TS Prof Kadet v KME sharpening system?

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FloridaDreams

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Apr 11, 2021
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Hey fam, hope you all are well! ive finally d#coded to take the plunge and buy everyone around me the Christmas gift of being able to sharpen their knives for them! That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. So I Watch a lot of YouTube and was about ready to buy a KME (I looked at the wicked edge and it’s just too much to spend, even if it’s much better) and I found the TS Prof Kadet. There are only a few videos about them and they seem new but slightly better in many ways than the KME and only slightly more money. my questions are (if you have any experience with the Kadet specifically) what do you love/hate about it and what does it need to be usable, any upgrades? Are the upgraded clamps Really better? Is there much difference between the .6” and 1” wide stones in use (obvi it takes longer but are there other challenges?). How is product support for either one in your experience? Thanks everyone for your wisdom and for enabling my personal santa spending…
 
I have both the Kadet and a KME (among many, many other systems.) A KME system is like child's toy compared to TSPROF and Hapstone.

The TSPROF Kadet is nice, but finicky to get the angle tuned in. The TSPROF K03 is much better, but pricy. You have not mentioned Hapstone at all, any reason why?

The Hapstone systems are much better value for money than TSPROF and excellent quality (On-par with TSRPOF on all levels). I would recommend a Hapstone R2 Standard, paired up with a set of Venev Ursa or Venev Centaur stones. Make sure to get the Hapstone spring assisted stoppers and a fine tuning adapter also.

Everything you need is on available Gritomatic.
 
I love the Hapstone build your own page at Gritomatic. With adjustable for size large magnetic table and bonded diamond stones from Gritomatic or Edgepro, the build would be high on my list if I did not already have a KME diamond system.
The clamp on our KME is easy to use and less fiddly then a manual clamp with hex nuts, and you can flip the stone holder upside down to reach angles smaller then 15 degrees. On the KME utube, Ron demonstrates clamping, sharpening a large big bush craft knife, and installing the pen knife clamp for tiny knives, along with a bunch of KME user videos, with lots of interesting mods. My initial thought that 4 inch stones on the KME would be a negative is really theoretical, in our experience over 5.5 years, with all kinds of options now. KME can also sharpen broadheads, and axes with KME's magnetic stone holder you put directly on the axe. We have SIC, natural stones, stock KME diamonds (which have not worn out yet), and bonded 1st gen Venev diamonds. Did you see CEDRIC AND ADA'S long term KME REVIEW on utube? Thumbs up across... like 1,000 knives. I expect the KME to outlast me. Not bad for 205.00 including their tuff 4 diamond stones and the base.
 
I didn’t mention hapstone because I wasn’t familiar but this looks similar for similar money to the ts prof - still twice the kme price to get started. Curious if anyone else has experience with the hapstone R2upper level model for $360 with a center clamp and 2 side clamps. I’m not entirely sure what the extra $100 gets me over the cheaper R2 or if the $200 gives me a lot more options or much more ease of sharpening versus the KME? I just trying to figure out if the extra 200 is worth it - I’m All about buy once cry once. Curious about more Hapstone thoughts…
 
I have the R2 Standard that comes with the 2 angle clamps, I’ve sharpened everything from small folders to large kitchen knives with no issues. I too was set on getting the KME but ended up with the Hapstone as I thought it was more versatile, especially with larger knives.
 
I have all options for the Hapstone R2, V8 and M3 system, including all available R2 clamps. I also have all available TSPROF models, KME, Edge Pro and many other sharpening systems.

Your best options for a variety of clamping variables and for value for money with the Hapstone series would the Hapstone R2 Standard system, paired up with a Fine tuning adapter, stopper rings and a digital angle cube. For stones, you can't beat Venev Ursa or Venev Centaur for value (They are dual sided stones) Have a browse on Gritomatic. The Hapstone R2 is closer in comparison to usability and features to the TSPROF K03 than any of the other TSPROF sharpeners, FYI. This puts the Hapstone R2 in a VERY competitive price point.

The angled clamps you get with the R2 Standard, has the option to be stacked side by side and give you the same central clamping ability as the more expensive version with the center clamp, and you also have the option of rotating the angled clamps outward on the edges, giving you even wider blade sharpening ability than advertised.

