The Edge Pro Apex 4 Sharpening System: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@BUBBA1J]

Just bought the Edge Pro Apex 4. When looking it up on YT I was happy to see the first hit to be a video from Nick Shabazz. Sort of "seal of approval" thanks for all your great videos!

[@metallyillmark]

Thanks Nick, I just got one of these as an upgrade from my WSPA, I’m going to use it for the first time tomorrow. You made me feel confident in the purchase my friend.

[@John-gm8ty]

Pro tip, you can use a standard kitchen sponge with the green abrasive side with a small amount of washing detergent, and it'll take that embedded material right our of the stone without damaging it what so ever, with a few brisk scrubs. gives a better "cut" as you sharpen if you keep a sponge next to you and wash the stone down after a few strokes. works wonders for me.

[@alicecullotto7530]

John Douglas I'll definitely give that a try thanks!

[@frozenhacks401]

Nick is a dam Gem

[@TorlingJarl]

100% agreed

[@wipeoutking]

"…Pelican cases the size of the ark of the freaking covenant…" LOL.

[@davidw.mcclain257]

I lol'd pretty hard at that too

[@cloneorder6641]

@Bobby Matthias take a long walk off of a short pier

[@onezerooneonezeroone]

Short, sweet and to the point! Love your videos man.

[@DANVIIL]

Sounds like a great endorsement for a great product. If you don't have the time, determination, patience or even the desire to freehand sharpen I think the Edge Pro is the way to go. I bought a similar device in the late 1990s that was made in Australia and it was used by Professional sheep shearers who had to work with a very sharp edge all day. I later got into freehand sharpening with Arkansas Stones, Norton India Stones, Diamonds and finally Japanese Waterstones. The whole key is to sharpen the way the Japanese chefs and sushi chefs sharpen or check out Mr Edgy on youtube. It took me a long time and I've dulled up a couple of good knife edges before I became proficient. It still requires some practice at regular intervals to stay on top of this skill. Good luck with your EP

[@N3wbMa5t3r]

I'm glad you said 600 then 1000. I thought I got ripped off because there was no 800 grit. 💀💀💀

[@williamvan8164]

Great video! Very informative. Thank you.

[@ajimenez618]

I had been holding out for some time. Once I found out these are based out of Hood River, Oregon (my home state), I didn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

[@THeBoZZHoGG]

So I have found that 3M 3350 tape is awesome for knife prep. Actually, bought some for an A/C job and it's worthless for that because it is not foil tape(though it does look like it it is metalized mylar), but for knife prep it is amazing just because of it's excellent waterproof adhesion, toughness, and it is super thin to boot. Oh and it's also easily applied to the blade, and it pays to take it past the blade all the way to the handle for protection of the handle...again, this is not aluminum foil tape it is like metalized mylar and so super thin and easily formed it rocks! win win give it a shot

[@Heikki_Finland]

I started thinking about making my own before you said it. Instead of stones, could make iron bars, heat them so that hot glue can melt on it, then cover it with sand paper using press to set it flat. Easy to replace, just heat again to remove the sand paper. It never goes concave and is cheap.

[@ViktorKitov]

Double sided tape works well for sandpaper :)

[@Sandstorm9562]

I can't help but see Timon from the Lion King when I listen to your reviews🤣

[@perspicacity89]

Just a heads up Nick, if you really like this system, check out the Chosera stones they make for it. They're absolutely AMAZING. They're pretty expensive, especially the 10K, but they're worth every penny. The stones cut extremely well and efficiently. Let me know what you think. :-)

[@NickShabazz]

+perspicacity89 I'm torn between Shapton and Chosera, but I'm on it!

[@blazerbarrel2]

perspicacity89 dč

[@Wall_enjoyer]

Nick Shabazz what one did you pick?

[@stevewelborn8744]

I have been into knives for about 3 years and just now have gotten to were I can sharpen a knife to were it will shave. It is a very good feeling. I have the Lansky guided system and have bought so many accessories for it I am in to deep, but if I started all over I would buy the Edge Pro or Wicked Edge. I think I have 100 dollars in the Lanskey.

