Wicked Edge 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Review

A Practical Look at the Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack offers a refined edge for knives, blending the aggression of a working finish with the ability to cleanly slice. Manufactured by Wicked Edge, these stones promise a balance between maintaining micro-serrations and delivering a polished sharpness. They are intended to be a necessary step for achieving a truly professional-level edge, and I was eager to see if they lived up to the hype.

I had been struggling to get a consistent, truly sharp edge on my knives using cheaper sharpening methods. The factory edges were never quite good enough, and my attempts with conventional stones left me wanting more. The promise of a guided system like Wicked Edge, combined with the fine grit of these diamond stones, seemed like the perfect solution to my sharpness woes.

Upon unboxing, the stones felt solid and well-made. The color-coding (orange for 800 grit, grey for 1000 grit) is a thoughtful touch, making it easy to identify them at a glance. They were noticeably smoother to the touch than some of the coarser diamond stones I’ve handled, hinting at the finer finish they’re designed to produce.

I considered other sharpening systems like the Spyderco Sharpmaker and the Lansky Deluxe Sharpening System. However, I chose the Wicked Edge system with these stones because of its precise angle control and the promise of consistent results. The guided system eliminated much of the guesswork of freehand sharpening, and the diamond abrasives offered the speed and durability I was looking for.

My first impression was excitement tempered with a bit of apprehension. I was eager to see if these stones could truly transform my knives, but also a little worried about the learning curve associated with a guided system. Ultimately, my initial feeling was that this was a worthwhile investment in achieving professional-level sharpness.

Real-World Testing: Putting Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack in my workshop, focusing on a variety of knives from my collection. This included a hunting knife, a few everyday carry (EDC) folders, and a kitchen knife. The controlled environment allowed me to focus on technique and observe the edge refinement closely.

The stones performed well in the relatively clean environment of my shop. I focused on consistent pressure and stroke count for each knife. The 800-grit stone quickly refined the edges, removing any remaining burrs from previous sharpening steps.

The guided system made it easy to maintain a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process. There was a noticeable improvement in the sharpness and smoothness of the cut after using both the 800 and 1000 grit stones. The knives glided through paper with minimal effort.

Initially, I found myself wanting to apply more pressure, but quickly realized that letting the diamond abrasives do the work yielded better results. The stones cut more efficiently than I expected and I didn’t notice much of a “break in” period with the sharpening process.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, the Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack continues to deliver excellent results. I’ve sharpened approximately 30 knives of varying steel types, and the stones show minimal signs of wear. They still cut effectively and maintain their flatness.

The stones have proven to be quite durable. Despite accidental bumps and occasional drops (onto a padded surface, thankfully!), they haven’t chipped or cracked. The diamond abrasives seem to be securely bonded to the stone substrate.

Maintenance is incredibly simple: a quick scrub with warm water and dish soap after each use is all it takes to keep them clean and performing optimally. I haven’t noticed any clogging or build-up of metal swarf.

These stones outperform my previous sharpening methods by a significant margin. The guided system eliminates the inconsistency inherent in freehand sharpening, and the diamond abrasives offer a level of speed and precision that I couldn’t achieve before. The edges are consistently sharper, more refined, and longer-lasting.

Breaking Down the Features of Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack

Specifications

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack consists of two stones: one 800-grit (orange) and one 1000-grit (grey). These stones are designed for fine finishing and polishing edges. The abrasive material is diamond, known for its exceptional hardness and cutting ability.

The stones are intended for use with the Wicked Edge sharpening system. This system allows for precise angle control and consistent results. The 800-grit stone is ideal for refining edges after using coarser stones, while the 1000-grit stone provides a final polish for a razor-sharp finish. This two-step process ensures a keen and durable edge.

These specifications matter because they directly impact the sharpness and longevity of the knife’s edge. The diamond abrasive ensures efficient material removal, while the fine grit ensures a smooth, polished finish. The compatibility with the Wicked Edge system provides consistent angle control, which is essential for creating a truly sharp and durable edge.

Performance & Functionality

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack excels at refining and polishing knife edges. The 800-grit stone effectively removes any remaining burrs or scratches from previous sharpening stages, creating a clean, consistent bevel. The 1000-grit stone then further refines the edge, resulting in a razor-sharp finish.

The stones’ key strengths are their speed, precision, and ease of use within the Wicked Edge system. The diamond abrasives cut quickly and efficiently, while the guided system ensures consistent angle control. The main weakness might be the cost, as the stones require a compatible Wicked Edge system to be fully utilized.

These stones meet and exceed my expectations for fine finishing. The edges they produce are consistently sharper and more refined than anything I could achieve with previous methods. The knives effortlessly slice through paper, cardboard, and other materials.

Design & Ergonomics

The stones themselves are simple and functional in design. The color-coding is a nice touch, making it easy to distinguish between the 800 and 1000 grit stones. The stones are perfectly flat and uniform, ensuring even contact with the knife’s edge.

The stones are designed to be used within the Wicked Edge system, and are not really intended for freehand use. The learning curve associated with the Wicked Edge system is relatively minimal, especially with the aid of online tutorials and videos. The system itself is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, these stones should last for hundreds of sharpenings if properly maintained. Wicked Edge estimates an average lifespan of 700 sharpenings, which seems realistic based on the minimal wear I’ve observed. The diamond abrasives are incredibly durable, and the stone substrate is resistant to chipping and cracking.

Maintaining the stones is simple: wash with soap and water, dry thoroughly and store. Occasional cleaning with a dedicated diamond stone cleaning solution may also extend the life of the stones.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack doesn’t come with any accessories, as it’s intended to be used within the Wicked Edge system. There are no customization options specific to the stones themselves.

The stones are compatible with all Wicked Edge sharpening systems. This allows users to mix and match stones of different grits and materials to achieve their desired edge. There are also a variety of accessories available for the Wicked Edge system, such as low angle adapters, vise extensions, and scissor attachments.

Pros and Cons of Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack

Who Should Buy Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack?

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack is perfect for knife enthusiasts, chefs, hunters, and anyone who demands a consistently sharp and refined edge on their knives. It is also suitable for those who are willing to invest in a high-quality sharpening system and learn the proper techniques. It will also benifit survivalists who need to resharpen in the field.

This product might not be ideal for casual users who only occasionally sharpen their knives or those who are not willing to invest in the Wicked Edge system. Also, those who prefer freehand sharpening methods may not appreciate the guided system.

A must-have accessory is the Wicked Edge sharpening system itself. Other useful accessories include a strop with polishing compound for achieving an even finer edge and a digital angle gauge for ensuring precise angle settings.

Conclusion on Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack

The Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack is a worthwhile investment for anyone seeking a professional-level edge on their knives. The diamond abrasives cut quickly and efficiently, while the Wicked Edge system ensures consistent angle control and repeatable results.

The price is justified by the exceptional performance, durability, and ease of use. While the initial investment may be higher than other sharpening methods, the long-term benefits of sharper, longer-lasting edges outweigh the cost.

I would personally recommend the Wicked Edge Premium 800/1000 Grit Diamond Stones Pack to anyone who is serious about knife sharpening. If you are looking for a system that can consistently deliver razor-sharp edges with minimal effort, this is the one to buy. Invest in the Wicked Edge system and these stones, and experience the joy of truly sharp knives!