Edge pro Apex

**Kentos** · 05-06-2012, 07:40 PM

Hey guys,

I have enough hones, synthetic and natural, to hone anything under the sun, but I really don't have the time to learn to hone like Honed...I can hone up a kitchen knife ok and its sharp enough, but meh, all my energy goes to razor honing.

So anyone have any opinions on the edgepro? I have a sharpmaker, but its a little too maintainance oriented for me, and trying to sharpen up an S30V blade is almost impossible in a timely manner. I think Ill get the edgepro 2 then cut down lapping film to polish up the edge if it warrants it. Any ideas on the best way to go?

Or, any other honing aids that you guys would suggest?

Edit: to sharpen knives only

.

**Sullybob** · 05-06-2012, 07:45 PM

I have never owned an Edge Pro, but I've used them a few times. If you really don't want to learn to free hand sharpen knives and you want to use a jig I don't think you could do much better then an Edge Pro. The benefit to the Edge pro is that anyone can sharpen a knife and do a great job with it. Some of the attachments are pretty neat, like the set up for sharpening scissors.

**Kentos** · 05-06-2012, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Sullybob

I have never owned an Edge Pro, but I've used them a few times. If you really don't want to learn to free hand sharpen knives and you want to use a jig I don't think you could do much better then an Edge Pro. The benefit to the Edge pro is that anyone can sharpen a knife and do a great job with it. Some of the attachments are pretty neat, like the set up for sharpening scissors.

Lets just say I'm lazy and the edge pro seems to be right up my alley :)

**SiBurning** · 05-06-2012, 07:50 PM

I haven't used it on razors, but it does a good job on my kitchen knives. It does take a bit of getting used to. Oh, you'll get a good knife on the first or second try, but you need to learn to rotate smoothly or the edge will be funny looking and uneven. One thing, it's way too easy to put a razor thin edge on a fat knife, so you want to be careful to pick the right angle and not go crazy, which is easy because it's so... well... easy.

**Sullybob** · 05-06-2012, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by Kentos

Lets just say I'm lazy and the edge pro seems to be right up my alley :)

If you don't mind the initial cost then it will be right up your alley. It is very easy to use and the results are great.

**Kentos** · 05-06-2012, 07:55 PM

Thank you brother...the mouse left click finger is getting mighty itchy!!

**Sullybob** · 05-06-2012, 07:56 PM

You're welcome.

Steve pretty much laid it out, it's easy, super easy.

**invizable** · 05-06-2012, 08:04 PM

I have the EdgePro Apex 4 kit and it puts a WICKED sharp edge on my kitchen knives. The stones are good quality and I've resurrected some shabby knives with the apex.
I experimented with a few straights but got uneven results and frankly straights are much easier to hone on a coti or lapping film.

If you do buy one, make sure to pick up a stop collar for this trick: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDsFi5os1LI which compensates for the different stone depths.
This makes life sooooo much easier and your bevels much more accurate.

**Kentos** · 05-06-2012, 08:33 PM

Do you think it's better to just get an all in one kit vs getting a bare bones and adding on piece meal?

**SiBurning** · 05-06-2012, 08:38 PM

The all in one kits are nice for certain knives, but there's little enough price advantage that you might be better off picking out the specific grits you want. The case is nice, but you might not need it. I added some high grit papers. Stuff like that.

**A35335** · 05-07-2012, 02:07 AM

Here's 63 pages of info if you want to wade through it: http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/sh...hp?tid/842092/

As far as which kit, I would ask what type of knives you're sharpening. For Germans, everyday stuff, the stock stones are fine, as the steel won't know the difference between stock EP stones and Choseras. If you're going to be doing some good J-knives or better-quality folder with good steel like VG-10, 19C27 or 154CM, etc., I'd say you're going to also want something better than the EP stones, like Choseras (you can't go wrong with them). The glass plates and papers are a good selection for that proberbial middle ground. So, bare bones kit and add better aftermarket stones, or top o' the line with all the bells and whistles. All in what you plan to do.

To add to another poster, the addition of the drill stop collar is absolutely mandatory for the best edges. Simple geometry, impossible to argue with. You can buy them or make them yourself.

I can freehand fairly well, but the EP is simply better than I can do. You will pry my EP Pro from my cold, dead hands..............

It's a whole 'nuther rabbit hole.............Welcome to Wonderland.......

Rich

**global_dev** · 05-07-2012, 04:26 AM

i've been considering one as well... it's the initial cost that has me hesitant.