[@NickShabazz]

+Steve Welborn Don't underestimate a Lansky. It's effectively doing the same thing as the Edge Pro. If you can use some high-grit sandpapers, you can get really great results. And you're getting good fundamentals. You may be $100 into a Lansky, but that'll get you further than $100 into a Sharpmaker or Pull-through Electric or whatnot. Edge Pro is great, but at the end of the day, it's technique.

[@ynotjf]

Emotional Joy.. you nailed it!

[@michaelkraus4135]

We all have a % of '' LIL BOY'' in us ........STILL !

[@gorilla82]

Sharpening your enemy's knife is a good thing so that it won't hurt as much as a dull jagged edge knife would when they stuck it in your back.

[@Dpaz2009]

underrated comment 😆

[@mitchelldelmar9682]

Note to self: Do not sharpen your enemy's knives. Great advice. Appreciate the recommendation.

[@MrJoshcc600]

I gave up getting good edges long ago when i tried to learn just top discover my shaky hands made it impossible. Then I found out this exists yesterday. Mind blown.

[@vancedyer755]

I can't use a sharpening stone to save my life, unless I use it as a rock up side an attackers head. Any way, I have been looking for a solid sharpening system. I plan to get the Apex 4. Thank you for your review.

[@petergalione9704]

I can't watch your channel anymore. It's gonna send me to the poorhouse. I just ordered one off of amazon.

[@NickShabazz]

+Peter Galione Hey, look on the bright side: Making a home from a cardboard box is a lot easier with a good, sharp knife.

[@doctoruttley]

Same! 😂

[@brianminkc]

I forgot to tell ya.... a couple earth magnets under the edge of the sharpening shelf really helps hold the blade in one spot.

[@DrBlazer50]

How well? I've never owned a sharpener & have no experience. I'm thinking about buying one of these, but I need a way to hold the blade because my left arm is paralyzed. Right now I'm watching some videos and reading some forums trying to see if anyone has any recommendations.

[@jyc2201]

@@DrBlazer50 the blade not being held in place is an advantage of the system, not a detriment. There's a short learning curve to the proper technique but once you get it down - man of man - there's nothing that can beat it.

[@musclegeek1991]

@@jyc2201 I feel like you skipped over the part where the dude has a paralyzed arm

[@FIFTYmil]

Well done on the video! I have a EPA clone myself and made a couple videos but one day I will get the real thing. Quick note: The chinese stones don't fall apart and I've sharpened more than a dozen knives already. However, they don't cut the metal as quickly so in the long run chinese stones are indeed wasting more time. It's still good for practicing though before purchasing a nice set of stones because wrong stroking method could ruin or put unnecessary wear them regardless of the type of stones used

[@NickShabazz]

+FIFTYmil That's good to hear. The problem is that every clone is different, and the materials are seldom consistent. Glad you got lucky, though!

[@dseednorwayn47]

great video mate, I use the lansky system but looking to upgrade. nice informative video mate.

[@NickShabazz]

+dseed norway I had a Lansky, and this is definitely a step up. But don't discount what can be done with your Lansky and some patience and a steady hand. :)

[@dseednorwayn47]

oh I dig the lansky system, I have reprofiled so many edges of that system hehe

[@NickShabazz]

Yep! And if you put some fine-grained sandpaper over the stones, you can get some impressive edges!

[@joshuajacob6402]

This will definitely be one of my future investments. I currently use the Spyderco sharpmaker and what I love about the edgepro and sharpmaker is once you profile the edge on the edgepro like spyderco does which is 30 degrees primary and 20 degrees secondary, you can just maintain your edges with the sharpmaker, which is very convenient.

[@NickShabazz]

+Joshua Jacob Highly recommended, and the synergy with the sharpmaker is very nice indeed! You've just gotta remember that not every knife is going to be happy at those angles, and keep it sane.

