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Permalink Reply by Steve Hanner on May 2, 2015 at 20:05

Thanks so much for that Brian.  And thanks for supplying us with some still shots. That helped me get a good look at how this works. I watched both videos and it does look like a good system. 

Did you buy this as a complete system? In other words rods, stones , etc. Also would be interested in the actual cost vs. the wicked edge?  One other question is the where. Did you purchase online or somewhere else?

Finally many thanks for the shout out! We need Posters!

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Permalink Reply by Brian Martin on May 2, 2015 at 20:54

I got mine here, the cheapest I found.

http://www.bestsharpeningstones.com/KME-Knife-Sharpening-System.html

I bought the kit, it was about half as much as the wicked edge field package.  I didn't buy the base, I just used the right sized drill bit and put it on top of my bench vise, very solid set up and is at a good working height.  The drill bit holds it well and I can store it in the box the kit came in.  I will be ordering the kangaroo leather stop with the diamond solution.  The guy at the best sharpening stones convinced me it is the best accessory  you can buy for this kit.  My main decision is figuring out what angle to use,  it is very easy to match what the knife has, but is that the "best angle"??   The big frost Rambo knife took awhile, probably 20 mins or so, I just kept feeling for a burr on the opposite side I had just stoned.  Once I had that polishing it out took maybe 5 mins, then I hit it on my old work belt strop, and the hairs started flying!!  The queen was okay not factory sharp or anything but it only took 5 mins total and it is very very sharp!!!  I will hit a old carbon knife in a bit I bet it will be laser sharp in mins.  It is amazingly simple yet you can tell every step was thought out.  Very happy with my purchase, I know the wicked edge is probably better but the whole two handed operation would have been a fail for me.

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Permalink Reply by Steve Scheuerman (Manx) on May 2, 2015 at 22:24

I'd like to try this system and see how it compares to my Edge Pro system. Consider getting a lapping plate for your stones to keep them flat. After a while they will start to "cup" and throw off your angles.The roo strop and diamond spray work very well...I have them myself. And remember...always strop away from your edge and not into it, or you will destroy your strop. :)

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Permalink Reply by Brian Martin on May 2, 2015 at 22:31

When you flip your knife on your edge pro are you able to use your dominate hand to continue to sharpen?

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Permalink Reply by Steve Scheuerman (Manx) on May 2, 2015 at 22:40

Nope. Have to switch hands...but that is not a worry, as you should just be letting the weight of the stones do the work...

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Permalink Reply by John Bamford on May 3, 2015 at 13:30

It has taken me a little while to get used to using both hands on the Edge Pro , I guess I am just a little clumsy .

Now though it seems no trouble to swap hands . I did look at the KME but at that time I couldn't find much info on it whereas the Edge Pro is talked about a lot .

Your KME look's great though Brian and you have done a great review , should help a lot of folk out in making a decision which to buy .

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Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on May 5, 2015 at 8:12

I ended up buying a fake edge pro to get started and it works fine for me. I seriously considered the KME it looks very well made and I also liked the idea of the blade being clamped in place. Im a bit ambi dexterous so the 2 hand thing doent bother me. Sounds like you made the right choice Brian for yourself. thanks for the review.

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 5, 2015 at 21:02

I like the review and would even consider the system after reading it and seeing the Video.  I have the same issue Brian, my left hand does nothing but match my right.  I am still trying to master just using a stone.  It kills me when i watch Donnie do it with such ease and I struggle with angles.  He keeps telling me it is years of practice but he finds it relaxing and I find it hard!

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Permalink Reply by Syd Carr on May 6, 2015 at 16:01

I agree with Donnie Jan.

I was raised by a machinist/locksmith/gunsmith and spent most days after school in his shop. He had me sharpening and making tools by hand, including lathe tools, drill bits, chisels, axes, knives, etc, etc. Having a file or sharpening stone in my hand is the most natural thing I can think of, and I am familiar with most types of stones and sharpening methods. I've seen many sharpening devices on many different grinders, we even had a dedicated-to-sharpening Belsaw grinder with various grade wheels, & attachments for drill bits, hand saws, chain saw chains, etc. We commercially sharpened reel/rotary lawn mower blades on a giant automatic grinder meant for just that purpose, (golf courses and landscapers were our customers).

However, both Dad and I did most of our own sharpening by hand. Having been raised doing that type of thing, I can put an edge on most knives with a small carborundum hand stone, smooth steel and a strop in minutes....don't even have to think about the angle(s), my hands just remember. I've even used a pane of glass to finish-sharpen blades, (most folks don't know you can even do that). I carry a little sharpening "kit" with me in a leather pouch in my car, including an old belt that serves nicely as a strop, so I can sharpen things wherever I go if necessary, (friends & family have me do all their sharpening chores). There also is a bit of natural ability involved, my late brother had "the touch" in sharpening things, I had to work harder at it. I remember many times when Dad or I both couldn't get something quite sharp enough, we handed it to Dave, and zip zip he handed it back razor sharp.

Of course not everyone has spent years doing that kind of thing, so I see great value in these sharpening devices for those who just haven't developed the knack. The only thing worse than a dull knife is a botched sharpening job, which can literally ruin a good blade, so having a relatively "automatic" sharpening machine around might be the best way to go for many.

Jan Carter said:

  He keeps telling me it is years of practice but he finds it relaxing and I find it hard!

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Permalink Reply by Jan Carter on May 6, 2015 at 19:17

I dont try to sharpen anything we might care if I flub up LOL.  Most of my sharpening is handing them to Donnie.  I can see where this system would work for me

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Permalink Reply by John Bamford on May 7, 2015 at 1:00

I have found a jewellers loupe to be the best thing that I have bought to help with sharpening . Even using the Edge Pro some times I am not getting right to the edge in one spot or another which is very hard to see or feel , especially when your eyes are over 60 !   Using the loupe It is immediately obvious where I am going wrong and after all if you can't see your mistakes it is very hard to put them right .The loupe has now given me the confidence to try to master freehand sharpening again . I got the Edge Pro because I couldn't get the edges that I wanted freehand sharpening now that I can see what I am doing  my sharpening with both the machine and freehand is so much better .

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Permalink Reply by Michael Squier on May 7, 2015 at 7:31

Good point on the loupe John. As I turned 50 my eyes went south and I find I use the mahnifiing glass for everything. It really helpd seethat edge. 

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