Wicked Edge Sharpening Systems: Answering the Most Common Questions and Concerns
Last updated: August 2025
When considering a Wicked Edge precision sharpening system, many people have legitimate questions about price, complexity, and functionality. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions from customers and prospects to help you make an informed decision about whether our systems are right for your needs.
Table of Contents
Price and Value Questions
"Aren't Wicked Edge sharpeners too expensive for the average person?"
Q: I've heard Wicked Edge systems cost $500-1000+. That's more than my entire knife collection! How can you justify these prices for someone who just sharpens knives occasionally?
A: We understand price is a major consideration, and we've actually designed our lineup to serve every budget and need level:
Entry-Level Options:
- Venture Series handheld sharpeners: Starting at just $40, these still provide guided angle control
- WE40 Carbon stationary system: Only $199 for a fully guided, multi-angle system
- Key insight: Our patented core technology is identical across all models - the affordable WE40 Carbon will get your knives every bit as sharp as our premium systems
Q: But what about all the accessories I'd need to buy separately?
A: The base systems include everything needed to achieve professional-level sharpness. Accessories are for specific applications or enhanced convenience, not requirements. You can sharpen any knife to razor-sharp perfection with just the base system.
Q: How do I know if the investment is worth it compared to other options?
A: Consider the cost-per-use over time:
- Professional sharpening services: $5-15 per knife (adds up quickly)
- Cheap sharpeners: Often damage knives, requiring replacement
- Wicked Edge systems: Professional-grade results, lifetime durability
After sharpening just 25-50 knives, most systems pay for themselves compared to professional services.
Q: Other guided systems cost less. Why should I pay more for Wicked Edge?
A: Wicked Edge systems are up to 10X faster than other guided systems while delivering superior results. Here's why:
- Patented dual-sided design: You sharpen both sides simultaneously without moving or flipping the knife
- No burr formation/flipping: This prevents work hardening and edge degradation that occurs with single-sided systems
- Stone longevity: While you buy two stones per grit, each stone lasts much longer because it's doing half the work
- Time value: If you value your time, the speed advantage makes the investment obvious
Q: What if I'm not sure I need the advanced features of expensive models?
A: Start with our WE40 Carbon at $199. It uses the same patented dual-sided angle-guided technology as our premium models and delivers identical sharpening results and speed advantages. You can always upgrade later if you want additional convenience features or accessories.
Complexity and Ease of Use
"Isn't this system too complicated for someone who just wants to sharpen kitchen knives?"
Q: I'm not a knife enthusiast - I just want my kitchen knives sharp. Isn't this overkill for casual users like me?
A: Actually, Wicked Edge systems are designed specifically for simplicity - they eliminate the complexity, not add to it:
"Set angle and go": No guesswork, no learning curves, no skill required Initial restoration: Takes about 10 minutes to restore any knife to a proper edge (regardless of starting condition) Touch-ups: Once properly sharpened, maintenance takes just 30-60 seconds to restore sharpness levels most people don't even know are possible
Q: But whetstones or pull-through sharpeners seem simpler and cheaper.
A: Those "simple" alternatives actually require much more skill and time:
Whetstones: Require years to master angle consistency Pull-through sharpeners: Often damage knives and provide inconsistent results Wicked Edge: Guarantees perfect angles every time, no experience needed
Q: Will I have to sharpen more often with such a precise system?
A: Actually, the opposite is true. Our consistent angle geometry and superior edge quality means:
Longer-lasting sharpness: Properly formed edges stay sharp much longer Reduced maintenance frequency: Quality geometry reduces how often you need to touch up Better performance: You'll notice the difference in how effortlessly sharp knives cut
Q: What if I only have a few kitchen knives?
A: Perfect! Start with our $199 WE40 Carbon system. You'll spend 10 minutes once getting each knife properly sharp, then just 30-60 seconds every few months for touch-ups. Compare that to struggling with inconsistent results from cheaper alternatives or paying $5-15 per knife for professional sharpening.
System Capabilities and Limitations
"Can Wicked Edge systems handle all types of knives and blade geometries?"
Q: I've heard the vise doesn't grip all blade types securely, especially flat grinds. Is this true?
A: This information is very outdated. Our current vise systems are the most advanced on the market:
New Standard Vise (WE40 Carbon, WE60 GO): Features the same self-centering multivise design used by premium competitors like TSProf, Hapstone, and Jende, but we've improved it further with Santoprene blade stops that make sharpening repeatable and help lock the blade firmly by opposing downward jaw pressure. The blade is fully constrained in all directions.
DualCam Vise (WE64 Cobalt, Generation 4 Pro): In a league of its own with split free-floating, self-centering jaws and a DualCam system providing up to 1,400 lbs/in of clamping force. There simply isn't a better clamping system available.
Q: Isn't the diamond stone process messy with all those lubricating fluids?
A: Actually, diamond stones are much cleaner than traditional water stones:
Cleaner operation: Can be used completely dry or with just a drop of lapping fluid to capture metal dust Minimal fluid needed: Only a single drop is required, making the process incredibly clean Additional benefits: Diamond stones last much longer and never need flattening like water stones do No soaking required: Unlike water stones that need prep time and create puddles
Q: Do I need to buy a separate base or mounting system?
A: Our systems are designed for versatility:
Multiple mounting options: We offer various base solutions for different workspace setups
Clear guidance: Each system comes with recommendations for optimal mounting Workspace flexibility: Systems can be adapted to benches, tables, or dedicated sharpening stations
Q: What if I have unusual blade geometries or challenging knives?
A: Our modern vise systems handle virtually any blade geometry, but we also provide:
Compatibility guidance: Clear documentation on optimal techniques for different blade types
Technique resources: Step-by-step guides for challenging scenarios
Continuous innovation: We constantly improve our systems based on user feedback and real-world testing
Ready to Get Started?
If you're looking for professional-quality sharpening results without the learning curve, consider starting with our WE40 Carbon system at $199. It includes everything you need to achieve razor-sharp edges and uses the same patented technology found in our premium systems.
For those who prefer a portable solution, our Venture Series handheld sharpeners start at just $40 and still provide guided angle control for consistent results.
Have questions we didn't cover? Contact our team for personalized recommendations based on your specific sharpening needs.
