The ViperSharp Sharpening System: The Full Nick Shabazz Review

[@ViperSharp]

@Nickshabazz Great review and feedback. Well done. I have been working on a few things that will be coming out soon for the ViperSharp. -Lapping Films are now available. I have 1 in wide stones for the vitrified that will be on the site and available soon. *I've heard about the concern of the hex keys before and so that is something I'll address. Love that suggestion! *I've been working on the clamp issues. One thing that is close is a clamp that will work on Full Flat Grind knives. I've seen that as a need in the industry. The stationary part of the clamp is something I've been brainstorming on and hope to have a solution soon. Great review Nick! I'll get to work on more innovation!

[@NickShabazz]

Thanks for taking the feedback in the spirit intended! Can't wait to see what's next.

[@BradGryphonn]

I look forward to seeing the next version. I really like yours compared to the somewhat janky Smith's kit I bought last year. Personally, I like the robustness of Allen key tightening but can see why people would get tired of having to find the tool when changing out knives etc.

[@barkingspider2007]

Great job on the product! Good improvements would include. 1. Mount other brands of stones into the carrier. (KME and Edgepro) 2. Two hex screws in the clamp. (like on Gritomatic) 3. A place to hang the rod when not in use (Gritomatic) Great first edition of the product. : )

[@DominicZelenak]

Glad you're open to feedback and perfecting your design. Of all of the concerns that Nick addressed, the only big reservation I have is the uneven bevel produced by the clamp. I look forward to seeing the new model with the intent to buy if these issues are fixed. I'm drawn toward this product more so than the KME because of the simplicity, robustness, and price of the base kit. Call me crazy, I also prefer ceramic stones over diamonds. After years of using the Lansky, I see no issue with the way ceramics cut, I love how long they last, and its not painful to the wallet when I need to replace them. Keep us posted!

[@ViperSharp]

Dominic Zelenak thanks. I feel that I'm close to this solution. Just need the time to finish the design. It's on my mind constantly and I hope to come out with it soon.

[@xabalba555]

9:54 what? The kme system I purchased only came with diamonds and I have seen a diamond only set on their website. Maybe I misunderstood what you were getting at though

[@NickShabazz]

I don't see such a package on their website.

[@NickShabazz]

Wait, no, I'm on crack. Apparently the KME website shows ceramics, but the base model kit is diamonds. Yeah. In the case, KME all day.

[@xabalba555]

I remember seeing a full diamond set for sale somewhere.maybe it’s just my wishful thinking.

[@NickShabazz]

#NotABrilliantMan. I was mislead by a website picture!

[@Lychee959]

The earlier KME runs came in ceramic/ark but they changed in to full diamond pretty quickly

[@cafn8ed74]

What Nick said "Vipersharp has a really nice owner." What I heard "Vipersharp has a very nice odor." Thanks for the review.

[@randysmith1723]

cafn8ed74 Funny, I heard that too! I thought Nick was going deep to have smell as one of the "good" things..

[@cafn8ed74]

Randy Smith if you've ever watched AvE, you may have heard him talk about the chinesium stink that some products have. At first I thought that was the angle he was going with.

[@caseywhite6930]

Anybody can review a sharpening system, only Nick can truly give you the good, the bad and the ugly. Great review man

[@robertalantickle160]

My base KME system came with four diamond stones. My KME had only ONE adjustment that required a wrench. It was the hex lock nut for guide rod where it attaches to the stone carrier. I replaced that with a wing nut (size 8 - 32) and now the whole system can be assembled and disassembled without a wrench.

[@ericfreutel8240]

Another superlative review. Many thanks, always learn so much! ❤❤

[@bobdayton9608]

I have a KME system. The clamping system on the KME appears to be light years ahead of the Vipersharp clamp.

