Knock off kme improvements?

[Eman816]

Hey guys so I was wondering if theres any improvement I could do to my knock off kme. Like to make it slightly better with keeping angles and everything or should I just scrap it and get a kme?

 

[c7m2p3]

Does it have an issue with maintaining angles while in the sharpening process? I am inclined to say if that is a problem, there is no easy DIY way to address that and your time and money would be better spent on the actual KME to be sure.

 

[tonymp]

personally imho, I would go with the real deal, I been through some of the knock offs, not just knife sharpeners but other knock offs out there, in the past I normally would go the cheap way and then end up buying the real deal anyway, you end up spending more in the end, I learned the hard way that the saying, you get what you pay for is true in most cases, if I would get good results with the knock off, I would wonder if I could get great results with the real thing, in the end it's up to you.

 

[tonymp]

when it comes to knife sharpening, attention to detail and tolerances is the name of the game, I wouldn't trust those tolerances to a knock off.

 

[Eman816]

Yeah it looks like I'll be better off getting the real deal. The main 2 issues is the clamp is not perfectly straight across and also the rod is 2 pieces that thread together giving it some bow and flex

 

[tonymp]

I started with a sharpmaker, should be called the sharpkeeper, trying to reprofile with a sm sucks, I got a kme to set my bevel and use the sm to maintain the edge, I got the universal stone holder for the kme that holds the sm rods, I can get a mirror finish and a hair whittling edge of the stones with that setup.

 

[Eman816]

I started with a sharpmaker, should be called the sharpkeeper, trying to reprofile with a sm sucks, I got a kme to set my bevel and use the sm to maintain the edge, I got the universal stone holder for the kme that holds the sm rods, I can get a mirror finish and a hair whittling edge of the stones with that setup.

The universal one is it the one from gritomatic? If so from my understanding you can use 6" stones but only 4" or that's what it says at least is that true?

 

[c7m2p3]

I started with a sharpmaker, should be called the sharpkeeper, trying to reprofile with a sm sucks, I got a kme to set my bevel and use the sm to maintain the edge, I got the universal stone holder for the kme that holds the sm rods, I can get a mirror finish and a hair whittling edge of the stones with that setup.

Interesting. I had thought that the universal stone holder from Gritomatic only held standard rectangular stones, and would be unable to hold the sharpmaker's triangle rods.

 

[tonymp]

it's not from griptomatic, I seen it on a you tube video, what's nice about it is the kme stones, and the rods sit at the same level so you don't need a stone thickness compensator.

 

[Eman816]

A guy is willing to sell me his kme with the gritomatic stone carrier for 100 only issue is the stones need replaced but u guess with the universal stone holder that opens up options on what stones to buy which is kinda nice

 

[tonymp]

A guy is willing to sell me his kme with the gritomatic stone carrier for 100 only issue is the stones need replaced but u guess with the universal stone holder that opens up options on what stones to buy which is kinda nice

is that with the base?

 

[tonymp]

A guy is willing to sell me his kme with the gritomatic stone carrier for 100 only issue is the stones need replaced but u guess with the universal stone holder that opens up options on what stones to buy which is kinda nice

the kme diamond stones go for about $24 a piece, if you were to buy that system from him at $100, and new stones, that puts the price to about the same as a new one, $75 would be more reasonable, if you were planning on getting different stones for it, it may not be a bad way to go, hate to see you pay the price tag of a new system but have a used clamp.

 

[scottc3]

Eman816, IMO get that 100 buck deal. tonymp is using Jesse's 3D printed and assembled Universal stone holder, the one he provided tube for, it holds KME, Sharpmaker stones flat and edge up (3D holder has a special Sharpmaker shaped triangle hollowed out on each end). It also holds any Edgepro size stones. Gritomatic's Universal stone holder holds the same stones, but Sharpmaker stones lay flat against the holder, only giving you the corners for honing. I have used Congress Moldmaker 240 grit / 60 micron SIC on 4 knives with Jesse's 3D holder: 8Cr, VG10, N680, N690. Worked OK, and I could mount stones with 1 and a half hands. Because I was re-establishing edges and thus using appropriate pressure, I found that I had to mount stones with more spring tension, or else I would need to keep an eye on stones, and once in a while push them back down level in the holder.

