Recommended Sharpening System

M

Maineiac1

Joined
May 3, 2017
Messages
339
Hey folks, I'm looking to upgrade my sharpening system. I am currently using the lanksy kit and am in need for some diamond stones for some stainless I'm getting into. So instead of spending a ton on those stones and some replacements I'm thinking about upgrading to a more professional kit. Can anyone with experience fill me in on what they like, why and why not another? For the sake of this conversation lets not worry about budget, thanks in advanced!
 
I have the Edge Pro Professional model and I have been very happy with it. I am a knife maker so I wanted a sharpening system with which I could set very accurate edge angles. I started out with paper wheels but the angles were not consistent enough and I got a couple of knives too hot and ruined the temper so I decided to take a little more time and get them right every time.
 
I started with the paper wheels as well and had the same problems that are stated above. I use a wicked edge now and am very happy with it. It doesn’t take long with the diamond stones to go from no edge to shaving sharp, I know the exact angle, and you can’t mess it up. I need/want to practice sharpening on the belt grinder, but haven’t had the time and am worried I’ll botch it.
Brady
 
I got the Wicked edge last Jan. It is excellent, but a bit expensive. I got the extra 50/80 grit stones, so if I don't want to risk messing up the junction of bevels like on a dagger, then I can start from no edge.
It does have some learning curve, but I feel like I got the hang of it fairly quickly.
 
Been hearing a lot of good things about the KME setup, though honestly, my 2x72 does everything I need to do.
 
Hapstone pro. You can use all sorts of different stones. I split diamond dmt plates in half and use those for setting the initial edge. There is a new version coming out soon that looks like it has a smaller footprint and includes the rotating clamp, which is a feature that I love about the hapstone.
 
Some great input, thanks! I think ill be needing something with diamonds (not all the time though) as I will be using some difficult steels.. the convienience of being able to sharpen both side without remounting the blade is a big plus.. really liking the looks and sounds of the WE.
 
I usually stay away from "Jig and fixture" questions. I will say that there are two basic systems to consider.
1) Fixed blade - moving abrasive systems
These lock the blade securely with the edge facing you and you move the guided stone/abrasive over the edge. These can get the knife exceedingly sharp, but require re-clamping the blade to get the other side at every grit step. The big negative is you have to use their proprietary stones.
2) Fixed abrasive- moving blade systems. These are more like traditional sharpening, with the blade locked on the end of quill/arm instead of being held in your fingers. These allow flipping the knife over as often as desired with no change in angle. The negative it they tend to be flimsy and often have weak blade clamps. The big plus is ty allow use of almost any type stone.

Both systems have the danger of accidentally cutting yourself in the sharpening process.

Now, a set of 3X10" DMT stones and the base, a fine water/whet stone and a good leather strop charged with rouge will get a blade crazzzy sharp just as easily .. or easier. If you are worried about holding a specific angle, use Fred Rowe's Bubble Jig. The whole sharpening setup including the bubble jig can cost less than a sharpening system.
 
Hapstone system is awesome. I have an edge pro type of system and it is a great way to get a precision edge.

The Hapstone system is like the Edge Pro but much higher build quality.

You can get stones from Congress tools, for a good price, and mount them to aluminum plates to have any grit you want.

The new hapstone system being released in lower price and a great looking setup.

If you want a repeatable precision edge on your blade then these set ups will give you that. I can put on a 15 degree edge from tip to ricasso repeatedly with no fuss.
 
I owned an edge pro. Excellent with your dominant hand. Not the easiest with your opposite though. I used the KME which is favorite of many but I found it limited. I now have the TSPROF and love it. Can do any size knife. Incredibly well made. Uses same 1x6 stones as edge pro. Choices of stones are almost endless.
 
I have a lansky and an edge pro. I never use either. They both work but they are slow by comparison to a good water stone and provide results that are, at the best, no better. I say save your time and money.
 
Sorry to hijack, but the OP may find this question relevant. Do any of you edge pro users have a recommendation for a specific coarse stone for setting the initial secondary bevel quickly and efficiently?

Thanks,
JK
 
J. Keeton said:
Sorry to hijack, but the OP may find this question relevant. Do any of you edge pro users have a recommendation for a specific coarse stone for setting the initial secondary bevel quickly and efficiently?

Thanks,
JK
Click to expand...

You can go to congress tools and look at the Ruby stones, they start at 60 grit and remove material quickly and the stones are very affordable. I use the ruby stones in various grits and the flex stone in 400 and 600 to polish the edge.

You just go to home depot and buy some aluminum and mount the stone to it for the edge pro system.

These stones are thicker, cheaper and last longer then what the sharpening systems are offering.
 
AVigil said:
You can go to congress tools and look at the Ruby stones, they start at 60 grit and remove material quickly and the stones are very affordable. I use the ruby stones in various grits and the flex stone in 400 and 600 to polish the edge.

You just go to home depot and buy some aluminum and mount the stone to it for the edge pro system.

These stones are thicker, cheaper and last longer then what the sharpening systems are offering.
Click to expand...

Excellent! Thanks Adam.
 
I too am looking for a new system and have been struggling between a new Wicked Edge, or the TSPROF. I am doing mostly very acute angle Japanese steel... I have one set that comes from factory somewhere between 9-12 degrees according to the documentation.... I'm thinking 9 may be a wee bit much and would settle in at 12. I noticed Wicked Edge won't go more than 14 degrees, how far will TSPROF go?
Also given that they are priced around the same, has anyone worked on both and have a preference. I saw a review on the Youtube and he didn't really go into too much detail why he preferred the WE over TSPROF.

Thanks.
 
+1 for a hapstone v7, or wait for the new m2 if you're on a budget. The m2 looks like it's going to be killer for the price.
 
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