As I mentioned in my first post I was a knifemaker for 5 years, and was even featured in Blade magazine once. But then I had a table saw accident (opened up my left thumb and first finger) and after that just didn't feel like making knives anymore. Of course now, a couple of years later, I wouldn't mind making a knife or two but I sold my equipment! So someone suggested I get into sharpening and that led me to order a WEPS.

I love guns too and especially 1911's. My carry gun is a Kimber Compact CDP - love those 4" guns. Knives I have lots what with customs, tons of Case and then Benchmade, Emerson, Strider and all the wife's Kershaws. Should have lots to practice on when the WEPS gets here!

Don
We have a few things in common, I also like the model 1911, got my first one while I was in the Navy in 1968. Currently I still own three. Wilson CQB compact, Ed Brown Kobra Carry and a Les Baer PII. I have a few benchmade folders and just picked up a Kershaw skyline. I also dabbled in knife making but ran out of interest and gave my forge, anvil, and tools to a good friend, I did keep my Burr King grinder.

Welcome to the forum
Lucky

Lucky,

That was a smart move keeping the Burr King. I got rid of my Bader B3 and really regret it now. I took orders and got way behind before - now I'd just make 'em at my own pace and then sell 'em.

Nice 1911's you have! I have 7 but nothing as nice as those, although I do have a Spingfield Mil-Spec being turned into a custom. Should be done one of these years.

Hi All,

My name is Chris, I just turned 56 and after ordering the Pro pack on August 8, I received my WEPS on Friday after Thanksgiving – worked out to be a great birthday present for me! I’m a mechanical engineer and amateur knife maker. I took a blade making course from a Master Smith named Rob Hudson almost 10 years ago and I’ve dabbled since then. My avatar photo is a knife I made from a 1” ball bearing with 5211 steel. Finally bought my own forge a year ago, which I’ve not used yet as I’m rebuilding the blower. Recreational shooter as well, I love my Gold Cup .45 as well as sporting clays. EDC’s include a Benchmade McHenry & Williams, a CRKT Lake Design, and for dressy occasions an old Gerber Silver Knight, of which I’ve managed to accumulate several from strategic eBay buys.

Always had knives, always had mixed success with sharpening. Had been looking for something “systematic” with more precision, and my 17 yo son turned me on to the WEPS. He’s got the knife bug as well. After one quick look at the video, I ordered it. Yesterday evening I had my Zen moment with the WEPS. Took a 6” Henkels kitchen slicer which I’ve never been able to sharpen well. Had it for probably 10 years. Put some mellow tunes on in my basement shop. Nuked the factory bevel and edge with 100 grit and went with 19 degrees. Did at least 200 strokes in 50-stroke segments, and very carefully observed the edge using a sharpie. The knife is fairly flexible, so I took extra care on the tip, which had a tendency to bend away from the stone(s) even though I had it in the support. After 200 strokes, I went for the wire edge and very carefully made sure I had it full length before going to finer grit.

Lather, rinse, repeat, with 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 grits, and then on to the 5 and 3.5 micron strops. Probably did closer to 300 strokes with the strops. Carefully wiped the edge between segments and between grits and re-sharpied. No rush, took my time with everything. I knew I was on to something, as they say, as by about 800 grit, the paper towel I was using to wipe the edge would tend to get sliced, not like cutting paper, but like skinning an apple, if you understand.

So finally after the 3.5, I unclamped the blade and did the thumb test, across my fingerprint. (I’d resisted doing this during the other grits.) Wow….just simply wow. Then I tried shaving my arm. Effortless, like a straight razor. Incredible. Went upstairs and found a very soft tomato. Paper thin slices.

That’s it, I’m good with this, I’m very good with having made this investment. One small thing has latched into place in the world’s gears. I slept well last night!

Chris, welcome to the WEPS. I am 2 weeks into my WEPS journey myself. It is very gratifying doing a good job sharpening a tool so you can do a good job at something else.. I tend to spend alot of time on kitchen items, as I suspect most of my sharpening for others will be kitchen knives, and pocket knives. The hunters and sportsmen will be another. It would be nice to pay off the WEPS in a coffee or lunch here and there from a friend whom I have sharpened knives for, so I can mentally justify buying sets of Chosera's and Shaptons.

Hi Chris!
First off let me welcome you aboard the good ship Wicked Edge!
I love your description of your first sharpening experience with the WEPS. Very well done my friend. Interesting that you referred to your first try as a Zen moment as that is the way I feel ever since I got the hang of using this rig. Although much of the sharpening is looked after by the fine engineering of the WEPS, there is much to be said about tuning-in with all your senses as you work. This Zen-like tuning-in leads to better and sharper edges IMHO!
Once more Chris, job well done! Put up some shots of your knife if you can swing it!

Very best regards

Leo