Thoughts on Wicked Edge Sharpener....

[BloodGroove4570]

I recently viewed a video on the wicked edge sharpener and was wondering if anyone here had any experiences or input on this system, I really think it looks pretty good overall but unsure of how it really performs. I usually sharpen freehand with wet stones or diamond stones and was considering giving it a try. Mostly sharpening EDC and larger choppers such as RC-6 and others... Any input is greatly appreciated, Thanks a bunch.

 

[vegasracer]

I own one. I've mostly sharpened mid to large folders, and the results have been very impressive. For the record I purchased the additional stones plus the strops. Very easy sharpening technique to master. I'm quite happy with my investment in this machine.

 

[Twindog]

It's the best sharpener I've found. It locks the blade into an exact, vertical, replicable position, regardless of distal taper or the severity of a saber grind. The result is a perfect edge every time. You still have to understand and recognize a burr, but once you get that down, you're set for life.

I like the extra stones and strops. Once the profile is set, you can progress through the rest of the stones quickly.

The only other sharpener in its class that I know of is the Edge Pro. The Edge Pro is cheaper, has a wider variety of stones and polishing tapes. And the EdgePro would be my choice for longer blades -- maybe 8 inches or longer (I'm guessing).

But the Wicked Edge is much better at creating a perfect, replicable relationship of blade to edge. It doesn't need water. The diamond stones work faster. And it's more satisfying to use. The inventor put a lot of thought into this sharpener. It shows.

 

[Gator97]

I haven't used wicked edge, but diamond stones in general need water as a lubricant, otherwise they wear down very fast. It's easy to chip out diamond crystals from the base.

 

[cbwx34]

Too much pressure is the usual culprit for diamond stones failing or wearing down fast, not the abscence of water. Diamonds have a 'break-in' period, where they will typically start out more aggressive than their rating, then break down a bit and sharpen at their rating for quite a while. Of course over time you can wear it out, but it's not an issue like you're implying... it's just the cycle of the stone. They're a great sharpening media.

On the Wicked Edge... I've been evaluating one for the past month or so, and will have a write-up at some point. But so far, it's proven to be a great sharpener.

cbw

 

[RayseM]

More on this topic on the Maintenance, Tinkering & Embellishment forum. Based on these conversations I just ordered the new & improved version. Hope I'll be as happy as you folks. FYI, Wicked Edge are on backorder right now & so are offering a 20% discount for orders placed now for a mid-October shipment. I think that the discount only applies to their out of stock basic system & some replacement stones. Don't quote me on that last part. Anyway, I'm committed now.

 

[mct54]

Hello everyone this is my first post. The Wicked Edge is so good I started selling them. It is by far better than anything I have ever used. Have not had one complaint and I have sold a fair amount so far. I can get an edge that is scary sharp on anything I have tried to sharpen to date from 2" blades to a 17" Cold Steel Kukri machette. They are a bit pricy but worth it. I have done demos for restaurants and machine shops and all so far have purchased. My next demo will target butcher shops. I personally carry a Rajah I foldier and it is ultra sharp. I can go on and on until you all would hate me but it is very good.

 

[Precision-Edge]

Wicked Edge arrived. Unboxing + initial comments...

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Hello all. I am a long-time follower of BladeForums and thought it might be time to add some content. The Wicked Edge System arrived a few days ago, and I have been very pleased.

After doing my homework, with help from BladeForum posters, I purchased almost every option available with the Wicked Edge with the exception of any extra course stones. I've used each set of stones from 100 to 1000 grit, the ceramic stones, and the leather strops with abrasive compounds down to 3.5 micron. I also purchased blank leather strops and will be testing with 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide paste, various diamond suspensions down to 0.25 micron, plus some 1 micron Boron Caride by Handamerican.

I am just starting out with a new mobile sharpening/polishing/restoration business which I truly enjoy. Having professionally sharpened a fair number of blades with varied equipment, I hope to continue updating the website (below) with additional micro-photography, goniometer observations, and comparisons with various processes.

Clay Allison's Wicked Edge joins other great tools that hopefully will help me jump from a hobbiest to a long-term small business operator. I currently own/use: Tormek T-7 with the upgraded Japanese water stone, Viel 1x42 belt system with many different belt substrates and abrasive grit specifications, including silicon carbide, cloth/cotton, cork, and specialized polishing belts,paper wheels from multiple sources, Spyderco SharpMaker, and I suspect nearly everything offered by DMT.

