Got my WE base model today and expected the arms to look like the second set (with washers) shown in this video:


The arms look like the first set but seem to have less "play"

A suggestion - add a picture to the website that shows "whats in the box" to reflect what the current parts look like - figure 8/page 12 but an actual digital photo.

Just out of curiosity, did you order through the wicked edge site or did you go the route I initially did and get it on ebay? My base kit also came with the older arms (no washers, pins, etc.). I am thinking the seller had bought up a few and is still going through that older stock. I have since learned my lesson and all the rest of my purchases have been directly through the Wicked Edge site here. I now know I am getting the latest version and the support of all the great people here.
Anyway, I did the washer and screw mods to my arms myself, but since I had all the parts on hand already, it was just a matter of time for me. No expense involved. I did something a little different for the base of the rods where it seems like everyone was/is using a fender washer to keep the paddles from hitting the top of the joint. I just took some 1" self adhesive felt pads, stuck 2 of them together (sticky to sticky), drilled a small hole through them and slide them on the rods. This keeps fillings off the joint and cushions the downstroke as well. It also keeps the rods from dropping to the base when you remove the paddles to the side as the felt pads rest on the cross bar. I can post a pic if you're interested...
Of course, this is what works for me, your solution might be completely different!

I hope this is of some help to you

TedS wrote:


The arms that you describe as the "first set" are how they come, from any of the dealers or WE.
They may now be a slighty tighter fit, but mine were not.

Wicked Edge offers a service to "modify" them for you.
I'm guessing if you were to request this at the time of purchase from "Wicked Edge" only, they may be able to do this before they send the WEPS?

Failing that, it's required to send them in to get done.

The arms are not being modified unless it is requested.
There is no option on the site to add this option to the basket at purchase time.

I would also imagine there will be a cost involved?

Hopefully this thread will add some clarity?

A short comment by Clay here-
The small amount of play from the stock arms is eliminated and if that little bit of play bothers you, then you might consider the Upgrade Kit.
Another option is to send your stock arms in to us for modification which involves the installation of a washer and replacing the pins with screws to tighten up the joint.

wickededgeusa.com/index.php?option=com_k...3&Itemid=63#7173

Perhaps Clay can add something else here, like a cost etc?

Unit came directly from WE. I incorrectly assumed that they would update the stock arms with the washer and screws for all new units or at least add them to the shipment for self install.

I can appreciate charging for the new ball joint arms due to the extra mfg. costs but to ask users to send stock arms to them for small modification (washers and screws) is surely not "user friendly".

TedS wrote:


I guess it's better than saying, "fix them yourself, we can't see any problem with them"?

Welcome to the forum Ted!

Just outta curiosity, did you find a problem with the arms you received, or just bothered because you expected something different? The reason I ask is, most users have had excellent results with the standard arms, I think only a few have needed the pin replaced with the washer/screw modification.

I think because a few we're pretty vocal about the pins, it was perceived as a problem that needed replacing. I'm not sure of the numbers, but I'm guessing that if it was a large number it would be replaced, if for no other reason than it would quickly become time consuming and costly to replace a large number after they're sent.

If you want/can do it yourself, drop them an email... and they'll send a set to you.

I have the screws, but have yet to replace the pins, they've been working great for me. (I also have the new ball joints, but still trade off with the original arms.)

Hope this helps. Clay pays attention to threads like these, so posting your initial thoughts I'm sure is helpful.

cbwx34 wrote:


Here is a good read for you cbw.
TOPIC: Linkage play--your technique for consistency?
wickededgeusa.com/index.php?option=com_k...d=1888&Itemid=63

wickededgeusa.com/index.php?option=com_k...0&Itemid=63#3471

It seems most topics keep coming around again on here.
I'll keep searching.

Are you counting only the ones that were sent in to Clay?

cbwx34 wrote:
Thanks for the welcome.

Don't know if I have a problem yet because I don't know if diamonds are "broken in" after working on two
knives which are not as sharp as I expected. I also did not see anything in faq or wiki that provides an estimate of the number of strokes needed to complete the "break in" period.

One BIG concern I have is if an experienced user like jdavis882 had a problem with the original arms, how is a rookie like me supposed to get great results.

One of the main reasons I chose WE over Edgepro is jdavis992's honest evaluations with the WE shortcomings and improvements.

Yes, he has me fired up a bit suggesting I'm one of only a few also.

I might get a list together from posts here on this forum.
See how many is a few!

Ted....

Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure there is, or could be an estimate of when the stones are broken in... a majority of it occurs after a couple of knives get a good sharpening... but they'll still continue to improve over time, especially the finer stones. Maybe after a couple more knives, if you're still not getting what you expect, you can give some specifics to help figure it out. There's also some other variables, like how much you spend at each level, etc., that you'll get more comfortable with as you go.

Chris,

Sorry you're all fired up!!