Kme and angle cube

lzeplin

lzeplin

Joined
Apr 18, 2012
Messages
1,774
I have a kme sharpener and recently bought a angle cube. What's the best angle for a zero tolerance 566? I was thinking around 22° thanks for the help!
 
Depends on how hard you want to use it and if you're talking about inclusive or per side angle. 22 per side is probably right around the factory grind, 22 inclusive is going to make a long bevel without some thinning, especially on a ZT.
 
try 20 degrees per side. I did that on my 0560 and it was good. No super wide bevels and best overall compromise balancing cutting ability with aesthetics. The blade is elmax.
 
A bit off topic. I love my KME but I've noticed the system has been "out of stock" on the website for several weeks. I wonder what's up with that?
 
What do you guys do for touch up? Do you use the kme, or a spyderco sharp maker or just freehand?
 
Well for touch up, I would go freehand with a 1200 dmt diasharp, going lightly and taking care to match my angles. A few swipes then some stropping on leather and 1 micron diamond paste. If the edge was beat then I would start on the 600 dmt.

Or I would use my EdgePro and start on the 1k shapton glass if it was dull. Perhaps the 4k if it just needed a touch-up. If I did not write everything down the first time I would have to use the Sharpie to locate my correct angle--big pain since an Angle Cube was a very recent purchase. After the 1k maybe the 4k then a light stropping same as above. If not too dull then 4k followed by 6k and then strop.

Keep in mind it can be much easier to strop lightly after every day you use the knife. Instead of waiting for it to dull to the point where you would need the stones. I like 1 micron diamond paste on leather or balsa. I just got a worksharp but am learning it still. I think it will be my go to for both sharpening and touch ups when I am more comfortable with it.

So there are plenty of ways to do it--it boils down to personal preference.
 
Vinifera said:
A bit off topic. I love my KME but I've noticed the system has been "out of stock" on the website for several weeks. I wonder what's up with that?
Click to expand...

I asked this and here is Ron's reply "I apologize for the inconvenience. We're out of stock of 600 and 1500 grit diamonds at the moment. Since those two stones are part of the kit, that means the kits are out of stock too. I expect to get more diamond stones in within the next couple of weeks." It has been about 10 days since I asked so likely more stock incoming.
 
RayseM said:
I asked this and here is Ron's reply "I apologize for the inconvenience. We're out of stock of 600 and 1500 grit diamonds at the moment. Since those two stones are part of the kit, that means the kits are out of stock too. I expect to get more diamond stones in within the next couple of weeks." It has been about 10 days since I asked so likely more stock incoming.
Click to expand...

I had talked to Ron about this as well, I think I got the last one he had in stock and that was a month or so ago, looks like still out of stock.
 
I hope Ron gets things straightened out quickly. Being out of stock for an extended period of time is not good.
 
I got my KME from an authorized dealer in NJ last week. I am new to sharpening, but the KME is working well for me so far. I also have a Spyderco Sharp Maker.

I sharpened my ZT 707CF ELMAX last night with no problem. I ordered the diamond tape set as well and it is on the way.

Best Sharpening Stones
www.bestsharpeningstones.com
 
After clamping and with the cube, it should be easy to see what the factory grind angle is to start. Then you can make the determination if you want to match, go a smaller angle (sharper but less robust), or larger angle (possibly requiring less frequent touch up). Depending on the knife, I have used anywhere from 15 to 25 degrees. Twenty is pretty standard on many of my factory grinds.

Personally, I use either strops, or the Sharpmaker for touch-ups. With a clean, positive, and even edge to start with, you may find your edges to last much longer with very little maintenance. Then back to the KME when the knife needs more than touch-up. If you keep a record of what angle you profiled any specific knife to, quick regrinds are painless if the blade gets chipped or needs it otherwise.

I've found that many factory grinds vary side-to-side and heal-to-toe just slightly (ok, some a lot). This can make it very difficult to touch-up after a little use. So I'd probably guess that around 70% of my new purchases end up on the KME after very little use. After that, they may not need to be clamped up for a long time.
 
TimeOnTarget said:
I got my KME from an authorized dealer in NJ last week. I am new to sharpening, but the KME is working well for me so far. I also have a Spyderco Sharp Maker.

I sharpened my ZT 707CF ELMAX last night with no problem. I ordered the diamond tape set as well and it is on the way.

Best Sharpening Stones
www.bestsharpeningstones.com
Click to expand...

You bought the last one :D. Ron wrote yesterday saying the stones are coming in and so the kits are going out to his vendors. Should be seeing these on sale again later this week or next week.

Sorry to be sidetracking the thread. I won't do it again.
 
RayseM said:
You bought the last one :D. Ron wrote yesterday saying the stones are coming in and so the kits are going out to his vendors. Should be seeing these on sale again later this week or next week.

Sorry to be sidetracking the thread. I won't do it again.
Click to expand...

Lucky me! :)

I am awaiting my Angle Cube as well. I used my IPhone to check my ZT, but I think it is only a rough guess. It is better than nothing.
 
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