Which Edge Pro Apex to buy?

Back when I had an apex I usually stopped at 320. I used the previous grits and the 320 to get a perfect scratch pattern, then feather light strokes on the 320 to get it shaving sharp, then to a strop so it would cut hairs above the skin. I don't think I ever used the polishing tapes more than once or twice, as I found then unnecessary unless you want a mirror edge. IMO if you aren't getting a shaving edge on the 320 stone you're doing something wrong, either using too much pressure, pushing the burr around, or your stones need flattening so the finer grits can get to the edge at the same angle setting. The 320 grit got me a slightly reflective but not mirror cutting edge, that still had lots of "grab" to it that I like. I sold it only because I noticed my freehand and belt sander sharpening skills went into the toilet after getting spoiled by the Apex.
 
evert67 said:
Hi Joepa, I am afraid you will have to get additional stones/stropping material if you want to get your knives shaving sharp. The stories of people claiming they got their knives shaving sharp using 300 grit stones are just gross exaggerations. I have a Wicked Edge, which is a very precise sharpening system and which I am very happy with, but in order to get my knives shaving sharp (that is, shave arm hair), I need to go up to the 1600 grit stone and then strop with 3.5 micron stropping compound. Maybe it is possible with a slightly coarser grit, but I'd advise you to seriously doubt all claims of people saying they got their knives shaving sharp at less than 1000 grit and without stropping. People actually sharpening shaving knives (open razors) use stones up to 30.000 grit and strop at the sub-micron level.
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This is just plain wrong.... Sorry, but you can't negate facts. I carry and LOVE the edge done w/ a 400 grit stock stone from my WEPS and it will shave arm/leg hair off with ease. My favorite grit on the EP was the 220 grit stock stone for EDC which would do the same thing. Yeah, you don't finish an edge like that and shave your face w/ it (trust me, I have a straight razor and I know), but the 220 grit is an EXCELLENT choice for many knives out there unless you have a very specific purpose that you need a higher grit for push cutting.

joepa, I don't think you'll have near as much trouble w/ this system as you do free handing it... I also don't think you will need anything above the 400 grit (according to EP from what you said). The 1k stone is nice for kitchen knives, but you don't need anything higher than that.

And yes, I would HIGHLY recommend the ceramic hone... doesn't matter where you get one from but you need one. These will GREATLY extend the life/edge of your knives and allow you to go a much longer time in between sharpenings. You won't be sorry.

Hope this helps.
 
razor-edge-knives said:
This is just plain wrong.... Sorry, but you can't negate facts. I carry and LOVE the edge done w/ a 400 grit stock stone from my WEPS and it will shave arm/leg hair off with ease. My favorite grit on the EP was the 220 grit stock stone for EDC which would do the same thing. Yeah, you don't finish an edge like that and shave your face w/ it (trust me, I have a straight razor and I know), but the 220 grit is an EXCELLENT choice for many knives out there unless you have a very specific purpose that you need a higher grit for push cutting.

joepa, I don't think you'll have near as much trouble w/ this system as you do free handing it... I also don't think you will need anything above the 400 grit (according to EP from what you said). The 1k stone is nice for kitchen knives, but you don't need anything higher than that.

And yes, I would HIGHLY recommend the ceramic hone... doesn't matter where you get one from but you need one. These will GREATLY extend the life/edge of your knives and allow you to go a much longer time in between sharpenings. You won't be sorry.

Hope this helps.
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Thanks for the great info.

I am 85% sure I will get the Apex I.
What is your opinion on an additional item or two to add?
I was thinking 120, 1000, or ceramic rod (not necessarily the edge pro one)?

I probably will more stones in the future (Chosera or Shapton) but I want something that I could use and get great results from and not have to buy more stones if I didn't want to. I would say I will be sharpening kitchen knives 75% of the time and pocket/hunting knives 25% of the time.

Thank you everyone also for the your opinions and comments.
 
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