Feedback on Pros and Cons of Sharpening Systems

T

ThomT

Joined
Dec 2, 2022
Messages
27
Hello all.
Looking for feedback from you guys on different guided sharpening systems that you have actually used.
I've read several posts talking about the pros and cons of different guided systems, but most are 3-5 years old so I thought I'd refresh the topic.
If you have the time to respond, please describe what you like and don't like about the system(s) you have used and what you most like about the current one you are using.

I'm looking to buy a system that I'd like to be all purpose purely for home use. I'm not too worried about perfect polished edges. I'm just an average joe that wants knives sharp enough to do their intended jobs.
I'd also like it to work fairly quickly (i.e., sharpen a dull knife in 5-10 minutes). I realize re-profiling an edge will take significantly longer than that.

I'll be sharpening the following:
- a variety of kitchen knives including, chef, paring, serrated, boning and fillet
- hunting knives in various sizes from a 14" bowie knife to small skinning knives
- folding pocket knives, some with blades only 1 1/4" long and 1/4" wide
- double edged automatic knives

As for me, I've used a Gatco but get marginal results. I find it difficult for longer knives and don't like the mess of the oil.
I haven't tried flat stones, but am more interested in a guided system anyway.

I've been looking at the following systems and watching videos because these have bases and I don't have to hold them like I do the Gatco.
- Edge Pro Apex
- Wicked Edge WE100
- TSPROF K03
- KME Sharpening System

Thanks for reading and I look forward to a lively discussion!
 
I have a TSPROF K03 and a Hapstone R1, both of which I like a lot. I don't sharpen with them routinely; usually I freehand on stones. But to make a new angle, something I do on most of my knives, I go to the guided system. Guided sharpening was also invaluable in substantially improving my freehand skills, because any time I thought I had reached competence at freehanding, I could take a knife though the guided sequence, and demonstrate that I wasn't quite there yet.

I don't think either system will handle "blades only 1 1/4" long and 1/4" wide" -- no way to avoid the stone scraping on the clamps.

Nor will either system, as far as I know, handle a double edged automatic knife like a Microtech. There's just no way I know to clamp it flat.

Serrated knives are better sharpened with a ceramic rod IMO.

The rest should work fine, except maybe the narrowest of the fillet knives. To give yourself the best chance, make sure you get fillet clamps. Large knives don't seem to be a problem; I think I've used ones as large as your bowie.
 
I would recommend the Wicked Edge WE60 Go especially for the smaller blades. It can also handle blades up to 1/4" at the spine. I wrote an article on it here. I'll be downloading my new article on the WE66 soon, probably later today.
The new design of the vise jaws on the WE60 makes it perfect for small blades. And it is the least expensive of the Wicked Edge sharpening systems.
 
U UncleBoots - Great feedback on the TSPROF and Hapstone. I like the looks of both systesm and especially the rack-and-pinion adjustment on the TSPROF. I also appreciate your comment on how they both helped you improve freehand which is something I'll strive to learn. The ceramic rod for serrated is another great point.
000Robert 000Robert - The WE60 does indeed seem to address most of my needs. I'll give it serious consideration.

Thank you both for your input.
 
I think you'll find they all have a small learning curve, and some tricks to get the most out of them. I've had my KME for years, and I'm happy with it. Any you listed will get a knife sharp, and have their share of fans. A few things I like about the KME are the rubber inside the jaws. I see a lot of people taping up their blade on the systems that use metal clamps. You can use the the KME on the stand or pick it up and hold any way that feels better to you. It's also nice to be able to move it around in good light to check the edge. It's cheaper. It's simple, but it works. Great customer service.

Really small, or really big knives could be a challenge for any of the guided systems. I still check out what everyone comes out with. It would be nice to be able to try them all out. I just haven't seen anything else that I thought would be any better...enough to spend the money on anyway. Let us know what you end up with.
 
ThomT said:
The price is bit more than I would like
Click to expand...
This can be a huge factor. I have used most of the different types of sharpeners, they all have their good and bad points, but in the end it can come down to what are you going to be sharpening most of the time, and how much do you want to invest, because my friend, when you start adding up all the after market additions the cost factor can spiral out of control. Just something to think about. :)
 
ThomT said:
As an update, I am really leaning towards the Wicked Edge WE130 because having watched several videos, this one in particular, consistency and speed are easily attainable.
The price is bit more than I would like and I'll want to add the 800/1000 stones, but in the long run, it should serve the vast majority of my needs.
For really small knives, I plan to get the Tormek Small Knife Holder.
Click to expand...

