Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener Review

First Impressions of Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener promises precision sharpening in a compact, portable package, making it appealing to both beginners and seasoned knife enthusiasts. Wicked Edge aims to deliver professional-level results without the complexities of freehand sharpening.

For years, I’ve relied on a combination of whetstones and guided systems, struggling to maintain consistent angles on my extensive collection of outdoor and tactical knives. I was looking for a sharpening system that offered repeatable accuracy and ease of use, while also being compact enough to throw in my pack for extended trips.

Upon unboxing the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener, I was immediately impressed by its solid aluminum construction. The unit felt substantial and well-made, indicating a focus on durability. The redesigned vise, which is a key feature for accommodating various blade shapes, seemed robust and easy to adjust. My initial reaction was one of cautious optimism; could this little device truly deliver the razor-sharp edges I crave?

I considered other sharpening systems like the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition and the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker, but ultimately chose the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener because of its precise angle control and compact design. The Ken Onion Edition is great for reprofiling, but lacks the fine control I wanted, and the Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is excellent for touch-ups but not for more significant sharpening tasks. I was excited to see if the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener would live up to the hype and finally solve my sharpening woes.


Real-World Testing: Putting Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener in my workshop, focusing on a few of my most-used knives: a Benchmade folding knife, a Fallkniven fixed blade, and a kitchen knife with a distal taper. I wanted to see how the redesigned vise would handle different blade geometries.

The sharpening process was surprisingly intuitive. The angle adjustment was straightforward, and clamping the knives in the vise was simple, even with the tapered kitchen knife. The diamond lapping stones quickly removed material, and I found myself achieving a consistent, sharp edge in a relatively short amount of time. After the first use, I was impressed with the results but also recognized there was a learning curve to master the technique fully.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener continues to impress. It’s become an indispensable tool in my workshop.

The sharpener shows no signs of wear and tear. The aluminum construction has proven to be incredibly durable. Maintenance is simple: I just wipe down the vise and stones with a clean cloth after each use. Compared to my previous experience with whetstones, the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener offers far more consistent results and requires less skill.

Breaking Down the Features of Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener

Specifications

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener boasts several key specifications that contribute to its performance. The sharpener is constructed from Aluminum, ensuring durability and stability during use. It utilizes Diamond lapping stones for efficient material removal and precise edge refinement.

The unit has a Length of 8.75 inches, making it compact and portable. The Quantity is one complete sharpening system per purchase. These specifications translate to a system that is both robust and easy to transport, suitable for use in the field or at home.

Performance & Functionality

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener excels at its primary function: sharpening knives to a razor-sharp edge. The precise angle control ensures consistent results, and the diamond lapping stones quickly and efficiently remove material.

The redesigned vise effectively accommodates a wide range of blade shapes, including those with full flat grinds and distal tapers. While the system is relatively easy to use, mastering the finer points of the sharpening process takes practice. Overall, the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener meets and even exceeds expectations for a guided sharpening system in its price range.

Design & Ergonomics

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener features a well-thought-out design that prioritizes functionality and ease of use. The Aluminum construction provides a solid and stable base for sharpening. The unit is compact and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport.

The angle adjustment mechanism is intuitive and allows for precise control over the sharpening angle. While there is a learning curve, the system is generally user-friendly, especially compared to freehand sharpening methods.

Durability & Maintenance

Given its Aluminum construction, the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener is built to last. The vise feels robust and should withstand years of use.

The diamond lapping stones are also durable and should maintain their abrasive properties for a long time. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning with a cloth and possibly a honing solution for the stones.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener comes with the basic components needed for sharpening. This includes the sharpener itself, a set of diamond lapping stones (likely in a medium grit for initial sharpening and a fine grit for polishing), and a C-clamp for securing the unit to a work surface.

The pre-drilled holes in the base also allow for direct mounting to a bench or other stable surface. While the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener doesn’t offer extensive customization options in terms of the sharpener itself, users can purchase additional lapping stones in various grits to further refine their edges.

Pros and Cons of Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener

Pros

    • Precise Angle Control: Ensures consistent and repeatable sharpening results.
    • Durable Construction: The Aluminum build ensures long-lasting performance.
    • Compact and Portable: Easy to store and transport for on-the-go sharpening.
    • Redesigned Vise: Accommodates a wide range of blade shapes, including those with distal tapers.
    • Relatively Easy to Use: Offers a guided sharpening experience, simplifying the process compared to freehand methods.

Cons

    • Relatively High Price: It is a significant investment compared to simpler sharpening tools.
    • Learning Curve: Mastering the technique for optimal results takes practice.
    • Limited Customization: Offers fewer customization options compared to higher-end Wicked Edge systems.


Who Should Buy Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener?

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener is perfect for knife enthusiasts who want to achieve professional-level sharpening results without the steep learning curve of freehand methods. It’s also well-suited for outdoor enthusiasts, hunters, and tactical gear specialists who need a portable and reliable sharpening system for maintaining their knives in the field.

Those who are just starting out with knife sharpening or who have struggled with traditional methods will find the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener particularly helpful. This product is not for those who are comfortable with freehand sharpening or who only need occasional touch-ups. A basic honing steel might suffice for those users.

A must-have accessory would be a set of finer grit diamond lapping stones for achieving a truly polished and refined edge.

Conclusion on Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener

The Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener delivers on its promise of precision sharpening in a compact and portable package. Its Aluminum construction, precise angle control, and redesigned vise make it a valuable tool for any knife enthusiast.

While the price is relatively high, the quality and performance justify the investment for those seeking a consistent and reliable sharpening system. I would personally recommend the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener to anyone looking to take their knife sharpening skills to the next level. If you’re tired of struggling with inconsistent edges, it’s time to upgrade to the Wicked Edge GO – WE60 Knife Sharpener and experience the difference a truly sharp knife can make.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top