[@joshuajacob6402]

+Nick Shabazz I'm sure it will take time to get the feel for using the edgepro down, but after that happens I'm sure getting a razor edge will be easy. I love that feeling when your knife can't even cut paper and by the time your sharpen it, it cuts through paper flawlessly. After watching your videos I decided to touch up my Rat model 1 and give it a spa treatment. Haha good stuff!

[@NickShabazz]

Hah, excellent! And yeah, there's something intensely enjoyable about rehabilitating a worn knife (or scissors, tool).

[@joshuajacob6402]

+Nick Shabazz I heard a common issue with the edgepro apex is on some knives without a flat it can be difficult to keep the angle consistent. Also is it difficult to sharpen a knife with a thumbstud, I hear that a lot from edgepro apex users?

[@NickShabazz]

If there's no flat at all, you can pick another angle and "lay the blade down". But yes, some thumbstud designs, particularly tall studs, make it hard. That's one area the WickedEdge has the advantage.

[@-whiskey-4134]

I kinda suck at sharpening since I’m just learning and do it free hand. I practice on my beater knives (ones that cost between 20-30 bucks), and although I cant get them super sharp, I do it well enough to make all my knives usable after completely dulling them. Something like this would make my life infinitely easier. It would also probably become an addiction and make me switch occupations.

[@joshuaanderson9972]

love your videos man. wish you had more subscribers

[@NickShabazz]

+Joshua Anderson Hah. Well, thanks. Tell your enemies about my videos. That way, if they like them, you've gained a friend, and if they hate them, you've had revenge.

[@joshuaanderson9972]

Hahaha I like that. 👍

[@NickShabazz]

I just hit 200, which is absolutely astounding to me.

[@DavePotokar]

Nick Shabazz damn...watching all your old classics while in worldwide lockdown...love all your stuff...would you ever have imagined gaining 99,300 subscribers in just a short 4 years? Congrats and thank you for all that you do. Love seeing your growth and change in gear over the years. Here's to the next 100K subs!!

[@christiansirnam6286]

Presented by someone resembling a putz. HOWEVER, "Mack the Knife" did provide a minimal amount of useful information to help if considering the purchase of this system versus three water stones (Norton and Shapton, Naniwa, or Suehiro), a stone holder (base) and a flattening stone.

[@hellcatdave1]

Have you sharpened a tanto or recurve with the Edge Pro? If so, you should really post a tutorial on it.

[@paulpatriot1776]

I’ve used this system for 8 years now, only thing I wish it had is a way to clamp blades down while sharpening. I totally agree with you about knives getting better with this tool…. Having a consistent bevel makes a big difference in performance.

[@81ghale]

It's crazy how much you've change your accent since these days. Don't really notice it in real time, I guess I just forgot what you used to sound like lol

[@kerryrwac]

Collins Sharpening in Alberta Canada (he's on FB) uses this system to do amazing edges . He made a custom titanium and brass blade guide insert for it for better accuracy . My ZT 0450 is going to him after it gets re-stone washed and then anodized .

[@MichaelBroschart541]

Do you have a website, email or phone number to get in touch with Collins Sharpening in Alberta?

[@kerryrwac]

[phone] @CollinsSharpeningService Collins Sharpening Service on FB

[@MichaelBroschart541]

Thanks!

[@thomassalter5173]

If this isn't worth the money to you, get a lansky deluxe system for $50 to get into sharpening. With the right patience you can get stupid sharp edges and if you don't need something as advanced is this for just a couple knives, it's great

[@drivingmuffin]

Nice review! Btw, I saw theApostleP give a tip that he picked up a while ago when using this system. He started using the clear packing tape you get at the post office instead of the blue masking tape. It's supposed to last a lot longer, so you won't have to change tape so often. :-)

[@NickShabazz]

+Andris Kompelien ... You may have just changed my life.

[@drivingmuffin]

Nick Shabazz Just a little tip that I thought was worth mentioning, hope it works out!

