Edge Pro Apex or KME System

F

flphotog

Joined
Jul 10, 2014
Messages
319
OK guys, I'd really like to set some ground rules for this thread, I know there is a lot of bias here for or against either of these systems, also please don't go off reservation and recommend the Worksharp, I am not looking for a powered system and the Wicked Edge is out, there is no way I'm going to or for that matter can spend that kind of money on this.

So, the problem is I'm looking for a new sharpening system but at the moment am torn between the Edge Pro Apex and the KME, they both seem to have pluses and minuses, if I could afford it I'd get both but at the moment that isn't going to happen.

I'd really like to hear from any of you that either have both or at least have experience with both, the good and the bad of both to help me decide.
 
Both are actually pretty similar... to me the biggest difference is the obvious one... to clamp or not. I find the EP setup to be more versatile... it encompasses a larger variety of knives with little effort. Clamps are a bit more restrictive, but if you don't have a variety of knives, can be easier to use. The EP also has a wider range of angles... particularly at the low end. Maybe a bit more learning curve on the EP based on what others have posted, I personally never found it to be as hard as some make out.

But my .02, versatility is the biggest thing to look at.
 
I had the same dilemma as you. I was originally going to fork over on a wicked edge but decided against it. A lot of the decision was based on cost and getting what I wanted for it would have been close to a grand. I thought about which sharpening system to choose for the better part of 8 months. Like others have stated there are pluses and minuses to both systems. To make a long story short I chose the KME based on how I like to sharpen. I like clamping as opposed to holding and I like less mess. I have all the diamond plates, three strops, the 2k-10K chosera stones and an Arkansas translucent for a little under 400$

The KME is not the most popular system for some reason but I LOVE it and have been getting ridiculously sharp edges 100% of the time. I guess it all depends on what you want to do and how you want to do it really. Check out Dean O and KnifeKrazy on YouTube. Also Jende industries has a good chosera video on the KME where he polishes a knife. Watch a bunch of videos on both systems and see which one suits your needs and preference.

Here is a knife I did a couple days ago.

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Thanks guys, both very good responses. Guess I'll be thinking about it a bit more. I am at this time leaning toward the KME but need to think about it a bit more.
 
I've had both.
I know many people love the EP but I sold mine because I didn't like the mess it would make, or the scratches on the face of the blades unless I was really careful taping them up.
I still have the KME.
 
I have both and like each for different reasons. But will say the KME is my first choice. They each have their own learning curves. But one of the most difficult for me to get past on the Apex is the need for true ambitious coordination. The KME allows you to work both sides right or left handed. And also work on a base, or while holding the entire thing with weak hand.

Also, even the slightest difference in blade placement while flipping side to side, can make a big difference in getting an average edge or an amazing one. The clamped systems are now my preferred choice.
 
At this point I am definitely leaning toward the Apex. I have to admit that I'm extremely impressed by Edge Pro customer service. Benton Dale has been responding to me all weekend which I really didn't expect. I email and called KME on Friday and have yet to hear anything back from them.
 
I used to have an original Edge Pro Apex but I could never get used to having to hold the knife by hand so I sold it again. I now have a Chinese copy which I use with a magnet to keep the knife in place on the table and I like that one a lot better than the original one.

That being said, I also have a KME and I very much like it. It is very well made and their customer service is excellent.
If I would have to choose between the two, I would definitely choose the KME.

Frans
 
I will have to go kme for sure. I don't know much about the EP, but the misconception about lower angles is not true. The kme will get down to about a 10dps. You also have the flipping ability on the kme which comes in handy A LOT. Plus you haven't given ron a chance. I can't really go into details, but I will say he has given me, a stranger, the kinda customer service a friend would that you have known for 15 years. The kme is the more versatile one in my opinion, with the choice of stones and different clamp attachments, it makes the better choice.
I have had one for about a year or two and still love it and the job it does on my edges
 
Thanks nick_30, like I said I am leaning toward the KME and I'm aware of the way to get the lower angles so that isn't an issue. I do feel that the EP has a lot going for it, but so does the KME.
I'm giving Ron every chance, all I said I am and continue to be amazed by the service that I've received and continue to receive from Ben at EP.
 
Just wondering, is the clamping on the kme more reliable than say on a dmt or a lansky? I sometimes feel like it is not easy to clamp reliable on both. The kme is kind of hard to get over here, but I have been watching it for some time.
 
