I am SLIGHTLY LESS Inept now...

MostMenAreRuthless

MostMenAreRuthless

Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Messages
1,864
Brother and Sisters,

I need to make a confession: I am inept with my Edge Pro Apex--especially on my small 21 Insingo.

There. I said it. I admit defeat.

Maybe I need to give it more time, maybe I need to practice more on cheap knives. I don't know. I spent the better part of 2 hours tonight trying to get a sick, slicey, mean, hair-whittling edge on my small Insingo. What did I end up with you ask? I knife you can safely let a baby play with. It won't even slice printer paper. This is after multiple attempts on other knives as well as this knife. I just can't get it sharp.

I have used the old sandpaper/strop methods and have gotten some decent edges so I may go back to that.

Here are a few things about the Edge Pro that annoy me:

--For a "guided" system there sure are a ton of variables to contend with, including dealing with trying to keep the blade flat on the table, manipulating around the thumb lug, and constantly flipping the knife over and over.

--the sides of the sharpening plates are constantly banging up against the tips of my handles. User error? Yes. However, it certainly annoys me to have to be so careful with the strokes.

--not a huge fan of the need to tape the table to avoid scratches, constantly wiping water from the stones, and re-taping the polishing plates is annoying.

Sorry to rant folks. I am sure it is a very fine system for some and there are those here extremely proficient at it. I, for one, am not.

So, do I sell it and buy water stones? Save up and buy the WE (super expensive--especially after picking up all the do-dads, and what's its). Or, do I take a deep breath and try it again?
 
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I gave up on the EP due to some of the issues you brought up. This is after making several aluminum pieces to put varying degrees of diamond paper on for polishing. 10 I think..Don't know..they are still right where I left them after finishing machining them.
I freehand sharpen for the mostpart now. I did run across a thread from one of the craftsman here and his washboard sharpening system.
After watching some of his vids, I made one from a piece of aluminum (8.5x11) The method works really really well when you get the hang of it.
Here is his system; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1176982-Washboard-Freehand-Sharpening-Kits

I won't go back to guided systems..Too much of a PIA.
 
It's a fine system. I'd give it some more practice before you throw in the towel.
 
All I can say is that the WE is pretty darn easy to use. I have been very happy with it. I got reasonable result with the Sharpmaker, but nothing like the WE. From what I have read the Edge pro does have a bit of a learning curve, so you might want to pull out the kitchen knives and practice-see what happens since you already own it. It is supposedly a very good system once you get the hang of it.
 
marcus52AR said:
Buy a sharpmaker
Click to expand...

Good idea. That's actually the one I am thinking of.

bhyde said:
I gave up on the EP due to some of the issues you brought up. This is after making several aluminum pieces to put varying degrees of diamond paper on for polishing. 10 I think..Don't know..they are still right where I left them after finishing machining them.
I freehand sharpen for the mostpart now. I did run across a thread from one of the craftsman here and his washboard sharpening system.
After watching some of his vids, I made one from a piece of aluminum (8.5x11) The method works really really well when you get the hang of it.
Here is his system; http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/1176982-Washboard-Freehand-Sharpening-Kits

I won't go back to guided systems..Too much of a PIA.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the I put. I actually just received HeavyHanded's system in the mail the other day, but I haven't had a chance to try it out yet. I look forward to putting it to use.
 
velosa said:
It's a fine system. I'd give it some more practice before you throw in the towel.
Click to expand...

That's the pragmatic approach and tonight I am feeling irrational against it!

Peter Hartwig said:
All I can say is that the WE is pretty darn easy to use. I have been very happy with it. I got reasonable result with the Sharpmaker, but nothing like the WE. From what I have read the Edge pro does have a bit of a learning curve, so you might want to pull out the kitchen knives and practice-see what happens since you already own it. Ilt is supposedly a very good system once you get the hang of it.
Click to expand...

I have heard good things about the WE, but the price is somewhat prohibitive. Maybe some day though!
 