[@olechuga2]

Sir, an excellent review, and video too.

[@user-pz5ju7mw3k]

Completely new to sharpening.. how would you know which grits to use? Which to start with and when to change?

[@davestelling]

Many KZbin tutorials here for everything you need to know. Gooduck!

[@gonshocks]

Hi Nick, Thanks for the video on this system. I use the KME system which is similar in many ways to the Edge Pro.

[@burntcoffee5175]

Dude! Love your reviews!

[@Doc.Holiday]

The only draw back I see is that every time you reverse the blade to grind the opposite edge one must un-clamp and re-clamp the blade and also take much care to get it back into the exact previous position to maintain the system geometry. Good job Nick!

[@il24ir]

You should change the title to, The Whole Shabazz on The edge Pro Apex 4 Sharpening System

[@n0148813]

Curious what your current sharpening system of choice is? I saw you gifted a kme to Cedric and Ada, just wondering if you have moved on from that. Loving my kme. - I’m putting mirrors on all my knives with it.

[@brycebrown3143]

Is this still the sharpening system you use?

[@notreallydaedalus]

Your voice has changed a bit over the last 6 years!

[@Truth-seeker03]

Great video. Can you tell me if the drill stop collar comes with the system,or did you purchase this separately?..thanks

[@anthonysamra7777]

Great info!

[@alexseedhouse9904]

Nick, which do you prefer the Edge Pro Apex or the KME Diamond Stone Sharpening System? I am looking for a knife sharpening system for dummies/newbies. I am new to sharpening, but have some pretty nice knives that I would like to maintain them and keep them sharp. Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[@garethbaus5471]

If you look at his other videos he seems to prefer the KME. I would suggest a lansky guided sharpener when you are just starting its not as good, but it can give a really good edge when used right and is cheaper.

[@alexseedhouse9904]

Gareth Baus Thanks for the input, much appreciated. I actually just ordered a KME during their Black Friday sale. It will be here tomorrow!! Excited to try it out and get sharpening!

[@garethbaus5471]

@@alexseedhouse9904 hope it turns out well.

[@straightciswhiteguy1584]

@@alexseedhouse9904 i would respectfully disagree with garath... the lansky is a pain in the ass... any sharpening system where you have to hold the thing steady in one hand, and operate with the other is a royal pain in the ass... for that same $35, go buy this one and you'll never need anything other than a new set of stones for the rest of your life... the only other thing i would suggest is buying a set of diamond stones, or a set of 3000,5000,6000 grit stones, both of which won't cost you more than $20 a pop. you don't need top of the line to get a ridiculously sharp edge... trust me. www.ebay.com/itm/5-Gereration-Kitchen-Knife-Sharpener-System-Updapte-Professional-Lansky-Apex-KME/202671569268?_trkparms=aid%3D555021%26algo%3DPL.SIMRVI%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20190610120407%26meid%3D50fc26bee7f04b8cb7568a27170de693%26pid%3D100047%26rk%3D4%26rkt%3D16%26sd%3D202611974192%26itm%3D202671569268&_trksid=p2047675.c100047.m2108

[@bulbhorn]

This is very informative. What is your recommendation for small spaces where this may not work well. I am frequently on a boat where a knife is an essential tool, many of the knives I use on the boat are serrated as well.

[@NickShabazz]

+Jose Casillas Probably a Spyderco Sharpmaker (which can be secured to a table) with the basic set of stones. The Sharpmaker is great for keeping a sharp edge sharp, and deals well with serrations and soft, rustproof steels. You'd still want something a bit more powerful if you need to reprofile, but a sharpmaker would serve you well.

[@mikebonez2one6]

Nick, do you have a business where anyone can send you a knife for you to sharpen? I've tried my hand at a few different devices to get my knives really sharp with fail. I need a professional. I don't want to destroy my Spyderco PM3 in Maxamet. Thanks for any help you can give me.

