Recommendation? KME Sharpener vs Tormek T4

[jasonp]

Kind of an odd situation but about 4 weeks ago I ordered the KME Sharpening system off of Amazon. Along the way, it got stuck in a warehouse during shipping. At first Amazon listed it as "delayed" then about 1.5 weeks ago, I received an email saying, "Your package appears to be lost" with a big ole "Request Refund" button. Well, I requested and received a refund thinking I'd just buy another. Well as luck would have it, I was discussing the issue with a buddy and he highly recommended the Tormek T4. for about $200 more, I figured, what the heck and ordered one with the small knife attachment about four days ago. Well, I received the message that it has shipped and have been waiting. Fast forward to today and guess what shows up on my door? ....the KME sharpener.

I know I could keep the KME for free as it was Amazon's mistake and just keep both but somewhere there's a small business guy out some money for something probably beyond his control (weather, UPS screw up, etc.). In short, I can't in good conscience keep the KME without contacting the Amazon seller and paying him outside of Amazon so it's either pay him or ship it back. I can't afford both so I have to ship one or the other back. I also can't try them out without messing up the new aspect. So I'm looking for opinions from folks who've owned both as to which one gets shipped back. I've read all the pluses and minuses of both but have never used either. I've been using a lansky for years. Any opinions would be appreciated.

 

[gamma_nyc]

I admire your character. The KME has been a great sharpener for me. Very consistent edged and good quality. I have no experience with the t4, but not sure I would have the need to spend another $200 on a sharpener when the KME does such a good job for me.

 

[wvdavidr]

Although I haven't used either (I use the WEPS, Edge Pro, WSKO-BGA, etc.), I have read a lot about them. They say the KME is good for precision sharpening and the Tormek T4 is better for speed (but not as sharp) and versatility. If you have to sharpen a lot, the Tormek might be easier. You'll have to make that decision. Let us know what you decide!

I have a missing package also (and refunded). If it shows up, I'll just refuse delivery and it'll go back home!

 

[WhitleyStu]

You'll never regret having a Tormek. Over the years I have had three and currently have a T8. I have a 600 grit CBN wheel on my T8 and it produces an amazing edge with a light stropping. Unless you decide to do a lot of large blades a T4 will serve you for many years...

 

[jasonp]

You'll never regret having a Tormek. Over the years I have had three and currently have a T8. I have a 600 grit CBN wheel on my T8 and it produces an amazing edge with a light stropping. Unless you decide to do a lot of large blades a T4 will serve you for many years...

Thanks, I would sure love to test both before deciding but then they'd be used. The idea of touching up blades in just a few minutes sure makes me lean that way.