Sharpener suggestions for reprofiling and mirror-polished edges

[Burke]

I am currently using a Spyderco Profile system and Sharpmaker, which work great for touching up a slightly dull edge. However, I find that they cut too slowly and I can't maintain as even an angle as I'd like for reprofiling edges. I've got a few folders and shorter fixed blades I'd like to thin out a little and put a polished edge on. Given that I live in an apartment and don't have a great area for a workshop, I think a manual system would be better than a belt grinder or wheel system.

I've looked at the Wicked Edge and Edge Pro systems a lot and for the most part, people seem to be happy with both of them. I like the "blade clamp" system of the Wicked Edge and the fact that it's a dry, diamond stone system, however the Edge Pro seems like it might be a little friendlier to a wider variety of blade shapes and grinds. I care less about obtaining an exact edge angle (e.g., 20*) and more about being able to efficiently thin an edge down to a "high-performance" edge from a low performance edge.

I'm hoping someone who has used both can shed some light on how they perform in a few areas:

Blade grinds - do they both work equally well for flat, hollow, and sabre grinds?
Blade shape - can they both handle a recurved blade (e.g., ZT0302) well?
Learning curve - is one easier to use than the other?
Edge refining - I see that both have a variety of strops, diamond pastes, etc, available. Is one system or the other consistently less expensive or easier to use for getting a highly polished edge?

I've been looking specifically at the Wicked Edge Pro Pack http://www.wickededgeusa.com/ZenCart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=72&products_id=216 and the Edge Pro Apex series, maybe adding a few diamond stones for initial edge setting on harder steels.

 

[MVF]

I have had both and here are my findings-

Blade grinds- I find the WE easier to use in all cases (so far, at least)
Blade shape- sorry, can't help you there, I haven't used either one on a recurve
Learning curve- Again, my vote goes to the WE- really couldn't be any easier
Edge refining- I haven't gotten nearly as into this as many here, but long-term the diamonds have to be cheaper than stones. Once you get past that, the pastes/tapes/whatever you use next should cost the same, no?

Some other thoughts- The EP can vary from stone to stone, especially as they wear. This means having to check/reset after every change, a real PITA. The set up you're looking at is pretty much what I got except I got bare strops (already had compound). I'm not saying anything bad about the EP, and I'm sure a few people will be along presently to sing it's praises. I'm just saying that for me the WE is much easier to use.

 

[pwet]

i have an edge pro and i agree with mvf.

plus the fact that the WE doesn't require any user action other than adjusting ONCE and grinding without thinking from the coarsest to the finest, and obviously 100 grit diamond won't even compare with the 120grit EP stock. the result you get with the EP is fantastic once mastered but you need a faster stone than the 120 for reprofiling and it is "harder to use" as you have to hold the blade steady, switch hands, repeat, adjust the stone arm when you change stones ....


i want a WE bad but that's not the right moment.

 

[Burke]

That's for the suggestions...I ended up ordering the WE this week. I understand they are back-ordered for 6-8 weeks but I'm looking forward to getting it! Given my recent knife purchases a little break is probably a good thing.

 

[leomitch]

i have an edge pro and i agree with mvf.

plus the fact that the WE doesn't require any user action other than adjusting ONCE and grinding without thinking from the coarsest to the finest, and obviously 100 grit diamond won't even compare with the 120grit EP stock. the result you get with the EP is fantastic once mastered but you need a faster stone than the 120 for reprofiling and it is "harder to use" as you have to hold the blade steady, switch hands, repeat, adjust the stone arm when you change stones ....


i want a WE bad but that's not the right moment.

The WEPS is an excellent device and does not have a steep learning curve to get good initial results,but having said that, to get the very best from it you do have to do some thinking. If you read more about it and use it for awhile you will see that it is not a rig to use mindlessly as your skill develops. At another forum whose name I cannot mention here, there is a great deal of commentary on the Wicked Edge rig with many detailed discussions and pictures. Much can be learned there and those discussions show that, far from just stoking the knives with the paddles to get an edge, to get the best possible edge, thinking is indeed a good part of using the WEPS.

Cheers
Leo