How functional is a mirror edge?

[camhabib]

So after much debate I finally settled on a Wicked Edge. I'm mostly sharpening kitchen knives (AEB-L and similar) as well as my EDC's (M390, Maxamet, S35V). The question now comes down to which kit. As far as I understand, there are three base models, the WE100, WE120 which is the same as the WE100 but with a few accessories, and the WE130 which is a new clamp design. I'd like the micro-angle adjustments, since I plan on picking up a digital angle cube to check my angles, so the WE120 seems the way to go. This one either comes just as the basic kit which includes 100/200/400/600 grits, or in a Pro-Pack II which adds 800/1000/Ceramic/Leather.

My basic question is what abrasives would you consider "essential," which are nice to have, and which are kind of unnecessary? Is it true that anything above 1000 isn't going to dramatically increase cutting performance, and only necessary if you want a mirror finish? If that's true, what advantage do I gain from getting a mirror finish aside from cosmetics? If I do want a mirror finish, what beyond a 1000 grit stone would I need?

 

[Mo2]

It's debatable. Depends on the steel and what you are cutting.

A mirror finish may increase a steels edge retention but it varies on the factors above.

A mirror edge doesn't have teeth so to say. So it will not cut some materials as efficiently.

Most knives are idea around 400-1000 but that 2200 grit + finishing stone and several diamond / cbn strops to mirror polish the edge are always good for some tasks too.

The technique for a mirror polish is important though. You would have to pay attention to the scratch pattern on each grit. I generally like to use different directions on each grit, to clearly see that the previous scratches have been removed. Then clean up most of the left over scratches on the strops. But overall I generally use 600-1000 grit and just strop as I like a bit more of a toothy edge for most things I cut.

As for what stones you need... That depends on the steel your sharpening. If you have steel with 4% or more Vanadium you will want to use cbn or diamonds. Bonded diamond is idea for really crisp edges and often makes it easier for that mirror edge in the long run. Though not sure if they make bonded diamond stones for wicked edge.

My buddy uses shapton glass iirc and gets a mirror edge then goes to diamond strops on the bench as it's easier. Not idea stones for high Vanadium but works well on say s35vn.
He starts with a coarse diamond then the shaptons all the way up to 2200 then 3 strops with diamond spray. Note that we both use and prefer the edge pro style.

 

[SV-97]

I'd say the 1000+ stones definetly increase cutting performance. imo the 400/600 stones are the least needed ones, you could go 200 to 800. The 50/80 grit will definetly be useful if you plan on sharpening stuff like maxamet. Essential for a mirror edge are the 1200/1600 ceramics; nice to have are the 1,2µ/0,6µ ceramics. I rarely use strops but you can definetly see the difference between 0,6µ stone and 0,5µ strop. Never tried the 1500 grit diamonds but I'd guess they're great.

 

[Sonnydaze]

As you've seen so far, it's a hard time trying to get direct answers. There are so many intricate factors which make hard and fast rules just about unobtainable.
I suspect that reading guys like Cliff Stamp, and other regulars on our forum, might be a good road to travel. Of course, Jim Ankerson has a ton of good reading, as do others that I cannot think of.
There is some credit to the premise that you just try a bunch of stuff on your own...and let us know. Be aware of HT numbers, however, as this always can turn the tables upside-down.
I am completely unaware of ONE (or three) good source that tells it all...

 

[Lapedog]

They are super effective....

At looking damn good!

Other than that it depends on the steel, what you are cutting, and how you are cutting. Mirror edges (what really matters is the refined apex) excell at push cuts. For certain woodworking tasks like using a chisel a mirror edge is ideal. For other tasks like cutting tough synthetic rope a mirror edge might not be ideal.