I finally did it!

Scott Dog

Scott Dog

Joined
Mar 15, 2000
Messages
3,208
After much hemming and hawing, I sent a check to Ben for the Apex Edge-Pro, stone upgrade and the instuction video. I sent him my Obenauf small model 2 framelock and he sent it back with a killer edge. I have high expectations for his system and I doubt that I will be dissapointed. I can't wait to put a wicked edge on my Mnandi. I'm thinking of taking the edge down to 15 degrees to get the full benefit of the toughness of the S30V.
:cool: :eek: ;) :p
 
Careful, Scott. I just got an Apex and gave myself the project of giving almost all of my Benchmades a 20 degree back bevel (10 per side) and 30 degree edge bevel (Will drop those to 12 degree back bevel and 20 degree edge when I develop proficiency if the stainless models haven't all chipped out). I think it's called edgeorexia nervosa for those of us can't keep near the regular factory edges.
 
Originally posted by Scott Dog
After much hemming and hawing, I sent a check to Ben for the Apex Edge-Pro, stone upgrade and the instuction video. I sent him my Obenauf small model 2 framelock and he sent it back with a killer edge. I have high expectations for his system and I doubt that I will be dissapointed. I can't wait to put a wicked edge on my Mnandi. I'm thinking of taking the edge down to 15 degrees to get the full benefit of the toughness of the S30V.
:cool: :eek: ;) :p
Click to expand...

Keep us informed of your progress, Scott. I'm just waiting for one more good report from a beginner, with the Apex, to push me over the "edge". :p
 
I have ony a few knives that I regularly sharpen using a ceramic V sharpener. It seems to do well, but is it worth investing all the money for an Edge Pro or should I be ok with what I have? I'm not sure I'd be confortable in changing the bevel degree on my edges, especially my sebenza...
 
I'll be watching here too. I have always wanted one, but now most of my knives have a convex edge.
 
Hi Guys
theres an Apex heading down to NZ, hope to retire my GATCO once it arrives.This forum has been directly responsible for my ever growing knife and gadget expenditure.Ain't it great?
Phil
 
Hi Guys
as I was typing in the previous post the courier arrived with the Edge-Pro, less than 7 days to New Zealand, now thats what i call service!!!!!
Phil
 
Someone please describe an Edge-Pro for me. I have never seen one and would like to know what all the fuss is about.

From the tone of the discussions I've seen, it sounds like it must cost hundreds of dollars! People talk about "finally breaking down" to buy them!

What's the scoop?

And if I get great edges with my Spyderco Ceramic Whetstone why would I need or want an Edge-Pro? Is it necessary?

---Jeffrey
 
The EdgePro Professional is $295 + s/h. The EdgePro Apex + upgrade kit + video + s/h was $176 for me. It's got a learning curve and has waterstones that increase cutting speed/power/accuracy over ceramic rod systems (even over optional diamond sleeves). The three main reasons to get the Apex are:

1. To keep the angle of the factory edge you fell in love with (versus forcing everything into the same box that your clamp system or ceramic rod system).

2. To experiment with fine-tuning the performance of your knives.

3. To keep the angle you fell in love with for reason 2.
 
I would add one more, in my book, the most important feature
of the Edge Pro ssystem.

Once you have sharpened an edge, whether it is to the same angles the manufacterer deceded or a new set of angles, you can re sharpen
at that exact angle.

The benifit of this is twofold.

First it is very quick to re sharpen a blade as you can set the Edge Pro to the exact angle.

Second.....you are removing the minimum of metal at every sharpen.

Also I would add that you have perfect control of all the angles at all the time.

I like to polish the secondary bevel at 17 deg to a mirror polish.
Then I can take a few passes at 19 deg to finnish the edge at whatever 'tooth ' I desire.

It is the versatility and precision angle settting that puts this sharpening system head and shoulders above the rest.
 
Here's a link to their website http://business.gorge.net/edgepro/ . Now, for your question; is it necessary? No. Is it worth the money? Yes. If you'd like to compare the edges you get with your Spyderco stones and those of an Edge Pro, send a knife to Ben Dale to sharpen for free. If it measures up to the ones you get on your Spyderco hone, I salute you, you have some serious skill. I like the Edge Pro because it allows me to put an even, smooth bevel on all of my knives. I discover little flaws in the edges of my knives and get to see how uneven the bevels are. You can see how sharp an Edge Pro edge is because it is so even and shiny. It brings a smile to my face every time I sharpen a new knife with it and then slice a newspaper to ribbons. I can do that freehand too, but the edge isn't as pretty. Plus it's a lot more difficult to do, and to buy a set of large, quality stones you end up pushing the price of an Apex. That's what convinced me. I had dismissed the Edge Pro due to the price, then I started looking at putting together a good freehand system. The stuff I wanted, large natural Arkansas stones and a good strop, cost as much as the Apex. It changed my perspective and I ordered the Apex that day. I may yet get a good strop and some large bench stones, but I haven't felt the need to do it yet.
 
Nosmo's reason seems best of all.

I'd also like add that it's the ideal sharpening guide for Americanized tantos and wharncliffes. You won't accidentally round off the bottom of a tanto point with the Edge Pro.
 
How badly broken? For a broken tip, I usually use a cheap stone I got at ACE hardware to reprofile it, either taking material off of the edge or off of the spine, depending on which will give the most desirable shape at the end. If you remove material from the edge, the Edge Pro will allow you to re-set the bevel much more easily. Let me know if this isn't clear, I can post pics if you'd like.
 
Originally posted by Roadrunner
How badly broken? For a broken tip, I usually use a cheap stone I got at ACE hardware to reprofile it, either taking material off of the edge or off of the spine, depending on which will give the most desirable shape at the end. If you remove material from the edge, the Edge Pro will allow you to re-set the bevel much more easily. Let me know if this isn't clear, I can post pics if you'd like.
Click to expand...

thanks, I think I understand. If you had some pics, it would be appreciated, when you get an extra minute.
 
I got my Edge Pro about a week ago and I'm really pleased with it. It took me a couple of days working at it for a couple hours each day. Now I am getting very sharp edges on all my knives. I'm not a pro by any means but the Apex has lived up to my high expectations.:D :cool: ;) :eek: :p
 
How does the Edge Pro sytem handle recurved blades? I have both a BM710HS (and it's driving me nuts on the Sharpmaker :mad: ) and a Pinnacle.

Thanks,
Tony
 
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