Kalamazoo 1x42" or Paper wheels and grinder - Help me decide

B

bravodelta

Joined
Jun 1, 2010
Messages
1,277
Hi BF's,

I started sharpening with a Wicked Edge a couple years ago and got fairly proficient. I then progressed to a Work Sharp Ken Onion and was able to accomplish things that I was unable to do within the limits of the Wicked Edge (larger blades). I feel the Worksharp Ken Onion edition gave me a small taste of what the "big boys" with their KMG's (and fancy set-ups) are able to do and I liked it.

I am now considering purchasing a Kalamazoo 1x42 vertical belt set-up but have read extensively about paper wheels. I am a hobbyist, not a professional or offering a service. I maintain my own kitchen knives and decent size collection of folders, fixed blades and machetes. I also value quality equipment (not looking at 1x30 from Harbor Freight).

I do not plan to start making knives. I am trying to figure out which set-up will best suit my needs? Budget of $500 will easily cover each option.

Let's hear some feedback!!

Thanks!!!
 
I would go with the belt sander which is great for so many things. I like my Viel S5 sander-grinder which has a lot of great accessories that you can get as well (however I don't like the knife sharpening attachment). It has a large platen, good sized tilting table and can be used vertically or horizontally.
 
bravodelta said:
I am a hobbyist, ...
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Then BOTH! ;)

(You know you will eventually anyway, since it sounds like you like to experiment). :)

But if only one, I'd opt for the belt sander... you can do more with it than the wheels. (repairs, reprofiles, etc.)
 
cbwx34 said:
Then BOTH! ;)

(You know you will eventually anyway, since it sounds like you like to experiment). :)

But if only one, I'd opt for the belt sander... you can do more with it than the wheels. (repairs, reprofiles, etc.)
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You know, I am probably heading down the path for both!! Just where do I start LOL
 
rlucius said:
My vote is with CBWX34 (both).

Do you have the 1"x18" attachment for your KO edition?
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I didn't want to keep investing in the work sharp. The attachment is another $100 and then the belts are 18" instead of the standard 12". End up being I the worksharp for several hundred $$$+.
 
I have a Harbor Freight 1 x 30 and I also use a 2 x 40 Kalamazoo at work. You are"free handing" with both so it really amounts to your skills and the quality of belts you use. With that said, you could buy plenty of knives for $500.00 minus the $50.00 for the H.F. Just my 2 cents.

Best Regards,
Mark.
 
I would vote for both from my experience with the paper wheels. When I need to do a major re-profile on a knife, I use my WSKTS (original) to do the majority of the grinding and then finish on the paper wheels. The wheels are not designed for major grinding in my opinion, but will turn out an excellent product when used to sharpen an already "finished" knife. I can sharpen a good knife to a razor sharp state in about 5 or 6 minutes and not get in a hurry. My kitchen knives can be touched up using only the slotted wheel in about a minute or so, and not suffer any loss of metal in the process. (Well, a minute amount of metal removal, but not enough to observe) There is no need for a strop after as the slotted wheel is the strop when used with the white compound.

Blessings,
Omar
 
1x42 hands down for me. You can get the other system later, but the sander will open more doors for you.
 
I have the 1x42" Kalamazoo and the paper wheel as you can see in the photo's. IMO the Kalamazoo does a much better job. Different belt grits to get the finish you desire. Much more versatile tool for a hobbyist as well. Favorite for putting an edge on a knife.
P1010492-vi.jpg
P1000021-vi.jpg

Edge in 10 min. on Kalamazoo. Re-profiled and light mirror polish with leather belt.
P1010478-vi.jpg
 
The Kalamazoo is on sale TODAY! TODAY!

Use Promo Codes: TUTWN and UPSTU for 20% OFF &
Free UPS Ground Shipping Offer ends 4/15/14 at 11pm ET.

Enco telephone number 1 800) 873 3626

As low in price as you will find this 1"x42" machine
 
The Kalamazoo is on sale TODAY! TODAY!

Use Promo Codes: TUTWN and UPSTU for 20% OFF &
Free UPS Ground Shipping Offer ends 4/15/14 at 11pm ET.

Enco telephone number 1 800) 873 3626

As low in price as you will find this 1"x42" machine
 
Thanks guys. I will definitely get the Kalamazoo but I think I will end up with the wheels also!!

Thanks for the excellent feedback
 
rlucius said:
The Kalamazoo is on sale TODAY! TODAY!

Use Promo Codes: TUTWN and UPSTU for 20% OFF &
Free UPS Ground Shipping Offer ends 4/15/14 at 11pm ET.

Enco telephone number 1 800) 873 3626

As low in price as you will find this 1"x42" machine
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Thanks Bro!! That was without a doubt the lowest price around, I ordered it. 20% off and free shipping!!!
 
Rpptrsn. Looks like a real nice set-up. Mine should be here next week and the the experimenting begins!!!
 
I have both the Kalamazoo 1SM and the paper wheel setup and if I had to part with one it would be the paper wheels but they are nice to have. I bought my Kalamazoo from Enco awhile back with a coupon and free shipping deal that I learned about here on bladeforums. I started with a Harbor Freight 1x30 and then went to a Delta 1x30 and Dayton 1x42 before I got the Kalamazoo and it was a nice upgrade. I plan on adding the horizontal attachment and swing plate from knife kits for handle shaping.
 
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