As far as comparing it to a KME, there is no comparison at all. It is in a different league altogether; the Hapstone is much better system on all levels that the KME can ever be.
 
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I have all options for the Hapstone R2, V8 and M3 system, including all available R2 clamps. I also have all available TSPROF models, KME, Edge Pro and many other sharpening systems.
777 Edge said:
As far as comparing it to a KME, there is no comparison at all. It is in a different league altogether; the Hapstone is much better system on all levels that the KME can ever be.
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I only have experience with the KME, which I like a lot. I'm using the CGSW bonded diamond stones which are excellent and pretty reasonable (1/2 the cost of the Edge Pro Matrix stones by the same maker). Near as I can tell, you're going to get virtually the same results from any of these fixed angle systems, so the main distinctions would be price and ease of use. I love that I can hold the KME system in one hand and sharpen with the other, and I don't even have to set it on its base to flip the knife. IMO it's much more comfortable than hunching over a desk like you have to do with all the other systems.

It's interesting that most of the big EDC Youtubers who use a fixed angle system seem to use a KME (Pete from Cedric and Ada, Birdshot, Nick Shabaz, etc.).

Why do you think the Hapstone is in a different league, specifically?
 
I think you’re right, it’s not really about “better” per se, but what is important to you feature-wise and how much you’re willing to spend to compensate for (my) lack of skill at sharpening. You can pay for less room for mistakes and more options, but that doesn’t mean you will get ‘better’ results. Just different paths to the same destination. I know the KME is great because I’ve seen many different folks use and talk about it and because of that, I feel like I am already familiar with its shortcomings and how to get around many of them. There is just a lot less content about the hapstone systems out there so discovering the same amount of knowledge about it is just more time consuming. Appreciate everyone sharing your experiences!
 
777 Edge said:
As far as comparing it to a KME, there is no comparison at all. It is in a different league altogether; the Hapstone is much better system on all levels that the KME can ever ben
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Not sure where to begin here when I consider what has been written negatively with only general non specific comments regarding KME?
When I first laid eyes on Hapstone and TSProf, I remember suggesting they deserve consideration for industrial design awards. To this day, I have not seen any awards posted which leaves me scratching my head. There you go, great industrial design for sharpening some tools. I keep expecting Ben or Ron to create 2nd gen revs of their products in response.
When I saw KME, I thought ingenious tool for sharpening arrows and some other tools; most competitively priced because it came with 4 innovatively made / long lived diamond stones, it was mature enough that I could invest, standardize and grow within KME's system inside my families monthly or bimonthly budget, it met several criteria for training, and I could run it with 1.5 hands. I always got / get excellent pre- and post-sale customer service from Ron and Brian, who will be around for a while in the light of their history, after which if needed, I could fabricate or have fabricated any factory or ideal modification parts needed locally. And we know Thingiverse has several options from 777 Edge as well as others.
I have cooked up a 2nd gen KME: buying KME's Axe guide, Gritomatic's KME stone holder, plus miscellaneous parts to create a canted (ala Edgepro) magnetic quick access honing / stropping table, with optional magnetic rail for short sword sharpening (ala Chinese / EdgePal ideas), allowing full use of most 4 and 6 inch stones (thickness and widths as well) slotted and mounted magnetically. I love wood, though KME's stock items do not inspire aesthetic appreciation, and I have some left over furniture grade Ash... which would be the perfect base underneath a PanaVise for when you did not want to handhold. The secondary gain of taking into consideration ADA rationals, increases utility for different tool sharpening, as well as across motor AND sharpening skill!
 
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I had the KME for years and didn’t even “need” a new sharpener but followed the advice of 777 Edge 777 Edge and got the Hapstone R2 Standard with the extras and the Ursa stones. It was a game changer for me and sold my KME.

The KME was great at one point and time but these other sharpeners have surpassed it in so many ways.

For the Hapstone R2, I love the magnetic platform for your angle cube and the fine tuning adapter. With KME you have to try and balance the angle cube on the rod while trying to adjust the angle which was a PIA. With the KME, I hated removing the entire rod each time I flipped the knife over. None of that with the Hapstone.

