Let’s Dive into Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
The Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack promises to be a game-changer for those of us who demand precision sharpening. Manufactured by Wicked Edge, these diamond stones are designed for aggressive material removal, making them ideal for reprofiling damaged blades or establishing initial bevels on new knives. The promise of quick metal removal, however, also demands careful and controlled application.
I’ve accumulated a small mountain of neglected blades over the years; some from hard use in the field and others from questionable factory edges. I needed a reliable system to bring these blades back to life and I was looking for something faster and more precise than traditional whetstones alone could offer. The Wicked Edge system, with its guided angle control, seemed like the perfect solution, and the coarse/medium grit diamond stones are essential for addressing significant damage.
Unboxing the stones, my first impression was one of solid, no-nonsense construction. They feel substantial in hand, and the diamond grit appears evenly distributed across the surface. The orange, red, and grey color-coding is also a nice touch that helps with quick identification.
Compared to using standalone diamond sharpening plates or freehand methods, the Wicked Edge system offers significantly more control and repeatability. Other systems I considered lacked the guided precision of the Wicked Edge, or didn’t offer the aggressive cutting power of diamond stones at these grits. My initial reaction is excitement mixed with a healthy dose of respect for the tool’s capabilities; these aren’t for the faint of heart.
Real-World Testing: Putting Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test subject was an old survival knife with a severely rolled edge and several small chips. I set up my Wicked Edge system in my workshop, using a stable table and good lighting. The 100-grit stone made incredibly short work of removing the damaged steel.
The 100 grit aggressively smoothed out the chips, and I could feel and see the steel being removed with each pass. The 200-grit stone then refined the edge, leaving a consistent scratch pattern. One thing I did have to get used to was the speed at which the diamond stones cut; patience and light pressure are key.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the stones have held up remarkably well. There’s no noticeable degradation in their cutting ability, even after reprofiling several very hard steel blades. Cleaning is simple; a scrub with a brush and some water is usually all it takes to remove any swarf.
Compared to my previous experience with conventional sharpening stones, the Wicked Edge system with these diamond stones is significantly faster and more consistent. It’s empowered me to restore blades I previously thought were beyond repair. I am impressed with how consistently the diamonds cut, and they seem to be very well bonded to the stone surface.
Breaking Down the Features of Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
Specifications
The Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack consists of two pairs of diamond stones. One pair is coarse, with a 100-grit rating, designed for rapid material removal. The other pair is medium, with a 200-grit rating, used for refining the edge after using the coarser stones.
The stones are constructed with diamond particles bonded to a durable substrate. They are color-coded (orange/red/grey) for easy identification. These stones are specifically designed for use with the Wicked Edge sharpening system.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of these stones is to aggressively remove steel to reshape or repair damaged blades. The 100-grit stones are exceptionally effective at reprofiling severely damaged edges and removing chips. The 200-grit stones refine the edge, preparing it for finer sharpening stages.
The stones perform as advertised, removing material quickly and efficiently. The key is to use light pressure and consistent strokes to avoid over-sharpening or damaging the blade. With practice, it’s easy to achieve a consistent and even bevel.
Design & Ergonomics
The stones are designed to fit securely into the Wicked Edge sharpening system. They are lightweight and easy to handle. The color-coding is a helpful design element.
The build quality feels excellent. The diamond particles appear to be firmly bonded to the stone, ensuring long-lasting performance. The stones are also easy to clean, which is essential for maintaining their cutting efficiency.
Durability & Maintenance
Diamond stones are known for their exceptional durability, and these Wicked Edge stones are no exception. With proper care, they should last for years of use. Maintenance is simple, requiring only occasional cleaning with water and a brush.
It’s important to avoid using excessive pressure, which can damage the diamond surface. Storing the stones in a protective case when not in use will also help to prolong their lifespan. These stones will easily outlast most other sharpening media if used correctly.
Accessories and Customization Options
This pack includes the Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones (2 ea) only. They are designed specifically for the Wicked Edge sharpening system and do not require any additional accessories for their intended use. They can be paired with finer grit stones within the Wicked Edge system to achieve a polished, razor-sharp edge.
Pros and Cons of Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
Pros
- Extremely fast metal removal: Ideal for reprofiling damaged blades quickly.
- Consistent bevel creation: When used with the Wicked Edge system, they ensure precise and repeatable results.
- Durable diamond construction: Long-lasting performance with proper care.
- Easy to clean and maintain: Simple maintenance prolongs stone life.
- Color-coded for easy identification: Speeds up the sharpening process.
Cons
- Too aggressive for minor touch-ups; best for significant edge work.
- Requires a Wicked Edge sharpening system; not a standalone product.
Who Should Buy Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack?
This stone pack is perfect for knife makers, blacksmiths, and anyone who regularly works with knives that require significant edge work. It’s also ideal for individuals who have a collection of neglected or damaged blades they want to restore to their former glory. Experienced knife sharpeners who are comfortable with the Wicked Edge system will find these stones to be invaluable.
This product might not be the best choice for someone who only needs to perform minor touch-ups on already sharp knives. Beginners might also find these stones too aggressive and should start with finer grits before moving on to the coarser ones. Casual users who only sharpen their kitchen knives a few times a year may not require the aggressive cutting power of these stones.
To maximize the effectiveness of these stones, consider pairing them with a strop and polishing compound to achieve a truly razor-sharp edge after using the 200-grit stones. A good quality honing oil can also help to keep the stones clean and prevent clogging during use.
Conclusion on Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack
The Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack is a powerful tool for anyone serious about knife sharpening. While the $80.00 price tag might seem steep, the speed, precision, and durability of these stones make them a worthwhile investment. If you already own a Wicked Edge system and regularly need to reprofile or repair damaged blades, these stones are a must-have.
I would definitely recommend this product to experienced knife sharpeners who are looking for a faster and more efficient way to restore damaged blades. The Wicked Edge Coarse 100 Grit / Medium 200 Grit Diamond Stones Pack will help you save time, effort, and frustration. Invest in these stones and bring your knives back to life!