Help picking between a gen 3 or a pro pack 2

[Dave]

After 3 years of saving and looking I am about to pull the trigger on a wicked edge system and would like some advice on which to pick.

Info on where I am and what I want from my system.

I am in the UK and looking to get my system from Knife and Tool (official supplier of WE in the UK)

I am looking to get mirror finish on some of my knives, and hair popping sharp on others.

I think the lowest angle I am looking to get in 15 degrees, 30 degrees inclusive.

My thickest knife is around 60mm and my thinnest is a Swiss army knife.

I am also looking to do some small scale sharpening for money to help pay for the system.

I am looking to work on a large cross-section of kitchen knives. I am also going to work on my Benchmade 710 in D2, Benchmade Barrage Drop Point in 154CM, Fox Salus in N690Co. As well as some other knives I have.

 

My views on each system

Gen 3

I live the angle l setting system and the self-centring clamp, however I have read on the boards that the clamp has a max thickness of blade it can accommodate. Also I will need to get several sets of stones to make it up to the pro pack 2.

Pro pack 2

I lacks the angle setting and clamp mentioned above, however I get a larger set of stones and some strops and it looks like it can accommodate much thicker knives.

I am leaning to the pro pack 2, but would like some reassures before I drop a load of cash on the system.

Also is there any more stones or attachments you recommend to get at the same time?

Thanks for the help

Dave

Got to log off for a bit, but I will be back to answer any questions in around 24 to 48 hr.

[Anonymous]

The Pro Pac II has the best bang for the dollar. You can sharpen to a mirror with the Pro Pac II it comes with a set of strops and some diamond paste.

I weighed the pros and cons of the Gen III and the Pro Pac II and I chose the pro pack II.

I added a set of balsa strops, a USB microscope, some extra diamond pastes, a hard plastic case, and a small blade vice.

 

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Dave, wickededge, Wellokaythen

[Martin Hainsworth]

Hi Dave another UK lad here 🙂

I can’t comment on the Gen3 as it didn’t exist when I bought my system but I’ve had no problems at all with my pro pack 2 in the time I’ve owned it. We seem to have a similar collection of knives and I’ve been able to sharpen everything from a 3inch slipjoint to a 14inch Global chef knife without problems (and very impressive results).

I have been thinking about a gen 3 vice to help hold full flat ground blades better (i use a non slip mouse mat type material to help hold them securely in the normal clamp) but remain undecided at this time.

You can order from Knives and Tools with confidence as it’s where I got my system from (and other accessories since) but be aware they are not a UK company. It will be shipped from Germany so factor in 3-5 days for shipping. If you want a faster service (although they are out of stock as I type) then use Heinnie Haynes, a UK company with legendary customer service in the UK knife community. They are the same price as Knives and Tools and you are likely to get your goods next day.

This is my set up, I added the low angle adaptor, 50/80, 1200/1600 stones. Since then I’ve also added balsa strops which I use with 0.5 micron DMT spray (also available from Knives and Tools) which I prefer to the paste (personal preference). I also use polish tapes from the Edge pro system on the hard ceramic stones. I’d like to use the Wicked Edge stuff listed on their sites but I’m concerned about the import and shipping costs from the US. I can only hope as things take off and demand increases other suppliers on this side of the pond will stock more of the finishing accessories.

A x30 illuminated loupe really helps to see what’s going on with the edge (I would say it’s an essential accessory) but I like the idea of the microscope!

The Wicked Edge system is exceptional, expensive no doubt but you won’t be disappointed with the results

 

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Dave, wickededge

[Mark76]

I can support that Knives and Tools is a company with very good customer service. They’re actually Dutch, not German .

Molecule Polishing: my blog about sharpening with the Wicked Edge

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Dave, wickededge

[Martin Hainsworth]

My apologies, all my items have started their journey in Germany so I assumed that was their central office!

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Dave

[Mark76]

No apologies needed! They have a German website as well and Germany is very good in logistics (they have the largest Amazon distribution center outside the US). It’s just that I happen to know a few of the guys of Kato personally and sometimes give them advice (like on the WEPS).

Molecule Polishing: my blog about sharpening with the Wicked Edge

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Dave, wickededge

[Wellokaythen]

Dave,

i would suggest the pro pack 2. You can play around with both arms and the ceramics and stops really help to smooth out the diamonds. Honestly, haven’t used the upgraded arms (or any of the pro pack 2) yet. I love the feel of the originals. For me the tolerances are spot on.  I could’ve bought the $300 system and added stones. Oldawan has some good yt videos explaining the different packages if you’re a visual person.

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Dave, wickededge

[Dave]

Well I did it.

I got the pro pack 2,  Fine Ceramic Stones Pack 1200/1600, Balsa Strop and a Low Angle Adapter.

I have a x30 loupe and a illuminate x30 pocket microscope already, so that saved me some.

Like Martin said I can always upgrade to the gen 3 vice at a later date.

Thanks for the help all

Martin, nice to see another UK member. If you are happy to, what you got in your collection? Always on the lookout for new stuff.

Just got to wait for it to be back in stock at knife and tool. Did look at getting it form Heinnie Haynes (got lot of bits from them, and they are top notch), but it’s on back order for 3 to 5 weeks.

Will bob a post up to let you know how I get on, work permitting.

Ones more thanks.

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CliffCurry

[wickededge]

Dave wrote:

Well I did it. I got the pro pack 2, Fine Ceramic Stones Pack 1200/1600, Balsa Strop and a Low Angle Adapter. I have a x30 loupe and a illuminate x30 pocket microscope already, so that saved me some. Like Martin said I can always upgrade to the gen 3 vice at a later date. Thanks for the help all Martin, nice to see another UK member. If you are happy to, what you got in your collection? Always on the lookout for new stuff. Just got to wait for it to be back in stock at knife and tool. Did look at getting it form Heinnie Haynes (got lot of bits from them, and they are top notch), but it’s on back order for 3 to 5 weeks. Will bob a post up to let you know how I get on, work permitting. Ones more thanks.

Congrats! I hope you love it. Please let us know if you have questions. Remember to start with some cheap knives and give your stones time to break in. This article is a big help: https://www.wickededgeusa.com/i-just-got-my-wicked-edge-and-sharpened-my-first-knife-its-not-as-sharp-as-i-thought-it-would-be-whats-going-wrong/ The instruction manual has essentially the same information, this article just goes into more detail and has pictures.

-Clay

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Dave

[Martin Hainsworth]

Well done Dave you won’t regret buying one.

I’ve all sorts but these are some of my nicest ones.

Left handed Sebenza and some custom Shing slipjoints. My normal EDC is a titanium UKPK

 

and my pride and joy outdoors knife, a Stuart Mitchell Secare.

 

Along with a few others and a load of Global chef knives.

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Mark76, wickededge, Dave

[Dave]

Well I followed all the links I could find on the main site, and all I can say is am blown away.

The kitchen knives now need a permanent warning sign, and one of my cheap pocked knives is just silly. I have no hair on one of my arms.

Well worth the money, and a pleasure to set up and use.

 

Thanks for the pic’s Martin, you got a lovely collection there. The Titanium UKPK is a nice looking bit of kit, may have to put it on my wish list.

Funny thing is one of the lads for work asked if I could give his spyderco the wicked edge treatment. We were both impressed. Looks like I may have a pocket money job.

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dulledge, wickededge, Martin Hainsworth

[Author]

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