cbwx34

[cbwx34]

The Ceramics are 1200/1600, or 5 & 2.8 micron.

I look at it a bit differently. Leather, because it isn’t a hard backing, will put a different finish on the edge than the hard ceramics or diamonds. It may start a little convex at the very edge. Leather also tend to polish a bit finer than their rating. So I don’t move based on grit, but I wouldn’t go from a hard surface diamond or ceramic, to leather, than back to a hard surface. So, I would buzz thru all the diamonds/ceramics, then, if I want to use the leather, start with the highest one I had and work down. This will also help polish out the previous grit, if that’s what you’re aiming for.

There are no hard and fast rules though… I’ve used a fine leather after a 1000g diamond stone, just to clean up the edge a bit. Maybe try a 1600g ceramic after a 600g diamond, just to see what the results are. Not necessarily looking to polish out the previous grit, maybe you might like a “toothier” finish, but clean it up at the edge a bit. I just wouldn’t go from a hard backing to a soft, then back to a hard. Once I move into leather, I would stay with it.

Hope that makes sense.

cbw

[cbwx34]

Congrats, and welcome! It’ll be worth the wait. Post how that first sharpening goes!

cbw

[cbwx34]

looks like the old “bic ball point pen trick”.. Although we are a long way ( a month or two at least) from the point where we are going to release plans for Version 1, a group of us has been working on a “build it yourself” edge tester that you can assemble in an afternoon for under $50. If we can get everything working right it will tell you *alot* more than any bic pen every did about your edges. 😉

You’re right, although the Edge Tester is a bit more consistent, and the way the ends are shaped… will detect smaller imperfections (chips, burrs, etc.) vs. a pen. I think it’s a bit harder too… you can check your edges without cutting into it.

I tracked down the edge tester you’re building when you mentioned it in another post. Does look interesting… looks like you’re putting some serious thought into it. Cool stuff.

cbw

[cbwx34]

It’s another topic, but can you tell us how the edge tester works?

The Edge Tester is from Razor Edge Systems… here’s the instructions for it…

http://www.razoredgesystems.com/images/pdf/the_edge_tester.pdf

cbw

[cbwx34]

Welcome Gene…

(I’m not really new to the forum, or sharpening… just never posted in it before… so excuse my low post count).

There’s not a big learning curve on the Wicked Edge, and I’d absolutely recommend it for a beginner. It’s the type of device that will grow with you… it’s easy to get started on, but as your knowledge grows, you can put that knowledge to good use.

I believe the 23 degrees you’ve learned is per side. Most knives come from the factory around 20-25 degrees per side (if you’re lucky…. many companies claim that, but in reality you’ll find them much higher.) The lowest set angle on the WE is 15 degrees… you can squeeze a bit more out of it as you learn the system.

If you haven’t already, check some of the videos on YouTube. There’s a lot of examples, not only from the inventor, but a variety of users and knives. It’s easy to learn and get started on.

Hope this helps.

cbw

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