Good choice - that's exactly how I got started.

LK-1a.jpg
 
cudgee said:
This can be a huge factor. I have used most of the different types of sharpeners, they all have their good and bad points, but in the end it can come down to what are you going to be sharpening most of the time, and how much do you want to invest, because my friend, when you start adding up all the after market additions the cost factor can spiral out of control. Just something to think about. :)
Click to expand...

The cost isn't that much for aftermarket stuff for the Wicked Edge. I think I paid less than $200 for all the stuff that I bought and I bought the stainless steel Micro-Angle Adjusters.

WE130-4a.jpg
 
I sharpened a double-sided Benchmade Infidel on a KME system, but it wasn't easy. That sucker took a looong time.
 
I use a KME also. I really like it and am able to make edges that I only dreamed about before. I'm push cutting freestanding reciept paper no problem. However, it's never been a fast process for me. Some people talk about how they sharpen on their KME in 20 minutes, but it's always taken longer for me. It is very fast if it's a 2nd,3rd,4th sharpening etc on the KME, however even if you don't plan to reprofile to a new edge, you still have to reprofile if you use the factory edge angle because no knife comes with an even bevel. However that doesn't take too long. What does start taking longer and longer is if you're reprofiling to lower and lower angles.

However, no matter what steel I'm sharpening, it all goes pretty easily now days and it doesn't usually take me a significantly longer amount of time to sharpen M390 vs. S30v or the like. I like what was said above about being able to pick it up and shine a light on the edge from different angles to check for burrs. I just bought the axe sharpening jig, the three sides contoured diamond stone for recurves, the convexing rod, and the serration sharpener, so I plan to keep it for life and figure that I may have to buy one more set of diamond stones in that amount of time. The owner is heavily on their facebook group and often offers to walk people through sharpening and he'll send you whatever replacement you need no questions asked.

In a perfect world I'd have all of them because I like how you can quickly touch up an edge without clamping on the Edge Pro. However, for now, I can only afford the one.
 
ThomT said:
Hello all.
Looking for feedback from you guys on different guided sharpening systems that you have actually used.
I've read several posts talking about the pros and cons of different guided systems, but most are 3-5 years old so I thought I'd refresh the topic.
If you have the time to respond, please describe what you like and don't like about the system(s) you have used and what you most like about the current one you are using.

I'm looking to buy a system that I'd like to be all purpose purely for home use. I'm not too worried about perfect polished edges. I'm just an average joe that wants knives sharp enough to do their intended jobs.
I'd also like it to work fairly quickly (i.e., sharpen a dull knife in 5-10 minutes). I realize re-profiling an edge will take significantly longer than that.

I'll be sharpening the following:
- a variety of kitchen knives including, chef, paring, serrated, boning and fillet
- hunting knives in various sizes from a 14" bowie knife to small skinning knives
- folding pocket knives, some with blades only 1 1/4" long and 1/4" wide
- double edged automatic knives

As for me, I've used a Gatco but get marginal results. I find it difficult for longer knives and don't like the mess of the oil.
I haven't tried flat stones, but am more interested in a guided system anyway.

I've been looking at the following systems and watching videos because these have bases and I don't have to hold them like I do the Gatco.
- Edge Pro Apex
- Wicked Edge WE100
- TSPROF K03
- KME Sharpening System

Thanks for reading and I look forward to a lively discussion!
Click to expand...
Skip the Edge pro Apex and only consider the edge pro professional it is much easier to use and more versatile with the vacuum base you can get a much sturdier platform for larger knives.
 
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm probably over analyzing (shocker) but it's what I do! :)
I've been considering the 4 different systems listed below. All are good systems but I'll try to lay out some of my decision points based on all your comments as well as forum posts I've read and Youtube videos I've watched.
In general, I would rather use diamond stones since they are very durable and don't dish out, hence I won't have to worry about flattening them.

Edge Pro - All models come standard with water stones that I'd have to flatten, so will skip choosing that one.