Buy a Sharpmaker. An edge pro is a gimick. I have used the sharpmaker and the older vintage crock sticks by case, smiths, crock, and others since I was 10 years old ( 30 years now and counting ). They WORK. The sharpmaker is just the best of this time proven design. My knives don't touch anything but a sharpmaker or my other vintage crock sticks.
 
marcus52AR said:
Buy a sharpmaker
Click to expand...

^^This. I have used my Sharpmaker on Strider, Hinderer, CRK, and countless less expensive knives and they all get razor sharp (some better than others).

I think a lot of people scoff at the sharpmaker because it's so cheap at about $50, but it's so easy a caveman could use it (trust me, I'm basically a caveman).
 
I've also given up on guided systems. I use a combination of Sharpmaker & freehand with strops or benchstones. The SM does a fine job on my knives, including CRKs. I will say, however, that I don't sharpen to "push the envelope". I sharpen to make my knives useful for cutting the stuff I cut. Can't remember the last time I needed to whittle a hair, so I don't care about that. The SM & strops give me edges that will easily shave hair and that will last a while. They're also easy to bring back, usually with just a stropping.

That's good enough for me.
 
Don't beat yourself up too much. Also, some knives are harder to sharpen than others. I freehand now, but still have a sharpmaker, and use it on occasion.
 
I had an edgepro and got great results but I gave it away to a forum member. It helped me see I could get a knife sharp. On the other hand they give false confidence and don't really teach how to sharpen. You see a knife get sharp, but do you really get it and since it is so consistent you can have a wire edge without it being so obvious.

If you are good free handed I like the trend diamond stone. You will also need a strop.

I have nothing against guided systems, they are just not for me.

Sharpmaker is fine but I actually find it more challenging than a flat stone.

Of course you can use the sharpmaker as a flat stone.

With a trend combo stone you will never have a knife you can't sharpen. They also put awesome grit patterns with the triangular diamonds.

With that said, you should probably focus more on how to sharpen than the edgepro or gadget in general. You can put a stone in the left hand and a knife in the right had of a skilled guy and have a sharp knife.

When I use pocket stones that's how I do it. Gives you extreme control.

Good luck.
 
nyefmaker said:
Buy a Sharpmaker. An edge pro is a gimick. I have used the sharpmaker and the older vintage crock sticks by case, smiths, crock, and others since I was 10 years old ( 30 years now and counting ). They WORK. The sharpmaker is just the best of this time proven design. My knives don't touch anything but a sharpmaker or my other vintage crock sticks.
Click to expand...

I think I need to give the SM a try. It's funny, I have tried so many other methods and have yet to try the simplest one!

ljusmc said:
^^This. I have used my Sharpmaker on Strider, Hinderer, CRK, and countless less expensive knives and they all get razor sharp (some better than others).

I think a lot of people scoff at the sharpmaker because it's so cheap at about $50, but it's so easy a caveman could use it (trust me, I'm basically a caveman).
Click to expand...

Haha! I like it Mr. Cavemena--thanks for the input!

dalefuller said:
I've also given up on guided systems. I use a combination of Sharpmaker & freehand with strops or benchstones. The SM does a fine job on my knives, including CRKs. I will say, however, that I don't sharpen to "push the envelope". I sharpen to make my knives useful for cutting the stuff I cut. Can't remember the last time I needed to whittle a hair, so I don't care about that. The SM & strops give me edges that will easily shave hair and that will last a while. They're also easy to bring back, usually with just a stropping.

That's good enough for me.
Click to expand...

WRGreen said:
Don't beat yourself up too much. Also, some knives are harder to sharpen than others. I freehand now, but still have a sharpmaker, and use it on occasion.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the encouragement sir.

richstag said:
I had an edgepro and got great results but I gave it away to a forum member. It helped me see I could get a knife sharp. On the other hand they give false confidence and don't really teach how to sharpen. You see a knife get sharp, but do you really get it and since it is so consistent you can have a wire edge without it being so obvious.

If you are good free handed I like the trend diamond stone. You will also need a strop.

I have nothing against guided systems, they are just not for me.

Sharpmaker is fine but I actually find it more challenging than a flat stone.

