Guidance Request

[Danno44]

Ok I’m at an analysis paralysis stage.

I have done a ton of research here and YouTube, (YT I take with a big grain of salt).

I have always stunk (to put it nicely) at sharpening with stones.
I have a Sharpmaker and it seems to do great with maintaining knives that already have a good edge.
I tried using it to fix several long neglected kitchen knives and my 30+ year old Buck 102. Progress is painfully slow with only the brown stones.

When looking at the diamond stones for the SM, I expanded my search for the possibility of other systems.
I originally thought a 5 stone or diamond Lansky kit might be the ticket. Then upon more research, I see where the KME may be a better unit.
KME would be at the upper end of what I would want to spend ($250 ish).

Also, I am disabled and my fine motor skills are compromised and I have a progressive disease. Even if I could get “ok” with stones, it would only be a matter of time where stones will no longer be an option.

I am a believer of you get what you pay for, so I’m leaning towards KME and cry once for fear of buying Lansky only to end up with the KME anyways.

Guidance? Info I haven’t thought of? Or am I just over thinking the whole thing?

 

[eKretz]

If your fine motor skills are affected, have you ever thought of something like a guided belt sanding setup - like maybe the Work Sharp? That easily fits in your price range and is quick and easy. Unless maybe you wanted to use the sharpening method to help you practice your fine motor skills a bit more.

I feel for you, having suffered chronic back pain for many years now after failed back surgery. I have a hard time standing for very long - and if I force myself to do it I have to pay a heavy price for it in pain for hours afterward. Feels about like someone is standing directly on my spinal cord.

 

[l1ranger]

the lansky will work - but given your condition, I think I would suggest the KME over the lansky.

there is some "slop" in the lansky system that may be compounded with compromised fine motor skills.
the tolerance on the KME is much tighter and will be easier to provide repeatable results

 

[Obsessed with Edges]

Having used the Lansky myself, even with my 'healthy' hands, it's main drawback is the very small hone size (4" x 1/2"). That makes it challenging for heavy work, like reprofiling, both because the hones' small size can make it difficult to maintain a steady, comfortable, controlled grip over a long sharpening session, and because that small hone size will limit how fast the work gets done (grinding speed is proportional to total abrasive surface area of the stones used). Some reprofile jobs I tackled with my Lansky system stretched into several hours of work, after which my hands were very tired & sore.

Given your situation, I'd be looking for a system with stones/hones more easy to hold and control, and large enough to get the job done before you get too fatigued. I haven't used the KME, Edge Pro, Wicked Edge, etc myself, mainly just because I've never been able to justify the cost for my uses. But in your shoes, I think investing some extra $$ for a system that's (hopefully) comfortable and fun to use would be worthwhile.

I wish you the best in your search.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Something to consider with the KME is the ability to change out the knobs for ones that are larger and easier for you to handle. I swapped my angle knob and stone holder knob for these:

I can't remember the thread sizes but I'm sure the KME guys will tell ya.

 

[Danno44]

Thanks everyone so far on your thoughts.
As much as the worksharp would speed up the process, and like all things need practice, not sure I want to add a power tool to the equation, but it’s not completely ruled out.
It does seem that the KME is the way to go so far. I like the idea of adding larger knobs too.

 

[Bob6794]

I have used the original Worksharp electric sharpener, even with the guides I think I will require more precision and motor control than the KME especially when it comes to accidentally rounding the tip.

From experience I would rule out the DMT Aligner and by association the magna guide because there is play in that system. It was confirmed earlier the Lansky had the same issue.

Though another thing you could get to pair with the KME is a Helping Hands, it's used for soldering and you can get one with a magnifying glass. And it will hold the magnifying glass in place and you can than slide it where you want to look at the blade. Pair it up with the sharpie trick where you sharpie the bevel and it is quite a capable helper. I used to do this before I got the Jewelers loupe. It won't give you as much magnification but it definitely helps.

Another thing is the KME has a 140 grit diamond stone I believe or pretty close to that that included. I would throw in the 50grit diamond in there as well to speed through the reprofiling process the first time you use a knife on it. I don't know if this is affecting your muscle endurance or will in the future but pairing up a stupidly coarse stone with KMEs precision will probably be one of the quickest and effective options for you.

I wish you luck on whatever you get, and wish you the best.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Sorry, I was posting from my phone and not sure why those first couple pics weren't showing. Hopefully fixed now.

I've had a KME for long time so if I can help answer any specific questions I'd be happy to.

You might also consider the Hapstone. I have no personal experience with it but I know some folks are quite happy with their's. I just thought it might have some aspects that you might like more.

 

[wade7575]

I would agree with Eli Chaps look at the Hapstone I have had a KME and it is alright but I would not buy one again,the rubber on the jaws comes off a lot and needs to be re-glued and another pain with the KME is stone selection it's just plain terrible compared to the Edge Pro format of stone's that are out their.

I also really hate how short the stones are on the KME and it also takes longer to sharpen a knife with the KME,I don't hate the KME it just has way more down sides then other sharpener's on the market.

 

[Eli Chaps]

Well, I do not dislike the KME at all and personally have no issues with the rubber on the jaws and I have the regular and pen knife set and have used it a BUNCH. Yes, the stones are a little smaller but it isn't that big of deal unless you're trying to some serious re-profile grinding.

Every single system out there has pros and cons and I find the KME to be above others in many respects. Stone selection has been plenty adequate for anything I've want to sharpen to more than adequate levels of sharpness.

My recommendation about looking at the Hapstone was yes, partially the larger stones as it might help with fewer strokes but, more so just from the perspective of his physical limitations to see if something looked like it might work better.