With an interest in Japanese steels and blades, I have also aquired Japanese water stones from Shapton, King, and others, with grit ratings from 800 to 12,000. With these finer waterstones, I consider myself a "newbie" and student after watching Dave Martell's DVD set "The Art of Knife Sharpening" from japaneseknifesharpening.com, plus Murray Carter's DVDs covering Blade Sharpening Techniques. Combined with Steve Bottorff's powerfully efficient book, "Sharpening Made Easy," I feel my understanding of the craft growing on a daily basis. By the way, I have had the honor to communicate directly with Clay A, Dave M, Murray C, and Steve B during the past few months and find each of them to be extremely knowledgeable, approachable, warm, and friendly, so I am confident I am involved with a craft that will continue to be very rewarding. The Wicked Edge appears to be an extremely fast manual system, which may provide a number of advantages. It will be interesting as I continue working with the system and comparing with these other approaches.

Photos of the new Wicked Edge packaging ("the unboxing") are included for reference as well.

(( rule violation ))

All the best, and thanks to all for sharing relevant and valuable info. This new endeavor is keeping me extremely busy, so it may be a while before I can add additional info or reply to questions. So please forgive me in advance if I am not as responsive as I would like to be here (for the short term).

Mike (( rule violation ))

 

[RubiconSS]

I recently viewed a video on the wicked edge sharpener and was wondering if anyone here had any experiences or input on this system, I really think it looks pretty good overall but unsure of how it really performs. I usually sharpen freehand with wet stones or diamond stones and was considering giving it a try. Mostly sharpening EDC and larger choppers such as RC-6 and others... Any input is greatly appreciated, Thanks a bunch.

If you get a chance, check out the sub-forum Maintenance,Tinkering and Embellishment. Fairly well discussed over there. Lots of good info.

 

[goat37]

I own the wicked edge and I have stones from 100 grit thru 1000 grit, I also have the 1200/1600 ceramics, and the 14.5 & 10 micron strops.

This is by far the best sharpener I've ever used. I can set exact angles, and keep it consistent throughout all of the polishing. My edges come out shaving sharp (literally).

The WE also shines (imo) when sharpening 'super' steels. S30V, 90, 110, M390 etc... It normally takes forever for me to sharpen these steels on a regular stone, but on the WE it is really easy to reprofile and sharpen.
My kitchen knives have never been sharper either...

After a few demonstrations for my friends, several of them are going out to purchase this system as well. I have nothing bad to say about this system at all, other than purchasing it will leave you less money for knives to actually sharpen!

 

[Esav Benyamin]

(Moved to Maintenance.)

 

[RubiconSS]

I own the wicked edge and I have stones from 100 grit thru 1000 grit, I also have the 1200/1600 ceramics, and the 14.5 & 10 micron strops.

This is by far the best sharpener I've ever used. I can set exact angles, and keep it consistent throughout all of the polishing. My edges come out shaving sharp (literally).

The WE also shines (imo) when sharpening 'super' steels. S30V, 90, 110, M390 etc... It normally takes forever for me to sharpen these steels on a regular stone, but on the WE it is really easy to reprofile and sharpen.
My kitchen knives have never been sharper either...

After a few demonstrations for my friends, several of them are going out to purchase this system as well. I have nothing bad to say about this system at all, other than purchasing it will leave you less money for knives to actually sharpen!

If applicable - make sure you warn everybody in the house! My Wife and Daughter got to them before I had a chance and both got bit.
Nothing serious but washing/drying take on new meaning now.

 

[goat37]

If applicable - make sure you warn everybody in the house! My Wife and Daughter got to them before I had a chance and both got bit.
Nothing serious but washing/drying take on new meaning now.

I stopped letting my wife wash the knives after she put an expensive set in the dishwasher for the first time. I told her she can handle anything else except the knives...

I will say though, the reason she put them in the dishwasher in the first place is because she got bit once after running the sponge the wrong way up the blade and it sliced right through it and into her palm.

At least if she ever decides to go Lorena Bobbitt on me it will be a nice clean slice that should hopefully be easy to repair!

 

[leomitch]

Too much pressure is the usual culprit for diamond stones failing or wearing down fast, not the abscence of water. Diamonds have a 'break-in' period, where they will typically start out more aggressive than their rating, then break down a bit and sharpen at their rating for quite a while. Of course over time you can wear it out, but it's not an issue like you're implying... it's just the cycle of the stone. They're a great sharpening media.

On the Wicked Edge... I've been evaluating one for the past month or so, and will have a write-up at some point. But so far, it's proven to be a great sharpener.

cbw

Couldn't agree more! Diamonds do an excellent job and do it without water is my experience. One of the great features of the WEPS is that water is not necessary and it uses diamonds on its hones/paddles. One should use little pressure for best results and the diamonds do indeed have a break in period.

I have had my WEPS GenerationII since last June and I concur with cbw, it is an excellent sharpener hands down. I look forward to your evaluation cbw since I have respect for your thoughts I have read here and there over the last while. Please make it soon.

Best regards
Leo