Sharpening with an Edge Pro Apex

Maprik

Maprik

Joined
May 17, 2012
Messages
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Hoping someone can advise me on what the factory angle is on the XM-18 slicer blade. I use an edge pro apex for sharpening but haven't tried it yet on touching-up my brand new XM. It won't be too hard to figure out using a sharpie but I just wanted to start somewhere close. Thanks!
 
Being hand sharpened i have found it can range. I profile to 22* when I employ the WEPS.
 
When i sharpened my xm on edge pro i put it at the highest dot. It came out awesome
 
Make sure you wipe the blade table often and tape your blade if you don't want to scratch up your finish.
 
22 seems to be the angle for my 3" XM.

Just used my WEP today on it for the first time. I started at 20 and noticed the angle wasn't right after the first pass.

I am what you call a "challenged" in the knife sharpening dept. But for the first time, I was able to get a hair shaving sharp blade. What a difference! :eek:
 
Polished my blade on the Wicked Edge ... finished with some Wenol on the WE leather strop .... hair whittling sharp .... Plus you can see your face on the edge it's so shiny :)
 
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Maprik said:
Should I get rid of the Edge Pro and go for a WE?
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I use the WEPS and have been very pleased with the process and results. I know of people who likewise enjoy the Edge Pro.
Comments I hear relative to the EP seem to revolve around consistency (side-to-side) and cleanliness or lack of.
Neither are issues with the WEPS. Comments I hear regarding the WEPS usually go to cost.
Having never used an EP I can not comment first hand on the machine.
I do own and use the WEPS and as I mentioned, I like the results especially when rehabing an edge or reprofiling a blade.
Touch-ups I often just strop or use my SharpMaker.
If you are comfortable with the EP and get good results - don't fix what ain't broke. IF you want to get a WEPS I would be glad to help with selection (send me a PM) you can always then sell what you no longer want whichever that may be.

FYI- In case you may not be aware, check out the sub-forum "maintenance,tinkering and embellishment" lots of good info on sharpening etc. there as well.
 
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I have the WEPS and like it ... Just got the strops ... Not real satisfied with the diamond compound (didn't seem to be any diamond dust in it). My recommendation would be just order the leather or balsa strops and use Wenol All Metal polish...will put a mirror finish after 1000 grit.
 
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I've got the WEPS and an Edgepro. For me the Edgepro is the go to for large knives, WEPS for everything else and Sharpmaker or strop for quick touch ups.
 
Gonna try the EP tonight for the first time on an old Spyderco. We'll see how sharp I can get it... I'm still just using a strop on the XM-18 to maintain its factory edge.
 
Maprik said:
Gonna try the EP tonight for the first time on an old Spyderco. We'll see how sharp I can get it... I'm still just using a strop on the XM-18 to maintain its factory edge.
Click to expand...

Remember the dots are different angles for different grinds and blade thickness. If you're not sure start at a thicker angle and work down from there. You will hit the edge on one side enough when you feel a slight burr on the other side, then flip
 
If you want to have some fun. Get a nice piece of FLAT stock (pine, whatever) has to be FLAT. Make it about 12-15" long and maybe 4" wide.
Take a piece of denim (cheap at a fabric store OR a pair of jeans that don't fit anymore:eek:)
Take the denim and staple it down the long side of you flat stock (staples on the side) and streatch it taut over the stock and staple the other edge. Do the ends as well, stretching taut.
You now have a "Denim Strop" fine as is OR you can impregnate with diamond spray (no matter)
This will keep a scarey edge on your beloved Hinderer XM as long as you maintain the edge. Obviously, particularly hardcore bouts of edge useage may require something like the WEPS, EP, SM or a trip back to the Ranch for a Professional Sharpening but, this is a cheap effective strop that works very well.
Give it a try!
 
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