Received my KME Sharpener today

[flphotog]

Well thanks to the wonderful speedy service of the USPS I received my KME today instead of last Wed. but oh well at least they didn't entirely lose it.
Just as a preliminary so far I love it. They really did resolve all of the issues that I was having with the DMT system. It's much easier to use and is a much much better design IMHO.
Unlike a lot of systems while the vertical bar is marked with specific angles, well it's supposed to be, I haven't actually looked as I use an Angle Cube to set the exact angle I want. That's the really nice thing, it is infinitely adjustable between 17 and 30 degrees. Well that's what the spec calls for, but as it turns out and this is one of the reasons I chose it, all you need to do is turn the rod pivot upside down and you can get down to about 8 degrees. The lowest I'm going is 12 degrees for my Santoku and it works very well at that angle and it looks to have enough room to go lower. Of course this all depends on the width of the knife.
I've only done a couple of knives so far but I love this thing.

 

[bflying]

And like most things, the more you use something, the more comfortable you get. Allowing you to fine tune, and try out any tips/tricks you may find online.

Did you get the Gold Stones? Any Roo Strops or CBN Emulsions?

That's what I love about this rig. You can match an existing angle from original grind, or use a level and get an exact angle. But what I've found on so many factory grinds (even expensive knives), is that the actual angle will usually vary from right to left. And in many unfortunate cases, actually vary from tip to plunge line. After getting the hang of things, uneven final bevels started to really bug me since I could get them much better on my little home system. So probably 80%+ of my new purchases end up on the KME before they're even broken in. And sometimes right out of the box if it's really bad. A $400 knife may come to me sharp, but if the edge looks like it was finished by someone with a wandering eye, it will just bug me to death until I get it perfect. I've got problems. At least the KME makes it easy for me.

Before long you will discover that it's so easy to play around with the edge and fit to the usage. From very toothy for a utility knife, to mirror polish for that "Gentleman's Show Knife". This is one of my favorite finishes. "Frosty" with enough teeth for most things, but refined enough to show off.

Enjoy and let us know of your successes AND failures. There's always someone new here that will learn something from your stories.

 

[flphotog]

And like most things, the more you use something, the more comfortable you get. Allowing you to fine tune, and try out any tips/tricks you may find online.

Did you get the Gold Stones? Any Roo Strops or CBN Emulsions?

That's what I love about this rig. You can match an existing angle from original grind, or use a level and get an exact angle. But what I've found on so many factory grinds (even expensive knives), is that the actual angle will usually vary from right to left. And in many unfortunate cases, actually vary from tip to plunge line. After getting the hang of things, uneven final bevels started to really bug me since I could get them much better on my little home system. So probably 80%+ of my new purchases end up on the KME before they're even broken in. And sometimes right out of the box if it's really bad. A $400 knife may come to me sharp, but if the edge looks like it was finished by someone with a wandering eye, it will just bug me to death until I get it perfect. I've got problems. At least the KME makes it easy for me.

Before long you will discover that it's so easy to play around with the edge and fit to the usage. From very toothy for a utility knife, to mirror polish for that "Gentleman's Show Knife". This is one of my favorite finishes. "Frosty" with enough teeth for most things, but refined enough to show off.

Enjoy and let us know of your successes AND failures. There's always someone new here that will learn something from your stories.

Yes, I got the new kit with the gold stones. I'm a big fan of diamond hones.
One of my favorite things is that you don't have to use only preset angles, just add an Angle Cube and you are golden. One thing I'm planning on doing is adding a thin piece of steel to the top of the stone carrier so I can attach the angle cube and make it quick and easy to set the angle.

 

[nick_30]

Ron has told me to be careful adding wieght to the stone holder. Even just a little bit can increase wear on the stones and shorten their life. But congrats, I LOVE this system as well

 

[makariotes]

Nice! I have one if these and it is awesome; I tried several systems for under 200 bucks and this is the best in my opinion; coupled with a Sharpmaker I don't think I need anything else for sharpening, very good choice. At one point I thought about the wicked edge and the apex pro but dang, that's a lot of cash, I'd rather get more knives instead.
I had to have something that would guide me in the process because I totally suck at freehand sharpening; anyway, this is a nice kit, and their customer service is top notch, highly recommended, and USA made!!

 

[ATwistedStaple]

I just bought the $800 Kit from wicked edge... The vendor shipped quickly, but had to rely on wicked edge to ship a few of the stones. They care so much about their customers that they sat on the order for 4 days befor bothering to toss a box in the mail... Might be sending it back on principle and getting a KME... And a Sebbie with the leftover cash.

 

[bflying]

And as Makariotes mentioned, the Sharpmaker (and I'll add a couple freehand strops) is the perfect companion to any guided system. Once you spend the time to create that perfect work of art bevel, you can quickly and easily keep that blood-letting edge with the occasional SM swipe and strop.

 

[makariotes]

I just bought the $800 Kit from wicked edge... The vendor shipped quickly, but had to rely on wicked edge to ship a few of the stones. They care so much about their customers that they sat on the order for 4 days befor bothering to toss a box in the mail... Might be sending it back on principle and getting a KME... And a Sebbie with the leftover cash.

