Wicked Edge Knife Sharpener

[jaynick]

On a E P trying to keep from scratching a blade above the cutting edge is
nerve racking E P needs a clamp. Bought a W E .

exactly why i recently bought a WE.
i sent out a few knives to a highly respected pro sharpener from this forum (who i wont name) and all 5 outta 5 had scratches on the blade coatings, and some even had nicks on the handle nearest the blade. i was assured the blades wouldnt be damaged but when i received the knives the sharpener just casually said that kind of stuff happens when sharpening with the edge pro and couldnt be helped even though he taped off the blades, the way the blade sits, and the wet slurry of metal grindings and grit from the stones still can and will damage the blades.
after spending that $130 on sharpening services and shipping back and forth i realized i need to forget about paying others and the edge pro in general, and purchase a wicked edge with all the accessories for roughly 400 and learn on it.

the solid clamp,the upright blade position, and the dry sharpening sold me. it just makes sense compared to the edge pro system.
spoke to clay on the phone once and was further assured of their customer service. hes a genuinely nice and helpful guy and even told me i can skip the 10 and 14 micron strops and said id be fine with the ceramic stones and the 5 and 3.5 micron strops. even put my order on hold for me with the 20% off cause i wanted to wait for the new .5 micron diamond spray hes going to stock very soon.


i will update after getting a chance to toy around with the wicked edge a bit on various blades.

 

[leomitch]

You got that right mate, Clay Alison is generous with his time and his experience and treats all customers with respect.
His rig does what you say and does it in spades. He is constantly on the look for ways to improve his product and as you say, he now has the Diamond Sprays from Hand and soon will have a new series of fine stones available as hones for the WEPS...these would be the same kind of stones that work well on the EP but adapted for his tool. I also use 3-M PSA abrasive strips attached to blank hones to further add to the fine edge of any knife.
Thanks to Clay for the tip, I also bought an iGaging Angle Cube to use along with the WEPS to help accurately find angles less than 15 degrees, so now I can put a super fine edge on my chef's knives for better use in the kitchen. It is extremely accurate and built like a brick...an excellent piece of kit.
The Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener rocks big time!

Best regards
Leo

 

[leomitch]

I've no intention of making problems here, but to only correct a bit of information. I just received a WE and it is not made in the USA. Without stirring up the usual back and forth, I can only say that for myself this would have factored in my decision to buy one. It's sitting here unopened and stamped 'Made in China' on the box.

I am sorry for my comment if it misled you. I really thought the rig itself was made in the USA, though I knew, and indicated as much, that the diamond hones were manufactured in China. I hope this doesn't stop you from using this excellent sharpening device. I have found long ago that Chinese manufactures are almost unavoidable, but I also found that a good deal of their stuff is well made and with quality materials. Unfortunately there are other things they make that are questionable. There was a time we used to laugh at and avoid things Made in Japan but over time look what has happened. I think the Chinese are headed in the same direction.
Once again if my incorrect information led you on a path you didn't want, I apologize, but having said that, the WEPS is well constructed and is a precision instrument.

With respect
Leo

 

[Macchefpro]

i can skip the 10 and 14 micron strops and said id be fine with the ceramic stones and the 5 and 3.5 micron strops.

I also bought a WE 10 days ago. since they dint shipped yet... i just sent an email for them to replace the 10 and 14 micron strops for the 5 ans 3.5 micron strops. since i also had the ceramic stones in my order.

thanks for the info.:thumbup:

 

[termite]

I am sorry for my comment if it misled you. I really thought the rig itself was made in the USA, though I knew, and indicated as much, that the diamond hones were manufactured in China. I hope this doesn't stop you from using this excellent sharpening device. I have found long ago that Chinese manufactures are almost unavoidable, but I also found that a good deal of their stuff is well made and with quality materials. Unfortunately there are other things they make that are questionable. There was a time we used to laugh at and avoid things Made in Japan but over time look what has happened. I think the Chinese are headed in the same direction.
Once again if my incorrect information led you on a path you didn't want, I apologize, but having said that, the WEPS is well constructed and is a precision instrument.

With respect
Leo

Thank you. No worries, nor need for apologies, Leo. My WE is still unwrapped, but I suppose I'll keep it now. I've had an Edge Pro for several years that serves me very well and simply wanted to give the WE a go.