Used Venev 60 (240 grit-felt finer then Moldmaker 60) as the next stone, mounted in Gritomatic's stone holder. I really like it. For me it was easier to mount stones by virtue of being larger. Also, it felt better in hand then KME holder, lighter, and better ergos with the wood ball shape. I also used KME 100 grit diamond with Gritomatc holder on s30v and felt like I had good control.

Even though I only get a four-inch sweep using 6 inch stones on the stock KME System, I really like the added "Headroom" on both ends of the stroke, trailing and leading edge. I use generic window cleaner or wet water with all the stones.

Both holders could use a parking notch / magnet so spring side of stone holder would not spin. It would be less fiddly. Also I would like insight into choice made for both spring lengths, which are similarly sized. Seems too short a range. I think a tad more range would help me mount stones tightly.

Keep in mind I am modding the KME using KME's Axe sharpener along a DIY run of slide, so I can sharpen longer Kitchen knives, and still only use the one OEM clamp. With this mod 6 inch stones will be useful across their entire length.

240 grit - 60 μm via Congress’s Mark Froelick CS.
Venev bonded diamond stone 60grit=225μm from GRITOMATIC’s great table.
KME 100 grit ~163μm, from KME Customer Service reference


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[Eman816]

the kme diamond stones go for about $24 a piece, if you were to buy that system from him at $100, and new stones, that puts the price to about the same as a new one, $75 would be more reasonable, if you were planning on getting different stones for it, it may not be a bad way to go, hate to see you pay the price tag of a new system but have a used clamp.

Yeah with Base and gritomatic universal stone holder for 100. He said the kme stones are worn out and probably need replaced. I thought for a 100 and thr extra stone carrier the price was ok with a base also but I also figured for 180 blade hq with gold stones and make my own base as a option too

 

[Eman816]

Eman816, IMO get that 100 buck deal. tonymp is using Jesse's 3D printed and assembled Universal stone holder, the one he provided tube for, it holds KME, Sharpmaker stones flat and edge up (3D holder has a special Sharpmaker shaped triangle hollowed out on each end. It also holds any Edgepro size stones. Gritomatic's Universal stone holder holds the same stones, but Sharpmaker stones lay flat against the holder, only giving you the corners for honing. I have used Congress Moldmaker 240 grit / 60 micron SIC on 4 knives with Jesse's 3D holder: 8Cr, VG10, N680, N690. Worked OK, and I could mount stones with 1 and a half hands. Because I was re-establishing edges and thus using appropriate pressure, I found that I had to mount stones with more spring tension, or else I would need to keep an eye on stones, and once in a while push them back down level in the holder.

Used Venev 60 (240 grit-felt finer then Moldmaker 60) as the next stone, mounted in Gritomatic's stone holder. I really like it. For me it was easier to mount stones by virtue of being larger. Also, it felt better in hand then KME holder, lighter, and better ergos with the wood ball shape. I also used KME 100 grit diamond with Gritomatc holder on s30v and felt like I had good control. I use generic window cleaner or wet water with all the stones.

Both holders could use a parking notch / magnet so spring side of stone holder would not spin. It would be less fiddly. Also I would like insight into choice made for both spring lengths, which are similarly sized. Seems too short a range. I think a tad more range would help me mount stones tightly.

Keep in mind I am modding the KME using KME's Axe sharpener along a DIY run of slide, so I can sharpen longer Kitchen knives, and still only use the one OEM clamp. With this mod 6 inch stones will be useful across their entire length.

240 grit - 60 μm via Congress’s Mark Froelick CS.
Venev bonded diamond stone 60grit=225μm from GRITOMATIC’s great table.
KME 100 grit ~163μm
KME customer service referenced micron- grit finder
https://www.bestsharpeningstones.co...article_name=MicrontoGritConversionCalculator

Sorry I lost you there where it stands now I would need minimum sic stones for my needs (rex 45 k390 and 20cv with some more steels like that down the road sooner then later) like tony said at that rate buying new stones I would be Better off buying new for 175 and make a base myself if it came right down to it.

