Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener WE120 Sharpening System

Finding it difficult to sharpen your knives? The Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener WE120 makes it so much easier! You can use this system to quickly and - more importantly - accurately sharpen your knives until they are razor-sharp. This sharpening system contains all the parts needed to optimally sharpen each knife. After a bit of practice, it is really simple to use.

First, you need to determine the correct sharpening angle. Then, naturally, sharpen with that sharpening angle. This is where Wicked Edge shows you what it's made of. Wicked Edge's well thought-out system can be set accurately, after which it is impossible to sharpen the wrong way. You follow a fixed and easy reproducible number of actions, and the result is a perfectly sharpened knife.

The Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener WE120

Different models of the Wicked Edge are available. This WE120 is fundamentally similar to the more well-known Pro Pack II. It has a graduated bar of 13 to 35 degrees, sharpening arms with a ball joint and micro-adjustment, raised clamping jaw, depth wrench and Allen keys. The WE120 comes with a basic set of 2 pairs of sharpening stones (100/200 and 400/600). Granite base not included. This is available separately. The WE120 is a relatively inexpensive way to get acquainted with Wicked Edge.

1 Clamp your knife in the Wicked Edge. A 'depth wrench' and ruler ensure that your knife is always clamped in exactly the same place. There are two vertical positions you can choose from. The knife should protrude approximately 15.9 mm (5/8 inch) above the clamp. This means the degree indication of the sharpening angle is correct. A guide to increase clamping stability for long and/or flexible blades is provided. A digital angle meter is available if you want to check the exact angle you are sharpening.

2 Then determine the correct sharpening angle for your knife. There are several ways to determine this. In many cases, the manufacturer provides this information, charts are available with different knives, and of course, there are general guidelines for different types of knives. It's also possible to draw a line on the fold of the blade with a waterproof felt-tip pen and carefully sharpen it slightly with a possible sharpening angle. You will be able to see from the remaining pen line whether the angle is correct or if it needs to be bigger or smaller.

3 Mount the guide bars for the sharpening stones in the correct position for your chosen sharpening angle. The indication is clear and it is perfectly locked. You can then slide the sharpening stones over the guide bars. If your knife is really blunt, start with a coarse sharpening stone as usual to restore the fold of your knife. You then polish your knife with the finer sharpening stones until it's razor-sharp.

4 The next step is the actual sharpening. Slide the sharpening stones over the guide bars. They run really smoothly without losing precision. Both sides have a different grit size and two pieces of each stone are included so you can sharpen both sides of the knife at the same time. You'll be finished before you know it! Whereas other sharpening methods require you to find and maintain the correct sharpening angle throughout, with a Wicked Edge it's impossible to sharpen at the wrong angle. You simply sharpen your knife dry.

5 The finishing touch. Once you've finished sharpening with the desired sharpening stones, you can do a final polish with the Wicked Edge version of the leather strop. Apply a little of the included diamond paste and polish the blade until it really can't get any sharper. It is very important to handle the leather strops with care and not cut into the leather. This can be done by only moving the leather strops upwards. If you stick to that, you can't go wrong. You can also prevent damage to the leather by cleaning the knife so that loose metal parts can't stick to the leather.

If the knife loses some of its sharpness, then clamp your knife into the system and begin your daily maintenance by using your sharpening stone. Because you are doing exactly the same thing over and over again, you'll get great results in no time. With other systems, it takes a lot more experience to get those results.

Want to learn more about the Wicked Edge? Please click here.

Wicked Edge benefits and tips at a glance

Benefits

• Your knife is placed very accurately in the system.
• The sharpening angle is set very precisely and held without any effort.
• There is actually no chance of scratching your blade. A piece of tape could protect the part of the knife that is being clamped. Normally this isn't necessary.
• Your knife gets sharpened very quickly because you can sharpen on both sides at once and automatically use the correct sharpening angle.
• There are dozens of different extra stones and accessories available for sharper, finer and faster sharpening. You can go as far as you want to go with it.

• When attaching the guide bars (especially for the Pro Pack 2), we had to apply a little more pressure the first time. After that, everything worked exactly as intended.
• Note the settings used, so the sharpening angle can remain constant and you can quickly, easily and successfully maintain your knife.
• Use a felt-tip pen to properly see what you are sharpening away.
• Practise with an old knife at first. Firstly, to get skilled in the sharpening method, and secondly to pre-sharpen the diamond sharpening stones. A new sharpening stone removes quite a lot of material. After 5 to 10 knives, the system will work as intended. And the user is an essential part of this system!
• Don't use too much pressure. Lighter is better. Let the sharpening stone do the work, rather than your brute force.
• Take your time getting familiar with the system, especially at the beginning.

• Wicked Edge sharpening system
• 2 heavy guide rods with ball joints for the sharpening stones
• Spacer for sharpening system
• Guide for long and flexible knives
• Depth wrench
• 'Ruler'
• Allen key
• 2x2 sharpening stones,
  grit 100/200
  grit 400/600
  
• Installation material