quick wicked edge question

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fatherleadfoot

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Apr 26, 2012
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Im on the border of pulling the trigger on the wicked edge system. I keep trying to cross reference it with the sharpmaker (what I have) but I don't understand the information im getting.

What grit stones from the wicked edge system are the ultrafine stones on the sharpmaker most comparable too? Based on the stickied grit chart, it would seem as though i need to get the highest rated stone offered for the wes, which is currently on back order.

I also read however that the sharpmaker ceramic stones don't really compare well because of reasons I dont yet understand, but mostly due to the process in which the stone is made.


What I want, my goal for the system, is to get consistent polished edges. Sharpness is important to me too, and I'm sure ill get that with the wes. I think a mirror finish is sexy though, and I want to up the bar from what im getting out of the sharpmaker.

I don't want to say that money is no object (ive seen the $400 stones) but I am willing to spend a reasonable amount on what is necessary for my goals.

What additional stones or stops with give me the mirror that I have now? I will continue to upgrade the wes as I go.

Hooray for bonuses!!
 
Big fan of the WEPS. I also enjoy the sharpmaker but use it mainly to "hone" an edge. I started out with the apex kit but later added the 800 & 1000 grit stones. Also added the balsa strops with 3.5 & 5 micron compound. Pricey but you'll be very happy with your results if looking for mirrored edges.
 
I think the WEPS and Sharpmaker end up being a great combo for a fast edge, actually. I've used mine that way a number of times experimentally. For a quick edge, run the 100/200 WEPS paddles at 28 degrees or so, then jump over to the Sharpmaker stock medium rods at 30 degrees and sharpen like you normally would on the Sharpmaker. It doesn't LOOK as nice as finishing all the way up through the ceramics and strops on the WEPS, since you're not polishing out the main bevel, but it sure gets sharp in a hurry!

The 600 paddles on the WEPS leave an easily arm-hair-shaving edge, especially after a good stropping, but it is NOT polished yet. You need to get considerably finer before you start getting into a bright shine. The 800/1K paddle pair is a good addition, along with the strop set if you really want to get into it. If you just have a few to do, a method I've seen a number of times is just taping wet-or-dry paper over the 600 WEPS paddles, and working down from there to whatever degree of finish you want. That's a great choice if you only have a few knives to work on. If you want to use STONES, your best bet is the Chosera or Shapton waterstone paddle sets they offer. They're fairly expensive, but they're the best!
 
I'm in texas actually, but thanks for the offer.

I think ill place the order tonight.
WEPS plus 800/1k stones and a 5/3.5 balsa strop.

I was wanting to avoid using wetstones, do the chosera stones wear eavenly/ last a long time.
 
You will need the ceramics or sandpaper in between the 1k and the strops if you want a mirror finish. From my experience anyway...
 
I'd concur there, REK. The 1K diamonds leave a very smooth, clean scratch pattern but they're still diamond scratches.
 
Amen to REK and Komi, in short get the Pro pack I and the ceramic 1200/1600 between the 1k and the 5/3.5 strops and you can get near mirror polished edges. You can get even crazier and get a pair of blank strops and a 1 micron (or less) diamond spray to take it to a mirror polish.
 
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