First Look: Cheefarcuut Sharpening System - from EdgeWorks Knife Studio

EdgeWorks Knife Studio is a sharpening-focused YouTube channel that does exactly the kind of testing forum knife nerds care about: freehand work on real kitchen knives, microscope shots of the bevel, and honest commentary on how stones actually feel in use.

In this initial review, EdgeWorks Knife Studio puts the Cheefarcuut sharpening system through its paces. The system ships with a dual-sided 400/1000 vitrified–sintered diamond stone, and in this video the focus is mainly on the 400-grit side to see how the mechanics, build, and basic performance hold up.

Video review

System overview & stone details

• Core setup: Cheefarcuut fixed freehand system with a dual-sided 400/1000 vitrified/sintered diamond stone. The review concentrates on the 400-grit side for setting and restoring edges.
• Adhesive issue & update: On the demo unit, the dual stone separated from its base after soaking due to an adhesive failure. The reviewer re-glued it and notes that production stones now use a stronger “version 3” adhesive, tested to handle soaking and even hammer impacts without delaminating.
• Stone compatibility: The system is not limited to Cheefarcuut stones. It can accept other full-size stones as long as they physically fit, making it attractive for users with an existing stone lineup.

Sink bridge & chassis design

• Sink bridge function: The rails and arms can be adjusted and locked so the system works as a sturdy sink bridge over a standard kitchen sink, helping manage water and mess.
• Construction: The frame is built from thick, machined aluminum with added roller tracks and hardware that feel substantial—no thin or hollow metal. Overall, it’s presented as a well-built, “overbuilt rather than underbuilt” platform.

Angle control & adjustment

• Fixed freehand concept: The knife is held in hand, but guided by a pivot and rail system that controls angle and travel, combining freehand technique with mechanical support.
• Stops & carriage: Adjustable stops and a carriage with wing nuts allow the user to set both travel limits and sharpening angle very precisely.
• Dialing in angles: An angle gauge is used to set typical working angles in the ~16–18° per side range, giving repeatable geometry while still feeling like bench-stone sharpening.

Sharpening technique & beginner tips

• Stroke pattern: Recommended technique is to start at the heel, apply pressure, and sweep along the stone, lifting slightly at the tip to follow the belly—very similar to normal freehand motion.
• For beginners: The reviewer suggests going slowly, keeping the blade stable and pressure even, and doing around 10–15 strokes per side to raise a burr and stay in control.
• Tip work: The pivot and rail make it easier to keep a consistent angle at the tip, an area many sharpeners struggle with when completely freehand.

Performance & results

• Angle consistency: The pivot/rail system noticeably helps maintain a stable angle, giving results similar to a fixed-angle rig while still allowing the feel and flexibility of bench stones.
• Edge recovery: In the demo, a previously dull chef’s knife is quickly brought back to life on the 400-grit side and then stropped. After this, it cuts paper cleanly, showing that the system can efficiently restore a dead edge.

Price, value, and brand positioning

• Price point: The complete system with dual-sided stone is said to be around USD $299. For reference, a single 400-grit vitrified/sintered Cheefarcuut stone alone is roughly $99.
• Value judgment: Given the build quality and included stone, the reviewer feels the price is reasonable—though he openly admits he’d always prefer it to be cheaper.
• Brand/marketing: The system is not marketed as a Japanese product. There appears to be some connection to Japanese design or manufacture, but the company does not claim to be a Japanese brand.

Early verdict & next steps

• Who it’s for: The reviewer sees this as a promising option both for experienced freehand sharpeners who want more angle support and for users coming from fixed-angle systems who want to use full-size bench stones.
• Refinement side still to test: This first look focuses mainly on the 400 side. He plans long-term testing of the 1000-grit face and comparisons with other 1k diamond stones before giving a final “go buy it” recommendation.
• Current take: As it stands, the Cheefarcuut fixed freehand system looks like a well-built, versatile platform with good value for what it offers.

Watch the full review

For the full sharpening demo, closer looks at the mechanism, and more thoughts on the system’s design, check out the video here:
Full YouTube review – Cheefarcuut Fixed Freehand Sharpening System (400/1000)