[@nonope4390]

Nick, your KME didn't come with a base or a full set of diamond stones? Mine did, wooden base (though the fit isn't at all perfect) and diamond stones from 100-1500

[@DominicZelenak]

Solution: Don't buy an Eschaton or any other knife not made for the purpose of cutting at the expense of looking interesting.

[@finns23653]

Dominic Zelenak unless your a knife collector or want to cuz in the end just do what you want

[@DominicZelenak]

Tickedoff23 then presumably, a knife like that won't need sharpened

[@barkingspider2007]

Nick, Great review! With regard to stone thickness issues, I like the KME diamond plates and the Lapping film mounted to glass blanks. I run the diamond stones to get 95% finished and then put on a mirror edge with the lapping films. (just for show) For EDC use stopping at 600 grit diamond stone is more then enough. I have the KME diamond stones in 50, 100, 140, 300, 600 and 1500 grit. The "KME" precision Knife Sharpening Deluxe Kit is $299. (They do a great job supporting the product) The stones can also be used in other systems. (Gritomatic) I am looking to buy the Gritomatic system with out the stones to use on larger kitchen knives. Thanks for the video. : )

[@mikelikesknives428]

I just recently bought my KME with diamond stones and base for $229.00. The only thing extra I did need to buy was a strop.

[@NickShabazz]

So, people, I'm on crack. The KME is now diamond-only. It's just that they hadn't updated their pictures. So, yeah, KME erryday.

[@monksoftheway8645]

Viper has diamond also, it's your choice

[@butterzaries4277]

I normally don't watch channels that are hosted by Yankees but this guy knows exactly what he's talking about and I can appreciate that

[@ericsierra-franco7802]

"Hosted by Yankees"...😂😂😂

[@ScottPutman]

"It's like hitting the blade with a brick" lmao...great review..I love your comparisons

[@ryansullivan3937]

When are you going to do a review of the wicked edge?

[@killabee-2384]

When somebody send him a $700 wicked edge lol.

[@davestelling]

Or, the venerable TSPROF?

[@charlesmanning6218]

Great review. The loose tolerances on the clamp turned me off a bit. BTW, my KME came with 4 diamonds. Did I misunderstand you?

[@gambitgaming4573]

I don't understand the point of this when you can get a kme for cheaper ( with diamonds)

[@snakalw]

Great video as always. Still loving the Edge Pro! Do you have any plans to make a video revisiting your transition to the KME? That would be interesting.

[@johobo2038]

My kme only came with diamonds. Maybe you meant the edge pro doesn't come with diamonds?

[@wyattsickler9127]

Great review! I have one of these systems and you have hit every point I have ever thought of regarding this system and more. Keep it up!

[@SOUTHAFRICANKNIFEGUY]

What is the name of that foam you use for your drawer storage

[@garethbaus5471]

The one nice thing about the hex keys on the clamp is that it prevents a wide clamp from blocking the extremely shallow angles by eliminating the bulk of knobs.

[@baconslayercm7033]

You can get a basic KME system with only diamond stones and the base for $200... which is cheaper than this system

[@mkaz411]

What are your thoughts on the Wicked Edge? Purchase the W130 a couple years ago, and I really like it.

[@frankbutta9344]

I have an Edge Pro system, and it’s fine. It’s light, and that makes it portable. This system’s heavy base does not make it portable. I’m a fly tyer, and heavy bases are great at home, but a real nuisance when traveling. The loose clamp makes this little better than freehand sharpening, so it needs work.

[@dwainsw4076]

You might be able to fix the small variation in angle caused by the spherical bushing holder screwing in and out with each stroke with a simple jam nut.

[@DominicZelenak]

Nick, if you still have this system, or if you know of anyone who does, can you measure the absolute difference in the angle with an angle finder between each side with a knife in the clamp? The difference from asymmetry may not be enough to warrant a large concern.

[@MrPageyjim]

Two years later it seems to be the same system itself with no upgrades unless I am missing it. It has a solid base which is a plus. It has a thicker sturdier rod than some which is nice. Other than that I don't see a reason to get this over other systems. It seems to me with the knob on top would make you put extra pressure there without realizing it.

