Hello I need some advice. Im new to sharpening knives and the wicked edge. I have the gen 3 pro. I have the stones that came with it. I already have the 5/3.5 micron and leather strops. Also have the 1/0.5 micron and leather strops. Im already getting the 1500/2200 diamond. Do I need the 3000 diamond with glass for the 6 micron. Thank you everyone
Welcome. All of the above. I’d like to add, if you really are new to sharpening knives, the you may or may not experience some frustration at first. I’d say, work with what you have and learn your strokes and edges. When you have the basics down, you can begin working toward that mirror polished edge, if you want. If you’re looking for a great working edge, then you’ve got all it will take to achieve that, IMHO. Good luck and learn your strokes. Many here will guide you along your way.
FWIW, I pretty much treat the 3000 grit diamond as the equivalent of 6 micron film, once it’s been fully “broken in.” If I am not trying for the so-called mirror edge, I will often run the progression through to 2200 or 3000 grit and leave it like that. If I want a more polished edge, or to polish a convex edge, I’ll jump from 2200 to the 6 and then 3 micron film. For some mysterious reason, 6 mu DLF is highly effective, or if you prefer, it punches above its weight.
While I may treat 3000 grit diamonds and 6 mu film as equivalents, I may be the exception and others might prefer to go …2200, 3000, 6 micron, 3 micron, etc. etc. etc. . Film will actually produce a more uniform scratch pattern, but is subject to contamination and wear. So there’s that. Personal preference.
BTW, your strops will actually produce a sharper edge by “stretching” the apex, once you’ve figured them out. You wouldn’t necessarily use them to increase your polish level, but if you didn’t have the diamond film, they’re certainly an option.