I did a search, and only found one post in reference to these systems, so I'd like to get a little more in-depth information from someone who's had "hands on" experience with them. (I'm still un-decided between "KME" & "EdgePro". I'm hesitant to plop down $260 for the "EdgePro" for the amount I will realistically use it.)
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Anyone own, or have experience with, the "KME" sharpening system??
- Thread starter oldfogey
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I've never heard of the KME but I can attest to the fact that the Edgepro is right up there with the best systems you're going to find. The freehand experts might scoff but, for ordinary blokes like me, the Edgepro does a terrific job. Admittedly it's more on the expensive side, but if you can afford it, go for it.
A slightly cheaper alternative is the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I also have one of these and can highly recommend it.
I also have a Lansky and, while I have heard people say it works well for them, I rarely use it, it's too fiddly for my tastes.
A slightly cheaper alternative is the Spyderco Sharpmaker. I also have one of these and can highly recommend it.
I also have a Lansky and, while I have heard people say it works well for them, I rarely use it, it's too fiddly for my tastes.
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I just had a KME diamond sharpener delivered today. I immediately put it to use and sharpened every kitchen knife in the house just to get a feel for it. I proceeded to re bevel and sharpen a Case Damascus Stockman that I got my son for Christmas. Next on the list was a small S30V fixed blade made by Don Cowles. The components are designed and made well. So far I'm very happy with this device, although I've only had it one day. It's easy to set up and use and I got great results.
My only comparison is to the Lansky System which I have used for many years. The KME seems to have some definite improvements over the Lansky. The clamp is very easy to use and with the neoprene inserts you won't mar the blade at all. The angle is set anywhere between 17 and 30 degrees (selectable by degree) and along with the scribed lines on the clamp and the spherical bearing rod guide (there is no slop in the angle setting), I'm fairly confident that I can reproduce the angle so I'm not re profiling every time I sharpen a particular knife. The wooden handle is alot more comfortable then trying to hang onto the Lansky jig. One note: from the pictures on the KME website I thought the system came with a wooden base. It didn't. It doesn't list the base as part of the system though. I've got a call in to see if a base is available and what the extra cost would be.
I hope this helps. If you have a specific question I'll try and answer it for you.
Thanks for the reply. I'll look forward to an "update" about the base, as I watched the video, and seem to remember a base also.
I've been doing a lot of research & "poking around". I agree that the "EdgePro" is the best, but I'm basically going to be maintaining 2 "edc" knives, and kitchen stuff. Somehow, I just can't justify the cost of the "EdgePro" system for that. $$$$ is tight because I live on disability, so I need to research purchases carefully.
I've been doing a lot of research & "poking around". I agree that the "EdgePro" is the best, but I'm basically going to be maintaining 2 "edc" knives, and kitchen stuff. Somehow, I just can't justify the cost of the "EdgePro" system for that. $$$$ is tight because I live on disability, so I need to research purchases carefully.
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While I agree that the two systems you're considering are top flight, you might want to consider the DMT Magna Guide system as well. It's inexpensive, easy to set up and use, and uses the quality diamond surfaced Dia Fold or individual stones in f/c or f/ef. It's half the price and extremely well built. They have a video demo of it's use on their web site. Makes some of the other guided systems look cheap by comparison ...
NJ
NJ
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One thing I forgot to expand on in my original post on the KME: The diamond system comes with the DMT Dia-Sharp stones in coarse, fine and extra fine. The fact that it uses the DMT stones and will accommodate anyones (as stated on the website) 4" pocket stone was one of the reasons I chose it.
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Does the 17 degrees mean 17 degrees for each side or 17 degrees inclusive?
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I watched the video on this device... my question is, can you really go down to the lowest angle? It's hard to tell but in the video it looks like it's set about 1/2 way down, and it wouldn't go any lower without the stone hitting the clamp.
cbw
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I just set it up for a thin blade that is only about 3/8" to 7/16" wide. It looks like the narrowest angle I could use without hitting the clamp is about 25 degrees. Wider blades can access the smaller angles.
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I've never used the Apex, so I'll refrain from making a comparison where I shouldn't.
I've sharpened a half dozen knives in the day I've had the KME and the stone doesn't hit the adjustment rod. The unit is thoughtfully designed, sturdy and well made. I bought it because of the precise angles available to me, the fact it uses the DMT stones and its portability.
Everyone keeps quoting me "$125" for the EdgePro. I'd like to know where you get it that cheap?? I emailed the company, and the best price I could get him down to was about $175, give or take, as he's pricing it as a setup, ready to go, "Apex", DVD, etc.
I also have a curiosity about using the "Apex E/P"..........how do you use it on both sides of a blade without getting your hands "mixed up"?? I mean, it seems as if it would be comfortable one way, but as you turn blade over & flip handle 180 degrees, do you then have to be ambidextrous??
I also have a curiosity about using the "Apex E/P"..........how do you use it on both sides of a blade without getting your hands "mixed up"?? I mean, it seems as if it would be comfortable one way, but as you turn blade over & flip handle 180 degrees, do you then have to be ambidextrous??
http://www.1sharpknife.com/
http://www.knifeoutlet.com/shop/10Expand.asp?ProductCode=EDAPEX
http://www.bestknives.com/edprosharsys.html
http://bronksknifeworks.com/Edge_Pro_Knife_sharpeners.htm
Yep, and it takes all of 10 seconds to get the feel of it. It's that easy.
Apex is continuously adjustable from 24 to 10 degrees per side. There are reference markers to indicate what angle you're using. The rigid aluminum support post guarantees repeatable precision.
If you prefer diamonds to hog off steel, you can get EZELap diamond stones that fit the EdgePro, BUT the Japanese waterstones included with the Apex cut and polish like nobody's business. And don't forget that you can also get polishing tapes mounted to stone blanks to put an atom splitting mirror finish on your bevels.
The Apex comes with a canvas carrying bag, all you need is a 10"x4" flat surface to stick the front suction cups onto.
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I do like the idea of the polishing tapes. It wasn't an issue for me however, I've been using a leather strop with .5 micron CrO2 to finish my edges. It does a really nice job of putting that scary sharp edge on a blade.
Good luck with whatever you decide on oldfogey. Let us know how it works out for you.
That was my technique until I was introduced to .3 micron Aluminum Oxide PSA paper mounted on stone blanks. The only way to describe it is to consider the extra "umph" that CrO stropping gives over stones, then add that same "umph" on top of a perfectly CrO stropped edge again. Two words describe it best: Atom splitting. By the way, you can get the Alum Oxide paper here: http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/indextool.mvc?prodid=ST-MAF.XX
It's a no-brainer, there's EdgePro, then there's everything else.
By the way, EdgePro's grit ratings are a little misleading. They have 220, 320, 600 and 800 grit stones. These are waterstones. The 320 is comparable to 600 US. Their 600 is probably in the 1000-1200 grit range. They new 800 grit stone (which I have not tried yet) would not surprise me if it isn't near 2000. Trust me, the 600 has a fantastic finish, so I can't imagine what their 800 will do. Then, add to that a couple of light pulls with the polishing tape, and you'll have an edge that sparkles in the sun and is about as near to perfection as you can get.