[@jamesritchie6344]

Since when does Woody Allen sharpen knivrs?

[@tjam4229]

It appears the downside would be that you have to buy proprietary sharpening stones...Can't use generics

[@danbalcom8510]

I must say id actually prefer a hex key or driver for the blade clamp after working with a lansky for quite a while now. On the lansky it comes loose and moves on you as you sharpen no matter how hard you tighten down. Ive gotten to a point where i just use my leatherman to tighten down on the blade. A stout hex key clamp system is something that sells me. Thumb knobs for the other hex bolts would be a nice add on

[@mosherogoff1252]

Actually first time I viewed a video demo of any clamp system. I have to wonder - how do you get good sharpening as you get closer to the knife handle? Geometry, especially with that sort of curved sheep's foot blade you have clamped in Nick, suggests to me that there will be an interference resulting in the stone hitting the knife handle -- and to my eye it doesn't look like even a sharpening choil will help?

[@NitrousFox]

Moshe Rogoff man so get the same problem. Granted I’m on the Sharpmaker but it just seems like the base of the cutting edge is never as good as the rest

[@ohioknifelover]

Things you could do to fix this is to disassemble the knife and just have the blade in the clamp, or move the clamp a little bit further up the blade. I have found that those two things have helped a lot!

[@ericthompson3551]

With the kme you flip knife and clamp easily where with viper sharp you have to disconnect turn over reinsert.

[@davidpatrick1813]

Can I sharpen my kitchen knives, ... even long ones?

[@alexonder1545]

Nice review Nick Thanks

[@abnergaldos8695]

How does it handle non stright blades, recurve or tanto and such..

[@abnergaldos8695]

Never mind, you answered the question on the vid

[@jamesgentry6864]

Which knife is that?

[@xcy0n]

I love your reviews and the good & ugly approach. You always seem to think about EVERY possible aspect. And the videos are great ASMR ;-)..

[@drytool]

it appears to me that you would get an inconsistent edge angle because the arc of the blade would never be the same as the arc of the sharpener arm.

[@mickkeim4142]

You are soo good at what you are doing here.

[@brianfollett687]

I bought a Chinese Edge Pro clone off of Ebay about 3 yrs ago for $19.99 and never looked back . Yes , I had to upgrade to the real Edge Pro stones, about $15.00 ea on Amazon . I reprofile all my knives with it , m390 , m4 , 20cv , zdp189 , it does it all for me , just takes a little more time , depending on the steel , I love it , and for the money , why not try it ? Even the cheap stones it comes with , are good enough to practice with , they still do 8cr , aus8 or 420hc or your kitchen knives , so its not like you can't sharpen with them . So, that's just my two cents ...

[@newgunguy4176]

Ever try the Wicked Edge?

[@BIGBAMBOO420187]

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ALL AROUND SHARPENING SYSTEM?

[@davestelling]

TSPROF?

[@thorzimberg9874]

Isn’t this the same thing as the kme sharpening system

[@trulsdirio]

Slightly better than a Lansky, way worse than a KME or let alone Tsprof. Yet still expensive enough to make the KME the better choice each and every time.

[@randysmith1723]

I am at the point of getting a sharpening system, and I'm going with the KME. It does comes with 4 diamond stones, and 1 site I found included the base with the kit for an additional $20. ($199 vs $179). I liked the idea from your KME review to add the 50 grit stone for reprofiling, and the 2 diamond films for a mirrored edge, or possibly the kangaroo leather strop with compound. The Viper has some very good qualities, but it just isn't where it needs to be at it's current price. And the Wicked Edge systems are just too ridiculously priced for what they're made from. They may be as well made as a BMW, but they're charging for a Lamborghini.

[@ronatkinson4142]

I don't think you can get a better sharpening system than a KME for the Money!!¡!

