Wicked Edge, which pack and extra stones?

B

Bagde

Joined
Jun 3, 2014
Messages
16
Hi! So I think I've concluded, that the wicked edge system is the one for me. But how many stones and strops do I really need?

The upgraded arms pull in favor of the pro pack II.

Wicked edge owners: what stone progression do you use and how high do you go?
 
x2
i'm in the same boat wondering where to start.

Bagde- it might help if you describe what edges you are looking to get: mirror, micro serrations, re-profiling? etc.

i'm looking to get the widest variety of edge maitenance for my 40+ knife collection.
everything from emersons, customs, kitchen and yard machetes.
 
I started with the pack that just went up to 600 grit. That lasted about a few days before ordering the 800/1000 grit stones. I was getting good edges but I wanted to start getting the mirror look so I bought the ceramic 1200/1600 stones and the 5/3.5 micron strops. That's where I'm at now and can get some scary sharp, mirror-like edges. I'd honestly get at least the 800/1000 set and the strops. From there you can see if you want to progress in the hobby of sharpening
 
If you're looking to get a nice mirror polish, you need to get the 1200/1600 grit ceramic stones, 14/10 micron strops, 5/3.5 micron strops, and the 1/0.5 micron strops. Those will pretty much get you a full mirror.

For a more toothy edge, I recommend stopping at the 600 grit stones and stropping with the 5/3.5 micron strops. Pops hairs like you wouldn't believe. Everyone has different hair though, so it varies.

Also, your definition of a mirror edge may be different from someone else's, but I can get a pretty nice reflection with the 1200/1600 grit ceramic stones and the 5/3.5 micron strops. I don't own the 14/10 and 1/0.5 micron strops, but the people who I've talked to about their experiences with their Wicked Edges tell me that those are basically what you'll need to get a mirror polished edge.
 
I'm not a mirror finish kind of person, so I have the Pro Pack with 800/1000 grit stones and strops. For all of my kitchen knives, I don't go farther than 600 grit. I do go to 800 or 1000 on my EDC blades and usually just use the strop to maintain the edge. If you only have the 400/600 grit stones, I think you'll find yourself buying the 800/1000 grit and strops any way.
 
Thanks for the input! I've browsed the WE forum but it seems deserted for the summer.

The edges I'm looking to get? All kinds. From reprofiling abused european and japanese kitchen knives to putting a mirror edge on the nicer EDC knives.

Does the pro pack II include all I need? I've read that because of the compound, the ceramic 1.4/0.6 is more coarse (1.4) than the ceramic 1200, while the 0.6 is finer than 1600. Any thoughts on this? Do I still need the 1200/1600?

And when do I need the 50/80 stones over the 100? Are there steel types that will chip if sharpened with these coarse stones?

The field pro pack with more stones is also an option, since it too has the upgraded hardware.
 
I noticed on the WE website they have blank paddles. I wanted to get some of them, and some custom stones for them. Does anyone have any idea on where I can get compatible flat stones to adhere to the paddle blanks? Any help is appreciated.
 
Register over at the WE forum. Many people, including myself, will be glad to help. Lots of good info from a lot of people with a ton of experience with the system, including Clay himself can be found there. A wealth of knowledge there at your fingertips.
 
Bagde said:
Thanks for the input! I've browsed the WE forum but it seems deserted for the summer.

The edges I'm looking to get? All kinds. From reprofiling abused european and japanese kitchen knives to putting a mirror edge on the nicer EDC knives.

Does the pro pack II include all I need? I've read that because of the compound, the ceramic 1.4/0.6 is more coarse (1.4) than the ceramic 1200, while the 0.6 is finer than 1600. Any thoughts on this? Do I still need the 1200/1600?

And when do I need the 50/80 stones over the 100? Are there steel types that will chip if sharpened with these coarse stones?

The field pro pack with more stones is also an option, since it too has the upgraded hardware.
Click to expand...

deserted? doesn't appear that way to me... it's just not as big as BFC =) You should ask this question over there, but even though I don't have the ceramics I do not recall this being the case at all.
 
ampstar said:
I noticed on the WE website they have blank paddles. I wanted to get some of them, and some custom stones for them. Does anyone have any idea on where I can get compatible flat stones to adhere to the paddle blanks? Any help is appreciated.
Click to expand...

If you want something custom cut I would check with Ken Schwartz or Bob Nash (oldawan tools). They should be able to get you fixed up.
 
Bagde said:
Thanks for the input! I've browsed the WE forum but it seems deserted for the summer.

The edges I'm looking to get? All kinds. From reprofiling abused european and japanese kitchen knives to putting a mirror edge on the nicer EDC knives.

Does the pro pack II include all I need? I've read that because of the compound, the ceramic 1.4/0.6 is more coarse (1.4) than the ceramic 1200, while the 0.6 is finer than 1600. Any thoughts on this? Do I still need the 1200/1600?

And when do I need the 50/80 stones over the 100? Are there steel types that will chip if sharpened with these coarse stones?

The field pro pack with more stones is also an option, since it too has the upgraded hardware.
Click to expand...
You'll still need the 1200/1600 grit ceramic stones if you want a mirror edge.

I've experienced some micro chipping, but not anything to be overly concerned about IMO. They're hardly noticeable to me and I just progressed through the grits like I normally did and they disappeared. I would be cautious using the 50/80 grit diamond stones on any steel because they're so coarse. It's easy to remove steel, but not put it back. Light strokes and light pressure is really all you need.
 
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