Does the Angle Change Along the Length of Longer Blades on the Wicked Edge?

There’s a lot of debate online about whether the sharpening angle changes along the length of a long blade when using guided systems like the Wicked Edge. Fortunately, we can clear that up: on a straight blade, the angle stays the same, no matter how long the blade is. It’s only when the blade curves that the sharpening angle begins to change.

Understanding How the Wicked Edge Maintains Angle

The Wicked Edge is a guided angle sharpening system. The guide rods and pivot joints are designed so that the stone always travels in a flat plane. That means, as long as the section of the blade is straight, the stone maintains a consistent angle—no matter the length of the blade.

When the blade curves (typically through the belly and toward the tip), the stone enters a new plane of contact. Depending on how far the tip is from the pivot point, that new angle can become either more acute or more obtuse.

Visual Proof with an Angle Cube

These two images help demonstrate that the angle remains virtually unchanged along the length of a straight blade:

• Stone at pivot point (0"):
  

  Here, the angle cube reads 17.4°. The cube is confirmed plumb with a square.

• Stone 5.5" from pivot (simulating an 11" blade):
  

  This image shows the cube reading 17.3°. Again, the cube is plumb. The difference? Just 0.1°, well within the margin of error.

What Happens at the Belly or Tip?

The image below shows what’s happening when you sharpen the curved portion of a blade:

When the blade curves, the stone’s angle of contact starts to change. As it rotates on the guide rod to follow the belly, the bevel may appear wider or narrower depending on how the knife is clamped. This isn’t because the sharpening system fails to hold an angle—it’s due to entering a different plane.

How to Adjust for Angle Change in Curved Blades

To ensure a consistent bevel across the curve of your knife, follow this simple process:

1. Clamp the blade with the tip roughly centered in the vise.
2. Color the entire bevel with a Sharpie marker.
3. Set your angle and swipe a fine stone lightly along the blade.
4. Check where the marker is removed:
   • If the marker is removed from the edge along the straight portion but from the shoulder toward the tip, move the tip closer to the clamp.
   • If the marker is removed from the shoulder along the straight portion but from the edge near the tip, move the tip farther from the clamp.
5. Record your settings using the alignment guide for future touch-ups.

Why a Wider Bevel May Appear at the Tip

Even with a consistent sharpening angle, the bevel at the tip of the blade may be wider. This isn’t due to angle change but rather blade geometry. As the edge curves up toward the spine, it’s often cutting through thicker steel. A thicker cross-section will result in a wider bevel—even if the angle is constant.

This is especially noticeable on knives without a distal taper (a gradual thinning of the blade from heel to tip).

When Intentional Angle Variation Is Beneficial

In some cases, it’s actually desirable to intentionally vary the angle along the blade:

• Chef’s knives: Use a more acute angle at the tip and belly for slicing, and a more obtuse angle near the heel for chopping.
• Boning or fillet knives: Use a more obtuse angle at the tip for durability, especially around bone.
• Utility or thrusting knives: A more obtuse tip adds strength for piercing, while a more acute belly improves slicing performance.

Want a Visual Explanation?

These videos do an excellent job of demonstrating how angles behave on a Wicked Edge sharpener:

• Visual demonstration from Snecx
• Angle myth-busting by Simple Little Life

Bonus: Bob Nash’s Roof Truss Analogy

Bob Nash from Oldawan gave a fantastic analogy comparing sharpening to building a roof:

“If a carpenter is building a pitched roof, the angle at which the roof meets the wall doesn’t change just because the trusses are farther apart. The guide rod in the Wicked Edge acts the same way—it stays in the same plane, so the angle stays the same.”

He also clarified the difference between sharpening angle and effective cutting angle, noting that a slicing motion naturally lowers the cutting angle due to the skew, making the knife cut more easily.

Conclusion

The Wicked Edge maintains a consistent angle along any straight section of your blade. When working through curves, a little adjustment and observation can ensure perfect, even bevels. For the best results, use your Sharpie marker, find your sweet spot, and record your settings for next time.

Learn more about finding your sharpening angle here.