Top Tips for Beginners Using a Wicked Edge Sharpener
Just getting started with your Wicked Edge precision knife sharpener? Great! Our expert community has shared some of their best beginner-friendly tips to help you sharpen with confidence. Whether you're using the WE60, WE66, or a Generation 4 Pro, these practical guidelines will help you achieve sharp, consistent edges from day one.
Forum-Approved Sharpening Tips
We asked members of the Wicked Edge forum: “What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about sharpening with the WE system?” Here's what they had to say:
Start With a Practice Knife
- Use a cheap or expendable knife while learning the system.
- Wicked Edge diamond stones need about 20 sharpening sessions to break in and perform their best—so it’s smart to break them in on a knife you don’t mind scratching.
Use a Sharpie to Find Your Angle
- Color in both bevels of your knife with a Sharpie® marker.
- Make a few light passes with your stones and observe where the ink is removed. This helps you match your angle precisely.
Find the Sweet Spot
Every knife has a “sweet spot” where it's mounted in the Vise that allows even sharpening along the entire edge.
- If you're not hitting the entire bevel evenly, adjust the blade forward or backward in the clamp.
- Watch our Angle and Sweet Spot video tutorial for help dialing it in.
Raise a Burr Along the Whole Edge
- You should feel a burr along the full length of one side before switching to the other side.
- If you're unsure whether a burr is forming, continue working the edge with light, even strokes.
Use Light Pressure
- Let the abrasives do the work—don’t push too hard.
- Too much pressure can create deep scratches and reduce sharpness.
Record and Reuse Your Settings
- Use Wicked Edge repeatability tools like the Alignment Guide and Digital Angle Gauge to keep settings consistent between sessions.
- Keeping detailed records saves time and preserves your knife’s geometry.
Be Patient
- Sharpening is a skill that improves with practice.
- Take your time to learn the technique, and you’ll save effort—and blades—in the long run.
Join the Conversation
For more advice and real-world sharpening experiences, check out the full forum thread here: What’s the Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Sharpening with the WE?.
You’ll find thoughtful answers from experienced Wicked Edge users—and it’s a great place to ask your own questions, too!
Learn more about our Wicked Edge precision sharpeners here.