Dang man that sucks, and that's what I was talking about, the price is ridiculous to me, of course that is because I cannot afford one; maybe if I had one I would be singing its praises, I have no doubt that it is a good product, but you're right, you can buy two sebbies with that amount of cash, a large one and a small one, and then use your sharpmaker to keep them edges sharp.
Anyway, I hope you like it when you finally get it, if you do get it and not send it back.
I love my KME sharpener, and like I said the customer service is excellent, I remember going back and forth with the owner via email, and he answered all my questions, I am very pleased with the company.

 

[makariotes]

And as Makariotes mentioned, the Sharpmaker (and I'll add a couple freehand strops) is the perfect companion to any guided system. Once you spend the time to create that perfect work of art bevel, you can quickly and easily keep that blood-letting edge with the occasional SM swipe and strop.

You're right, I still need to get a good pair of strops but I need some direction, you have any suggestions? Thanks man.

 

[ATwistedStaple]

I'm sending it back. I'm sure it would work great, but I'm so disgusted with the experience that I can't bring myself to keep it. I saved and looked forward to getting it for quite some time and then they just shit on the whole experience. I'd rather use what is perhaps a slightly inferior product from a company that actually cares about its customers.

And as was mentioned, buy more knives with the saved money.

 

[bflying]

My strops are a combination of Tandy Leather paddle strops, and a bunch that I made. Using contact cement on anything from old belts, to new leather. Onto 1x3, 1/2x2 boards, and even used free Home Depot paint stir sticks.

 

[fvdk]

I'm sending it back. I'm sure it would work great, but I'm so disgusted with the experience that I can't bring myself to keep it. I saved and looked forward to getting it for quite some time and then they just shit on the whole experience. I'd rather use what is perhaps a slightly inferior product from a company that actually cares about its customers.

Wow.... I understand that when ordering online, the anticipation kicks in and you want to get the stuff as soon as possible but I can assure you that Wicked Edge cares a lot about their customers. Whatever reason they had, waiting four days to ship your order, I am sure that it was another one than do disgust you and shit on your experience.

 

[fvdk]

One thing I'm planning on doing is adding a thin piece of steel to the top of the stone carrier so I can attach the angle cube and make it quick and easy to set the angle.

I have done that and it works great. I used a blade from a feeler gauge that I had in my toolbox.

Ron has told me to be careful adding wieght to the stone holder. Even just a little bit can increase wear on the stones and shorten their life. But congrats, I LOVE this system as well

Yes, the diamond stones work best with very little pressure. The weight of the stone holder itself is usually enough.

 

[flphotog]

I have done that and it works great. I used a blade from a feeler gauge that I had in my toolbox.

Yes, the diamond stones work best with very little pressure. The weight of the stone holder itself is usually enough.

The feeler gauge blade is a great idea. I couldn't find anything thin enough so I called by brother and he was going to make me something but I'll keep the feeler gauge in mind, thanks.

 

[chopsaki]

I bought a metal screw bracket from Home Depot and gorilla glued it to the stone holder. Another item that is clutch are the two knobs I added to the stone holder and the angle adjustment knob. I owe Dean O on you tube for that one. Way more comfortable on those longer re profile jobs.

 

[nick_30]

I have done that and it works great. I used a blade from a feeler gauge that I had in my toolbox.

Yes, the diamond stones work best with very little pressure. The weight of the stone holder itself is usually enough.

Of course I say that but this is what I have on mine. I have just learned to offset the pressure difference.

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I had the machinist at work mill me 3 of them out of stainless and I polished them in a drill upto 1500 grit and them with a mag polish

 

[makariotes]

My strops are a combination of Tandy Leather paddle strops, and a bunch that I made. Using contact cement on anything from old belts, to new leather. Onto 1x3, 1/2x2 boards, and even used free Home Depot paint stir sticks.

That's a great idea, I thought about making one before but couldn't find a local place to buy leather, an old belt sounds like a good option for me right now; thanks for the tip man.

 

[ncrockclimb]

I am glad that you are happy with you KME! As far as strops, if you want to freehand (my preference) take a look at Stropman. There is a wait, but I found the quality of the product to be worth the delay. Stropman really makes great stuff!

For a budget option, Sharpening supplies .com has a bunch of reasonably priced strops. Combine a of 6" handheld strop with some Flexcut Gold and you will be all set for under $30.

For an ultra cheap option, use an old belt and get "PORTER-CABLE 5-Count Fiber Cleaning and Polishing Wheels" at Lowes. Total cost $6 assuming you already own the belt.

 

[MichaelMyers]

The only downside to the KME (as with lansky, DMT aligner) is the small sharpening radius that makes it suitable only for small folding knives. Sharpening angle changes too much from middle to the ends of the blade on larger knives.

 

[fvdk]

The only downside to the KME (as with lansky, DMT aligner) is the small sharpening radius that makes it suitable only for small folding knives. Sharpening angle changes too much from middle to the ends of the blade on larger knives.

There we go again... popular misconception that apparently is hard to put to sleep.

You should read the whole thread but as some people like to take the shortcut...
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/s...n-clamp-style-devices?p=15412040#post15412040