Updates Based on Your Feedback
We've been listening carefully to our WE20 Venture Sharpener community, and your feedback has been invaluable. Based on customer experiences and extensive internal testing, we've implemented several important quality control improvements to ensure you have the best possible sharpening experience.
Understanding the Knife Guide Loop Fabric
What Does the Loop Fabric Do?
The loop fabric on the underside of the WE20 Knife Guide serves two essential purposes:
- Secure Positioning- The fabric's compressibility helps hold knives of varying thicknesses firmly in place within the guide
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Edge Protection- The fabric acts as a wiper, clearing loose diamond particles and metal debris from your knife's edge with each stroke, preventing these particles from migrating to the flat surface of the guide where they could scratch your blade
Addressing Blade Finish Concerns
We've received feedback from users concerned about the loop fabric affecting their blade finish. Through customer reports and our own rigorous testing, we discovered that some diamond stones naturally shed more loose particles than others, especially when new.
New Quality Control Procedure: Pre-Breaking Diamond Stones
Effective immediately, we are now breaking in all Venture Diamond Stones before assembly
This process:
- Removes excess loose diamonds that would otherwise shed during initial use
- Creates sharper, more consistent edges from your first sharpening session
- Significantly reduces diamond particle migration to the Knife Guide
- Improves overall user experience right out of the box
How to Protect Your Knife's Finish
If you're particularly concerned about maintaining your blade's finish, we recommend these proven techniques:
Method 1: Use Honing Oil
Add 2-3 drops of honing oil to the diamond stone surface. The oil suspends loose particles, preventing them from scratching your blade's flat surfaces.
Method 2: Apply Painter's Tape
Place painter's tape on the flat surfaces of your blade to create a protective barrier during sharpening. This method is especially useful for knives with decorative finishes or damascus patterns.
Achieving Smooth Knife Guide Movement
The Solution: Proper Lubrication
Several users have reported that their Knife Guide doesn't slide as smoothly as expected. Customer feedback revealed a simple solution: adding lubricant to the guide grooves makes a dramatic difference.
Recommended Lubricants for WE20 Venture Sharpener
Based on extensive testing, we recommend:
- Silicone oil (preferred for long-lasting lubrication)
- 3-in-1 Oil (excellent all-purpose option)
- WD-40 (readily available and effective)
Note: Most household oils work well, so feel free to use what you have available.
New Assembly Protocol
Because we want every customer to have an exceptional experience from day one, we've implemented two important changes:
- Pre-lubrication: We now apply oil to every sharpener's guide grooves during assembly
- Individual Matching: We carefully match each Knife Guide to its specific Handle, eliminating tolerance stack-up issues that could cause overly tight fits
Expert Techniques for Optimal Knife Guide Performance
After sharpening hundreds of knives on WE20 systems, we've identified two key techniques that ensure smooth, effortless guide movement:
Technique 1: Spine Lift Method
When pushing the blade forward, gently lift the knife's spine slightly. This relieves downward pressure on the Guide without actually breaking contact between the blade and the guide surface. You're aiming for the point just before the blade would lift off.
Technique 2: Maintain Level Throughout Stroke
Keep your blade perfectly level during the entire sharpening stroke. Avoid dropping or raising your wrist, which creates uneven pressure and resistance.
FAQ: WE20 Venture Sharpener Quality and Performance
Q: Will the loop fabric scratch my knife blade?
A: The fabric itself won't scratch your blade. However, loose diamond particles from new stones can migrate to the fabric. Our new pre-breaking procedure eliminates this issue. You can also use honing oil or painter's tape for extra protection.
Q: Why is my Knife Guide difficult to slide?
A: This typically indicates the guide needs lubrication. Apply a few drops of silicone oil, 3-in-1 Oil, or WD-40 to the guide grooves. All new units now ship pre-lubricated.
Q: What type of oil should I use on my WE20 sharpener?
A: Silicone oil, 3-in-1 Oil, and WD-40 all work excellently. Most household oils are effective for lubricating the guide grooves.
Q: Do I need to break in new diamond stones myself?
A: No. All WE20 Venture Sharpeners now ship with pre-broken-in diamond stones, ensuring optimal performance from your first use.
Q: How do I prevent diamond particles from scratching my blade?
A: Use 2-3 drops of honing oil on the stone to suspend particles, or apply painter's tape to protect the blade's flat surfaces.
Your Feedback Drives Our Improvements
These quality control enhancements are a direct result of your experiences and suggestions. We're committed to continuously improving the WE20 Venture Sharpener based on real-world use.
If you have questions, concerns, or suggestions about your WE20 sharpener, please don't hesitate to reach out. Your success is our success, and we're here to ensure you get razor-sharp results every time.