I have received fantastic customer service from Ron at KME.
I'm sure he will contact you after the weekend.
 
nick_30 said:
I will have to go kme for sure. I don't know much about the EP, but the misconception about lower angles is not true. The kme will get down to about a 10dps. You also have the flipping ability on the kme which comes in handy A LOT. Plus you haven't given ron a chance. I can't really go into details, but I will say he has given me, a stranger, the kinda customer service a friend would that you have known for 15 years. The kme is the more versatile one in my opinion, with the choice of stones and different clamp attachments, it makes the better choice.
I have had one for about a year or two and still love it and the job it does on my edges
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Not sayin one is better than the other, but a couple of points...

Low angles on the KME are dependent upon the width of the blade... you won't hit 10dps on a smaller knife. From what I measured yesterday, it has to extend over an inch and a half from the clamp.

The EP has every stone available that the KME has (more actually). And since no clamp is required... easily more versatile.

Never dealt with Ron personally, but have only heard good things about him. You're right, Ben is a great guy to deal with (I have had conversations with him), but it seems only fair not to expect Ron to return a call on a weekend... especially if he's a football fan.

Again not saying one is better... Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy.
 
Honestly, when I was searching for a system, it came down to these two as well. Ultimately, it was price and easability to use what sold me on the kme
 
cbwx34 said:
Not sayin one is better than the other, but a couple of points...

Low angles on the KME are dependent upon the width of the blade... you won't hit 10dps on a smaller knife. From what I measured yesterday, it has to extend over an inch and a half from the clamp.

The EP has every stone available that the KME has (more actually). And since no clamp is required... easily more versatile.

Never dealt with Ron personally, but have only heard good things about him. You're right, Ben is a great guy to deal with (I have had conversations with him), but it seems only fair not to expect Ron to return a call on a weekend... especially if he's a football fan.

Again not saying one is better... Whichever you choose, I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Click to expand...

Please don't think anything I've said indicates that I have received bad service from KME, I understand that it is the weekend and really didn't expect anything until Monday. All I was saying that Ben has been absolutely outstanding.

As for the post about low angles that really isn't an issue for me. The only thing I need low angles on are my kitchen knives and on all but one of those I want 15 degrees which it seems the KME can do, I hope Ron updates his website to indicate this as this issue almost made the KME a no go for me. The only knife I need lower on is 10 Degrees for my Santoku and that is wide enough that I should be able to go even lower if I wanted to.
 
flphotog said:
I hope Ron updates his website to indicate this as this issue almost made the KME a no go for me.
Click to expand...

Yeah, when you talk to Ron, I'd be curious what he says about this. Advertising 17 deg., as the low angle, does seem high for some, but in actually checking a KME, it seems that the angle is measured right at the clamp, so in effect, any knife sharpened will be a bit lower. Maybe better to advertise angles based on some distance from the clamp, similar to what Wicked Edge does. I know it'll change depending on the knife, but it would be a bit more accurate representation, in my opinion anyway.
 
vilePossum said:
Just wondering, is the clamping on the kme more reliable than say on a dmt or a lansky? I sometimes feel like it is not easy to clamp reliable on both. The kme is kind of hard to get over here, but I have been watching it for some time.
Click to expand...

With so many different types and sizes of knives, there will always be knives that are difficult to clamp.

But yes, I think that the KME is definitively more reliable and versatile than the DMT and Lansky.
 
I emailed Ron and let him know it would be a good idea to add the flip trick as a feature on his website
 
fvdk said:
With so many different types and sizes of knives, there will always be knives that are difficult to clamp.

But yes, I think that the KME is definitively more reliable and versatile than the DMT and Lansky.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's what I was hoping for when I looked at the pictures and videos!
 
Last night I actually found a knife that didn't like my KME. A Mantis Snaggletooth. With it's funky shape, weird shaped spine, and monster belly on such a short (2") blade, it just did not want to clamp in a position conducive to sharpening. I have not yet pulled out the Edge Pro, but guessing it would still take a lot of strange positioning to even get close to a decent edge.

Because it's so weird, I decided to just stick with a Sharpmaker and not spend too much time on it. Every system will have its own limitations and individual tweaks/tricks. But the blades that spike the weird-o-meter will always need "special" attention.

Anyway, the KME is still the one I go-to first 95% of the time. Still think it's the best bang for buck in both quality and functionality.

This post needs a pic to get everyone's weird-o-meter going. [emoji23]

4rp8ia.jpg
 
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