Edge Pro Apex Model 4 Knife Sharpening Kit

Have always used freehand on stones or the Lansky system. I sharpend four knives since getting this last week--two being touchups, and two being total re profiling. Most people probably just interested in knowing how this compares to the methods just mentioned so will give my two cents. Have done my own sharpening for a decade or so. Freehand is an acquired skill you learn by doing so it is the least forgiving of error. It can also be the most frustrating but you can do things that are difficult with a fixed, rigid system. As far as the various small clamp-based systems like Lansky, you can pretty much achieve the same results with the right stones as with the Edge Pro, but the latter is more refined and allows more options for angles--you can pretty much set whatever angle you want whereas the clamps usually have 3-4 slots. Biggest drawback of clamp systems like Lansky is that you can get uneven edge grinds if the blade isn't clamped in with perfect symmetry. Its easy to over tighten and cause the blade to move out of alignment with the horizontal and applying too much pressure while sharpening can also shift the blade in the clamp. Also, as stones wear down, moving from one to the next can produce variations as you really are limited in setting the angles outside of the slot. Uneven grinds are common over time if you aren't careful. But with that being said, you're not really doing anything with the edge pro you can't with the Lansky. The EdgePro offers longer and wider stones, which means less passes. Quality of stones is similar to other systems I have used. You also have to slow down with the EdgePro so you are more careful with the strokes. Overall, the EdgePro produces better results in terms of fine details but the Lansky is more easy and efficient to work with and sharpening takes less time. The more time you put into the EdePro, the better the results. If you just want to do touch-ups on the fly, the Edge Pro system probably isn't worth it. Also, a novice to sharpening might get a bit frustrated with the setup. Everyone else would likely benefit from adding this to their routine. You can fine-tune your sharpening in ways you cant with a clamp system. I knocked off a point as IMO it is a bit over-priced for what you are getting in terms of materials--IMO, of course. Everything is built fine but its basically just a plastic stand with a couple of metal rods and clamps and a few stones. But the market pretty much dictates the price so thats kind of moot. Overall, a very nice product but a bit pricey.