What KME upgrades should I get

MrMatt83

MrMatt83

Gold Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2016
Messages
242
I just bought a KME diamond kit with base. I was wondering I what you guys would recommend as far as upgrades for polishing edge. Not super concerned with getting an extreme mirror polish, just want a good polished edge with most reasonable investment in upgrades. I'm considering the black Arkansas stone, or strop and 4 micron emulsion right now. Any input would be appreciated.
 
I would go with the strop and 4 micron emulsions and, if you have the extra cash, a strop with the 1 micron emulsion as well. I've only been able to get a frosted edge out of the black arkansas stone, whereas with the 4micron emulsion it begins to polish within a few passes and works really well even on m390 and zdp189. The 1 micron emulsion just cleans things up a bit more.
 
For a very nice polish, have a look at the glass blanks with the diamond lapping films. You can also use fine sandpaper on the glass blanks.
 
You can get a near mirror polish with the EEF diamond hone and you won't have to mess around with films and buying replacements. If you want a mirror polish go with the films, if not they are a waste of time and money.

Edit: Sorry all, got ahead of myself. KME doesn't have an Extra Extra fine diamond hone, I use DMT hones mostly with the KME sharpener. I sounds like you could get the edge you seem to be looking for with the black hard Arkansas stone, they are in the 4-8 micron range while the DMT EEF hone is 2-4 microns.
I actually much prefer the DMT hones but you need to make a minor mod to the KME to use them. PM me if interested.
 
Last edited:
I cut wooden blanks the exact size as the diamond sharpening hones. I apply DMT diamond paste to the wood and put on a mirror edge. I like the wooden hones since I can make them the exact same thickness as the diamond hones, which eliminates the need to re-adjust the guide when you change out hones.
 
I would recommend the diamond spray starting @ 4 microns applied to a KME strop. Of course you need a separate strop for each size of diamond used. The diamond emulsion/spray/paste effectively cuts the modern super steels.
I hear good things about the lapping films, though I haven't used them myself.
If you don't care about a polish, the diamond set of stones are great.
 
I would get a couple of the roo strops, and the 4 & 1.5 cbn emulsions. Personally I don't like the dmt paste, as it stays kind of sticky on my strops. The small pen blade clamp is kind of handy also. Changes out in seconds. So many slip joints with tiny pen blades.

I haven't used the Arkansas stones I bought because the change in thickness from one to the other makes adjustment a pain. Prefer going straight from the gold diamond stones (1600?) to the strops.





••••••••••••••••••••
People are Strange, When You're a Stranger....
 
I appreciate the feedback. I think I'm gonna start with a strop and the 4 micron and go from there.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top