These are part of my progression to get a mirror-finish edge. Very sharp.
Work great and make a fantastic Edge if you're looking to refine it
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Sharpeners
Why are your sharpeners so expensive?
Our products are priced the way they are because they’re the best sharpeners available. We utilize precision manufacturing, design, manufacture, and assemble in the USA, and build with the highest quality materials available. We believe in designing and building a tool that will last for generations.
Wicked Edge sharpeners are built from high-grade aluminum and stainless steel, and include industrial-grade Diamond Stones. Our machining tolerances are very tight, providing incredible precision while sharpening. You get two of each grit Diamond Stone, compared to other systems where you only get one. Your stones will last twice as long because you'll be dividing the sharpening work between them. All Wicked Edge products include a lifetime warranty, are manufactured in the USA in small batches, and are inspected by hand.
Wicked Edge is a premium product and we choose to maintain the excellence that we are known for.
Which sharpener has the widest angle range?
The Generation 4 Pro with the Micro-Adjust feature has the largest angle range from 12 - 33 degrees per side (24-66 degrees inclusive)
You are able to reach lower angles by utilizing our Low Angle and Small Knife Adapter.
Which sharpener is the most versatile and will allow me to sharpen the widest variety of blade styles?
The GO-WE60 is our most versatile sharpener, perfect for those who have a wide range of blades in their collection.
The Standard Vise is best suited for large, thick blades and very small blades.
How long a blade can I sharpen in your sharpeners?
You can sharpen machetes, katanas, cane swords, and more!
All of our sharpener models will sharpen blades up to 17" long with the standard Guide Rods that come on each model. Longer blades can be sharpened using longer Guide Rods or by sharpening the blade in sections.
Which sharpener will make my knife the sharpest?
Every one of our sharpeners is able to produce Wicked Edges. Your progression of abrasives is what will change the levels of sharpness you're able to reach! Check out this article to help determine what finish is best for your blade.
I need a small sharpener that is easily packed away. What should I get?
All of our 60 Series Sharpeners are designed to be portable, but the GO - WE60 is our lightest model and can easily be stored in a drawer or closet. It doesn't require a heavy base to secure it, only the included C-clamp.
I'm a professional chef. What sharpener and stones should I get?
We suggest the WE66 Obsidian and with the Edge Kit 1. The Obsidian allows you to perfectly match the angles on your blades, preserving and extending the life of you knives. Edge Kit I gives you the progression of abrasives you'll need, no matter if you use European or Japanese blades.
You can find out more about our suggestions here.
I'm a professional knife maker. What sharpener and stones should I get?
We suggest the Generation 4 Pro with Edge Kit II. The Generation 4 Pro gives you the perfect balance of precision and speed so you can get the edge you're looking for. The Edge Kit II comes with our incredibly aggressive 50/80 Diamond Stones to set your bevels and then take them all the way up to a beautiful polished finish.
I'm new to sharpening. Can you suggest a good sharpener to start with?
We suggest the GO - WE60. This sharpener provides all the precision you except from Wicked Edge without overwhelming you when first learning to sharpen.
Is the Generation 4 Pro the best sharpener you make?
While the Generation 4 Pro is our flagship model and our fastest and easiest to use sharpener, it may not be the best for your sharpening needs.
Please reach out to us at support@wickededgeusa.com if you have questions about which sharpener is best for you or use our Product Finder.
I'm mostly sharpening kitchen and pocket knives, which sharpener is going to work best for me?
We recommend the WE66 Obsidian. Kitchen knives and pocket knives are often fully flat ground and distally tapered, meaning they can be tricky to clamp in a Standard Vise. Our DualCam© Vise is best suited to secure these blade shapes. The WE66 Obsidian's smaller footprint also makes it's easy to store away when not in use.
What are the Repeatability Tools and why do I need them?
Repeatability Tools are completely unique to Wicked Edge.
Each sharpeners comes with a Depth Key and Alignment Guide. These Repeatability Tools allow you to record the specific mounting position for each knife. By recording these settings, you can reclamp your blades in the exact same position when it's time for a touch up, allowing you to restore your edge in as little as 30 seconds.
Stones, Strops, & Lapping Film
What's the fastest grit progression to get a highly polished, mirror edge?
You'll want to check out our Edge Kit III. This Edge Kit consists of our finer grit Diamond Stones and the progression of Lapping Films to leave you with a truly stunning edge.
