WEN Wet Stone Sharpener Review

J. Keeton

J. Keeton

Joined
Nov 15, 2005
Messages
1,201
So I started looking at this machine after participating in this thread on sharpening systems:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/knife-sharpening-systems.1678831/page-2

which directed me to this article by Larrin Larrin on knife steel nerds . com

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/04/08/does-sharpening-with-a-grinder-ruin-your-edge/


The endeavor of knifemaking to me is a hobby, but also an entrepreneurial challenge. I like seeing what I can do without spending a large amount of money. One of my 2019 goals with knifemaking is to be cash neutral. So in light of this, the WEN system peaked my interest in comparison to the Tormek solely based on price.

It's not fool proof though! In order for the system to be effective... you'll need to purchase multiple other attachments and also modify some of them! Just make sure you're aware of this if you're looking to try it out.

After I've worked out some of the kinks and technique challenges, I really like this system. It makes knifes really sharp, pretty damn fast. Even if I went on to another system, I feel like I'd still utilize the power strop to knock off the bur.

Anyway, below is my full video review of the system.


Cheers,
JK
 
I bought one of these for putting bevels on test knives but I’ve only used it once for that purpose so far. Have to make more test knives.
 
Cool. So is he major difference between the Tormek and these clones the price point? Do pretty much all of them accept the Tormek accessories?
J. Keeton said:
So I started looking at this machine after participating in this thread on sharpening systems:

https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/knife-sharpening-systems.1678831/page-2

which directed me to this article by Larrin Larrin on knife steel nerds . com

https://knifesteelnerds.com/2019/04/08/does-sharpening-with-a-grinder-ruin-your-edge/


The endeavor of knifemaking to me is a hobby, but also an entrepreneurial challenge. I like seeing what I can do without spending a large amount of money. One of my 2019 goals with knifemaking is to be cash neutral. So in light of this, the WEN system peaked my interest in comparison to the Tormek solely based on price.

It's not fool proof though! In order for the system to be effective... you'll need to purchase multiple other attachments and also modify some of them! Just make sure you're aware of this if you're looking to try it out.

After I've worked out some of the kinks and technique challenges, I really like this system. It makes knifes really sharp, pretty damn fast. Even if I went on to another system, I feel like I'd still utilize the power strop to knock off the bur.

Anyway, below is my full video review of the system.


Cheers,
JK
Click to expand...
 
jdm61 said:
Cool. So is he major difference between the Tormek and these clones the price point? Do pretty much all of them accept the Tormek accessories?
Click to expand...
I'd say the build quality is likely WAY better on the tormek. The WEN is obviously an imported product made on the cheap. Your fit and finish will be lower for sure on the WEN, however, functionally you can get some pretty darn good results if you're willing to be patient. Many of the tormek Jigs do work on this machine.
 
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Nice review! Are you putting edges on new, never sharpened before blades with it, or just maintaining previously sharpened blades. Thanky
 
wkfl said:
Nice review! Are you putting edges on new, never sharpened before blades with it, or just maintaining previously sharpened blades. Thanky
Click to expand...
I have done both and it works well for either task. It does take much longer on something without an edge though... I'd make sure to clear the stone with the grading tool before trying to set your initial secondary bevels. It can take a little time to get the angle figured out on previously sharpened blades. Tormek makes a nice angle finder that I have not purchased yet.
 
Good videos.

To get it set up with the extras really adds up the price.
 
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