Edge Pal sharpening system, anyone seen/used one?

[jackknifeh]

Has anyone ever used or seen one of these things? Seems interesting. I have no idea where they are made. I bet they aren't made in West Virginia given the language choices on the web site.

http://www.edgepal.com/english-5444885

Jack

[Evil D]

Jack whatdya say we go in together and design our own sharpening system? Seems to me it doesn't really have to work or look good, and we can use any/all of the ideas already out there. Lets build a clamp and guide setup but have it work in a V pattern like the Sharp Maker, and lets call it something catchy like the Professional Original Sharpener (or just POS for short). I think we'll make a fortune don't you?

[Sithus1966]

Swede's, crazy lot. Looks like variations on Lansky/DMT setups and EdgePro. Interesting addition is the bent rod that lets you do a convex edge.

[Evil D]

Ya know, i've thought a lot about convex edges lately, and i really don't see what's so special about them. What exactly are you getting from a convex edge that you don't get with a typical bevel with a micro bevel? Oh, i know you get a nice round smooth transition from the edge to the main grind of the blade, but beyond that i don't see how the edge is any tougher. In fact, if you use an Edge Pro or almost any guide system, you can go so far as to make 3 or 4 different bevels leading up to the edge, and then strop the hell out of that and you'll polish it out to where it's almost a convex. It just seems overly complicated to me.

[JD Spydo]

I've never seen it in any of the knife magazines or trade journals Usually "Tactical Knives" magazine is usually pretty quick to write something up that they think is good in their "KEEN EDGE" part of their magazine.

It is interesting that it has a set up for convex edges. But personally I thought that their website had a lot to be desired. I still don't know where it's made or who markets the tool here in the USA

It is interesting but I want much more information. Also I want to talk to someone who has actually used one of the units.

[jackknifeh]

About the same time I started this thread I emailed the maker of the Edge Pal. He replied and seems like a nice guy. But, (isn't there always a but?) he wants $456.00 for the sharpener with $40 shipping. I'll order two. I'll add 10% and sell one to anyone on the forum. At that price I don't think I'll be accused of trying to sell on the forum.

He makes these things by hand per order. He sent me a MS Word document on the sharpener but I can't open it. My Word is too old. Since he makes them to order you can request changes in what is pictured. Things like stroke length or something. I didn't get details. He mentioned paying through SWIFT/IBAN (I don't know what that is) or (this is the best part) I can put cash in an envelope and mail it. Then he ships the sharpener. He says he does that all the time to customers all over the world and it works good.

For some reason I trust this guy. His email was in broken english which wasn't surprising. It was as if he was thinking about doing business without the thought of any dishonesty on anyone's part. I found it refreshing to have a feeling like that. Isn't that sad?

Jack

[jackknifeh]

Ya know, i've thought a lot about convex edges lately, and i really don't see what's so special about them. What exactly are you getting from a convex edge that you don't get with a typical bevel with a micro bevel? Oh, i know you get a nice round smooth transition from the edge to the main grind of the blade, but beyond that i don't see how the edge is any tougher. In fact, if you use an Edge Pro or almost any guide system, you can go so far as to make 3 or 4 different bevels leading up to the edge, and then strop the hell out of that and you'll polish it out to where it's almost a convex. It just seems overly complicated to me.

I heard a couple of years ago the theory about convex edges compared to one flat bevel. Think of a race car and the aerodynamics of air passing over the car. The car gets less wind resistance if the shape of the car is rounded and smooth instead of several flat surfaces from the bottom of the bumper over the car. I believe that about a car at 200 mph but a knife cutting through a steak? I doubt if the performance is noticed, much less needed. Maybe for harder use tools like hatches, machetes, etc. a convex edge is far better. I've never seen a hatchet or ax that didn't have a convex edge. I never thought about it until recently. Maybe it's easier and costs less to sharpen like that on an assembly line. Who reprofiles their hatchet after buying one? That's a fair question because if anyone in the world would it would be a person that might spend time on a forum like this.

Jack

[chuck_roxas45]

I've also heard that convex edges are more durable because of more metal behind the edge.

[jackknifeh]

I've also heard that convex edges are more durable because of more metal behind the edge.

I've heard that too. But how much additional strength to you need in the edge of a pocket knife? I think it would be determined just as much by the steel the blade is made of than the work being done. The only way I can live with ZDP-189 is to have a high angle edge bevel on the blade. The back bevel can be fairly low but if the edge is lower than 36 deg inclusive I get unacceptable (to me) micro chipping. A convex edge would probably help with that A LOT. But, would it help more than two flat bevels? The edge at 40 and the back bevel at 30 for example? One may be better than the other but for normal EDC knives it's probably not important. What would be more important to me is the difficulty in maintaining the edge if one type is harder than the other. I was asked to touch up an edge that had a convex edge. It was still cutting good but the guy just wanted it to shave hair again. I had to raise the angle to about 25 deg per side on an EP to hit the edge. I touched it up a tiny bit and stropped the edge and it was shaving hairs again but with the very edge at that high of an angle I wondered how well it cut during the day. The owner had been happy with it so I guess it did ok. I don't know exactly what he used it for.

