TSPROF Clamp Options

[Svashtar]

Guys, I have collected pretty much every other sharpening system made since I got my first pocket knife in 1963, but am finally pulling the pin on one of these guided systems. I had decided on the Kadet Pro with 7mm x 300mm capacity and a heavier base than either the Blitz 360 4.5mm or the new lightweight Pioneer 5mm width systems. Then I read the clamps won’t work for convex or FFG blades, and I’d need to buy more clamps? This is what bugs me about TSPROF, trying to figure out all the options. (I don’t know if it’s a Russian to English translation thing or what, but they don’t make it very clear.) I’d like to do a one and done purchase, or keep it as simple as possible.

Q: What If I saved up and got the K03 Pro system? Will that handle convex and FFG better? I don’t need the angle finder, I have one, and will be using other stones later anyway, which is why the Kadet Pro seemed like a good middle ground choice.

Having quite a few kukris and other big knives I’m a big convex edge fan, and also have a collection of Spydercos and others with FFG profiles.

I don’t mind paying once, but don’t want to have to go back and start buying more clamps at $80-$100 a pair unless it’s absolutely necesssry.

Thanks for any info on the Kadet/K03 system, which TSPROF you might recommend in general, and clamps needed for these two blade / edge profiles.

 

[Another Shepherd]

For a FFG, clamps with a rubber pad are easier to use, but I find that some masking tape on the blade works fine with non-padded clamps such as TSProf and Hapstone. If necessary, you can put a narrow strip of masking tape midway between the edge and the spine.

Convex edges generally do not work on guided systems with stones/plates unless you have special accessories for convex edges. A belt grinder like a Work Sharp Ken Onion will give you a convex edge.

 

[Svashtar]

Ok, thanks, makes sense. I was being lazy thinking of an all in one system I could transport with me. I have a Kalamazoo 1x42 I use for conveying knives normally, and on regular steels I can also use the mousepad / sandpaper trick. I asked only because I saw a TSPROF post about clamps they sell specifically for convexing, but wasn’t sure how that would work. I appreciate the tip for FFG grinds.

 

[Arkansawyer]

The main answer I see when asked about the Kadet versus K03 is to get the K03. I was looking at them a while back and that is what was recommended.

 

[Letoff]

Well, if I can add my two cents, not that I'm an expert on anything, always learning about sharpening.
I have the K03 Pro and the Blitz 360 both with standard clamps that come with it.

When clamping the knife on a FFG, insure you are clamping the knife for ONE OF THE CLAMPS near the pivot (pic below) where your clamp can bite down and keep the knife from wobbling and keep the knife straight. If you try to clamp both on the FFG your knife will not be straight causing the bevel to be wider more on one side.
I have had no need to order any other clamps.

 

[Keith-in-Texas]

Guys, I have collected pretty much every other sharpening system made since I got my first pocket knife in 1963, but am finally pulling the pin on one of these guided systems. I had decided on the Kadet Pro with 7mm x 300mm capacity and a heavier base than either the Blitz 360 4.5mm or the new lightweight Pioneer 5mm width systems. Then I read the clamps won’t work for convex or FFG blades, and I’d need to buy more clamps? This is what bugs me about TSPROF, trying to figure out all the options. (I don’t know if it’s a Russian to English translation thing or what, but they don’t make it very clear.) I’d like to do a one and done purchase, or keep it as simple as possible.

Q: What If I saved up and got the K03 Pro system? Will that handle convex and FFG better? I don’t need the angle finder, I have one, and will be using other stones later anyway, which is why the Kadet Pro seemed like a good middle ground choice.

Having quite a few kukris and other big knives I’m a big convex edge fan, and also have a collection of Spydercos and others with FFG profiles.

I don’t mind paying once, but don’t want to have to go back and start buying more clamps at $80-$100 a pair unless it’s absolutely necesssry.

Thanks for any info on the Kadet/K03 system, which TSPROF you might recommend in general, and clamps needed for these two blade / edge profiles.

If you want to use the Kadet system to sharpen a convex edge you may want to check out the Gritomatic website, in the sections for TSProf accessories are listed the following items which might work for you to sharpen a convex edge using either the Kadet or K03 system.

I would post a link for both items but I'm not sure that is allowed thus just use the following wording in the search box on the Gritomatic site.

