NotSharpEnuff

I think you’re misunderstanding what is meant by lowering the gen. 3 pro. The relative positions of the arms and clamp are maintained while the shelving unit underneath the sharpener is removed. This makes it so the sharpener sits lower down on the bench or table making it a better working height for some users. It will have zero effect on the…[Read more]

Do you think this is also dependent on the steel? I would imagine that it would be easier to cause these types of micro chips on the edge trailing strokes if you were sharpening a high hardness steel whereas a softer steel might be more forgiving.

That one has seen better days. I look forward to seeing the transformation.

I also scrub at the beginning of every grit and it doesn’t seem to cause a problem. I finish each grit with several edge leading strokes and light pressure to establish a uniform scratch pattern.

The strops v lapping film question gets posed often. It is a misunderstanding to think that you should choose one or the other. The lapping films are basically single layer thick semi-disposable high grit diamond stones. Use the lapping films if you want a higher degree of edge refinement than you are getting with the stones. The lapping films are…[Read more]

Let us know how it turns out!

I can’t imagine wanting oil stones for your WE. The oily mess is just too much of a hassle and I’m glad to be rid of it.

That looks good with an even bevel width from heel to tip. I have a feeling you’ll be saying that same phrase to yourself often as your stones continue to break in.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and observations. It sounds like you’ve got the skill set well under way and are producing very sharp edges already. The satisfaction that comes from transforming a dull or even semi sharp knife into a truly sharp knife is something that doesn’t ever seem to wear off.

I thought the idea behind using a soapy solution on the stones was to keep the steel dust under control. Breathing in fine particulates on a regular basis can carry serious health risks.

I have tried it a time or two and it does keep the dust from becoming airborne.

The advantage of the BESS test is that it provides some level of quantification rather than just a qualitative measure of sharpness. Quantifying the sharpness is useful for meaningfully comparing sharpening results obtained from differing grit progressions, differing edge angles, convex vs hollow grind vs V-grind, comparing strop progressions, and…[Read more]

I’m located in central MA, so about a 6 hour drive away and probably too far. I think we have a few other forum members in NY state, so perhaps one of them will offer to help. My suggestion is to go to your nearest thrift store and find a few used kitchen knives to practice on. This way, if you destroy one of them while working you will only have…[Read more]

If I remember correctly the ultrasonic cleaner is not recommended because it can break down the adhesive on and cause the stones to come off the paddles. I would email or call Wicked Edge and double check with them before getting the sonicator.

Nice work!

For what it is worth, I do the three finger test often and have yet to cut myself during said test. That either says that it is a safe(ish) test, or my edges aren’t very good. I leave that for you to judge.

Call WE or email them. Their support is very good.

The strops work very differently from the stones. You will see an improvement in edge uniformity using a set of strops on even a 600 grit edge. There is no need to get an in between grit unless you want a higher level of edge refinement.

If your stones are truly broken in and assuming that your technique is good, it is still possible to get poor results if the knife is so cheap that the steel has not been properly heat treated. I have a hunting knife that was a groomsman gift that I have never been able to get a decent edge on because of this problem.

I suggest following the…[Read more]

I don’t know if that’s a good idea. I think you’d be better off just rinsing it and then blowing it out with compressed air to get it dry.

I like the flimsy paper also. I do believe that it reveals more about the quality of the edge than your standard weight printer paper does. It isn’t that hard to get an edge that and push cut printer paper, but getting it to push cut phone book paper is more difficult.

Don’t force it. The clamp is very well made, but I think trying to clamp a knife that doesn’t fit would cause damage. Get the larger jaws or get the Tormek small knife adapter (check Amazon).