Jim

I actually just bought a set from Oldawan.    Between here and Oldawan,   I have the 1500 Diamond,  Micro Fine Ceramics and the 4/2 Strops coming.

Thanks Clay.   That’s great news because I love my Spyderco Bench Stones.

Thanks.   I agree that the Micro Fine stones might be the best option for me.  I’m not really concerned with the faster cutting performance with the 1500 stones. I’m mainly just looking to refine the edge as best as possible.

Thanks Marc.      Just to be clear,  I’m not after the elusive “mirror edge” but rather like a slightly polished edge purely for what I am perceiving as a sharper edge.   Not really concerns about the look of the edge.    But, I do agree that I can probably keep working on honing my skills on the grits up to the 1000.  I’m getting good con…[Read more]

Thanks for the info.   I have an angle cube and use it on all my sharpenings.  I photograph and document the settings on each knife for future reference.

I have tried films on another system that a friend uses.  I just don’t like using them all that much.  I think I would be much happier with a strop since I use them quite a bit when free…[Read more]

Ah, thanks for the responses.   Given that the Micro Fine Ceramics are out of stock right now,  I might just go the with 1500 Diamond as suggested with the 4/2 strops.   I can always add the Micro Fine Ceramics down the road.

Good idea.   I’ve got a few to ‘sacrifice”.  I’ve got an old Buck 119 that needs a good edge on it as well.

Definitely.  I have a few older beater folders, fixed blades and kitchen knifes I’ll be practicing on and while breaking in the stones.

Once I get my technique down and happy with the results going up to 1000,  I’ll then take a look at the 1500/Glass Platen or maybe the ceramics.

Agreed.  I got the 130 in on Friday and have it mounted up to a heavy cutting board.  Unfortunately,  this weekend was full of other commitments so I haven’t been able to try the 130 out yet.  I might be this coming weekend before I can really give it a try.  Just a crazy busy time for me right now.

Here is my system set up.…[Read more]

Thanks Organic.   I think most of the folders I have will be fine.

Thanks for the thoughts.   I think I’ll like just have some knives I sharpen on Bench Stones and some I sharpen on the Wicked Edge.  I can see your point about free handing altering the more perfect edge from the Wicked Edge.

So as an update,  I decided to bite the bulle…[Read more]

Thanks for the info.   I generally don’t use super acute angles.  Usually 18 to 20 degrees per side.   Maybe 15 degrees on some thin blades.  Per the WE site,  looks like the low angle adapter works with all systems.   I guess I would potentially run into a problem whether it’s the 130 of the GO?   If it was a problem, either way, I’d need the a…[Read more]

One more question.  My folders are mainly 3 to 3.25 inch blades.  I like smaller knives for EDC.   They consists of all type of knives.  Benchmade, Spyderco, ZT, Chris Reeve,  Jarosz,  WE, Southern Grind, etc.

Any issues with the GO of 130 clamps?   Wondering if a 3″‘ish blade would be an issue for either of these systems?

And, thanks again fo…[Read more]

Hey Organic,

Thanks for the response and thoughts.    I am a person who just enjoys the process of sharpening while at the same time it’s being a necessity.   I have never chased the ultimate sharp edge and have never really wanted of needed a polished bevel.  Although it could be fund to achieve?    I mainly just want a good sharp workin…[Read more]

I don’t think it would be an issue for me on the GO.   I would use the 200/600 and then move onto the 800/1000 and up.

Right now on my Shapton Glass Stones,  I typically start at 500 on maintained knives followed by a 2000 and then 6000.   I don’t think I would ever really need the 400 on the GO if I already had the 200/600.   The jump from 2…[Read more]

Correct,  I understand I will never be able keep the exact angle set by the WE when free handing but I can hit it pretty close. At least close enough the keep the knife sharp as it’s gets used.  My plan would be to go back to the WE from time to time.   But, the removing and wasting steel is a good point.  It might end up that I just stick with…[Read more]

Wow, thanks for all the thoughts and advise.  I really want to b able to make the GO work but I think I’ll likely be frustrated with making adjustments on the kitchen knives.   I just know myself and it might drive me nuts knowing I could have gone with the 130 or F&S Pro and eliminated the issue.  I’m not really concerned as much with my Spy…[Read more]

Thanks Mark for the response.   You makes some great points.  Definitely leaning toward the 130 over the GO.  I had not thought about the F&S Pro.  You’re basically getting the 800/1000 at a slight discount but adding the carrying bag.   The bag is actually appealing to me.   I might need to wait a bit longer but this might be a great option.…[Read more]