Of course you can use the sharpmaker as a flat stone.

With a trend combo stone you will never have a knife you can't sharpen. They also put awesome grit patterns with the triangular diamonds.

With that said, you should probably focus more on how to sharpen than the edgepro or gadget in general. You can put a stone in the left hand and a knife in the right had of a skilled guy and have a sharp knife.

When I use pocket stones that's how I do it. Gives you extreme control.

Good luck.
Click to expand...

Good advice--thanks for the input.
 
Hard to go wrong picking up a Sharpmaker. They work well with the Sebenza, would make a good accessory to your edge pro for touch ups and if you don't like it they sell very well.
 
Sharpmaker is good, I use for touching up, but if you want to reprofile the edge to slice better, you need a faster process, like Ep, WE, or by hand. Work on your EP get better, use "lesser" knives.
 
While I use the Sharpmaker a lot, since it is the fastest and easiest to set up, the Edge Pro really is great to restore the bevel, or the tip of the blade. After destroying a few knives with the EP. I finally learned to use it well. You have to plan your strategy, by using a marking pen, and then studying the results, which are best if you go lightly and carefully. Also go easy on the water, to avoid the mess. Edge Pro has some learning videos, that really help a lot.
 
Opinions vary, but I believe that easy things are mundane and offer little satisfaction. Like shooting a rifle hoping the bullet will hit the ground.

The best things in life require trials and frustrations before mastery is achieved.

Sharpening is like the later. Guided systems remove some variables, but they still are not a brown box into which you pack your knife only to later remove it finely honed to near perfection (if that is what you want there are several of us that offer such services).

I trust you are the type that will reject the easy path and persevere to achieve results on your own, and when you do you will own the glory and satisfaction of a job well done;)

Have fun and stick with it, you will get there;) keep reading, watch videos, practice on lesser knives, keep your chin up, but know when to push away from the table and take a break.
 
Based on cost, simplicity of use and sharpness, its hard to beat a SharpMaker. Its great for touch ups and can even re-profile if you have the time. I have one and have used it on my CRKs many times. Personally I like the ultra fine stones to finish. Before the SharpMaker I free hand sharpened for years with good results. SharpMaker made the process easier and faster. Couple years back I got a Wicked Edge. That system took my personal results to a whole new level with little learning curve. I only really messed up one knife. Luckily not a CRK or something expensive. If you are willing to make an investment and a commitment the WE is great. Especially if you want mirrored edges an ease of re-profiling. If you just want sharp CRKs then a SharpMaker is the route to follow.
 
I appreciate the comments Mr. Wing, Mr. Sell, Mr. Unit, and Mr. Fan. I am meditating on everything everyone has said.

I think I need to do a few things:
1. Get a SM.
2. Practice on the EP and see if I can get it right. After some thought, I think the problem may be that the stone isn't hitting the very apex on one of the sides. I will mark it up with a Sharpie and see where it is hitting.
3. I just got a washboard from Mr. Handed the other day and I know I can get a good edge using that as I have used a homemade, trailing strokes, strop-type sandpaper setup in the past with good results. If I fail again at the EP then I will use this method until I can get a sharp maker.

Mr. Unit--will you email me and give me some pricing options on getting the sickest, most slicey, disgustingly sharp edge money can be if all of the above fails?
 
I appreciate the comments Mr. Wing, Mr. Sell, Mr. Unit, and Mr. Fan. I am meditating on everything everyone has said.

I think I need to do a few things:
1. Get a SM.
2. Practice on the EP and see if I can get it right. After some thought, I think the problem may be that the stone isn't hitting the very apex on one of the sides. I will mark it up with a Sharpie and see where it is hitting.
3. I just got a washboard from Mr. Handed the other day and I know I can get a good edge using that as I have used a homemade, trailing strokes, strop-type sandpaper setup in the past with good results. If I fail again at the EP then I will use this method until I can get a sharp maker.

Mr. Unit--will you email me and give me some pricing options on getting the sickest, most slicey, disgustingly sharp edge money can be if all of the above fails?
 
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