Wicked Edge Models???

jll346

jll346

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May 29, 2006
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I am looking to replace my Edge Pro for a new system. I had first thought about a TechStudio but do not want to wait 6 months and have issues dealing across the world. Which brings me to the Wicked Edge Systems. I have 2 models in sight. The top of the line Gen 3 Pro and a Model 130. The 130 uses the new vise and single lever clamping system but has the independent angle arm adjustment. The 130 with the independent adjustments seems to have a greater degree range and possibly nicer to fine tune?? The Gen 3 seems nice and convenient but is that the best option?? Any info that can be shared on these systems would be greatly appreciated. Thanks


-Jim
 
jll346 said:
I am looking to replace my Edge Pro for a new system. I had first thought about a TechStudio but do not want to wait 6 months and have issues dealing across the world. Which brings me to the Wicked Edge Systems. I have 2 models in sight. The top of the line Gen 3 Pro and a Model 130. The 130 uses the new vise and single lever clamping system but has the independent angle arm adjustment. The 130 with the independent adjustments seems to have a greater degree range and possibly nicer to fine tune?? The Gen 3 seems nice and convenient but is that the best option?? Any info that can be shared on these systems would be greatly appreciated. Thanks


-Jim
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Of the 2 you're considering, I would go with the Model 130, for the reasons you mentioned. My impression is that the Gen. 3 is designed to be quicker, perhaps more in a commercial or professional sharpening setup... but the "older" version is a bit more versatile, and more than adequate.

Now, I haven't used the new vise, so you can quit reading at this point if you want... but I would consider just getting the original vise also (which is now the Model 120?). My biggest reason is that it requires up to 3 sets of jaws, (depending on the thickness of your knives), and they have to be swapped out, if you have a variety of knives of different thickness, with the newer vise. Also, I've seen a few videos where users have issues with the clamp holding the knife securely, and unlike the original vise, there's no way to increase the grip, other than adding padding to the knife (tape, leather, etc.). I think the original version (now with ball joints instead of the original hinge on the stone arms), would be the route I would consider. Just my .02.
 
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CBWX34, blade thickness was my other concern. Last night I saw where there were 2 more sets of jaws sold just to hold knives of different thicknesses. At $70 a pop that's a lot considering the original does it all. I also saw people complain about holding power and that the company was gonna be working on the issue??? So that would be another expenses down the road!! Thank you for your input as I think you are spot on.

-Jim
 
I have had the Gen III Pro for a few months and have nothing but good things to say about it.

I had the Gen II with the upgraded arms, and ended up trading that away on a gun/several knife deal to a friend since I wanted to try a few other sharpeners like the Ken Onion Worksharp w/Blade Grinding attachment and even the paper wheels. While the other 2 systems had their good points, and maybe saved a bit of time going through the sharpening process, the biggest thing I missed was the repeatable precision and ease of re-sharpening. With the Wicked Edge, the FIRST time you sharpen something it takes some time; re-sharpening those same knives only takes about a minute.

For me personally, I felt the cost of the Gen III Pro more than paid off in terms of convenience. While not super slow, getting the blade clamped and the individual arms set on the Gen II took a bit of time. With the Gen III, I can drop the knife in and set & double check the angle with an angle cube in about 30 seconds. It's also extremely convenient to have everything you need in the little storage compartment built into the base. I have 100-1500 grit diamonds, and 9 (back of the 1500 grit is a glass platen, I use the 9's on these) 6/3, and 1/0.5 micron Diamond lapping film on glass platens. I have the strops in a separate storage area. I also splurged on some extra parts like the wide angle jaws (for 1/4" blades), low-angle adapter, a few sets of balsa and leather strops and some diamond compounds.

The cost is an investment for sure, but I have learned that the cost of really nice tools pays you back in both time savings and reliability over the years.

