TSPROF KO3 or KO4?

[Silent Communicator]

Are the KO3 or KO4 the best fixed angle sharpeners? I have freehanded for decades but have recently felt like trying out a high quality fixed angle sharpener. Is this the best brand or should I be looking somewhere else?

 

[Nala]

I’m no pro, and run a KME sharpener that I really like. My question is why you would want a Russian product of all things? Honest question.

 

[Skane24]

Are the KO3 or KO4 the best fixed angle sharpeners? I have freehanded for decades but have recently felt like trying out a high quality fixed angle sharpener. Is this the best brand or should I be looking somewhere else?

I can't say whether they are the best fixed angle sharpeners, however, I have experience with the K03, and I recently purchased the K4, however I have not had a chance to use it yet.

I am also an owner of both the original KME and the KME precision control plus, and while the KME are great products, they aren't necessarily on the same level or price point as the TSProfs.

I would say that the K03 is a great system and it's built like an absolute tank. the K4 has several features that I feel will be useful/nice creature comforts but it is hard to justify the jump in price. As for it being a Russian product, would I love if it was made in America? Absolutely, but it isn't, however it still is a great system imo.

I used the KME for quite a while, and it was a great system, but not as robust/had more play in the clamps etc. I purchased the KME precision control plus, and while it was somewhat improved, still felt a little improvised or flimsy etc, but definitely better.

There is also the wicked edge, the edge pro, and a number of others, I haven't ever had a chance to own or use them though.

 

[Rob Babcock]

I’m no pro, and run a KME sharpener that I really like. My question is why you would want a Russian product of all things? Honest question.

I absolute get that point! In response I'd just point out that just as not all Americans support Donnie not all Americans support Putin. The TSProf stuff is all incredibly over-engineered and fantastically well made. I've not seen the K04 in person but it looks like an incredible system. I've got a TSProf Pioneer and a Chinese copy of the Kadet, both designs are great but of course the actual TSProf machine is better made.