Convex Mini-Adapter for TSProf Blitz and Kadet​

Universal Convex Attachment for TSProf K03​

 

[Ilikesharpstuff]

Letoff is correct. I have upgraded my Blitz360 clamps to the pro set, but both those and the original will hold an FFG knife just fine as long as one clamp is on a flat or the tang. Sometimes this requires disassembly which I don't mind. I'd rather take the knife apart and have an even/consistent edge than try to BS the clamping and have my bevel come out ugly.

Additionally, TSProf sells convex adapters that go on the stone holder rod and cause it to arc and convex the edge rather than moving in a straight line. You can definitely make a nice convex edge on these systems using the correct convex adapter for whichever system you choose. I don't think the clamps have anything to do with this.

 

[Svashtar]

Letoff is correct. I have upgraded my Blitz360 clamps to the pro set, but both those and the original will hold an FFG knife just fine as long as one clamp is on a flat or the tang. Sometimes this requires disassembly which I don't mind. I'd rather take the knife apart and have an even/consistent edge than try to BS the clamping and have my bevel come out ugly.

Additionally, TSProf sells convex adapters that go on the stone holder rod and cause it to arc and convex the edge rather than moving in a straight line. You can definitely make a nice convex edge on these systems using the correct convex adapter for whichever system you choose. I don't think the clamps have anything to do with this.

Thanks! That's very helpful. I was looking at their spring clamps for FFG, but as long as you can do it with the standard ones with a little care I'm all for that. I don't mind taking the knife apart to do a better job sharpening it.

 

[Svashtar]

If you want to use the Kadet system to sharpen a convex edge you may want to check out the Gritomatic website, in the sections for TSProf accessories are listed the following items which might work for you to sharpen a convex edge using either the Kadet or K03 system.

I would post a link for both items but I'm not sure that is allowed thus just use the following wording in the search box on the Gritomatic site.

Convex Mini-Adapter for TSProf Blitz and Kadet​

Universal Convex Attachment for TSProf K03​

That's what I saw, thank you. I was thinking it was an actual set of clamps, but this is even better. Thanks to you both.

 

[Svashtar]

The main answer I see when asked about the Kadet versus K03 is to get the K03. I was looking at them a while back and that is what was recommended.

I'm leaning that way, and Sezzle makes it doable. (All I can say is thank God Sezzle and and Afterpay and Zip (Quadpay) and PayPal Pay in 4 weren't around when I was buying kukris or I'd be living in a refrigerator carton!)

I have to say that Gritomatic makes selecting a system especially brain wracking. For instance they sell the K03 with what looks like no stones for $847, when you can buy it direct from TSPROF for $800!? I get that you might want to upgrade the stones though, but still. Confusing. Plus it looks like parts of the K03 are now plastic? ("Polycritic?") Where last year they were aluminum? I'll bet plastic is smoother and quieter, but not 100% sold on "more durable."

I was going to get the Kadet Pro because I have an angle finder, but the more I look at it the K03 looks really good, and their angle finder is integral to the stone holder bar. I also like the heavy base and bigger clamps and gear driven adjustment.

More research to do, but at this point I think I'll probably end up paying more somewhere else because the Gritomatic web site everyone recommends is not very clear IMO about any of the TSPROF models, options, or packages. But maybe I just need to poke around there more.

Thanks to everyone, it feels good to be back here for the first time in a few years. I used to live on BF...!

 

[huntyukon]

Letoff is correct. I have upgraded my Blitz360 clamps to the pro set, but both those and the original will hold an FFG knife just fine as long as one clamp is on a flat or the tang. Sometimes this requires disassembly which I don't mind. I'd rather take the knife apart and have an even/consistent edge than try to BS the clamping and have my bevel come out ugly.

Additionally, TSProf sells convex adapters that go on the stone holder rod and cause it to arc and convex the edge rather than moving in a straight line. You can definitely make a nice convex edge on these systems using the correct convex adapter for whichever system you choose. I don't think the clamps have anything to do with this.

Would you mind

If you want to use the Kadet system to sharpen a convex edge you may want to check out the Gritomatic website, in the sections for TSProf accessories are listed the following items which might work for you to sharpen a convex edge using either the Kadet or K03 system.

I would post a link for both items but I'm not sure that is allowed thus just use the following wording in the search box on the Gritomatic site.

Convex Mini-Adapter for TSProf Blitz and Kadet​

Universal Convex Attachment for TSProf K03​

Do you have any experience with the mini convex adapter? I just got the Kadet pro and was gonna order the adapter. Are there any limitations as far as the sharpening angle is concerned?