Edgepro stones : how do they compare ?

[Petyot]

Since I will receive my Hattori HD in a few days, I am planning to get the Apex Edgepro sharpener.

Problem is that they are talking about stones (600, 320, 220, 180 & 120 grits) with a different classification than what we usually read here (1000, 4000...).

Question is : how do they compare ? Is the 600 grits similar to 8000 for a japanese wet stone ?

Some explanation are needed [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Thanks for your help !!

Petyot

[Fred]

Japanese waterstones and the stones on the Edgpro use different numbering systems. They aren't comparable number for number. In the Edgepro system think of 120 as coarse, 180 to 220 as medium, 360 to 600 as fine and the tapes as finishing.

[Grouch]

By using the tapes as well as 3M adhesive abrasive you can extend the grit size out to ~12k.

[SeanSD]

I'd love to hear your first impressions on the HD. Its in the running for my first "real" knife purchase.

SeanSD

[Petyot]

Hi SeanSD,

Go for it, you won't regret it!! It's really an amazing knife. This was my first Japanese knife and I am really in love with it.

I already had a good collection of European knife but nothing compare to the Hattori. My daily knife was a Henkels Fivestar Santoku and I was happy with it until the day I took the Hattori in my hand. What a difference !! So much sharper, better finished, much nicer !! It’s like if I was driving a Ford Focus for so many years and know I am driving a Porsche !

The Henkels Santoku will become my “Deba” for fish and chicken and I will most certainly get a Honesuki and a Sujihiki to complete my collection of Japanese knifes. The edge of the Hattori is really amazing, nothing to compare with the edge of my Henkels.

The part that scared me a little is the sharpening job I will have to do with this knife. I am used to my ChefChoice 110 for all my knife and I will have to learn a completely knew technique of sharpening with wet stone. I think that I will start with the EdgePro to learn the process of sharpening with a wet stone.

Hope this help.

Petyot

[SeanSD]

Thanks, I can't wait to order it!

Sean

[Petyot]

I have just ordered my Apex Edge Pro system. I hope it will help me with this new challenge (sharpening my Hattori). I will start with some cheap kitchen knifes I have.

[SeanSD]

Same here, I ordered a Norton 1000/4000 large combo stone but I'll be practicing on cheap old knives before I even think of touching my new knives to it. I'll be stocking up on painters tape too.

Sean

[Fred]

The Hattori is a pretty knife. To keep from scratching it with the Edgepro do two things. Firstly, change the tape on the base every time you start a sharpening session. I think the unit comes with masking tape. I generally use duct tape. I don't know why, I just do. Secondly be sure to wipe the tape with a cloth every time you turn the blade to work the other side, every time you change grits and every time you start on a new blade. That will prevent scratches. I'm sure you'll like the Edgepro. It does a professional job pretty quickly. Good cooking.