[@Mrplacedcookie]

Who makes the diamond stones? i would guess "Eze Lap"?

[@dude28405]

It’s amazing how the Delica has become a unit of measurement

[@andyrichardson6188]

Good review. Looks like a nice system with some improvements needed. Given the base has a screw for the post, curious why was it flopping around. Not tightened or another issue? If it's not rock solid in the base I'd have to fix that immediately. Have to say that the height difference due to the screw rotating as the stone moves across the blade has to be largely irrelevant. I would guess even across a kitchen knife you'd never see it. Hex keys vs. thumb screws... they need to fix that. Just makes it too complicated to use with multiple hex keys. The owner being a good and helpful person is a big deal for some of us, as is U.S. made. Somebody in my country who will help me when needed matters.

[@WildUtahEdibles]

The base screw (which is a thumb screw head but tightens best with the wrench) should be tight. I'd say the upright assembly should always be secured tight for real use. Lock that in and the system doesn't move. I agree with your comment about movement. It doesn't effect things when actually in use but there is an option for a grub screw to hold it tight. I wonder if I left that out of if Nick removed it. no matter what this was a great review and good feedback.

[@NickShabazz]

On mine, there was a fair amount of lateral play unless that screw was super tight

[@ViperSharp]

Which screw are you referring to? The screw in the base should certainly be screwed tight. That's why it is there. :) Are you getting lateral play from some other area?

[@xDarkPrototypex]

Nick, ive been dying to ask this: Is Nick Shabazz your real name? Or is it a cover like your batman mask? If so, how did you come up with it?

[@xDarkPrototypex]

FlamQ Dbltap Im not a big fan of Led Zeppelin, but that is by far the most unique joke someone has made about my username so far. Still didnt answer my question tho

[@egilmalmberg2106]

Can you review the we knife 703

[@evshrug]

Enjoyed the review Nick, but I don’t have any clue why all the recommended videos in my sidebar are Nickelodeon related 😂

[@landonblazer3417]

evshrug Same. It's kinda creepy

[@bach5780]

Mine are retro Nickelodeon

[@evshrug]

Like that 1986 Pinwheel episode? Yeah, it was funny, I scrolled down the entire recommended videos list, every one was Nickelodeon related and NONE was another video from the channel I was watching

[@evshrug]

Btw, on my 2nd visit here, there is ONE Nick Shabazz video (a 1 hour 15 minute live stream), and some other random stuff like Apple, Nerf, and a Lego thing among more Nickelodeon stuff.

[@mattsmith6828]

I feel that systems like these would become more popular if there were companies that made universal parts that you could use to upgrade other sharpening systems. The thing that pushed me to getting the TSProf Blitz 360 was the fact that the rod could accept a wide variety of aftermarket stones. That's it. Aftermarket stone support.......... THAT'S IT! Oh well, maybe they'll learn this lesson, maybe they won't.

[@neokuji]

Great review Nick! Albeit, my OCD requires my WE. There’s a bright future for viper sharp.

[@jojojaykay]

Thanks for another great review, dad. It’s Been a while.

[@eddieb9110]

It's more expensive than the KME. Doesn't look like it has an angle compensator available. That might not matter because the biggest fault is that the stone holder uses proprietary plastic clips. So you can't just use the stones of your choice. That's a huge fail.

[@connoreby4468]

Nice to see viper sharp get some attention.

[@jstorer1980]

if your only goal is to just get a knife sharp with a clamp system. Why not just get a Lansky system for dirt cheap, compared to any of the other clamp systems?

[@acebulf]

I think the problem with diamond is that the carbon will dissolve into the steel, changing the chemical makeup on the edge.

[@NickShabazz]

... this doesn't make much sense to me. Citation?

