How to Clamp Your Knife

Proper clamping is essential for successful results with any Wicked Edge precision knife sharpener. All our sharpeners are calibrated for the edge of the blade to sit exactly 5/8" above the top of the vise. If your knife sits higher or lower than this, your angle settings may read inaccurately. A higher blade position results in a slightly lower actual angle, while a lower position results in a steeper angle. To verify your true sharpening angle, we recommend using a digital angle cube.

Fixing Knife Movement with Shims

If your knife slips or moves in the vise while sharpening, shims can make all the difference. Every Wicked Edge sharpener includes two sheets of reusable cardstock shims — one large and one small. Wrap a shim around your knife where it clamps into the vise and secure it tightly. This simple fix resolves nearly all clamping movement issues.

Clamping Instructions by Vise Type

Standard Vise (GO – WE60)

Watch the video guide here

To clamp your knife in the Standard Vise:

1. Loosen the bottom screw until it no longer contacts the opposite side.
2. Loosen the top screw enough to slide your knife in.
3. Use the Depth Key:
   • If the spine-to-edge height is 1" or more, use the bottom depth holes.
   • If it's under 1", use the top depth holes.
4. Rest the spine of the knife on the Depth Key prongs.
5. Align the start of the knife’s belly (where the edge curves) with the back of the vise.
6. Gently tighten the top screw until the jaws touch the blade.
7. Advance the bottom screw until it contacts the other jaw, then tighten securely. This provides the clamping force.
8. Remove the Depth Key.
9. Important: Do not test grip by moving the knife from the handle. Instead, apply gentle pressure near the vise to check for movement.

DualCam Vise (Cobalt – WE64, Obsidian – WE66, Generation 4 Pro Series)

Watch the video guide here

To clamp your knife in the DualCam Vise:

1. Lift the lever to open the vise and insert your blade between the jaws.
2. For knives under 1" from spine to edge, use the Depth Key. For knives 1" or larger, rest the spine on the built-in shelf.
3. Align the start of the knife’s belly with the back of the vise.
4. Lower the lever to lock your blade in place.
5. Remove the Depth Key, if used.
6. Important: As with the Standard Vise, test grip by gently pressing near the vise — not from the handle.

Clamping Unique Blade Styles

Small Knives

For very short blades like paring knives or multitools, ignore the depth settings and clamp the blade as high as securely possible. This gives you better access to the edge. For more on this, read our article on sharpening small knives.

Daggers and Stilettos

These symmetrical blades can be difficult to clamp. The key is to find a flat section or groove (fuller) on the blade for stability. Without these features, clamping may not be possible.

Tanto Blades

Don’t be intimidated by tantos — they’re simply two edges in one. Follow these steps:

1. First sharpen the main edge section using your normal angle and sweet spot process.
2. Then reposition the blade so the tip (tanto point) is parallel to the vise and repeat the process.
3. Use your thumb to guide the stone and push straight off the corner without rounding it.

More details are available in this article on sharpening tanto blades.

Karambits, Hawkbills, and Recurves

These uniquely curved blades require a different approach. Learn how to sharpen them effectively in our curved blade sharpening guide.

More Tips for Clamping

Need visual help for tricky blade styles? Watch this video for helpful clamping techniques for common blade shapes.

Want to dial in your sharpening angles? Read this guide on finding your angle.

Learn more about Wicked Edge sharpeners and accessories here.