You really do get what you pay for!:thumbup:
 
jll346 said:
I am looking to replace my Edge Pro for a new system. I had first thought about a TechStudio but do not want to wait 6 months and have issues dealing across the world. Which brings me to the Wicked Edge Systems. I have 2 models in sight. The top of the line Gen 3 Pro and a Model 130. The 130 uses the new vise and single lever clamping system but has the independent angle arm adjustment. The 130 with the independent adjustments seems to have a greater degree range and possibly nicer to fine tune?? The Gen 3 seems nice and convenient but is that the best option?? Any info that can be shared on these systems would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
-Jim
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According to your post in the other thread, you've already decided against the Gen 3?

I think the lead time for the TSProf is 2 months, not 6. If I were you, I would wait for that.
 
I am favoring the Gen 2. The Tsprof is scheduled for late April May. Im just not sure I want to deal with complications and stuff missing when it comes from the other side of the world?? I am at least aware WE has some great customer service and local here in US. THATS NOT TO SAY THE Tsprof is an incredible Looking tool.
 
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I've got the WE120, nothing but good things to say about it. Also have the Diamond Stones through 1500 and a number of strops. When I weighed the 120 vs the 130 I asked myself if the extra cost vs time savings for adjusting screws was worth it, I decided not but YMMV. Since you're looking at the G3 vs the 130 I would ask where you plan to sharpen? I've seen a lot of reviews of guys who end up disassembling their Gen 3 because it sets the unit up too high in an uncomfortable position for their work space. Which basically means they end up with a 1 adjustment 130 and an expensive shelf rack.

If you're sharpening a ton of knives on a regular basis I would say grab the Gen 3. If you're only sharpening knives a few times a month it may not be worth it. A question only you can decide. Hopefully this at least helps a little.
 
I definitely have no interest in the gen 3 pro with the stand and all. It would be between the 120 which has the Gen 2 vise or the 130 which has the Gen 3 vise but both on granite base.
 
jll346 said:
It would be between the 120 which has the Gen 2 vise or the 130 which has the Gen 3 vise but both on granite base.
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The WE product description for the 130 vise states:

The Precision Sharpener – WE130 includes the Patented Generation 3 Cam-Lock Vise, making it ideal for sharpening fully-flat-ground blades.
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I would read some reviews from actual users before taking that statement at face value - and before laying out the extra cash.
 
I am trying to do all the reading I can before making any decisions.
 
banksy said:
By the way, when I had a WE, I found the paperstone base to be perfectly adequate.
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+1 on this.

The Gen II I had the first time had the granite base and I always wished I had went with the paperstone base. That would have made it much lighter and easier to take out and put away. Basically all the base does is give you a portable flat surface to anchor the arms to.
 
I mounted min on a Thick Bamboo cutting board. Just slightly under the weight of the paperstone IIRC. This requires you to do some drilling and measuring, but I'm enjoying it so far.

Also your OP said Gen 3 vs 130, now you're saying 120 vs 130. Confused as to what you are even looking for at this point.
 
It's been 120 vs 130 from the get go. The 130 has the Gen 3 vise where the 120 has the Gen 2 vise. I like the convenience of the 3 but concern with clamping power and the fact I will have to buy other jaws for 1/4" if needed.
 
jll346 said:
It's been 120 vs 130 from the get go. The 130 has the Gen 3 vise where the 120 has the Gen 2 vise. I like the convenience of the 3 but concern with clamping power and the fact I will have to buy other jaws for 1/4" if needed.
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I've been debating the same thing!
 
Clay (WE Owner) does make the new version look easier...

[video=youtube;7CZ9_UkbysA]https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=7CZ9_UkbysA[/video]
 
Easier but is it as versatile? From what I am getting back from Some is no? Decision is driving me nuts.
 
He does make it look easy but his calculations only apply when the blade is vertical in the clamp. For some knives, that's not so easy to achieve, and we didn't see that part of the setup.

I did notice though, that the cam lever is a lot easier to operate than mine was. I wonder if they have adjusted the torque.
 
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