000Robert

Hi Glenn. I’m curious to know if you were using edge-leading strokes. I noticed something similar a couple of years ago with a blade. I stopped using edge-leading strokes, except for the up/down strokes, and haven’t had any problems since. Maybe it’s just the way I hold and use the stones, I’m not sure, but edge-trailing strokes just work better for me.

The Bess tester just takes practice time to get used to it. And you have to be careful. But it is not needed really. I decided to keep mine though. If an edge can whittle hairs, it sounds pretty good to me. I have more confidence in my homemade strap holder that I use for my HD 2″ Poly and Nylon webbing straps. If a blade edge can cut the strap…[Read more]

Looks really nice, Marc!

Hi Klaus. I check for a burr after sharpening each edge bevel with up/down strokes. Then I use 20 to 40 edge-trailing strokes before I move to the next grit. Put you will have better results after your stones are broken in well as Mike and Lawdog said.

I also wash my stones with dishwashing liquid and a scrub brush after every 4 or 5 knives. I…[Read more]

You’re welcome. Yeah, they do look similar. You can use some thick clear plastic to put your OTF inside of when you take it apart to make sure a spring doesn’t fly into never, never land. I use some thick plastic bags that I bought to keep my old concert T-shirts in. They have saved me a lot of aggravation!

Hi drdk, I have no experience with Cobratec but I remember hearing that they are made in China and assembled in the USA, but I could be wrong. If they are made in China then the D2 may not really be D2. But it may still be decent steel. I would reprofile the blade to 20dps. You can use the sharpie and find out what the real edge bevels are – I’m…[Read more]

I haven’t noticed any ‘lean’ on my fixed vise WE60. I haven’t taken the time to check for it either. I just use the sharpie and set each side to the angle that I want and don’t worry about it. And my edge bevels look perfect. I also like my fixed side of the vise to be on the left side.

I think you are overreacting. I’m not the authority on sharpening, but I do try to listen to the experts.

Then their edges start chipping and they blame the steel. The edge apex is a very small area of steel. You can overheat it enough to damage the heat treat and not even know it or feel it.

No, only after I am finished sharpening the knife. Then I remove it to get the small burr that is left, off.

Welcome to the forum, Todd.

I’ve not had any problems with my Wicked Edge sharpeners. I check for burrs on both sides after every grit. I use a piece of folded creased paper towel to feel for the burrs. I feel for the burrs with the creased part of the paper towel.
I also don’t use edge leading strokes except for the scrubbing strokes to reach…[Read more]

I would advise against using a dry belt grinder on blade edges except for maybe lawnmower blades. Here is an article about it on Knife Steel Nerds. A dry belt grinder may ruin the heat treat on blade edge bevels.

It really just comes down to personal likes and dislikes and people’s lifestyles. If I were still hunting and camping and stuff, then I would probably go with the WE66 because of it being more portable and its easiness to be mounted.

And if I was on a tight budget or didn’t sharpen much or mainly sharpened slip joint pocketknives then I would go…[Read more]

Hello John, You can see a slight burr on the edge of the blade in the photo. For feeling for a burr – I use a small piece of paper towel folded in half. Then feel for a burr with the folded end. It works pretty good for me and it’s faster than using the microscope all the time.

The WE diamond stones last a lot longer than most people seem to think that they do. I’ve had my WE130 for nearly 3 years and I still use my original stones. I was even reprofiling chisels with my 100 grit stones before I got smart and bought some 50/80 stones. My 100 grit stones are starting to look a little ragged, but they are still working for now.

I don’t remember ever seeing a Wicked Edge like that one. I’ve never tried to sharpen a knife like that one. I might try to use my scissor attachment to see if it would work. Maybe Marc will chime in soon because I don’t know anything about Japanese knives.

Welcome to the forum, Gabe. That looks pretty good.

Welcome to the forum, adamlantelme.

Like Marc said, the WE130 will serve you well and you can also grind asymmetrical edge bevels with it. If you need to save money, then the WE60 will serve you well also. There are also some 13″ guide rods available for it now for the taller/longer knives.

Pretty cool!