[@ChefAlexSocci]

FOR ANYONE LOOKING, I recommend going with a Ruixin rx-008 sharpener system for $50. It has a clamp to hold the knife so you don't have to with your other hand, and the stones are decent enough. I would recommend it highly over the edge pro and it fits the higher quality edge pro stones or any other stones designed for it.

[@dalecarpenter8359]

I hand sharpen never been able to use a machine very well ! This machine looks good .but that what I thought about the kme ? I just use the stones . I feel the wire edge with a fingernail ! Works way better than my eye ! I 've always had a natural angle close to 20° . Slightly rounded ! Might try this one it looks like it could work !

[@FrancisRoyCA]

If I buy this in Amazon (Canada), and it crosses the border, the price is $723.54. That's a bit (way too) much. I'd have paid $250 CAD, but I guess I'll have to find some other option.

[@fairdealdave]

loved the video, your a funny guy, you should have a tv show

[@707SonomaComa]

At approx. 7:00 into the video you showed a Spyderco Delica. It has a triangle shaped blade. How do you lay that in the knife sharpener so it is always in the same angle to the stone?

[@nathan164]

this is a good point, although hard to understand at first, do you mean at one end of the blade, if laid flat, would be for example 20 degrees while the other end 23?

[@nedcramdon1306]

Great videos Nick but are you really Dan Naturman?

[@HardcityRaindrops]

I found one on amazon for 255, would you expect that to be fake? Not sure if the price gives it away or what.

[@alexseedhouse9904]

HardCity RainDrops no I’m sure it’s authentic. A good way to know with Amazon is whether or not it is Prime Eligible, if so then it is authentic because Amazon requires you to prove authenticity if you plan to sell through Prime or have your orders fulfilled by Amazon. I’ve had very good experiences by doing it this way, and have purchased knives and other things from them with no problem at all.

[@Bukaj.Alawrak]

What is single stone dimmension ? without aluminium pad only stone ?

[@picnicsinspace198]

i wanted to buy the real edge pro but i am saving for a SLYZ BOWIE :),

[@picnicsinspace198]

hi nick. love ur vids. i just bought the chinese knock-off edge pro cause i cant afford the real one but i was wondering is it possible to find some edge pro stones and use those with it?

[@NickShabazz]

+Jon Wendorff No clue, sorry! I don't know how the knockoffs compare in stone size and whatnot.

[@elsos8711]

You are hilarious! Thanks for the advice..

[@Scotttarlow]

The sharp maker made my SAKs razor sharp... i havent tried sharpening my mnandi though.

[@NickShabazz]

+Scott Tarlow SAKs are nice because their steel is fairly soft and easy to sharpen. The Sharpmaker will have no trouble at all reprofiling and sharpening there. But if you take a higher end steel (like your Mnandi's S35VN), it'll take a lot longer to get the same results.

[@danielducu]

Do You still have/use this system or did you switched to the KME ?

[@agreyindividual7199]

Nick, where do you buy your used knives from?

[@jeremymclaughlin917]

Can anyone tell me where I can buy a replacement for the towel that came with the system? I can't find anything disposable that works quite as well.

[@NickShabazz]

+Jeremy McLaughlin Paper shop towels?

[@basanistes359]

Walmart has a $30 version. Same damn thing.

[@thedrmurchindise]

Doubtful.

[@theprofiler8531]

What power is your jeweler loupe?

[@RiverCityBBQ]

Where can you get the shapton stones that fit the Apex system?

[@anthonywaldrep5982]

www.chefknivestogo.com/edgepro.html

[@JessHull]

whoa I was really expecting this to be like 499 that price is actually really reasonable imo...

[@NickShabazz]

+Jess Hull Its a lot of cash, but it's a great system.

[@Iversonfr1985]

Just a tip: After a lot of search, I ended up buying the Ruixin Sharpener on eBay yesterday. It's chinese, but what isn't nowadays. The Ruixin is U$25, all stainless steel and seems to be sturdier. The extra stones are pretty cheap too. This Edge Pro seems too "plasticky" in my opinion, I don't think it would last too long, and it is reaaally pricey.

