TS Prof knock off

G

Gottagofishn

Joined
Jan 25, 2022
Messages
240
I’m considering a new sharpener for the collection. I love the looks of the TSProf series but don’t want to spend 1000’s on a new machine. I would use it on folders primarily. The Tormek isn’t really great for small folders and I really dislike belts on good steel.
I just watched a video on the Xarilk. The reviewer stated with a couple rod stops, the upgraded wide center blade holder and some decent stones would make this a near copy (in performance) of a TS prof.
Wondering if anyone has real world experience with one of these?
I have an Apex Pro but find it cumbersome to use. Looking for something more user friendly at a reasonable price.
 
Gottagofishn said:
I’m considering a new sharpener for the collection. I love the looks of the TSProf series but don’t want to spend 1000’s on a new machine. I would use it on folders primarily. The Tormek isn’t really great for small folders and I really dislike belts on good steel.
I just watched a video on the Xarilk. The reviewer stated with a couple rod stops, the upgraded wide center blade holder and some decent stones would make this a near copy (in performance) of a TS prof.
Wondering if anyone has real world experience with one of these?
I have an Apex Pro but find it cumbersome to use. Looking for something more user friendly at a reasonable price.
Click to expand...
I wondering the same thing too. Hopefully someone who has one can chime in.
 
The Xarilk Gen 3 is what I assume you're talking about? That is a copy of the TSProf Kadet.

The top of the line TSProf K03 and K4 does not have any decent clones.

The Xarilk Gen 3 will get the job done to get your knife sharp, even though it is quite inferior to the TSProf Kadet in quality control and machining tolerances.

Don't listen to some of the "YouTube expert" recommendations regarding getting a central mounted clamp, it is not necessary at all. Most of these guys completely misundertand the geometry of a fixed angle sharpening system. Clamping your smaller blade off on one side of the clamp bar (both clamps side by side), does not affect your sharpening angle at all.

The Xarilk Gen 3 does however suffer from the same limitations as the TSProf Kadet and TSProf Blitz, where your angle is very cumbersome to set, measure and change. They also all very much depend on a very specific blade width and distance from the front of the clamp when it comes to changing the angle and expecting it to perform as promised by the design with the edge staying in the same place. That only happens when the arc of movement is exactly the same length as the original design's engineering planning.

In reality, whenever you make any small change to the angle, you have to re-zero your angle cube on the rod (with stone placed on blade) every single time before then measuring the sharpening angle on the clamp-aligned platform.

The Xarilk Gen 3 works, and is pretty cheap but if you're really looking to buy once cry once then I would recommend a TSprof K03, TSProf K4, Hapstone R2, Kazak Pro, Kazak M100 or Kazak M10.

Gritomatic has most of these top systems available, and Kazak sharpening systems is currently based on Idaho. Links below for your reference.

www.gritomatic.com

Gritomatic - High precision knife sharpeners and sharpening supplies

Gritomatic offers best knife sharpeners, natural and synthetic sharpening stones, and compounds. We help you make the right choice for your knife.
www.gritomatic.com www.gritomatic.com

www.kazakusa.com

KAZAK USA LLC | Knife sharpener's

KNIFE SHARPENERS OF THE HIGHEST CLASS
www.kazakusa.com www.kazakusa.com
 
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Gottagofishn said:
Hopefully... I posted on the 5th.
Click to expand...
I saw that right after I posted. I just rejoined BFC as a paying member after being away for over 5 years and just started cruising the sharpening forum. The last time when I was a paying member, people were quick to answer or post links. I'm not trying to step on any toes, I'm just trying to learn more about sharpening. Have a Great Weekend 👍
 
I think some people have issues about promoting clones and knock-offs which may give them pause as regards commenting.

And it could be they have no experience with these devices.
 
Blues said:
I think some people have issues about promoting clones and knock-offs which may give them pause as regards commenting.

And it could be they have no experience with these devices.
Click to expand...
I do understand some folks hesitation. Just hoping for any feedback.
As far as clones go, I suspect most clone buyers are disappointed with the results they get and either buy the real thing or weren’t serious about that type of equipment or sharpening. I would fall into the first category with my Wen/Tormek and maybe the second category on the Prof. Meaning I have an apex pro, probably won’t shell out the cash for the Prof as I rarely need to use the Apex Pro. Love to have one, just can’t justify the cost at this time. Was hoping for a cheap solution, doesn’t look like it though.
 
777 Edge said:
The Xarilk Gen 3 is what I assume you're talking about? That is a copy of the TSProf Kadet.

The top of the line TSProf K03 and K4 does not have any decent clones.

The Xarilk Gen 3 will get the job done to get your knife sharp, even though it is quite inferior to the TSProf Kadet in quality control and machining tolerances.