 

[termite]

exactly why i recently bought a WE.
i sent out a few knives to a highly respected pro sharpener from this forum (who i wont name) and all 5 outta 5 had scratches on the blade coatings, and some even had nicks on the handle nearest the blade. i was assured the blades wouldnt be damaged but when i received the knives the sharpener just casually said that kind of stuff happens when sharpening with the edge pro and couldnt be helped even though he taped off the blades, the way the blade sits, and the wet slurry of metal grindings and grit from the stones still can and will damage the blades.
after spending that $130 on sharpening services and shipping back and forth i realized i need to forget about paying others and the edge pro in general, and purchase a wicked edge with all the accessories for roughly 400 and learn on it.

the solid clamp,the upright blade position, and the dry sharpening sold me. it just makes sense compared to the edge pro system.
spoke to clay on the phone once and was further assured of their customer service. hes a genuinely nice and helpful guy and even told me i can skip the 10 and 14 micron strops and said id be fine with the ceramic stones and the 5 and 3.5 micron strops. even put my order on hold for me with the 20% off cause i wanted to wait for the new .5 micron diamond spray hes going to stock very soon.


i will update after getting a chance to toy around with the wicked edge a bit on various blades.

I've been around long enough to know better than to wade into or comment on situations like this (since I know neither party)......................but, I've been using an Edge Pro for many years and haven't hesitated to use it on my customs or anything that comes along. They have beautiful edges with no scars after a session with the Edge Pro. Sure it takes some care and attention to detail to get the knack of it and it's well worth it (see Mr. Ankerson's work and some others here). I'm sorry for your bad experience. With a little care there was no need for your knives to have been damaged. Some consolation...you'll get tons of satisfaction learning a new skill and sharpening your own!

 

[Huck61]

I finally got around to trying out my Wicked Edge System with all of the stones & strops that I decided to order with the 20% off. Today I sharpened a fillet knife, a mora Clipper, an Izula that I carry as a neck knife, and a chisel grind CRKT which I also carry. I've got to say that I am really impressed. I intend to use this at two Markets in my area where electricity isn't available. When you do both sides at once it doesn't take long.

 

[leomitch]

Thank you. No worries, nor need for apologies, Leo. My WE is still unwrapped, but I suppose I'll keep it now. I've had an Edge Pro for several years that serves me very well and simply wanted to give the WE a go.

I am relieved to hear that mate. Much as I love the WEPS, I would never misrepresent it knowingly. Take my word and that of others you see on this thread, this is an excellent rig and does was it is supposed to do. You could do a lot worse, but certainly not much better if at all!
The thing I love about the WEPS is that it is an ongoing tool that Clay Alison continues to improve and evolve...I am really looking forward to the hones with Chosera stones of various grits on them.

Best to you and I know you will enjoy the rig. :thumbup:

Leo

 

[leomitch]

I've been around long enough to know better than to wade into or comment on situations like this (since I know neither party)......................but, I've been using an Edge Pro for many years and haven't hesitated to use it on my customs or anything that comes along. They have beautiful edges with no scars after a session with the Edge Pro. Sure it takes some care and attention to detail to get the knack of it and it's well worth it (see Mr. Ankerson's work and some others here). I'm sorry for your bad experience. With a little care there was no need for your knives to have been damaged. Some consolation...you'll get tons of satisfaction learning a new skill and sharpening your own!

I have researched both and seen both in action and the truth is they are both excellent machines, but with different approaches to sharpening. I just happened to find that the WEPS suited me better than the EP. I think the poster happened across a professional that really lacked the skills necessary to do a great job with the EP...unfortunate! He will be happy with the WEPS I hope.

Regards
Leo

 

[lionknife]

I have researched both and seen both in action and the truth is they are both excellent machines, but with different approaches to sharpening. I just happened to find that the WEPS suited me better than the EP. I think the poster happened across a professional that really lacked the skills necessary to do a great job with the EP...unfortunate! He will be happy with the WEPS I hope.

Regards
Leo

Hi Leomitch,
Right on, you stated it better then i could. Love my WEPS.

 

[phillipsted]

Hi Guys,
I don't think a 60 dollar piece of granite is necessary for a base when you could probably go to Lowes and get a nice piece of wood you could stain and look good for quite a bit less.
Electric,

I just got a WE and love it to death. Really high quality and well thought out. And it gets my knives repeatably sharp sharp sharp...