How long do the Diamond Stones last?
Our Diamond Stones last between 400 and 600 sharpening sessions. Harder steels will shorten your Diamond Stone's lifespan, as will using heavy pressure when sharpening.
We suggest light pressure when sharpening and cleaning them regularly (every 25 knives). You'll know they're worn out when you see the shiny, bare aluminum platen underneath the diamonds.
Is it okay to skip some stones when sharpening?
Yes. It is okay to skip some stones in your grit progression based on what type of finish you are looking to achieve.
Be aware that too large of jumps will result in lack luster results. If you're going after a mirror polish or a highly refined edge, make your jumps between grits/microns as small as possible.
What do I apply to the Blank Kangaroo Strops?
Our Kangaroo Strops are meant for the most refined finish on your edge. You'll want to use sub 1 micron compounds on these strops. Our 0.5 Micron Diamond Emulsions, 0.25 Gunny Juice, and 0.10 Gunny Juice are all excellent choices.
What's the difference between the Diamond Pastes and the Diamond Emulsions?
Both the Diamond Pastes and Diamond Emulsions get you the same results. Emulsions work faster because they have a higher concentration of diamonds than the pastes, but the pastes are more affordable.
What do I do with the Glass Platens?
Our Glass Platens are designed to hold our Diamond Lapping Films. Lapping Films allow you to put a high polish on your blade, quickly.
To figure out which Diamond Lapping Film you should use, check out this article.
Do I need strops?
While strops aren't necessary by any means, they can be a great step in your progression for not only putting a beautiful shine on your edge, but also making it more durable. The soft leather slightly rounds your bevels, putting more material behind the edge and reducing the risk of rolling or dulling your blade.
Strops are a great choice for your every day carries, hunting blades, or if you're looking for a polished finish.
What stones should I buy next?
That all depends on what finish you're aiming for and what products you currently have.
We recommend checking out this article to determine what your next step should be.
How do I clean and care for my Diamond Stones?
We recommend Diamond Stones be cleaned when they become discolored or noticeably clogged with metal shavings. We recommend cleaning your diamond stones after approximately 25 sharpening sessions.
To clean Diamond Stones, use dish soap and warm water. Run warm water over the stones, and then use a firm brush (an old toothbrush works great) and some dish soap to scrub the stones clean, then rinse. Dry the stones well with a towel and air dry the stones by standing them on end. Ultrasonic cleaners can be used to clean your Diamond Stones.
If your stones are badly clogged with metal shavings, you can soak them in white vinegar for up to 10 minutes, then follow the above procedure. The vinegar will loosen the metal shavings.
For in-between cleanings, a few sprays of Windex and a paper towel work great.
How do I clean and care for my Leather Strops?
Strops do not need to be cleaned very often. Strops will look discolored after you use them, which is normal. It’s time to clean strops when they stop working effectively on your edge. You’ll know they are not working effectively when they no longer stick to your edge as you use them.
You can use rubbing alcohol and a paper towel to clean your Strops. We recommend 91% rubbing alcohol. Spray a decent amount of rubbing alcohol onto your strops, and then wipe them clean with a paper towel. Rubbing alcohol dries very quickly and won’t damage your strops.
After the Strops have been cleaned, reapply stropping compound to them.
Keep your Strops clean of contaminates. Always clean off the metal shavings from your edge before you use your Strops and between each Stropping Compound progression. When storing them, don’t let the Strops touch any surfaces or your other stones. You can also use plastic bags.
Replacement leather strips are available. They can be attached to your Wicked Edge handles with hot glue.
Accessories
Do I need the Low Angle and Small Knife Adapter?
If you have blades with angles that are lower than the degree markings offered on the sharpener you're using, you will need the Low Angle and Small Knife Adapter.
The most common blade that requires this adapter are Japanese knives or very small blades such as Swiss Army or Leatherman.
Do I need longer Guide Rods?
If you are sharpening a knife longer than 15" or are using the Low Angle and Small Knife Adapter, you may want to consider purchasing longer Guide Rods to ensure you can hit the entire length of the edge.
Can the Scissor Attachment sharpen hair or sewing shears?
Unfortunately, no. These types of shears have very unique and difficult geometry to match. Our Scissor Attachment is only able to sharpen scissors with a flat geometry, such as kitchen and household shears.