Don't listen to some of the "YouTube expert" recommendations regarding getting a central mounted clamp, it is not necessary at all. Most of these guys completely misundertand the geometry of a fixed angle sharpening system. Clamping your smaller blade off on one side of the clamp bar (both clamps side by side), does not affect your sharpening angle at all.

The Xarilk Gen 3 does however suffer from the same limitations as the TSProf Kadet and TSProf Blitz, where your angle is very cumbersome to set, measure and change. They also all very much depend on a very specific blade width and distance from the front of the clamp when it comes to changing the angle and expecting it to perform as promised by the design with the edge staying in the same place. That only happens when the arc of movement is exactly the same length as the original design's engineering planning.

In reality, whenever you make any small change to the angle, you have to re-zero your angle cube on the rod (with stone placed on blade) every single time before then measuring the sharpening angle on the clamp-aligned platform.

The Xarilk Gen 3 works, and is pretty cheap but if you're really looking to buy once cry once then I would recommend a TSprof K03, TSProf K4, Hapstone R2, Kazak Pro, Kazak M100 or Kazak M10.

Gritomatic has most of these top systems available, and Kazak sharpening systems is currently based on Idaho. Links below for your reference.

www.gritomatic.com

Gritomatic - High precision knife sharpeners and sharpening supplies

Gritomatic offers best knife sharpeners, natural and synthetic sharpening stones, and compounds. We help you make the right choice for your knife.
www.gritomatic.com www.gritomatic.com

www.kazakusa.com

KAZAK USA LLC | Knife sharpener's

KNIFE SHARPENERS OF THE HIGHEST CLASS
www.kazakusa.com www.kazakusa.com
Click to expand...
Thanks for your reply. This was specifically the intel that will save me $100. Stop by sometime and I’ll buy you lunch!
I bought a Wen (Tormek knockoff) once upon a time. It wasn’t a total loss as it saw a lot of practice and saved that wear and tear on my T8. The Apex pro will work but I hate trying to hold the knife. Maybe the magnet would help.
Thanks again,
Al
 
I've had the Xarilk Gen 3 for a year or so and find it to be fantastic for the money. Mine holds adjustment well and works great. It was less than $100 but I've got $250 worth of genuine TSProf parts for it. 😂 Probably partially defeats the purpose but I love the TSProf Quick Clamps with it. FWIW I also have a TSProf Pioneer and an Edge Pro Professional, the latter I've had for at least 20 years so I already had 65 stones or so.

The Xarilk is a clone of the Kadet, and while it's not as well made it functionally works well. Compared to the build quality of the TSProf Pioneer the machining, parts and materials of the Xarilk are not as good. But my Gen 3 works well, it's tight and repeatable, not wobbles or slop. Will it hold up to hard use for decades? I dunno, I don't use it a ton as I'm used to my Edge Pro Professional and use machines for most of the customer knives. But it's nice for doing nerd polish on folders. If you're a duffer and just want to keep a great edge on a few knives it's well worth the $100. And honestly I think it's even worth the extra $125 to get the real TSProf Quick Clamps. From online reviews it sounds like any/all Kadet parts will it it. I've only tried a few but they do all indeed work with the Xarilk.
 
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I have the Xarilk Gen 2 and have for well over a year it works very well on many knives. Small knives are not its thing. Long flexy knives also can be a challenge. But your normal EDC folder it works very well. I have other systems as well, Ken Onion Worksharp and the blade grinder attachment, a 1x30 belt grinder, and lots of regular stones. When I have a nice pocket knife that I want sharp, sharp, I use the Xarilk. The KO blade grinder does a really good job too. The 1x30 takes some practice but works great on bigger heavier knives like Dive knives. Just my experience, YMMV.
 
I just ordered the xarilk and higher grit diamknd plates. Watched a bunch of videos and read up on reddit, doesnt seem to be many people complaining about them.
I have a KME, this seems to be a big upgrade to the KME for sure.
Got some rod stops as well.
If needed, ill get the leather and diamond spray. A super mirror polish isnt necessary, as this will be my EDC/work knife for mostly slicing tasks.
Is it true that a 3 to 5 micron spray is beneficial for s90v? Something about the carbides, or is it snake oil (snake spray)?
 
I generally use 6, 3, and 1 micron paste on a horsehide strop mounted to smooth poplar, for most knives, I think S90V would respond well to a diamond spray or paste. Although I have no experience with that specific steel.
 
If you're not concerned with a polished bevel, I would think just 6 micron would be fine. If your objective is a toothy edge, the less you strop the better. 6 will get the job done IMHO.
Tech Diamond Tools does ok for me. 3 to 6 micron I believe. There may be something else more effective out there, but I've only tested a few brands.
 
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