Sharpmaker or Edge Pro Apex ?

W

Wizz

Joined
Feb 3, 2010
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I have a couple of folders (Benchmade Barage, and a Kershaw Volt SS) I use very often and am in need of a good sharpener. I am currently using a Smith diamond stick ($14 WalMart) with average results. I've done a ton of research but am still torn between these two sharpeners. I like the Sharpmaker for convenience and don't mind spending the extra time it takes on one to bring a dull edge back to life with it. I am leary of all the steps required for the EP and the high price, but if it can achieve a 'noticeably' better edge than the SM then I will consider it. My cutting tasks are mainly cutting string, boxes, corrugated flexible plastic pipe, and landscape fabric if that helps. Much appreciated.
 
I'm one of the 3 people on Bladeforums who cannot get a good edge on a Sharpmaker, but its a user error issue. Most guys like them. It costs less than the Edge Pro, and for most folks its pretty easy to use and you get good results. Fortunately for me, the Edge Pro Apex is almost foolproof, and I can get killer, sick mirrored edges with it. But its spendier than the Sharpmaker. If you are just looking to get a good edge for your job, the Sharpmaker should be just fine. The Edge Pro lets you select a certain angle, keep that angle consistent, and you can get basically whatever edge you want from rough and toothy to slick and mirrored if that's what you are after.
 
I'm not familiar with the Edge Pro Apex, but I've seen it in action on the Nutnfancy review and it looks pretty stellar. Does seem to have a learning curve attached to it. Only thing holding me back is the cost when I keep buying new blades instead, and the fact I have a Sharpmaker that gets just fine results for the $$$. I do recommend the diamond and ultra fine rods eventually, though, but that'll bring you up to 1/2 the cost of the EP more or less. If you just have easily sharpened steels, however, you can get away with the included medium and fine rods. I've heard the biggest issue with the Edge Pro is the fact that it doesn't lock down the blade, so technically you could change the angle by small movements when sharpening if not paying close attention. Sharpmaker is fine if you're looking to just touch up knives and not reprofile to hair splitting end.
 
I would get the edge pro, and you don't need a lot high grit stones to get a really good edge. I rarely take mine past 600.
 
They're both GREAT in their respective price points. Along that logic, the price points are indicative of the a big difference in results. The EP will give you super sharp blades with aesthetically perfect edges...and for the cost it should! I can get a really nice edge with the SM too, but less consistent/perfect edges. Sharpening speed is about the same, maybe a bit slower with the EP.

I have both...I find myself using a 1x30 belt sander and paper wheels more than anything because I'm convinced of the performance of convex edges, no matter the primary grind.

My $0.02. Hope this helps.
 
I use the EP as my primary sharpener/reprofile-er and the sharpmaker to touch up or add a microbevels to really low-angle edges. I found it's a very good combo once you get used to the systems. If I were to suggest just one it would be the EP because it's a lot more versatile. It's definitely worth the money, too.
 
J_Curd and seelow sum it up nicely. They're both one of the best sharpeners in their respective price ranges but the sharpmaker is not in the same league as the edge pro apex. The sharpmaker will get your knives sharp (if the bevel is 30/40 degrees inclusive), but the beautifully mirrored and hair splitting edges you can easily get on an edge pro are just amazing. It'll handle any edge angle from 20 degrees inclusive up too.

I have both and I normally sharpen with my edge pro apex, touching up with a leather strop whenever needed. When the leather strop stops doing anything for the knife and I'm too lazy to break out the edge pro again, I turn to the sharpmaker.
 
Landscape fabric eats edges, having the sharpmaker with you could be nice. But I just carry the Spyderco small stone that has 2 grits glued together(grey and white stone), it's not the ultra fine one, and it gets blades sharp.

Edge Pro or Wicked edge is great for re-profiling, then keeping sharp free hand in the field, but after many re-sharpenings, it's always nice to re-profile again(or just get a good base bevel, 30deg is GREAT).

Spyderco Double stuff first, then sharpmaker, then an edge pro or Wicked edge, can't loose here.
 
I use the sharpmaker and invested in the diamond stones to be able to reprofile.

Although its guided it still requires a steady hand to hold the angle and I enjoy using it...its not as robotic as the edge pro.
 
If I had the money I'd get a Wicked Edge, but for some reason would rather spend my moolaa on actual knives. I've been using the SharpMaker with the ultrafine stones, but have a few knives that start with a cumulative angle greater than 40 degrees and the Sharpmaker is just not a good way to reprofile. I just ordered a DMT-A Prokit, so I plan to reprofile with that and then use the SharpMaker. Maybe someone will give me a Wicked Edge for my birthday, though?
 
If ya can afford the EdgePro go with that, it's top notch but if ya have the patience, learn free hand and get some stones and diamond hones, you'll be better prepared to sharpen in the field.
 
Thanks everyone. If I go with the EP Apex basic kit is there an additional stone I should buy, or will the 220 and 400 grits it comes with suffice? I will be sharpening my wife's Henckel kitchen knives on it as well if that matters. Is to polished of a finished edge a disadvantage on a folder used in the field (does a finer edge dull easier)?
 
Edge Pro Apex, hands down. I do, however, cary a lanksy system in my field bag as I would never take an EP Apex into the great wild yonder hehe. :p

I do find the 600 grit and 1000 grit to be indispensable... puts a nice polish on edge without going in the polishing tape IMO
 
Last edited:
seelow123 said:
I use the EP as my primary sharpener/reprofile-er and the sharpmaker to touch up or add a microbevels to really low-angle edges. I found it's a very good combo once you get used to the systems. If I were to suggest just one it would be the EP because it's a lot more versatile. It's definitely worth the money, too.
Click to expand...

This is me to a tee.
Started with the Sharpmaker, but now use both.
Cheers
 
I bought the sharpmaker because I was fairly broke at the time. I get my knives sharp with it. FOR SURE get the diamond stones and (probably the) fine stones with it if you get it.

I now am finding myself wanting a EP though. It's more versatile and even easier to use. Basically fool proof. I'll get one one day.
 
220 and 400 will put a good working edge on. I always strop with green compound and then plain leather to finish.
 
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