Think I have decided to get an Edgepro Apex

linuxology

linuxology

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Dec 31, 2010
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I feel like I have decided to get an edgepro apex. Anyone see any reason not to get one? I have a spyderco sharpmaker and do enjoy it, but I would like to reprofile and do not think even the diamond stones are great at doing it. I see a lot of versatility the edgepro gives with the size of blades as well. I enjoy sharpening and would like to take it to the next level. The wicked edge is out of my price point and some features on the WE I question.
 
I enjoy mine and think its worth every penny but it isn't the only sharpener I use. Something I would like to look into eventually are the stones from Congress Tools that are relatively inexpensive and sharpen a fair bit faster than stock stones. I have more expensive stones and a diamond plate now because I was having a hard time reprofiling CTS-XHP, but it was only because I had not heard of the Congress stones yet.
 
EP is good + add SiC and diamond plates make it a no brainer for geting mirror crazy sharp edges. Well, I messed up a few jknives mostly due to my impatience and EP limitations, so I switched back to freehand sharpening. Although my EP is collecting dust, I'll keep it around for knife that requires exact bevel angle heel-to-tip. In time, you may hit the frustration point - that's when freehand will take you to the next level. btw - angle cube + collar are a must for EP. Enjoy!
 
My budget is $250. Should I just shoot for the Edgepro Apex 4 or mix/match stones from a 3rd party such as congress tools?
 
linuxology said:
My budget is $250. Should I just shoot for the Edgepro Apex 4 or mix/match stones from a 3rd party such as congress tools?
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Well, with $250 all you will get is probably a a std EP pro 4. But (BIG BUT) try to squeeze an extra $60 to get: 74micron plate+3micron+1micron diamond plate. 74micron make reprofiling a fun task. 3micron enter the knut world. 1micron newb knut. Add in between & finer abrasives later on when you're completely knut.

Atoma: nah, too pricey even for knut.
 
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+1 to congress stones, they have these "ruby" stones from 80-320 grit that will fit in the sharpmaker and are great for re-profiling.
 
I'm very happy with the Edge Pro. Very easy to reprofile on. I got the Apex 4 + a strop that fit in it + an angle cube.
 
It's a great system, which can take very small to very large blades. However, it isn't the easiest to learn if you're not already accustomed to freehand sharpening and it costs a lot to get the most out of it. When you've gathered up all the little accessories that you desire and you've gotten the hang of getting consistently sharp edges, it's a big-time payoff for all that cash spent though. I actually do convex sharpening on mine. There's a thread about it here: http://www.chefknivestogoforum.com/guide-convex-sharpening-with-the-edge-pro-apex-t583.html
 
make sure you tape the blade well,I scratched one of my knives, not taking enough care with tape.
 
^ also take care not to hit the handle of the knife with the side of the stone when sharpening close to the tang.
 
It is a very versatile system and works very well.
You will get better as you use it.
If the package you buy doesn't include at least a 600 grit stone I would get one.
I just ordered a 600 and 1000 grit stone..........they will put a good polish on your edge.
If you have a blade you do not want any scratches on tape it off with the blue painters tape.
The slurry from the stones can scratch your blade.
Use the black markie technique to get the angle right so you dont have to reprofile.
Forget about the degree markers on the post.........use the edge of the knife to determine where to adjust the angle.
With practice it will give you a lifetime of sharp knives.
 
If I were to redo my EP purchases over again it would be...140 Atoma, 400 Atoma, a bunch of homemade EP blanks with outsourced 30,20,15,9,6 micron diamond PSA, balsa for the EP blanks w/ 3 and 1micron diamond paste and leather for the EP blanks w/ a ton of different compounds to mess around with. That's my current setup :D
 
capid1 said:
If I were to redo my EP purchases over again it would be...140 Atoma, 400 Atoma, a bunch of homemade EP blanks with outsourced 30,20,15,9,6 micron diamond PSA, balsa for the EP blanks w/ 3 and 1micron diamond paste and leather for the EP blanks w/ a ton of different compounds to mess around with. That's my current setup :D
Click to expand...

The home made blanks and stropping substrates are what I am diving in to right now also. I have the materials for leather and balsa substrates, I might work on making some up this afternoon. I have 1 micron diamond spray coming and I have a couple types of polishing compound (black and white).

My stock EP Apex does a real nice job on all steels I have used it with except 3V. I also have a paper wheel set up that will do a real nice job on the same steels, and faster. So the additional custom accessories I'm working on for the EP are for the higher grade 3V for now, and any other tough steels in the future. I can "grind" the 3V OK on the EP, but it takes a lot more work and I can't refine the edge nearly to what I am after, therefore the diamond strops are the next progression.
 
When it comes to reprofiling, I find the stock 120 stone does a good job. But I did find out you need to renew it's cutting ability after a while. I do it with a very coarse sic stone, which flattens it at the same time. I don't worry too much about wearing the 120 stone out, it's cheap enough.
 
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