Don't take this wrong, but it sounds like you may be using a tad too much force.

Agreed. I know that after a long time with the stones and slow progress.... one might be tempted to use more force, perhaps thinking that this would speed things up. Indeedme at one point. Now I find that it is better to use scrubbing...either circular (most aggressive), or up and down, moving the stones fast, but not applying a great deal of pressure...gets faster results. You also don't end up with these huge gouges that need to be removed.

I've got some prototypes of the new low angle adapter in. This piece allows for reducing the angle by approximately 7 degrees from what is stated on the degree bar. In the photos is pictured a cheap 4" utility blade measuring .75" from spine to edge. I'd love some feedback on this new accessory.

Get cheap 1x30 AluminumOxide sanding belt resin cloth back, 40 thru 2K grit. Want ceramic 40-120 grit, get norton blaze belt. Cut & resin/expoxy, then heavy grinding away. Ok to wet grind too. These strips are very durable and will last a long while (many reprofile).

Remember to clean loose low grit/particles to minimize unwanted scratches.

How long did it take you to reprofile the blade in question? If you cut that in half, would the time saved be worth $65 ???

I figured as much..

The big problem, for me, with ordering from China... is the wait.

The lights are LEDs, Phil. And they are quite bright. Almost too bright. I find they "wash out" just looking through it, not only under the camera.

A reflection off a polished edge almost blinded me

Ken

Here is one similar to mine

www.usgeologicalsupply.com/bausch-lomb-2...ngton-magnifier.html

As i said, mine is pretty old. I think this may be a newer model but it looks about the same.

Yeah, it's 7x more expensive but well woth it, IMO.

For an idea of the capability of the Angle Cube, you could try this older thread. It looks at the accuracy (yep, it is) and precision (yes, it has some) in a semi-rigorous test.
wickededgeusa.com/index.php?option=com_k...63&Itemid=63#363

One thing I found makes a difference is to make sure the stone is placed exactly in the same place every time. I line it up even with the edge of the vice. Second, I try to be consistent with how it sits against the blade. I noticed (even more so with strops which are soft) that a very small rocking motion changes the angle. Depending on the knife you have a perfectly straight edge or some curve. I also make sure the gage is "straight" on the stone.

To check the quality/repeatability of your angle gage use something solid, like the kitchen counter top. Place the gage (same spot), remove, turn it 90 degrees, place it back. If you can get repeatable readings here that's as good as it gets, anything less on the WE is probably user variability in how/where it is placed.

My final 2 cents. The diamonds are pretty consistent. Once you set it you are good to go. When changing to other stones or strops, you can also check again with a marker to make sure all is good.

Let me be sure what is being asked here. First, once the angle cube is laid flat on the base and zero'd I find that it will consistently read zero when re-placed in the same location. Now, when the cube is laid against either arm, then moved and replaced, readings can be expected to vary slightly. This is because the position of the cube on the arm can vary, the position of the arm on the knife edge can vary,and finally the pressure of the cube against the arm can vary. There is a slight give, or bending of the knife itself in response to pressure. In summary, a variance of a few tenths of a degree is nothing to be concerned about.

I watched ModifiedZ video and followed it exactly. Took about four hours to do my knife. It came out seriously sharp! But not hair whittling? I was however able to tree top a couple of arm hairs but even that was pretty sad?
I did notice at the end of ModifiedZ video he writes in he could not whittle hair till he used .5 paste.
Are you guys using the paste or am I just missing the boat?

My Fastech loupe arrived yesterday. I was so excited to give this guy a go. I like the format. The large lense is easier to use than my old Bausch & Lomb and it's nice to have the light built in:
...
But.... (sorry guys) There is just no comparison on the optics. The B&L is vastly superior. Yeah, it's very small and can be a royal pain in the a.. to use. I have to get the lighting just right (a true joy while the knife is mounted ) and I can only see a small section of the edge at a time but I see MUCH more detail through the B&L

I know this is supposed to be 40X and my B&L is only marked 20X but they don't behave that way. Must have to do with the focal length? (I'm not an optics guy so all I know is what I see)

This new loupe is nice to have as a back up. The price is terrific (I paid a lot more for the B&L a LONG time ago ), and it would be better than nothing, but it isn't going to replace my B&L.