Jack

[Slash]

Same reason I'll never buy edge pro, I'll never buy this. I can get a better edge freehand and for $400+ I would rather have some nice waterstones to play with.

[.357 mag]

Looks like my Grandpa made that in his barn 40 years ago. Not that its a bad thing but cost him about 3 bucks give or take .10 cents if he used balin wire or not.

[chuck_roxas45]

I've heard that too. But how much additional strength to you need in the edge of a pocket knife? I think it would be determined just as much by the steel the blade is made of than the work being done. The only way I can live with ZDP-189 is to have a high angle edge bevel on the blade. The back bevel can be fairly low but if the edge is lower than 36 deg inclusive I get unacceptable (to me) micro chipping. A convex edge would probably help with that A LOT. But, would it help more than two flat bevels? The edge at 40 and the back bevel at 30 for example? One may be better than the other but for normal EDC knives it's probably not important. What would be more important to me is the difficulty in maintaining the edge if one type is harder than the other. I was asked to touch up an edge that had a convex edge. It was still cutting good but the guy just wanted it to shave hair again. I had to raise the angle to about 25 deg per side on an EP to hit the edge. I touched it up a tiny bit and stropped the edge and it was shaving hairs again but with the very edge at that high of an angle I wondered how well it cut during the day. The owner had been happy with it so I guess it did ok. I don't know exactly what he used it for.

Jack

I also hear that convex edges shine on choppers and hard use knives. Not so much on slicers.

[RanCoWeAla]

If you want the best, quickest, easiest most fool proof knife sharpener in the world get you a " WARTHOG CLASSIC ". I don't like any of the V sharpeners because at some point when theblade angle becomes the same as that on the sharpener you bottom out and begin taking the edge off rather than putting on an edge. I've been sharpening knives for fifty years and the Warthog is the only thing I would recommed other than a stone to polish the edge with if you like.

[chuck_roxas45]

If you want the best, quickest, easiest most fool proof knife sharpener in the world get you a " WARTHOG CLASSIC ". I don't like any of the V sharpeners because at some point when theblade angle becomes the same as that on the sharpener you bottom out and begin taking the edge off rather than putting on an edge. I've been sharpening knives for fifty years and the Warthog is the only thing I would recommed other than a stone to polish the edge with if you like.

I'm always wary when someone makes a sweeping declaration on the internet about a personal discovery. Okay, you have the benefit of the doubt. Let's see some sharpening results.

You make statements like that, you should back it up.

[jackknifeh]

I looked a little closer at this sharpener and to make one from scratch would take a lot of knowledge, skill and experience that I don't have. That's not even considering what tools are required and what they cost. Given all of that I'd probably want as much as he does when selling one. Also, the amount of time that goes into it. So, even though I won't get one of these because I already have an EP which I consider a high cost shapener I think this guy did a good job. Since it's made to order it also can be made to fit a person's individual needs. Another good thing.

Same reason I'll never buy edge pro, I'll never buy this. I can get a better edge freehand and for $400+ I would rather have some nice waterstones to play with.

I've sharpened knives all my life just getting them to arm shaving sharp. At that point I was happy and never let down. Now I want sharper (not that I need it). I've had Murray Carter's set of two waterstones on a wish list for about 3 years. I absolutely do NOT need them. I have what I need to get knives sharp. I'd just like to get better at free hand sharpening for fun and a little bit of pride. When I touch up an edge I use Spyderco's fine and UF ceramic stones and strops. I doubt if I'll ever get waterstones because I have a septic tank and don't want all the swarf going down the drain. I know it's only a little compared to the size of a septic tank but it adds up, then the stinky truck has to come to take a couple hundred (a nice knife) away from me. Plus, I'd need to either stand at the sink or build something to hold water that is semi-portable. I guess a small plastic something would work. Wife has cats and has small plastic things for litter boxes. They are about 5" deep. That would work I guess. Then I wouldn't be chained to the kitchen sink. I don't have a workroom with running water, sink, bathroom and big screen TV.

When I started looking at better knives a few years ago I was astonished at the prices. Then I saw what sharpen tools (good ones) cost and was astonished again.

Jack

[chuck_roxas45]

I'd love to be able to sharpen freehand with those pricey waterstones but since I can't, I have to buy an expensive system.