TSPROF - I really like the rack-and-pinion angle adjustment and double jawed system. Don't like that the clamps need a tool to open/close. It is the same basic style as the KME and expensive so will skip choosing the TSPROF.

Wicked Edge WE130 - I really like the speed of sharpening and how super easy and quick it is to change stones in the spring loaded holder. The blade clamping mechanism on WE130 is very nice, but not on the lower models that require a tool to open/close the jaws. Big negative is cost. To get the WE130 kit with the base and 800/1000 stones, it's well over $700. I really do like this system, but it is just too expensive. Maybe if I start a sharpening business I'll consider getting this one.

KME System - I like the rubber lined jaws, the knob for opening/closing jaws and that the blade can be flipped over while in the jaws. The stones seem to be a bit shorter when compared to those with the Widked Edge. But as a beginner, I don't know if that really matters. As for cost, the the KF-D4 kit is only $200 and the base is another $25. Their diamond rod for serrated blades may be good at $23, but I don't know the grit. Might consider the Spyderco Tri-Angle SharpMaker ($80) or the DMT Diafold Serrated Sharpener ($25). As for very small knives, KME has a set of Pen Knife Pro Jaws for another $25. So if I get the KME KF-D4, base, diamond rod and pen knife jaws, I'm all in at $300 plus tax. That is MUCH easier on the wallet. Although it doesn't seem like it will be as quick a sharpening experience as the WE130, at this point I have more time than money! ;)

Almost forgot, an angle cube is pretty much a must have, so that's another $25-30.

So, it looks like I've settled on the KME but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Gonna let all this information sink in.
 
ThomT said:
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm probably over analyzing (shocker) but it's what I do! :)
I've been considering the 4 different systems listed below. All are good systems but I'll try to lay out some of my decision points based on all your comments as well as forum posts I've read and Youtube videos I've watched.
In general, I would rather use diamond stones since they are very durable and don't dish out, hence I won't have to worry about flattening them.

Edge Pro - All models come standard with water stones that I'd have to flatten, so will skip choosing that one.

TSPROF - I really like the rack-and-pinion angle adjustment and double jawed system. Don't like that the clamps need a tool to open/close. It is the same basic style as the KME and expensive so will skip choosing the TSPROF.

Wicked Edge WE130 - I really like the speed of sharpening and how super easy and quick it is to change stones in the spring loaded holder. The blade clamping mechanism on WE130 is very nice, but not on the lower models that require a tool to open/close the jaws. Big negative is cost. To get the WE130 kit with the base and 800/1000 stones, it's well over $700. I really do like this system, but it is just too expensive. Maybe if I start a sharpening business I'll consider getting this one.

KME System - I like the rubber lined jaws, the knob for opening/closing jaws and that the blade can be flipped over while in the jaws. The stones seem to be a bit shorter when compared to those with the Widked Edge. But as a beginner, I don't know if that really matters. As for cost, the the KF-D4 kit is only $200 and the base is another $25. Their diamond rod for serrated blades may be good at $23, but I don't know the grit. Might consider the Spyderco Tri-Angle SharpMaker ($80) or the DMT Diafold Serrated Sharpener ($25). As for very small knives, KME has a set of Pen Knife Pro Jaws for another $25. So if I get the KME KF-D4, base, diamond rod and pen knife jaws, I'm all in at $300 plus tax. That is MUCH easier on the wallet. Although it doesn't seem like it will be as quick a sharpening experience as the WE130, at this point I have more time than money! ;)

Almost forgot, an angle cube is pretty much a must have, so that's another $25-30.

So, it looks like I've settled on the KME but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Gonna let all this information sink in.
Click to expand...
Don't forget to have a look at the Hapstone systems, they get good reports from members here.
 
ThomT said:
Thanks everyone for your input. I'm probably over analyzing (shocker) but it's what I do! :)
I've been considering the 4 different systems listed below. All are good systems but I'll try to lay out some of my decision points based on all your comments as well as forum posts I've read and Youtube videos I've watched.
In general, I would rather use diamond stones since they are very durable and don't dish out, hence I won't have to worry about flattening them.

Edge Pro - All models come standard with water stones that I'd have to flatten, so will skip choosing that one.

