I would definitely get some to cover my strops as well instead of a plastic bag

So far I am liking it. It sharpened up quick and took a really good edge. I am not too sure about the stonewashed finish though, but that's cosmetic I can deal with it. I got the random task II and with the thin edge it slices and cuts effortlessly, even if all I am doing is cutting the plastic holding 6 pack soda bottles so I can get me one. I have it in my edc rotation with my 2 D2 benchmades. It will be interesting to see how it compares as far as edge holding.

Completely dumb newbie question, what's the benefit of looking at the edge through a loupe?

Looks great, maybe you should send it as a suggestion to benchmade. The bone collectors are almost like the original sheepfoot bladed flat ground griptilian blades which I like better than the hollow ground ones they make now. I don't see any reason why they can't make the drop point blade like on the 551 but with a hole for the bc line. I know I would be standing in line to get one if bm did offer a blade like that.

How does this steel compare to other blade steels like 154cm, 440c, AUS-8, etc? I just bought a Kershaw with this blade steel and I am curious about it. I figure it's a pretty good steel from looking at the make up of it just haven't had any knives with it before.

Looks great, makes me wish I had waited a little while longer before I got my own case. I do think the base should be centered to make carrying it easier, balance it out better. Unless the weight of everything else can balance out the weight of the base.

I sharpened a couple of my D2 blades to 17 and 18 degrees per side and haven't had any issues. I just matched it to the bevels I had and haven't experimented with thinner edges since they cut great at the angle they are at right now.

I also just sharpened my BM 940, it had been sharpened several times before with my previous sharpener and matching the angles on my weps it came out to 21 per side with it clamped at b.5 in the top holes. I also took the thumbstud out. I clamped it more towards the handle by the flat spot on the blade for a more secure hold because of the way the back of the blade is ground.

Looks good.

Ok, sounds like I'll have to strop the edges until I get my 1k stone broken in enough. Thanks for the help. I am sure I'll have more questions as time goes on.

I haven't broken out my strops yet, I want to see what I get with just the diamonds once they start to break in. I also can't decide which knife to use the strops on, I have D2, 154cm, and 440c griptilians. Would any of those steels benefit more than the others if I used the strops and sharpened them to about the same sharpness?

I am up to my 5th knife sharpened, with a couple done twice, and am seeing a difference in sharpness. My question is will the 1000 grit diamond eventually result in a hair shaving edge? The last 2 knives I did will cut a few hairs but not cut a bare spot, but the edge going by feeling it feels like it should pop the hairs. I am hoping my stones just need a bit more break in as I like a bit of a toothy edge but still fine enough to shave my arm hair.

Those pelican cases look awesome, but what if you have the pro pack 2/ upgraded arms and riser? How much deeper would the case have to be to fit the riser block? I like the idea of such a tough case to protect my WEPS and only want to buy a case one time since I am pretty sure the riser/new arms will be in my future.