[@straightciswhiteguy1584]

$250 for a cheap plastic base, and a couple of aluminum bars that in total, MAYBE costs 64 cents to make... and that's "actually really reasonable" in your opinion? do yourself a favor - as one person below already did - buy the $25 knock off version on ebay, then if you must - go spend $100 on some top of the line stones that will knock the edge pro stock stones out of the park... total cost: probably less than half of the retail price. the ONLY thing you're paying for are the stones... and you can get far better for far cheaper this thing is a complete rip off... as are the vast majority of sharpening systems

[@RayEccleston]

How does this compare to the Lansky Deluxe Diamond system? I just got the Lansky system and was wondering if this is a worthwhile upgrade.

[@NickShabazz]

+Ray Eccleston You can get a stellar edge on a Lansky system. Use the Lansky until you feel like you're at the edge of what's possible, then consider the upgrade!

[@RayEccleston]

Ok thanks! How much better of an edge can I get on the Edge Pro than on the Lansky? I might just buy the Edge Pro now and donate the Lansky to the cabelas that I work at so they can have a display model... Do you think that's a good idea?

[@NickShabazz]

I've never used the Lansky Diamond system. But the biggest factor is your experience. Edge Pro is great, but I just don't know how much greater it is!

[@RayEccleston]

Ok thanks!

[@ryanc5681]

+Nick Shabazz can u sharpen a Scandi grind on this edge pro as well? How can u set it to the Scandi bevel? I think Scandi is to 0 degrees.

[@gregboonie1557]

How do you do Convex edge with this ?

[@chef_nick3022]

Would water and Windex work?

[@HardcityRaindrops]

I WANT

[@couz10]

Thanks and you are definitely interesting to listen to!! 😉 You should make a video where you tell the Aristocrats joke...

[@reb363]

Figured out who you remind me of, Gilbert Gottfried :)

[@TruckGuyHD92]

How do you do serrations. Got used leatherman someone messed up the serrations

[@jacknemo8021]

ceramic rods.

[@alexseedhouse9904]

There are honing rods specifically for serrations. Google KME Sharpeners and go to their website. They have a honing rod for serrations there for like $18.95.

[@spadeknifeworks]

Found it!

[@alexhoyer4315]

Isnt the wide piece of steel on top of the blue piece a clamp?

[@TheLastPariah89]

No, it's a stop to rest the back of the knife on. One of their selling points for this system is that it doesn't clamp the blade so it's safer if you slip (their words, not mine).

[@alexhoyer4315]

TheLastPariah89 thanks for the info but its probably the reason ill be going to a kme

[@joshuabosken7631]

i do identify as a kitchen so this sharpener will be perfect

[@jrquarnberg4317]

Hey Nick. Edge Pro system or KME system? Thanks.

[@NickShabazz]

Watch my KME review. KME won for me.

[@artvandalay6161]

Hey Nick thanks for answering JR Quarnberg’s question. Not to put you on the spot, but may I ask why you prefer the KME over the Apex?

[@taylordavison6849]

Omg! You have the best voice ever!

[@perspicacity89]

What're your thoughts on the Wicked Edge?

[@NickShabazz]

+perspicacity89 Great system, with some advantages and a huge price tag. I'm hoping to check one out one of these days, though!

[@perspicacity89]

Thanks for the input Nick. Your KZbin channel is a beautiful thing. Nick, you're a freaking gem. I subscribed.

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks muchly!

[@csarebel8657]

“Although, you can buy em new really dull” Lol

[@Garymayo]

Simple Green is no friend to Aluminum

[@TYMGhosT]

I hate this sharpening system so much lol.

[@TheBumpothegreat]

*Concavity.

[@bibleredpill]

I’ll take a wild guess as bid as the ark of the covenant that you have a some jewish heritage somewhere in the family tree. 🤣

[@skydoosher]

A Jews loop?

[@BX138]

Jewelers loupe