carguy4471

[carguy4471]

So this is on the WE120.  I used 100/200, 400/600, 800/1000, 1500/6 micron lapping film, then 4/2 micron strops.  This knife got clamped in the lower clamp position but I forget which letter it was at on the ruler.  I went with 20 degrees per side.  I ran 100 till I had a burr from both sides.  I can see in the final product a couple spots that needed more work during the progression (removing scratches from previous grit), but the apex is bang on from tip to heel.  I may have been able to get it a bit better had my loupe been dropped of my the mailman but I haven’t got that yet.  I was going by feel and unaided eye and frankly feel it’s a smashing result for my first attempt using the new equipment.

 

3 users thanked author for this post.

NotSharpEnuff, Organic, Marc H

[carguy4471]

Marc H wrote:

ve found a lot of

Thanks Mark!!!  That chart is way over my head but it looks like there is a ton of good information there for me to dig through!!

[carguy4471]

When I get my new WE setup I plan to run through the knife drawer sharpening all the old EDC cheapos, $20-$40 kershaws and bargain bin stuff, then once I’m a bit comfortable I’m going to do a dozen or so hunting knives for some co-workers, then I’ll work on my current and slightly nicer EDC knives…  the $50-$100 Sogs and kershaws.  That’s the game plan anyhow.

It seems like the ones I’ve been eyeing up are mostly S30, S35, VG10.  Are these decent steels, in regards to EDC??

[carguy4471]

Any thoughts on s30v vs vg10, s35 sorta stuff?  I’ve never really paid attention to what sorta steel my knives had.  I know that heat treat makes a big difference and varies by manufacturer but are there any steels I should avoid for EDC, or any that really excel??

[carguy4471]

The manix and paramilitary are 2 that have made the list of knives to consider.  I’ll have to check out those ZT models you listed as well.  I appreciate the input!!

1 user thanked author for this post.

wickededge

[carguy4471]

sksharp wrote:

t deal to determine what these devices are all a

Already have the WE120 on the way!!

1 user thanked author for this post.

sksharp

[carguy4471]

Organic wrote:

I think you’ll be happy with that kit. It will offer you a lot of flexibility. If you get the sharpening bug like I did then you’ll be back for more accessories and stones in the not so distant future. Let us know if you run into any troubles when sharpening your first few knives.

I will most certainly do that, I really appreciate the help!!!

[carguy4471]

Well, I have pulled the trigger and ordered the WE120.  I’ll be hitting up the home depot for a nice piece of wood to put a sexy finish on to use as the base.  I’ve weighed all of the wonderful input and have compiled the following shopping list, unfortunately these items have to wait a week or two but they will be on the way soon:

800/1000 grit stones

1500/blank stones

6 micron lapping film

5/3.5 stropps

angle cube

Those are the items that will complete the kit and from all indication here, should be able to provide some very nice polished edges once I get my stones broke in.  Thank you all for the input and advise.  It’s pretty great to have a spot to go ask questions about this jazz.

 

3 users thanked author for this post.

wickededge, sksharp, Organic

[carguy4471]

I feel the argument to go with the WE120 is a pretty good one.  Pricing the upgrade and comparing that to the $50 it makes sense fiscally.

I think I am going to order the unit and the 800/1000 stones as well as the 5/3.5 strops with the 1500 set to follow in a month or so.  It seems these are the most highly recommended and since no one has mentioned much of any other sets I’m hoping this will get me some great results.

Thanks for all the input.  I really appreciate it.  I’m looking forward to trying out one of these fine unit!!

Any other input on initial kit considerations are more than welcome, I know enough to know I should listen to those with experience.

1 user thanked author for this post.

wickededge

[carguy4471]

So here is what I’ve gathered, someone can chime in and let me know if I’m picking up what y’all are puttin’ down.

Adding the 800/1000, 1500 w/ lapping film, and a 4/2 strop to the factory kit should have me setup to get some nice sparkly like edges??

Going with the WE120 will allow me to better match blade angles with more precision that the WE100 and allow me to go a bit shallower on the blade angle.  26 degrees or so vs 30 on the WE100.

This is great information.  I’m a bit befuddled by the comment about having difficulty matching the blade angle of a blade I’ve previously sharpened on the WE100.  I’ll be a bit honest here, I thought folks paid the big $$ for the WE system because it was highly precise and repeatable.  Does this statement indicate that there are some variances when mounting knives that may cause small amounts of deviation over it’s last sharpening??

2 users thanked author for this post.

sksharp, wickededge

[carguy4471]

Thanks for the response March.

If I read the descriptions correctly, the WE120 only gets me from 15 degrees down to 13 degrees, with micro adjust ball heads.  Is the extra 4 degrees that beneficial??  I could see if I was trying to match an angle, but I could simply reprofile a blade to an angle repeatable on the new WE.  So aside from matching an angle could you give me some examples of how the additional 4 degrees on the low end with the micro adjust ball heads would benefit me??  I’m not opposed to spending a little extra, but I’ll need to have some knowledge on why before I do.

I have a digital angle gauge already, used for setting up RC helicopters.  So I have that.  Skipping the ceramic stones, would I be able to get a decent polished edge out of the other items listed?

Thanks!!

1 user thanked author for this post.

Marc H

[Author]

Posts