Can I use Edge Pro polishing tapes for my KME?

[Mario Chichmanov]

I am thinking of buying the KME sharpener and with it also the diamond lapping films. But these films are quite pricy and per unit there are only 5 films. I compared them with the polishing tapes form edge pro, and found that I would get 15 tapes per unit, with the price being actually lower than the KME´s films. I also compared their measurements and found that they both have the same width (which is perfect). The edge pro tapes are just a bit longer, but they can easily be cut to size.

My question is to people who have experience with both products: 1) Is there a (significant) difference in quality between the two polishing tapes (meaning cutting-ability)?
2) Is there a difference in the durability of the two polishing tapes? I heard that KME´s films last around 7/8 knives, what about edge pro´s films?

Thanks

 

[jjg6319]

I have used edge pro films and they last if you use trailing strokes. If you don't raise the angle a fuzz and you try to push it then you can cut the film. I am not sure how long they last, but I expect close to a KME film which I do not have any experience with.

 

[Blade Lab]

Should work fine. You'd just have to cut them down to 4" to fit in the KME stone holder. You can also by large sheets of lapping film on Amazon.

 

[Bdtry]

The Edge Pro films are aluminum oxide which is why they are cheaper. Which steels you are working on will decide if you should use the diamond films or if the ALOX ones will be fine. As stated, you can find the ALOX sheets on various websites then cut them yourself to save the waste of making a 6" strip into a 4" one.
Might be handy to keep both on hand so you can use the cheaper films on budget steels then the diamond sheets on higher end steels that may need diamond.