I purchased my Hapstone in September and so far I have sharpened 60 knives and just love it.

The Hapstone may be a little more than KME but it’s worth every penny and then some.
 
3D Anvil said:
It's interesting that most of the big EDC Youtubers who use a fixed angle system seem to use a KME (Pete from Cedric and Ada, Birdshot, Nick Shabaz, etc.).

Why do you think the Hapstone is in a different league, specifically?
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Firstly, I know KME has a huge fan base and for this reason I have actually been busy designing a lot of upgrades for the KME that will make it a much more versatile and accurate system. (Clamp bars for aftermarket clamps for much better clamping of knives, a fine tuning geared angle adjusting system, an improved and much more stable base, digital angle cube platforms for zeroing and measuring, stone holders for bigger and aftermarket stones and some other upgrades) Those upgrades will be available soon for everyone when I've completed them. For those already invested in a KME system, my upgrades should give it a huge boost in usability. But, you will still have to significantly upgrade any KME you buy to be able to get to that level of usability.

Secondly, there is a world of difference between the reality of "Big YouTubers" and the real world we live in. Most of these guys are after views, thumbs-ups, likes, free gear and eventually an income source. They are not really doing it for improvement of our hobby and sharing un-bias truths about what is out there. Mention a KME or Edge Pro in your Youtube videos, and you get a big fan base and more views just because there is wealth and prosperity in the US and a lot of people who want to purchase only US made gear. I do "get" that and respect it.

In the real world we live in (not the online world) there is no comparison in quality, usability and workmanship with systems like Hapstone, TSPROF or Kazak compared to inferior systems like KME, Edge Pro etc.

KME, Edge Pro and some other U.S. made systems used to be innovative systems years ago but they have unfortunately not really kept up with improving their products to match the innovation of the newer generation systems like Hapstone, TSPROF, Kazak and others.
 
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I loved the KME when I had it but didn’t know what else was out there besides the Edge Pro (which I had) and the wicked edge.

I think if the KME was cheaper then it would be more competitive going forward.

If you want the precision kit, base, 50 grit stone and the thickness compensator, that already puts you at $275.
 
FloridaDreams said:
I think you’re right, it’s not really about “better” per se, but what is important to you feature-wise and how much you’re willing to spend to compensate for (my) lack of skill at sharpening. You can pay for less room for mistakes and more options, but that doesn’t mean you will get ‘better’ results. Just different paths to the same destination. I know the KME is great because I’ve seen many different folks use and talk about it and because of that, I feel like I am already familiar with its shortcomings and how to get around many of them. There is just a lot less content about the hapstone systems out there so discovering the same amount of knowledge about it is just more time consuming. Appreciate everyone sharing your experiences!
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Get a TSProf K03 or a Hapstone that has the angled clamps for sure,the Hapstone sharpeners are and work very well and you can get a lot of different thing's for them as well.

If you get a Hapstone get the Fine Tuning Adapter for making small adjustments to your sharpening angle,with the Hapstone your really getting double and single clamps in 1 shot because of the way they can be arranged on the crossbar.

For stones get the Venev stones in 100% concentration which are the Sirius set.

I had a KME and they do work but if your going to spend money on a sharpener get a Hapstone or TSProf and spend the money just once,my main bitch with the KME is that it has 4 inch long stones and their stone selection suck when compared to Edge Pro format stones which is what Hapstone and TSProf use,the other thing I don't like about the KME is the rubber pads fall off a lot from the jaws as I had problems with them and others I know personally did as well.

Here links to the Fine Tuning Adapter and the Venev stones so you know what to look for.

https://www.gritomatic.com/products/fine-tuning-adapter-for-hapstone?_pos=2&_sid=7d9334ade&_ss=r

https://www.gritomatic.com/products...-set-for-edge-pro?_pos=5&_sid=bf403ef20&_ss=r
 
777 Edge said:
Firstly, I know KME has a huge fan base and for this reason I have actually been busy designing a lot of upgrades for the KME that will make it a much more vertasile and accurate system. (Clamp bars for aftermarket clamps, a fine tuning angle system, better and much more stable base, stone holders for bigger and aftermarket stones and some other upgrades) Those upgrades will be available soon for everyone when I've completed them. For those already invested in a KME system, my upgrades should give it a huge boost in usability. But, you will still have to significantly upgrade any KME you buy to be able to get to that level of usability.

