Sharpening with a Kalamazoo 1SM Belt Sander (Awesome!)

M

Mirage_Man

Joined
Mar 24, 2011
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A little background first. I bought the HF 1x30 belt sander based on the numerous reccomendations around the web for it's cheap price and adequate ability to sharpen knives. Got it with a 20% off coupon for like $34 OTD. I ordered some belts from Lee Valley based on Jerry Hossom's tutorial. Once the belts arrived I went right to work with it. I managed to sharpen 2 knives before the HF started falling apart. The main drive wheel started to spin off the arbor as well as the top wheel. The whole thing shook like it had the DT's. What a disappointment. So I took it back.

When it comes to tools I've found more often than not you get what you pay for. So the next day and ordered the Kalamazoo 1SM. Yes, it's 6X the price and you'll have to determine for yourself if you're willing to make the investment. I was and am very glad I did! This machince should easily last my lifetime and will be passed down to my son.

First off the main selling point for me was the Baldor motor and that it's made in the USA. I don't mind paying a little more for that. Next was the 42" belts (longer life I suppose due to more area.) The simplicity of the design and quick belt changes are great too. Oh, and wow is it smooth and quiet compared to the HF machine.

OK enough slobbering over the 1SM. :)

So I have never sharpened knives on a belt sander and trying to get acceptable edges on diamond stones and ceramics can be frustrating and time consuming if the edge is damaged or screwed up in some way. I'm here to tell you that watching the various video tutorials found on YouTube and reading sites like these I have been able to produce an edge like I never have before! And I have been able to do that in minutes not hours. I can put a smooth mirror edge or toothy yet hair popping edge with no problem. I have been practicing on some kitchen knives from the local thrift store with amazing results. I can't say how pleased I am with the results.

I know I still have a lot to learn but the edges I've been able to produce so far have been outstanding.
 
I also have the Kalamazoo. and been using it for 3+ years. Runs like the day it was new. There are many grits of belts available in the 1 x 42 size. I have a few in the 2 & 4 micron range. Get the leather belt to finish off your edge. You made a good choice and its a quick method of getting a great edge.
 
rpttrsn said:
I also have the Kalamazoo. and been using it for 3+ years. Runs like the day it was new. There are many grits of belts available in the 1 x 42 size. I have a few in the 2 & 4 micron range. Get the leather belt to finish off your edge. You made a good choice and its a quick method of getting a great edge.
Click to expand...

Yep, I have 120, 220, 400, 600 and a leather belt with the green compound from Lee Valley. I may experiment with other grits but right now the edge I'm getting it outstanding as it is. That said having the ability to put various levels of polish or toothiness has me wondering what type of edge is best for different knives. For instance a chef's knife vs. an EDC folder like a Kershaw Leek?
 
I couldn't sharpen a knife at all. Read Mr. Hossom's tutorial and decided that even I could do this. I bought all the belts and a cheap belt sander from Canadian Tire. I tried my first blade which was a cheap 4 inch kitchen knife. From the 1st knife I did I could make hair run and hide. To sharpen 10 kitchen knives and 1 or 2 hunters or folders takes me about 30 minutes now. I had all the sharpening systems before and could never get anything to resemble sharp so if I can do it, anyone can. If you are thinking about learning how to sharpen save yourself a lot of money and time and get a belt sander!
 
I also own a Kalamazoo 1x42. In fact, its the only belt grinder I own.
 
Awesome stuff, isn't it? I have had mine for a year and some change now, moving up from hand-powered sharpening. WHOLE new ballgame, the stuff you can do with it is tremendous! I actually just finished a re-grind on a HORRIBLY mauled CRKT KISS on Saturday, turned it from trashed into a decently usable blade again, in about ten minutes of careful work with an 80-grit belt. The speed and capability has to be seen to be believed.
 
I started with the belt sander ( cheapo kind 1"x30") and was quite satisfied. Then bought a set of paper wheels as well. I use the belt sander 90% of the time, but still find the paper wheels useful once in a while.
Currently working on a Kali clone, as I can see the advantage of the s
 
I've actually been quite tempted to get myself a set of the paper wheels, especially the small one, then re-profile it into a thin bull nose for doing serrations and gut hooks, which I currently have no way of doing. Ideally, I'd like to find a good grinder that has a decently low RPM, so I wouldn't have to worry about frying edges.
 
The 1SM is a fantastic machine. I love mine. And that Baldor motor will outlive me, I'm sure.
 
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