I actually just noticed this with mine as well. I've been very careful to baby this item, and to follow the instructions to a T. I've actually had a couple knives fall out of the vice, and never really achieved a grip where I would have felt comfortable lifting the entire unit by the knife. I've only used it a handful of times, likely less than fifteen; should I contact Clay?

I wanted to wait until all was said and done to post this, which it is now, so here's where we stand:

After a few days of not hearing back from him regarding the status of my "compensation pack", I received an email stating that my base and compensation items had been shipped, with a tracking number, and that my payment had been refunded in full.

Today I did receive the package, and the payment was refunded.

All is good for me. Anyone else have any updates?

After responding to Mike's offer, I hadn't heard anything from him, so I sent him a message yesterday asking when I should expect my items to arrive. Much to my surprise (ha), I have yet to hear back from him. I'll give it another 24 hours before I consider myself robbed.

Has anyone received their items, or had any other contact with him?

I received an email from Mike at Best Sharpening Stones apologizing for the poor customer service, and offering to make it right. I've sent him my response, so hopefully he'll follow through. I'll definitely keep you guys posted either way.

That's what I'm saying. The lack of communication is what is killing me. I feel like I've been scammed. At least send my base!

I recently placed an order with these guys, and after two weeks have yet to see my order (1200/1600grit paddles and a quartzstone base, both listed as "In Stock", and they had advertised same day, 2-3 day shipping).

I've made several attempts at contact, including email and phone calls, but have received no response. When I asked the answering service, who couldn't give me information on my order, when someone who could provide that information would be in, they said they didn't know.

Double-U Tee Eff?

Has anyone had any experience with these guys? Any of these problems? I'm filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau as we speak (type, heh).

Pushed the collar (almost) directly against the base and put depth key in the top notch.

I think my problem was that I had it on too extreme of an angle. I had tried to put an 11 degree angle on it I now have a nice double bevel of 11/15 haha. I did follow your advice for the 15 degree angle, and it worked like a charm. Thanks for the advice! Now to achieve that mirror edge... come on pay day!

Hello everyone, I just received the WE as a Christmas gift, and it seems pretty awesome. However, I cannot for the life of me raise a burr! I start with the 100 grit paddles, and work my way up. I would think that by the time I reach the 1000 grit paddles that I should be able to slice through paper fairly easily, however, this is not the case.
I've spent a significant amount of time on the 100 grit and never get a burr. I'm talking 100+ strokes per side (using alternating strokes, the picking on one side at a time). I've had this problem with 4 chef knives; 3 cheapies and a Kikuichi TKC (not a cheapie). I just seem to grind metal away without ever producing a burr. Prior to the WE purchase I've had significant experience sharpening on normal stones, and have never had a problem raising a burr and achieving a paper-melting edge with the aforementioned knives.

Any ideas as to why the heck this is happening?