Just dropped $250 for a knife sharpener...

J

jonnyt16

Joined
Jul 17, 2007
Messages
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The Edge Pro Apex 4 kit. Should arrive here late this week. So, is the Edge Pro the be-all, end-all knife sharpening system or will this be another disappointment? I've tried the Sharpmaker and could never really get too good with that. Next I tried the DMT Aligner kit and was a little better with that one but still not satisfied. Don't get me wrong, I could get my knives pretty sharp, but they always seemed to have a real toothy edge and even though they would take arm hair off, they would never "pop" the hairs off effortlessly the way all you guys seem to get your edges to do.

Anyway, I'll find out soon enough I guess. I just never spent this much on a sharpening system. I understand there will be a learning curve and I'm totally okay with that, I'm pretty patient. But hopefully the Apex will finally get me those hair-whittling edges that have always eluded me! Any input or tips is greatly appreciated, thanks!
 
I have a Sharpmaker, Edge Pro Apex & a Wicked Edge.... I know..... I'm sick in the head but I gotta say, I still can't make up my mind about which one I like better (between the Edge Pro and the W E). Bo are very good,

When using your EP make sure you tape you'r blades up so they don't get scratched. The EP's course and med stones will leave very abrasive dust where you are laying your knife to stabilize it when using the EP. A little blue masking tape on the blade should do the trick. Take your time, slow is better. Mark the edge with a dry erase marker to make sure the stones are getting all the way down to the edge. Also if the blade is on the thick side and it slopes up by the tip, you may have to change the angle lets say from 20 deg to maybe 22 or 23 deg (for the last 3/4") so the bevel isn't much larger at the tip when you are done. There is a learning curve for sure but stick with it....hair splitting / popping edges are no prob for the EP.
 
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There's a learning curve with the Edge Pro but there's plenty of videos and advice out there, add to that EPs custom service and Ben Dale's willingness to answer questions, you should be happy.

Is it the end all be all? I don't think there will ever be a definitive answer to that, personally after trying umpteen different sharpening systems I always fall back to what gets me the best consistent results, free hand sharpening on my 8" bench hinges and stones.

I use the EP when I've got some major reprofiling to do and once it's set up I usually use it to go over and reset the bevels on the knives I've been carrying and touching up free hand.

Best advice I can give you as far as sharpening is, learn what sharp is, learn what sharp looks like. Invest in a good quality 6X loupe and carefully examine the edge of a knife you consider to be sharp, learn what sharp really looks like this way you'll recognize it when you get it yourself. Learn to identify a wire edge, invest in or make a strop and above all, practice, practice, practice.
 
I think you made a good purchase. Perfectly angled, mirrored bevels are a treat. You can even make your own custom stones with a little work. :)
I personally don't like finicky clamping systems because of their troubles with full-flat grinds. They just don't seem as adaptable as the Edge Pro.

Show some pictures of those beautiful bevels once you have the system figured out.
 
jonnyt16 said:
I've tried the Sharpmaker and could never really get too good with that.
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Well, now there are 2 of us who can't get good with the Sharpmaker. Seems like most everyone else can. As for dropping some big coin on an Edge Pro, I'm all for it. Once you get the hang of it - and its almost impossible not to get the hang of it - it will transform every knife in your arsenal. Thats money well spent.
 
jonnyt16 said:
The Edge Pro Apex 4 kit. Should arrive here late this week. So, is the Edge Pro the be-all, end-all knife sharpening system or will this be another disappointment?
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I don't know about the apex, but The Edge Pro Professional model sure is. I'm sure the apex will serve you well. I've had my pro model for about a month and it is phenomenal. I also purchased a full set of shapton glass stones mounted to EP blanks. Love those stones.

Also sent you an email Jonnyt16 on where to find some great EP accessories and stones
 
Good call purchasing the Edge Pro, Ben Dale seems like a really good guy that looks for quality improvements a recent change was taking the 320 stone out and replacing it with a 400 grit stone that cuts better, and may replace my 600 grit edges for work.

He's answered questions and been a real pleasure to buy from.

Your first sharpenings can be a PITA, mainly because factory edges aren't even, so prepare for a bit more time on initial sharpenings.

It took me about 24-48 hours of practice to get "good", with home modifications you can sharpen scissors as well.
 
Alright thanks guys, all very good advice!

One question I forgot to ask: Are the 1/2" stones necessary for sharpening blades with a slight recurve such as say an Emerson Commander or a CRKT Shenanigan? Or will the normal stones still work well for these? Thanks again.

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I've done a benchmade 710 on the regular stones no problem, just use a bit less pressure and keep keep the blade moving so that the edge stays in the right position. Those two don't look like they'll be much trouble.
 
Yes, you will need the 1/2" stones for those knives.

I love my EP. I got my first really sharp edges with a Sharpmaker, but the EP can produce much more refined edges.

A few things that will make your EP a little easier to use:
- a magnet or two under the table. these will hold the blade steadier
- the stop collar makes it easier and faster to keep the angles the same when you change stones
- the spring to make it easier to change stones
- some means of flattening the stones. I use a 140 grit diamond plate, but course wet or dry sandpaper on a flat surface will do the job.

It won't take you long to get spectacular edges. Just be sure to spend enough time with the courser grits to get an apex on the edge.

Ben has very good videos on the EP website. Also check out the youtube videos from jdavis882.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mti8s-rvmbE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G38QyE9YKk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAtKxDFpcmo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoHW3TUdz5s

Hope this helps,
Allen
 
Love my water and oil stones, though bought an EP after giving my Tormek to my father...great system, no real learning curve
 
Hello I am new to the forms and this is my fist post. I just ordered an Apex Model Edge Pro System and am very anxious to receive it; I have never used a system like it. I did some research and thought this system would be the one to get. I want to get that mirrored super sharp edge I have seen and experienced on other knives. I will start with a not so good kitchen knife and get some proficiency before moving on to my good blades. If any members have tips and or suggestions on using the Edge Pro please feel free to offer them I will gladly accept. Skimo, you mentioned that with some “modifications” you can sharpen scissors as well, what modifications did you do?
 
I have had the Edgepro for about a year. It is a fun system and will teach you some new things about sharpening. It is seriously fun to get your first perfect mirrored edges.

One thing I did learn though is that there is a big difference between practical sharpening and hobbyist sharpening. Those perfect mirrored edges are fun but they disappear in about 5 minutes of field use.

After trying the Sharpmaker, Edgepro, Wicked Edge, and other systems I eventually found myself using my 8 inch bench stones the most. That is part of the journey though and I hope you enjoy it.
 
I have an Edgepro, It's a great system, and easy to use.
Get a marker to check your edges, but other than that, you're good to go.
 
Best part of the Apex Pro is that it tends to hold it's value pretty well so when you go to sell it, you'll be half way to a Wicked Edge :)
 
graham_s said:
I have an Edgepro, It's a great system, and easy to use.
Get a marker to check your edges, but other than that, you're good to go.
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I already have a Sharpie waiting for it. I got them to express ship it, ordered the Edge Pro this morning July 12 and will receive it Monday July 15 and am excitedly awaiting for it to arrive.
 
The edge pro is great. Just wait till you start playing with aftermarket stones ;)
 
I love the edge pro there is a learning curve and a few tricks to get an amazing edge that once you figure out ull realize you would of bought it if it cost 500 bucks IMO of course
 
Yea, I am excited and anxious to see what type of extreme edges I will be able to achieve with the EP. Sadden you mentioned aftermarket stones for the EP could you give reviews/examples of them, thanks.
 
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