**honed** · 05-07-2012, 07:08 AM

A for effort for wanting to get screaming sharp knives. But as for the time invested, do not think that the EP is a quick fix. It takes TIME & COMMITEMENT to get screaming edges out of that thing.
You can quickly get a fairly decent edge, but don't kid yourself into thinking razor sharp edges will come by them selfs...
Just like it takes time to learn to sharpen free hand...

I have had the privilige to get to know & regularly talk to a bunch of the nuts that writes in that very thread on knifeforums. Including the South African madman with the drill collar video.
Who by the way has rebuilt his EP into a precision monster NASA would be proud of...

But surely, I wander to far from the original subject...

From what I have gathered, the stock stuff is ok for a very sharp edge, but far from a real screamer.
However, several custom options are available like Chosera, Shaptons & the likes.

If you want some really deep insights into the system & what it can do, drop B&B member "mvh" a line.
He's a black belt on that machine.

**Doc226** · 05-07-2012, 07:43 AM

I have one, it is fantastic. Very easy to use.

**global_dev** · 05-07-2012, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Doc226

I have one, it is fantastic. Very easy to use.

which version?

**Earcutter** · 05-07-2012, 08:09 AM

Oh man seriously? With all the rocks you have... I say don't do it - get off your duff and learn to use the stone that you have ; ). I think the stones you have would sharpen WAY better! But that's me and if you want a new toy.

Why not try one of those toys that holds a blade at a consistent angle and then run them over your stones. It'll A. be cheaper and B. give you less clutter and allow you even more pleasure from your existing rocks. It'll take no time before you start using them free hand. If you are as lazy as you say (I am too), that system will not make it any less of a pain.

YMMV of course and whatever gets you to love your knifes more is awesome.

FWIW - In another life I was a certified butcher and I have sharpened more than a few blades, and tried just about everything. I ended up with a mere couple of rocks all said and done... until I discovered straights that is lol.

**global_dev** · 05-07-2012, 10:23 AM

Originally Posted by Earcutter

Oh man seriously? With all the rocks you have... I say don't do it - get off your duff and learn to use the stone that you have ; ). I think the stones you have would sharpen WAY better! But that's me and if you want a new toy.

Why not try one of those toys that holds a blade at a consistent angle and then run them over your stones. It'll A. be cheaper and B. give you less clutter and allow you even more pleasure from your existing rocks. It'll take no time before you start using them free hand. If you are as lazy as you say (I am too), that system will not make it any less of a pain.

YMMV of course and whatever gets you to love your knifes more is awesome.

FWIW - In another life I was a certified butcher and I have sharpened more than a few blades, and tried just about everything. I ended up with a mere couple of rocks all said and done... until I discovered straights that is lol.

i totally agree, which is why i have never pushed the "add to cart/basket" button...

**Doc226** · 05-07-2012, 11:00 AM

Originally Posted by global_dev

which version?

Edge Pro Apex 4-I have the tapes, but have never used them.

I tried and messed up many times sharpening with stones, I just can't keep the angle that steady, specially when taking the curve. I can sharpen razors, knives-no way.

I only take the knife to the 1000 grit, it can effortlessly slice a tomato-good enough for me.

**Kentos** · 05-07-2012, 11:16 AM

I can put a mirror edge on a common Japanese stainless kitchen knife on a 800/4000 no name Japanese synth. Hard curved folders throw me for a loop, Tanto's give me conniptions, and I am hard on my pocket knives

Thanks for the input all!

**honed** · 05-07-2012, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Kentos

I can put a mirror edge on a common Japanese stainless kitchen knife on a 800/4000 no name Japanese synth. Hard curved folders throw me for a loop, Tanto's give me conniptions, and I am hard on my pocket knives

Thanks for the input all!

Just for the record & maybe curiosity, I know some really talented knife sharpeners, full time sharpening business guys with really impressive client lists that can get any knife
to be scalpel like. But they cant hone a razor to save their life. They literally think witch craft & virgin sacrifices are necessary.
Believe me, you can get a knife sharp, it's just practice & perhaps a few friendly pointers along the way.
If anyone thinks I can be of help, please drop me a line, its just fun to help out.

Kent, if folders are your main concern, perhaps the WEPS http://www.wickededgeusa.com/ is interesting.
It's target mostly thru folders/hunters/outdoors type of blades where as the EP are mainly kitchen. All though both work great for most blades.