Secondly, there is a world of difference between the reality of "Big YouTubers" and the real world. Most of these guys are after views, thumbs-ups and likes. They are not really doing it for improvement of our hobby and sharing un-bias truth about what is out there. Mention a KME or Edge Pro in your videos, and you get a big fan base and more views just because there is wealth and prosperity in the US and a lot of people who want to buy US made. I get that and respect it.

In the real world we live in (not the online world) there is no comparison in quality, usability and workmanship with systems like Hapstone, TSPROF or Kazak compared to the US made KME, Edge Pro etc.
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Okay ... still waiting to hear the specific "different league" difference between the systems. Certainly some of the other systems use longer stones, which is nice. More stable base is accurate, but personally I'd rather not use a base at all, which isn't an option with the Russian systems. More accurate angle selection is probably accurate, but not really an issue for me. Whatever system you're using you're going to use a Sharpie to match the existing angle, or else reprofile to your desired angle.

My guess re; the Youtubers is that they just followed one another, and the KME gets results.
 
TSPROF/Hapstone differences over KME -
Better stone selection
Longer stones
More solidly built
Easier for longer knives
More customization
Better 3rd party support
More stable
Better fine tuning control
By no means am I saying that the KME isn’t a fine system, and if I was predominately going to be sharpening folders I most likely would have ended up with one, it’s just for my needs (and weighing the above listed items) I thought the Hapstone was a better fit.
 
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I think I’ve decided to start with the KME and see how I go with it for a few sharpenings and I can always sell it at a slight loss if I want to change to a hapstone etc By the time I add all the extras, it’s about twice the money. While I think it’s definitely “worth“ the cost, since this is my first guided system, I’ll start with what I know best and go from there. I really appreciate all the input and I’m keeping my eye out for more videos about the R2.

one question for the Hapstone fans - do you ever scratch the blades on those clamps? I’m surprised that the clamps seem to all be metal-on-metal which seems like not a great idea to me - but what do I know? Hope you all are well.
 
I put painters tape on the blade to protect it. To answer your question, yes it can. I have the hapstone M2 which is a platform similar to EdgePro but with magnets built in. I keep tape on the platform over the magnets all the time.
one roll of tape will last years!
 
Enjoy your KME, they are decent enough to do most basic jobs and it's a nice upgrade from your Lansky system. The older generation Lanksky clamps are better at clamping most blades than the KME clamps though, FYI. New generation Lanksky with rubber strip clamps are not as good.

Regarding any clamp in any sharpening systems - as long as you clean the inside of the clamps before and after sharpening and don't get any grit or shavings between the clamps and the blade, then it won't scratch your blades. This applies to clamps with rubber coating and to magnetic mounts too. If you get silicon carbide / diamond / aluminum oxide etc or metal shavings between the blade and any surface that you attach it to (magnets/clamps etc), it will scratch your blade. Even the rag you use to clean your blade has to be free of any swarf or shavings.

Soft unhardened metal clamps (aluminum in a lot of cases) on hardened metal blades are a lot easier to keep clean because the grit cannot embed itself into any coating. Metal on metal contact is also the best way for a stable and secure clamp. Brass / aluminum / softer metal won't scratch a hardened blade, it's the grit / dirt / sand / swarf in-between that causes scratches.
 
FloridaDreams, My first KME sharpening was a Benchmade 710-D2 that got a few scratches from KME's 140 grit diamond, the cost of not paying attention. All my knives are users though so no big, but. I did pay attention with the 710-m390, and it came out perfect. I concluded it was the new stone sloughing off diamonds, and me not cleaning. So I dabbed stones on a sponge in a bread plate with water and a drop of dish soap. Even with a very light pressure stones needed breaking in. Should of started with a beater kitchen knife... Never used painters tape because I have not had a problem since the 710-D2. Have grip tape if I ever need to refresh clamp, though maybe Ron has some... Have taken a few thumb studs off for sharpening which is easy peasy with my knives if necessary.
 
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