take a while but it finally it feels like it's actually sharp. I've been carrying it ever day for a week or so now and I'm pretty happy with the performance. I'll probably sharpen my spanto xm18 at the same angle in the next couple days.
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On the spanto, you might want to take that up a degree or two (because of the point on the spanto blade where the grind lines intersect).
 
The Spanto is tricky in that area, if not careful you will end up with a noticeably wide bevel in comparison to the rest of the edge. As I've said before once removed, you can't put it back.
 
It's all a matter of personal preference... and in my case depends on the blade grind. I've gone as acute as 18dps on Spantos and found it to be a lot of work and leave a pretty wide bevel (which might be a good thing if that's what you're after). But now I tend to prefer 20 or 22 for Spantos. On Slicers and Wharnies I like 18dps. I have a Skinner on the way and I suspect I'll do it at 18 as well (I use a Wicked Edge, BTW)... but as Rubi says... "once removed, you can't put it back" so I recommend being conservative at first. If you want to go more acute later you can.
 
uofaengr said:
I'm thinking about throwing my XM's on the ole Wicked Edge for the first time, going with 22 dps. I was curious what "letter" settings you WEPS users are using for a consistent and even bevel heel to tip. Off the top of my head thinking maybe A.5 for the 3", no more than B for the 3.5"?
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I just sharpened my 3.5" slicer on my wicked edge. I put it at the "B" setting and used the lower set of holes on the clamp. I sharpened it at 22 dps. It seemed to match the factory bevel great. It came off the sharpener screaming sharp. I love the WEPS system.
 
Yes, it does a fine job. 22* is nice I never go below that on a RHK.

Did you start 100 and go thru strops or stop early?
 
RubiconSS said:
Yes, it does a fine job. 22* is nice I never go below that on a RHK.

Did you start 100 and go thru strops or stop early?
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I actually started at 400 grit and progressed up to the 3.5 micron strop. It put on a beautiful mirrored edge.
 
Nice. As you mention, it seemed as though 22° matched the original angle. Good move staying conservative. Remove as little as possible and still get sharp.
 
RubiconSS said:
Nice. As you mention, it seemed as though 22° matched the original angle. Good move staying conservative. Remove as little as possible and still get sharp.
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Thanks. Like you said earlier. You can take it off but can't put it back on.

Not to wander to far off topic but the other day I installed the Pro Pack II upgrade kit on my Wicked Edge. Man that made a huge difference on the level of precision you are able to achieve.
 
Kalsu said:
Thanks. Like you said earlier. You can take it off but can't put it back on.

Not to wander to far off topic but the other day I installed the Pro Pack II upgrade kit on my Wicked Edge. Man that made a huge difference on the level of precision you are able to achieve.
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Yes it does. I have that as well. Love it.
 
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