TSPROF - I really like the rack-and-pinion angle adjustment and double jawed system. Don't like that the clamps need a tool to open/close. It is the same basic style as the KME and expensive so will skip choosing the TSPROF.

Wicked Edge WE130 - I really like the speed of sharpening and how super easy and quick it is to change stones in the spring loaded holder. The blade clamping mechanism on WE130 is very nice, but not on the lower models that require a tool to open/close the jaws. Big negative is cost. To get the WE130 kit with the base and 800/1000 stones, it's well over $700. I really do like this system, but it is just too expensive. Maybe if I start a sharpening business I'll consider getting this one.

KME System - I like the rubber lined jaws, the knob for opening/closing jaws and that the blade can be flipped over while in the jaws. The stones seem to be a bit shorter when compared to those with the Widked Edge. But as a beginner, I don't know if that really matters. As for cost, the the KF-D4 kit is only $200 and the base is another $25. Their diamond rod for serrated blades may be good at $23, but I don't know the grit. Might consider the Spyderco Tri-Angle SharpMaker ($80) or the DMT Diafold Serrated Sharpener ($25). As for very small knives, KME has a set of Pen Knife Pro Jaws for another $25. So if I get the KME KF-D4, base, diamond rod and pen knife jaws, I'm all in at $300 plus tax. That is MUCH easier on the wallet. Although it doesn't seem like it will be as quick a sharpening experience as the WE130, at this point I have more time than money! ;)

Almost forgot, an angle cube is pretty much a must have, so that's another $25-30.

So, it looks like I've settled on the KME but I haven't pulled the trigger yet. Gonna let all this information sink in.
Click to expand...
I made a base from stuff a had laying around the house. For an angle cube, I use an app on my phone. I tried a couple but found one that works really well. As long as you have a phone case with a flat edge it sits right on top of the stone holder. I do have their stone angle compensated, but if you're using an angle cube it's really needed. You can find about any kind of 1x4 inch stone out there you want try. You may want some kind of rod stoppers. They were sold out when I bought mine. I used a round piece of cork with a hole drilled in the middle of it. I can slide them where ever I want them. Works fine and cost me nothing.

J6kG0hE.jpg
 
One issue with KME is that there's significant play in the seating of the sharpener in the KME base, so when you measure the angle on the stone holder, it could be off by several degrees, because the clamp isn't level and there's no good way to tare the angle cube (or phone).
 
ThomT said:
Thanks everyone for your input.

Wicked Edge WE130 - I really like the speed of sharpening and how super easy and quick it is to change stones in the spring loaded holder. The blade clamping mechanism on WE130 is very nice, but not on the lower models that require a tool to open/close the jaws. Big negative is cost. To get the WE130 kit with the base and 800/1000 stones, it's well over $700. I really do like this system, but it is just too expensive. Maybe if I start a sharpening business I'll consider getting this one.
Click to expand...

Yes, the clamp is easier and quicker on the clamping systems but clamping a blade in the WE60 is not very difficult especially if you are worried about the cost. If cost was a major concern for me the WE60 would be my choice. I researched every system that I could find info on for a few days before I settled on the WE130. If I were researching a sharpening system today, I just might buy the WE60 and spend the money that I saved on a nice knife.
 
I'm a proponent of buy once, cry once*. Watch a few of the review videos on the various systems listed and you'll be able to see which one best fits your sharpening style. I have the WE130 and it's by far my favorite sharpening system I've used over the years (Lansky, Gatco, Worksharp KO, etc.)

*Also, I may have fibbed about buy once, cry once. I owned the original Wicked Edge and upgraded to the newer version with the ball bearing arms. ;)
 
tokerblue said:
I'm a proponent of buy once, cry once*. Watch a few of the review videos on the various systems listed and you'll be able to see which one best fits your sharpening style. I have the WE130 and it's by far my favorite sharpening system I've used over the years (Lansky, Gatco, Worksharp KO, etc.)

*Also, I may have fibbed about buy once, cry once. I owned the original Wicked Edge and upgraded to the newer version with the ball bearing arms. ;)
Click to expand...

The number one factor for me was that the system does not require electricity to use, except for lighting of course. I also wanted the blade clamped in the vertical position. I didn't like the thought of clamping the blade horizontally and needing to flip it to profile/sharpen the other side.
 
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