[@acebulf]

I think I saw it on an AvE video. I went looking for a paper and did find one that states that the diamond on a grinding wheel is worn away by chemical action with tool steels (doi:10.1016/0020-7357(74)90025-0) That being said, the operating temperatures in that paper would be much higher than what would be achieved with a Vipersharp/KME/Lansky system, so maybe it would be OK for those setups. I'm very far from being a metallurgist or mechanical engineer, so it might be wise to ask one what exactly is happening here.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Yeah that will be a problem but onley at high speed that’s why cbn is preferred for high speed applications

[@davidward5327]

I have the ViperSharp with the Diamond stones and stone base.. Came with the plano case. The most solid system I have seen. Must have been tooled by a tool maker. Looks like a piece of art. Love it! They now have a thumb screw to stabilize the clamp. Rock solid! You now can order lapping films. How you had the Vipersharp flopping around proves your nothing but a shill. Its solid as a rock! Nothing but propaganda.....

[@evias9943]

I really regret that i bought the Lansky it is just so flimsy. But the worst thing is that i got into convex grinds, now i need stones.

[@MISTAREDboys]

Nick please review the artisan knives classic (ATZ-1802GD) in damasteel, it’s a really beautiful knife that really isn’t too expensive, I feel like you would like it. Thank you and keep up the amazing content🙂

[@Ekybob_Plays]

Came for the review, stayed for the talk of balls and knobs in the Great section.

[@Keith_the_knife_freak]

Nice review

[@tubeularvids]

You need to develop your own sharpening system . I’d buy one for sure.

[@MobiuSphere]

The Viper sharp and eschaton within a week of each other? Clearly a sign of the end of days!

[@monksoftheway8645]

This video is old so the newer system is different. There are metal adjustable connecters on the armature rod so you can adjust how far down and how far up you want it to go, the stones are used wet (you can buy the diamond stone instead also), the base is tight, the blade clamp does not wiggle, and so on. The price is great now too. You should make a new video and delete this one. Viper is now cheaper than kme (with the base included) and is more advanced. They also have great levels of purchase so the basic system is this and you can get diamond or even go up to the pro version. I like to research things and Viper is the current best value and quality.

[@danielgigli3493]

I'm sorry, but I'm gonna call it like I see it. Nick, I value your reviews, and you were very nice about how you stated the drawbacks of this system. Now I have a Wicked Edge, so I'm not a KME fanboy, so with that said; why on earth would you ever waste your money on this over the KME?. The materials, the slop that I'm seeing through out the video, the clamp, the eBay stones.....I don't know man. It just seems like a very cheap, inferior version of a KME.....only its priced more than a base KME. That's crazy. From others reviews I've seen it seems like I'm not the only one who sees these huge drawbacks. I appreciate the review Nick, thanks

[@RainHNg]

"...I don't want to say idiot proof cuz ya know Nature has a way of building a better idiot..." - Nick Shabazz

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

Nick 🤦‍♂️ the base kme set that’s like 190 bucks comes with all the diamond stones from 180 grit to 1500 grit

[@NickShabazz]

#NotABrilliantMan. I was mislead by a website picture!

[@thecentralavenuegunslinger7861]

Now there is a title for a rant video

[@blwngt1598]

When I hear "you don't need to care if there is a burr here" on a knife sharpening video I instantly know it's time to shut it down.

[@sinjon]

BLWN GT 1 I think he meant for the purpose of the video. Nick is more than enough of a knife guy to know you need a burr when actually sharpening

[@Ondal1]

The simple way to look at it, when you have somewhat expensive knives is, the sharpening system only costs the same as a knife. Sharpening systems are way too cheap compared to what they accomblish.

[@locksmithdb5987]

The Kme and the wicked edge had a baby and it's called.....The Viper.

[@killabee-2384]

Took this guy years to "develop" this....took nick 30 mins to shred it to pieces.

[@esoteric5277]

20:30 Errr... things look to be getting pretty ugly from here on 😮😞🤣 Another clean kill by Nick Shabazz👍

[@ronalddavis]

get the papers. get the papers

[@Alexdoesitbestt]

Nick..I don't feel so good..

