Just ordered my Edge Pro

Rob Babcock

Rob Babcock

Joined
Jul 16, 2007
Messages
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After reading about it for awhile, researching posts here at BF finally convinced my to order an Edge Pro on Saturday. I opted for the Apex; if it wasn't so close to Xmas, and given that I'm going back to school (and will need to pay tuition & fees) I'd have bought the Pro. If the Apex is half as good as I've read I'll probably buy the Pro in the spring.

Thanks for some (hopefully) good info. And to whomever posted the link to 1SharpKnife, kudo! They have good prices and all their kits include all the stone. Hopefully I'll have it this week, and I'll report on how I like it.:D
 
Awesome. I am thinking about buying the same...so if you could post your opinion about the EdgePro (and some pictures), I guess newbies like myself would greatly appreciate it.
 
I'm going to be watching this with interest. I've been doing some watching here also, and this is the first mention of it. All I've really heard about is the "Sharpmaker", but this looks better to me, although more $$$.
 
Use the search button, there's some really good threads about it. Am I allowed to post a link? If not please remove with my apologies. I ordered mine from 1sharpknife on the basis of some comments at BF. They have a video clip (the same one as Ben Dale has on the Edge Pro website) showing the machine in action.

Aside from the universal positive buzz about the Edge Pro, the thing that really sold me was the waterstones- much better than oil stones, IMOHO. And the angle guides don't require a clamp, which is a huge plus in my book. Clamps tend to scratch the blade or get in the way when sharpening very low angles.

Well, hopefully I'll have it within a few days (tracking says it shipped today). The first thing I'll tackle is some low end chef knives- my brother has one that's been sharpened exclusively on carbide 'rippers,' so it should be a good test.:eek:

I'll keep you posted.:D
 
Posting a link in a discussion of the equipment is cool.

What's the difference between the Apex and the Pro? Is the basic guide set-up the same?
 
From what I've read, the nuts & bolts of the machines is the same. They both use the same stones and nearly identical arm aparatus. They differ mostly in the bases- the Pro uses a large, central lever/suction device while the Apex uses a 4 point base with 2 suction cups. The Pro has more adjustment for worktop height and accepts the scissor sharpening attachment. Operationally, the main difference (except the ability to do scissors) is that the the Pro is infinitely adjustable for angles as low as 6 degrees where the Apex maxes out at 10 degrees (but is also infinitely variable, ie you're not locked into preset angles, although common ones are pre-marked). Mr. Dale elucidates some of the differences on his own website. The Pro is a bit heavier duty, and more suitable for commercial sharpening. The Apex is much more portable, and actually packs into something very akin to a small chef's roll (aka knife roll).

Both use the same stone blanks, and the kit I ordered has the 120, 220, 320 & 800 grit waterstones. It also includes a ceramic 1200 grit honing rod, along with a case, manual, DVD & a few accessories. I opted to buy a couple spare stones while I was online anyway.

Like I said, I really want to get the Pro version, but I decided I'd rather have the Apex this week than wait til spring and buy the Pro. And, to be realistic, I've got about $15,000 worth of stereo gear, too- and if I hold off on the Edge Pro the money will eventually get diverted into audio equipment.;) I have too many expensive hobbies.
 
Music isn't a hobby, it's a necessity. :)

I checked out the site, watched the little video, thought the system looked great. I've been getting increasingly good results with simpler and simpler equipment, though, so I hesitate to spend the money.

I know I will someday. :(
 
oldfogey said:
I'm going to be watching this with interest. I've been doing some watching here also, and this is the first mention of it. All I've really heard about is the "Sharpmaker", but this looks better to me, although more $$$.
Click to expand...

I use both and find that they each fill a different role. I use my Sharpmaker for weekly touchups. The fine & U/F rods work well to keep a good edge very sharp.

I use the Edge Pro when I want to change a blade's bevels or sharpen out some chips or when I have a blade that r-e-a-l-l-y needs a serious sharpening.
 
Esav Benyamin said:
I checked out the site, watched the little video, thought the system looked great. I've been getting increasingly good results with simpler and simpler equipment, though, so I hesitate to spend the money.

I know I will someday. :(
Click to expand...


I've sharpened in many ways, freehand and with systems. I'm looking to simplify, too, I guess. But in a different way. I want one system that will sharpen pretty much anything and sharpen it well. And foolproof is good, too (okay, fool-resistant; each time you think it's foolproof they build a better fool!:D). Basically I want a higher degree of repeatablility than I can acheive freehand. Speed is part of it, too. I think the Edge Pro will allow me to equal my best handmade benchstone results in a lot less time.

I've done all the sharpening at the restaurants I've worked at for quite awhile. I'm contemplating that "next step," if you will.
 
The EdgePro's have a learning curve! Recommend practicing on lower
quality blades first.
 
Which is easier to learn and use, a yacht or a car? Different systems for different purposes at different expense levels. The Sharpmaker is easier overall once you've learned to use it and it's optimized for maintenance more than restoration of damaged blades.
 
("Different systems for different purposes at different expense levels.")

I copy & paste because I can't get the "quote" to work, it's smarter than me.

Don't they both sharpen knives???
 
When you get it read and re read the instructions. Look up everything you can find on the Edge Pro on this forum. Ask questions you'll need help I expect. Or maybe not.

I ordered one about a year ago and still have problems with it. It's not a magic machine! Some knives just won't sharpen, usually cheap in ports.

Go slow when you start out. The hand your holding the knife in is going to get tired cause your holding the knife to tight

Don't try to re bevel right away unless the blade is thin. I have found it to work best on thin blades.

Hope you have good luck,
armilite
 
"Don't they both sharpen knives???"

(Nothing wrong with copy & paste! :) )

Yes, they do. An Edgepro will give you cleaner, more uniform grinds at a precise angle. The Sharpmaker will give you quick secondary bevels at 2 preset angles and allow you to maintain them easily. It will also excel at difficult edge shapes and serrations.

Given diamond and extra-fine rods, it will extend its range to the kind of reprofiling and polishing that would otherwise be the Edgepro's strong points.

They are both reliable systems but I find the Sharpmaker more flexible in its range of application. It isn't a matter of ease of use or learning. The best sharpener for that is a pull-through carbide -- but it gives terrible results.
 
I use both methods together.sharpening at 17-18deg on the EdgePro ,burr removal at 19 deg ,then Sharpmaker fine instead of using a steel for a 20deg micro bevel.High quality thin blades I finish on the 15deg angle.
 
One useful tip to remember with the EP ( either model )
The angles quoted are for the blade table in relation to the honing arm.
Depending on the blade to be sharpened this does not always 'translate'.
This angle will vary slightly depending on how the knife rests on the blade table.

When setting most of my kitchen knives on the EP markings at 17° the actual angle on the blade when sharpened will be closer to 15°. This is NOT a fault with the EP, just the way it was designed.
 
Nosmo, in other words, the shape of the handle could alter the angle, right? If it's not exactly flat and parallel with the blade?
 
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