View Full Version : Edge Pro Sharpening System
The Old Guy
08-25-2007, 15:04
Has anyone used the Edge Pro (http://www.edgeproinc.com/) sharpening system ? I am looking to buy a new set of stones and fell across this system. I like very sharp knives and this appears that it provides a very nice edge in a short period of time.
What do you think?
I've owned one for about 10 years (Apex model) and love it. It doesn't have much of learning curve and the owner answered all the questions I ever had.
I stepped up to this from a Lansky and it is more user friendly.
ZooKeeper
10-17-2007, 20:58
I've owned one for about 10 years (Apex model) and love it. It doesn't have much of learning curve and the owner answered all the questions I ever had.
I stepped up to this from a Lansky and it is more user friendly.
+1 - I bought the Apex model last winter, was amazed at how easy it was to learn & how nice of a edge it put on anything I threw at it.
Bill Harsey
10-18-2007, 09:02
That's a good looking rig from the images at the website. That type of sharpener can produce a very good edge if the abrasives are right for the blade steels.
Be extra EXTRA careful any time a sharp blade is held in a fixture. This is not based on theory.
The Old Guy
10-18-2007, 21:44
That's a good looking rig from the images at the website. That type of sharpener can produce a very good edge if the abrasives are right for the blade steels.
Be extra EXTRA careful any time a sharp blade is held in a fixture. This is not based on theory.
Thank you Sir Bill, this has sealed the deal.
The Master has spoken.
LongWire
11-07-2010, 00:20
I'm looking at getting one of these myself.
I own one of the Edge Pro apex models myself and highly recommend it. Not only does it produce a great edge, it quickly becomes the focal point any time I break it out during a get togeather.
x SF med
11-07-2010, 11:54
Bill... you made me get good sharpening stones and learn how to get an edge on all of my knives 'free hand'... are you just torturing me?
Papa Zero Three
11-07-2010, 12:14
Luckily there is a dealer close to me that sells the Apex. I'm going to go check it out before I buy yet another sharpening device. Thanks Bill for the warning that I am sure comes from experience.
Try the "wicked edge" Best accessory of the year in 2009. It is expensive, but really nice and easy to index for any knife. Has leather strops and other fine stones as options. Definitely want to mount it to a bench or put on the optional stone base.
Longstreet
11-09-2010, 09:30
Jayson here and I have been looking for a knife sharpener (I have been using a folding honing stone that was recommended by Mr. Harsey and while I am pleased with the results, I think my freehand leaves much to be desired) and am glad to have foud this post. I do have a couple of questions though and hope someone can help.
I understand that I can sharpen kitchen knives with the Pro Apex. The knives I have are the Calphalon Katana Series. My brother uses the same knives and when he spoke with a Calphalon rep about sharpening his knives, he was told that becasue of the type of steel used, when sharpening and knife, he was to pull the blade towards him rather than away. Does this makes sense or is it just a sales pitch? Would the Pro Apex still suit my needs? And finally, which Apex kit should I buy? Kit #4 seems to make the most sense as it comes with more items, but are these all necessary? Please respond. Thanks!
jaYson
Leozinho
12-06-2010, 19:41
I understand that I can sharpen kitchen knives with the Pro Apex. The knives I have are the Calphalon Katana Series. My brother uses the same knives and when he spoke with a Calphalon rep about sharpening his knives, he was told that becasue of the type of steel used, when sharpening and knife, he was to pull the blade towards him rather than away. Does this makes sense or is it just a sales pitch? Would the Pro Apex still suit my needs? And finally, which Apex kit should I buy? Kit #4 seems to make the most sense as it comes with more items, but are these all necessary? Please respond. Thanks!
jaYson
I had the Apex. Great for re-profiling an edge. Not as good for knives with smallish blades. I bought it used off a knife forum, then sold it on Ebay for more than I paid. I think, at least with the stones I had for it, it would have trouble with some of the more curved blade shapes, e.g. Emerson Commander (which I don't own but is on my wish list.) The stones seem a little wide to do well with certain contours, but I admit I never had the chance to try it on something like that.
I now have a Spyderco Sharpmaker, which will give you a sharp blade quickly as long as you don't have to really change the profile. (It's set at either 30 or 40 degrees.) I could use a set of coarser stones for it. I've got a MOD CQD Mark II that is taking a long time to take the shoulders off before the 40 degree angle will even hit the edge. I don't know what steel it is, but it's tough. The Edge Pro with the coarse stones would have it re-profiled in a couple of passes.
I can't imagine why the EdgePro wouldn't work with Calphalon kitchen knives.
Hi Old guy,
The edge pro is a very nice sharpening system. Especially good for reprofiling an edge.
sal
How well does the edge pro work with small knives, blades 3-4 inches long?
MVP
x SF med
12-09-2010, 10:43
Well... my wife won a miniature knife at a show a couple of years ago... beautiful piece of work... I was challenged by her (and a large Oregon Logger, and a Machinist) to sharpen all 4 blades on the knife. the good/bad thing was the steel was very mild, although the blades just had stamped and polished edges. (folded the knife is 1.25" long, and the blades are about the same length, cutting edges about 1" long)
Using the Norton 2-sided stone, and techniques from the abovementioned logger, and a guy named Goddard... the mild steel actually cut paper after I hand cut the edge and sharpened it out (stone work only, no grinding nor files).
Thanks to our large and friendly tree killer/knife designer - I've gained a respect for freehand sharpening, and for some of the assisted kits - I prefer freehand, as therapy and a challenge. I guess if I wanted really fast, i'd get the edge pro. Time and practive have made free hand pretty quick though - depending on how badly the edge has been beaten up. Plus, a few of my small folding knives (think Ken Onion designs) have multiple blade curves, those are really tough to set on a system.
Barbarian
12-09-2010, 11:02
There's something special about sharpening freehand. It's almost an art, and is labor of love. To me there are few things as relaxing as some good sharpening over a barley soda or two:).
So, will the edge pro work with small spearpoint or clip blades?
MVP
Barbarian
12-09-2010, 12:17
As long as the blades are fairly normal shaped and not all curved and crazy like Ken Onion's for example (not that there's anything wrong with curvy knives), then the edge pro sharpeners should work fine on small spear or clip point knives.
x SF med
12-09-2010, 23:29
So, will the edge pro work with small spearpoint or clip blades?
MVP
It should work fine, like anything else, practice and technique will make it easier over time. Small blades tend to take a little more technique and finesse.