 

[scottc3]

Eman816, I tweek explaination a bit. I tried to explain what both after market KME universal stone holders held: Sharpmaker rods, and 4 through 6 inch stones. The Gritomatic Stone holder works great for all the stones you're using now. You are correct in thinking the Gritomatic will let you add any of many different kinds of stones as your paychecks roll in, like the inexpensive SIC. Get your buddies KME. A C-note for everything you reported is a good deal.

If you could give more detail about what is not working now, that would help us help you. Who knows, maybe you don't need to spend more money to solve your sharpening problem/s right now, but could save up for a KME instead.

 

[Eman816]

Eman816, I tweek explaination a bit. I tried to explain what both after market KME universal stone holders held: Sharpmaker rods, and 4 through 6 inch stones. The Gritomatic Stone holder works great for all the stones you're using now. You are correct in thinking the Gritomatic will let you add any of many different kinds of stones as your paychecks roll in, like the inexpensive SIC. Get your buddies KME. A C-note for everything you reported is a good deal.

If you could give more detail about what is not working now, that would help us help you. Who knows, maybe you don't need to spend more money to solve your sharpening problem/s right now, but could save up for a KME instead.

Ok sorry you're post was way above my intelligence level and I kinda glazed over ha. So Mt post was in regards to a knock off kme. The jaw is not perfectly centered one end is slightly off center no matter what adjustments I make to it. Also with the cheap set up the actually stone holder rod is 2 pieces threaded together giving it play in the center which I'm worried will throw off my angle. Sadly the kme deal fell thru so it looks like if I wanna snag one I might buy one without a base and build a base myself.

 

[tonymp]

when I give advice on sharpening I always assume the person is as anal as I am, if you just need the sharpener for touch ups and an occasional re-profile, then a knock off may work for you, with the universal stone holder included, it's a more reasonable price, I in no way consider myself a pro knife sharpener but I have been sharpening knives for a long time and can give advice on certain things.

 

[scottc3]

Eman816, What kind of stones are you using? Did your knives get sharp? What knives have you sharpened?

Before sharpening your good knives, sharpen at least 3 cheap knives to practice with your sharpener. Tell us if they got sharp. Thrift, senior center, and hospice stores have the cheapest.

I wanted to help you decide if you should "scrap it." My answers were yes get the KME.

I was trying to help you decide what to do with your rod problem. After thinking some more, how about-
For free = You could mark up your clone rod with a sharpie and eye those reference marks to keep it touching the same way on knife edge. Keep stroke pressure below flex point.
OP quote 1 "the rod is 2 pieces that thread together giving it some bow and flex"
OP quote 2 "stone holder rod is 2 pieces threaded together giving it play in the center"

I not sure I understand the clamp problem. If the detent nipples on the back of the clamp's plate are not holding the clamp perfectly horizontal your hosed. Return it for a refund or fix it.
OP quotes
"the clamp is not perfectly straight across"
"The jaw is not perfectly centered one end is slightly off center no matter what adjustments I make"

This thread is a public service to warn others about buying clones. I always advise saving up your money for quality tools. And, if a low quality clone maker steals an idea that is legally protected they are also thieves. These simple facts do not account for the many ways skill or learning grow and needs are met. Watching Tesla engeneers making respirators on youtube is a current example of growing learning and skills to meet a need.

BTW, my picture shows Sharpmaker shaped rods in each aftermarket KME holder for c7m2p3. My use report was for folks looking at both aftermarket KME stone holders. The picture is for some tinkering I'm doing.

 

[bucketstove]

Hey guys so I was wondering if theres any improvement I could do to my knock off kme. Like to make it slightly better with keeping angles and everything or should I just scrap it and get a kme?

Hi,
See
what you're looking for is russians with multiple videos
using "точилка" which means sharpener
Like this
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgnBi7vSDCWdnKmVPP5zBUkXz67rgXisE

First two videos stand out
КМЕ китайская точилка, исправляем кривизну зажимной головки.
KME Chinese sharpener, correct the curvature of the clamping head.

КМЕ китайская точилка, устраняем люфт! / KME SHARPENER
KME Chinese sharpener, eliminate backlash! / KME SHARPENER

mechanism looks different than actual kme
https://translate.google.com/