I am looking at the Razor Edge system for knife sharpening.I am thinking about getting the stones and the knife guide.I am especially interested in the knife guide as I really have a tough time keeping the blade at the correct angle. This due to my inexperience and I have a problem with my wrist.Any feedback would sure be appreciated
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Razor Edge System:Have You Tried IT?
- Thread starter Dannyc
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 20, 1999
- Messages
- 1,284
Hi Tomax!
I'm using it. I only got the guide, and the handi-hones (I want to test it first before I get the large hones). IMHO, I've never seen a coarse hone which can remove steel as fast as Razor Edge's (and remember, I'm using the handi-hone, disposable like sandpaper, as a testing ground). It gives me a COMPLETE burr on the edge faster than my DMT extra-coarse diamond stones.
As to the guide, setting it up isn't really easy at first, but you can get used to it in time.
Once the guide is clamped, there's basically little or no degree of error with regards to the angle, very consistent.
Once I'm able to, I will be getting their professional kit (where I can choose the size of the hones, and what guides to come with it). A bit on the expensive side, but I believe it will be worth it.
Dan
I'm using it. I only got the guide, and the handi-hones (I want to test it first before I get the large hones). IMHO, I've never seen a coarse hone which can remove steel as fast as Razor Edge's (and remember, I'm using the handi-hone, disposable like sandpaper, as a testing ground). It gives me a COMPLETE burr on the edge faster than my DMT extra-coarse diamond stones.
As to the guide, setting it up isn't really easy at first, but you can get used to it in time.
Once I'm able to, I will be getting their professional kit (where I can choose the size of the hones, and what guides to come with it). A bit on the expensive side, but I believe it will be worth it.
Dan
- Joined
- Oct 3, 1998
- Messages
- 4,842
It's a great system. Make sure you get their videotape!
- Joined
- Sep 23, 1999
- Messages
- 3,831
I bought the Professional kit a year ago. At first, I couldn't get a sharp edge with the kit at all, and I was very, very, very close to sending it back. But, I took it out, read everything again (especially John's book, which I got from the library) and I haven't had sharper blades since!
Mike's suggestion about the video, I think, is a good one. I am going to order it in a couple of weeks. As Mike told me, it is one thing to read how to do it, and another thing to see someone sharpen a knife.
I totally reccommend the kit. Get the best one that you can afford (stretch if necessary.) And take your time to learn how to use it. Oh, and kiss the hair on your arms goodbye!
------------------
"Come What May..."
Mike's suggestion about the video, I think, is a good one. I am going to order it in a couple of weeks. As Mike told me, it is one thing to read how to do it, and another thing to see someone sharpen a knife.
I totally reccommend the kit. Get the best one that you can afford (stretch if necessary.) And take your time to learn how to use it. Oh, and kiss the hair on your arms goodbye!
------------------
"Come What May..."
- Joined
- Feb 20, 1999
- Messages
- 1,284
I just tried it again with a kit knife. After almost 30 minutes of using the x-coarse DMT hone, and not getting a good relief on the blade (no burr) I took out the handi-hone which is almost dead now, and tried it again. It still works, and brought out the burr in around 10 swipes.
I really should get myself those hones soon!
Oh, and Crayola, I think it was Joe who suggested the video.
Thanks, Joe. Actually, I intend to get that along with the do-it-yourself kit if and when I'm already able to.
I already have the book.
Dan
I really should get myself those hones soon!
Oh, and Crayola, I think it was Joe who suggested the video.
Thanks, Joe. Actually, I intend to get that along with the do-it-yourself kit if and when I'm already able to.
Dan
Joe's dead on about the video, but I find their book much more convenient, since it can go wherever the sharpening is.
I've been using the deluxe kit for about a year and here's my pro's and con's:
Pros - extremely fast steel removal for re-profiling, difficult to screw up if you follow the directions and don't rush, one of the best steels around, near mirror finish with the fine stone, no oil/water to deal with, scary sharp edges, well built.
Cons - bulkier than many sharpeners, can't handle serrated edges, the dust is really messy (not as bad as oil/water though).
I've had 2 problems using mine. They're relatively minor, but I wonder if anyone else has them. The first is that the guides wear out faster than I'd prefer since they also rest on the hones. I tried to keep less pressure on the guide (as compared to the knife), but I usually ended up with the guide coming off the hone, thus rolling over the edge - back to square one. As a result of the wearing, repeated uses seems to lead to shallower angles. Has anyone found a way around this?
The other may be due to my technique. Almost every knife that I've sharpened ends up with a bevel that becomes shallower as you approach the tip. This is quite apparent, since the width of the bevel usally is about twice what it is near the handle. So the angle is much smaller near the tip, resulting in a weaker tip than the blade originally had. Unless I'm missing something, the only solution I can see is if the guides where shaped to match the blade's profile, which would mean a guide specific to each knife. That's not practical. Does anyone have the magic hammer you can hit me in the head with? Can't help but think I'm doing something wrong...
Overall, it's a great system and I highly recommend them. But if I'm just touching up an edge, I use a Sharpmaker. Does just as good with getting the last bit of sharpness out and takes less setup.
With both an RES system and Sharpmaker, I believe I can handle almost any sharpening need.
Ray
------------------
Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988
AKTI Member #A000831
[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 04-14-2000).]
I've been using the deluxe kit for about a year and here's my pro's and con's:
Pros - extremely fast steel removal for re-profiling, difficult to screw up if you follow the directions and don't rush, one of the best steels around, near mirror finish with the fine stone, no oil/water to deal with, scary sharp edges, well built.
Cons - bulkier than many sharpeners, can't handle serrated edges, the dust is really messy (not as bad as oil/water though).
I've had 2 problems using mine. They're relatively minor, but I wonder if anyone else has them. The first is that the guides wear out faster than I'd prefer since they also rest on the hones. I tried to keep less pressure on the guide (as compared to the knife), but I usually ended up with the guide coming off the hone, thus rolling over the edge - back to square one. As a result of the wearing, repeated uses seems to lead to shallower angles. Has anyone found a way around this?
The other may be due to my technique. Almost every knife that I've sharpened ends up with a bevel that becomes shallower as you approach the tip. This is quite apparent, since the width of the bevel usally is about twice what it is near the handle. So the angle is much smaller near the tip, resulting in a weaker tip than the blade originally had. Unless I'm missing something, the only solution I can see is if the guides where shaped to match the blade's profile, which would mean a guide specific to each knife. That's not practical. Does anyone have the magic hammer you can hit me in the head with? Can't help but think I'm doing something wrong...
Overall, it's a great system and I highly recommend them. But if I'm just touching up an edge, I use a Sharpmaker. Does just as good with getting the last bit of sharpness out and takes less setup.
With both an RES system and Sharpmaker, I believe I can handle almost any sharpening need.
Ray
------------------
Knowledge without understanding is knowledge wasted.
Understanding without knowledge is a rare gift - but not an impossibility.
For the impossible is always possible through faith. - Bathroom graffiti, gas station, Grey, TN, Dec, 1988
AKTI Member #A000831
[This message has been edited by Codeman (edited 04-14-2000).]
Larry in KY
Banned
- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 305
I have the Razor Edge system along with several other knife sharpening systems. They all work pretty good, however, if you want the very best knife sharpening system available, then IMHO you just can't beat the Edge Pro!! The only disadvantage is the price, however, the best always cost more.
If anyone wants specifics, please e-mail me privately.
If anyone wants specifics, please e-mail me privately.