[@myinfinitestate1586]

Hey Nick

[@atomedgesharpening]

Looks like a KME with... Less KME.

[@lpquick1]

Until you use the wicked edge guided knife sharpening system and the results your missing out!

[@usadesign2669]

Go go gadget diamond

[@locksmithdb5987]

Sorry vipersharp.

[@locksmithdb5987]

"It's a beautiful thing,works great!" "I really don't like this system, way too many issues"

[@fldiverjc4496]

Very good video...i like your approach. But please stop using the lansky system in comparison...the lansky is a toy compared to either this system or the kme. One issue I have with this system is that it seems to require proprietary stones...just like the weps...and since being the new kid on block as you put it there isn't much in aftermarket stones available..this isn't true for the weps, kme or edgepro. As far as your comments on short comming of the edgepro have you looked into the hapstone system...far better build quality and your not locked into using the 1"x6" stones...you can use the stones for the kme all the way up to benchstones....that to me is a huge advantage. In your kme review you had somewhat griped over the cost of their lapping films...to that I have one word....jende go to their site...they carry a plethora of stones and lapping films as well as various strops for the kme, weps, edgepro/hapstone and others. To your point about ceramics....try using the spyderco uf stones made for kme after your finished with the 1500 diamond....you might not want to use lapping films .....just my 2 cents. In closing I enjoyed video and I do like your approach.

[@CottonBoxer]

thx. so i know they suck. nice review

[@itsme5279]

That Eschaton is so UGLY...Great Review🗡👊🏽

[@NitrousFox]

The Eschaton really is polarizing haha. I happen to be on the side of favoring it (not as a practical cutting tool but as an art knife)

[@itsme5279]

NitrousFox To each his own but that is not art in my opinion. Stan Wilson makes art knives🗡

[@hellcatdave1]

Stan Wilson makes folders that are beautiful. Isham make folders that are Scifi. Two different forms of art, that's only your preference.

[@itsme5279]

DavidMN Bro you can not polish a turd..... That is a Ugly ART KNIFE

[@hellcatdave1]

It's really not that ugly. There's way uglier knives out there. It's also a testament to how far machining has come. Quit being so close minded and childish.

[@EdwardFeenman]

The gun god huh? Makes me think, Shabazz isn't a gun guy at all is he? The birds need to take you out plinking. I think you would like the pew pew life. I could easily see a personality like yours getting into distance shooting.

[@NickShabazz]

I know what I need to, and I've punctured my share of paper, but there's no passion there. They're tools I'm very lucky not to need.

[@EdwardFeenman]

Nick Shabazz I hope that you never do need one, and statistically you probably never will. I could just see you getting into high end glass and custom precision bolt actions. Watching a gallon of milk pop at a mile or so away is one of those guilty pleasures.

[@b80-s9i]

I've never seen a more uncoordinated fumblenuts cement-fingers than Nick! Makes me cringe almost every video😂..but I'm aaaaamazed he isn't covered in deep lacerations and bandages!

[@thugknife7659]

Vipersharp be like : 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@benbergy388]

Hehe get a wicked edge

[@bp-hx9ts]

Benjamin Bergshoeff if he did that he might aswell just burn money

[@TautologyTechSystems]

More paid shill reviews.

[@NickShabazz]

Who paid me? How much? Where do I pick up the funds? Do I have a numbered Swiss account I don't know about? Does that mean I can get better prices on Rolex and Omega? Come on man, fill me in!

[@snakalw]

Nick Shabazz I thought you said ZHunter paid you for these reviews?

[@TautologyTechSystems]

Nick Shabazz You received a free $235 knife sharpener and proceeded to do 30 minute review of it when one sentence would have sufficed. This makes you a paid shill by definition. "More expensive and not as robust as the KME."

[@bp-hx9ts]

Dr. Tautology your argument is retarded if he was a paid shill why would he give it a bad review