WickedEdge ProPack III review:

[diverdon]

I'll try to modify this and make it more complete as time goes on, I'm just going to start with a few initial observations

Pros:

1) Yes, it will make your knifes really sharp, I mean really really sharp. It consistently gives me better edges than I ever got with a wetstone or a Lasky.

2) The Nanuk box is nice

3) Except for the thumb wheel locking nut (point 3 below) it is very easy to setup. Proper use (for me) required the development of some muscle memory.

4) The knife Clamp works really good.

Cons:

1) Cost is high

2) Base is missing a foot so it wobbles on three feet, I have to fold up some scrap paper and put it under one corner.

3) (Disclaimer, I do not have strong thumbs) For me when I set the RH thumb tension knurled nut that locks the precision angle adjustment it wants to walk while I sharpen, changing the angle. So far every knife I have sharpened this has happened at least once. It should not be so hard to lock this adjustment in place.

4) The diamond stones should be broke in before you use them on your good knifes.

5) Cost of replacement stones and diamonds is pretty dear

6) It is very easy to booger up the leather on the strops

7) The diamond paste for the strops is not as much as I would have liked

8) the first "fine" the diamond that is on the other side of the 1500 grit diamond is a piece of glass---you get a sheet of fine diamond adhesive sandpaper. I stuck that to the glass, after the first use when I pulled them out of the case the corners were starting to curl off the glass because the fit of the foam in the case is tight.

9) Be aware that until you get the hang of it it is pretty easy to mar the side of the knifes, that does not really hurt them but if appearance is critical make sure you have some experience.

Suggestions:

1) The thumb wheel locking nuts for the precision guide rods should be larger and perhaps finer thread.

2) Given that the case for the ProPack III comes with slots for a lot more stones (that you may want) the kit should include a coupon for a really good discount on stones.

3) Figure out a better way to store the stone in #8 above so the paper is not curled off by placing it into the case.

Conclusion:

Would I get it again? Probably, because I have a lot of really good knifes that I can enjoy more and use better if they are sharp.

Recommendation:

If you are thinking about one find a few medium quality knifes to break in the stones and to practice on. Don't start out with your best knife.

 

[jojotheclown]

I considered the wicked edge system, but ended up with a KME, partially due to cost. The KME will get knives just as sharp (I mean absurdly sharp) and can easily put on a fine mirror polished edge, but only costs roughly $200. For my use, I don't need any more than that.

 

[MOUNTIC]

That's for your observations. I have had one for a while. I will say that with the diamond stones you can really take a lot of metal off in a hurry. I found that putting almost no pressure on the knife with the stone gives best results. These WE systems make the knives hair popping sharp even at the 600 grit. I have the stones all the way through the ceramic ones and usually don't do anything more then the 800s on most working knives.

 

[Derek200]

I wish they designed the stone holders and stones with a little tighter tolerance. When I switch sides from say the 400 to the 600. The angle changes. That really bugs me and means that the angle is never really accurate.

Also it seems like when you use the big lever to change angles. It doesn’t move both sides uniformly. Or the knife isn’t centered maybe?

But. Despite all of that. Super sharp knives

 

[Ghilly]

My buddy has the wicked edge full kit and sharpens all my stuff. I have always sharpened my own stuff on diamond stone with great results (I thought) until he wanted to sharpen one of my knives. Now he does all my sharpening and he loves doing it. When they say wicked sharp they are not kidding. He shaves hairs with his blades. I dont mean shaves hair off his arm I mean he takes a single hair and shaves off that. Its crazy sharp!!!

 

[ebnash]

I love my Wicked Edge setup and used to go to full polish on all my edges. I found, however, that if your going to use the knife for daily applications, it much better with a 600-800 grit so you have some tooth to the edge.

My only complaint is that the clamping system needs accessories to deal with different knife sizes and shapes to get a solid plumb repeatable clamp. I find I have difficulty replicating previous clamping, so I have a hard time using the system for touch ups. I almost always end up re-profiling.

For clarification, I've had mine for years so I do not have the Pro Pack 3. I think all in all, I spent about $400-500 on all my hardware about 5 years ago and that including some diamond/ceramic stones and multiple strops.

 

[Chris399]

I have a gen 3 also, bought it when it first came out a few years back. At the same time, I bought a digital inclinometer (magnetic) whish I use to equal out the angle on the round bars before I start a session. I only have up through 1000 grit, but it will polish an edge and it is stupid sharp. I use a thin piece of leather on either side of the blade where it clamps into the vice, just to keep it from marring the finish.

 

[jojotheclown]

My buddy has the wicked edge full kit and sharpens all my stuff. I have always sharpened my own stuff on diamond stone with great results (I thought) until he wanted to sharpen one of my knives. Now he does all my sharpening and he loves doing it. When they say wicked sharp they are not kidding. He shaves hairs with his blades. I dont mean shaves hair off his arm I mean he takes a single hair and shaves off that. Its crazy sharp!!!

Yeah with the Wicked Edge or KME sharpeners you can get a knife so sharp it will whittle a hair. They are both great systems.

 

[Derek200]

Keep thinking someone should make a wicked edge knife. That has two holes in thick of the blade to mount knife in the vise the same every time.

 

[steve123]

My mother has some Shun kitchen knives, the inside layer is a very hard steel like a Samurai sword, it's really almost unbelievable how sharp they'll get with the W.E.! Poor Mom cut herself deep even though I warned her and showed her how sharp they were??!!

My only complaint is they should have made the part that holds the knife wider. Mine used hex screws so I can tighten mine tight no problem.

By the time I get to 1200 grit I go up and with the edge of the blade, not into it like I do with the courser grits, that makes a difference. Also I clean the blade after each progression in grit.