I didn't want to order a base from Clay either, and pay the postage for a block of marble... so I just "repurposed" an old maple chopping block, sanded it down smooth, drilled holes per the instructions, and Bob's Your Uncle.

TedP

 

[leomitch]

I just got a WE and love it to death. Really high quality and well thought out. And it gets my knives repeatably sharp sharp sharp...

I didn't want to order a base from Clay either, and pay the postage for a block of marble... so I just "repurposed" an old maple chopping block, sanded it down smooth, drilled holes per the instructions, and Bob's Your Uncle.

TedP

Congratulations on getting your new WEPS Ted! You have seen how sharp it can get your knives! This is good. I am going to get the granite block...I don't know about your maple chopping block, but my old cutting board is almost useless as it slides around on those hard, little rubber feet. I have to stroke carefully and slowly so it won't slip away on me...it is a pain in the tuchas (is that how you spell it?) for sure.
Once again, all the best with your new rig and keep us all posted here how it goes.

Best regards
Leo

 

[handamerican]

I just got a WE and love it to death. Really high quality and well thought out. And it gets my knives repeatably sharp sharp sharp...

I didn't want to order a base from Clay either, and pay the postage for a block of marble... so I just "repurposed" an old maple chopping block, sanded it down smooth, drilled holes per the instructions, and Bob's Your Uncle.

TedP

I think this is the first time I've seen "and Bob's Your Uncle" here. I used to see it a lot on the Old Tools List.

I use it occasionally in company and get the tilted head puzzled hound look and it's fun to explain.

Clay is a great guy to deal with, nice to see people enjoying his products.

Keith

 

[bladestamp]

....... and Bob's Your Uncle.

TedP

"And Fanny's your Aunt"... to give the traditional English riposte.

 

[bladestamp]

Or why not try "....and Robert's your Mother's Brother." When you absolutely, positively gotta confuse every muthe*@%$*er in the room.

 

[esevato]

Getting WE today,
Mail man or woman cant come soon enough
what to check it out
My 1st high end sharpener
Im Jacked

 

[JTR357]

I made up my mind.I'm going to be purchasing one of these.

I have a question about the bases.Is the granite base worth the extra sixty bucks?Does it "move around/shake" on the wooden base,or is it almost as sturdy as the granite?

 

[TheBishop]

I made up my mind.I'm going to be purchasing one of these.

I have a question about the bases.Is the granite base worth the extra sixty bucks?Does it "move around/shake" on the wooden base,or is it almost as sturdy as the granite?

On the base, I grabbed a 16x16 marble tile that was hanging around, only 3/8" thick I think. You can probably find extra pieces from lots in most places, just ask.
Had to get shorter screws, added rubber washers, 1/2" square sticky feet (oddly near the door hardware in the bigbox??) on the 4 corners, a few in the middle.
Sticks to the table like glue.

Cost me maybe $3 bucks all told, as long as you got the drill bits your good to go.
Not moving anywhere and gives me a bit more real estate.

You'll be very happy as am I so far ... if only my extra fine stones would get here, it'd go faster. Right now am taking extra time on the jump from 600 to 10,000 ceramic, but gets the job done.

 

[cbwx34]

If by wooden base, you're refering to the "Paperstone" base that WE sells, I have one, it's perfect. Weighs about 7 lbs., is very stable but small and light enough to move around, comes predrilled and with the hardware to mount the WE. I've never had an issue with it. A granite base, (which weighs about 24 lbs.), is a bit of overkill IMO.

Of course, making your own is also an option but between the two, I'd pick the Paperstone base.

cbw

 

[JTR357]

On the base, I grabbed a 16x16 marble tile that was hanging around, only 3/8" thick I think. You can probably find extra pieces from lots in most places, just ask.
Had to get shorter screws, added rubber washers, 1/2" square sticky feet (oddly near the door hardware in the bigbox??) on the 4 corners, a few in the middle.
Sticks to the table like glue.

Cost me maybe $3 bucks all told, as long as you got the drill bits your good to go.
Not moving anywhere and gives me a bit more real estate.

You'll be very happy as am I so far ... if only my extra fine stones would get here, it'd go faster. Right now am taking extra time on the jump from 600 to 10,000 ceramic, but gets the job done.

That's a good idea.Thanks:thumbup:

I plan on getting the basic plus the fine stones,strops & diamond paste in one shot.seen a good deal.