Sharpening
I've seen some people sharpening with a downward stroke and others using an upward stroke? Which one is right?
While we prefer and recommend the edge leading stroke (downward stroke), both leave great results and whichever one feels right to you is the best option.
Our sharpeners allow for flexibility in terms of stroke direction. We originally used the edge trailing stroke (upwards) but after several years of testing, learned that edge leading strokes (downwards) created a slightly sharper, more durable edge.
The edge leading stroke is also safer, ensuring the users hand is clear of the blade at the end of the stroke as the stone passes the tip of the blade.
The angle I have my sharpener set at doesn't match the anlge on my angle cube. Is something wrong?
All of our sharpeners are calibrated for the edge of the blade to sit 5/8" above the top of the vise. If your knife is sitting higher or lower than that, your angle reading will vary.
If you don't believe this is the issue, please reach out to us at support@wickededgeusa.com.
My Standard Vise is bent. What should I do?
This happens when the top screw is overtightened. All of the clamping force on the Standard Vise comes from the bottom screw, not the top one. Please reach out to us at support@wickededgeusa.com to place an order for a new vise.
Can the Wicked Edge sharpen tanto style blades?
It sure can! Tanto blades are sharpened by treating each edge separately. Here's a quick video showing how to sharpen these types of blades.
Do I need curved stones to sharpen my karambit or recurved blades?
Nope. Wicked Edge's Diamond Stones work well on karambits as the curvature isn't extreme enough to require a special, curved stone.
Can the Wicked Edge sharpen scissors designed for cutting hair?
Unfortunately, no. Hair shears have very unique and difficult geometry to match. Our systems are only able to sharpen scissors with a flat geometry, such as kitchen and household shears.
Can I sharpen ceramic blades on the Wicked Edge?
Yes! There are a couple of tricks to sharpening them though.
- Ceramic blades will never form a burr. Therefore, you have to do the marker test and use magnification to ensure you’ve successfully reached the apex of the edge down the entire length of the blade.
- We recommend only using high grit Diamond Stones (1000+) and Lapping Film to sharpen these blades.
- Make sure to clean your blade frequently while sharpening. Powder generates quickly when using the Diamond Stones on the ceramic. This powder can load up in the spaces in the stones and films quickly, resulting in reduced sharpening performance and lackluster results.
What's the least amount of stones I can use and get a sharp, working edge?
We've found that you need to sharpen to at least a 600 grit to get a suitable working edge. The 600 grit leaves a very toothy edge that cuts through items that most people encounter on a regular basis.
What's the best finish for a kitchen knife?
We suggest 1000 grit for European style kitchen blades and 2200 grit for Japanese blades.
Japanese blades tend to be forged out of high carbon steel, meaning they're more prone to chipping and require a less aggressive, higher grit stone.
What's the best finish for my EDC?
Our team loves either 600, 800, or 1000 grit finish. We suggest playing around with the finish on each of your blades and determine which works best for you!
Do I have to break in the Diamond Stones?
Yes! Your Diamond Stones need to break-in and go through about 20 sharpening sessions before they can perform optimally.
All of our Diamond Stones have an outer layer of diamonds that need to be broken off to get to the better, more consistent diamond layer underneath. When you first use your stones, you’ll notice that they feel very aggressive and sound harsh against your blade. They will also create a lot of dust and grit. As you work through this outer layer, you’ll notice that the stones become smoother and sound less gritty. You will also notice much better edge results.
We recommend that you use cheaper knives to break in your stones. Many customers sharpen butter knives or packs of cheap kitchen knives. We highly recommend you don’t use your new Diamond Stones on your more expensive knives until your stones are broken in.
How do I find my knife's angle and sweet spot?
This step is incredibly important when you're sharpening a knife for the first time. Check out this video for a simple walkthrough of how to find your knife's angle and sweet spot. We are using a GO -WE60 in this video but the process and technique are the same no matter what sharpener you're using.
Can I sharpen serrated edges on a Wicked Edge?
Unfortunately, we don't have an answer to serrated edges at the moment. Each knife and manufacturer has a proprietary pattern to their serrations and we haven't found a solution to sharpen the majority of these patterns that we're satisfied with.
Our Product Development team is constantly working to find a way to put a Wicked Edge on serrations.