2-19-2025

the KME sharpening system -- videos

My unit came with some mysterious parts in a zip lock bag. This is the "thickness compensator" that allows you to use different thickness stones and maintain proper angles. I really like the videos by Knife Krazy:

Facebook: "edge snobs". Ron at KME is a great guy.

Here are some videos from "blades and fades". His videos are slow going, way too slow for me -- but the custom handles are cute.

Jaws

They say you can clamp up to 3/16 inch thick full flat grind knives. The trick is to pinch the tip of the jaws and then tighten while pinching. XXXXX There are two high end sharpeners: the KME and the edge-pro. A number of folks say they prefer the KME to the edge-pro, but there are plenty of people who like both. The biggest difference seems to be that the KME clamps the knife and you can hold the jig in one hand and work the hone with the other. The Edge pro has a stop you hold the blade against and needs to be mounted (via suction cups) to a smooth table top.

Gritomatic makes upgrade parts for the KME including an improved stone holder.

People suggest getting the "low profile clamp" as well as the "pen knife jaws". But this apparently is old information. The KME site says that they provide these as standard equipment since 2013.

I quick note about a pet peeve. Whenever I watch a video and the guy starts off by saying "hello YouTube!", I immediately label them as a moron.
I just started a video where the guy said, "hello YouTube friends!". That is much much better.

I have been recommended to watch You Tube videos by "Dean O" on the KME.

Another recommenddation for YouTube videos is to search "KnifeKrazy KME".
As near as I can tell, he has 29 videos on the KME.

And read all this: I was searching (January, 2023) to find out the current price for the KME and found an AliExpress offering. With 10 stones for $47, free shipping - so I ordered it. The KME deluxe kit sells for $320 and the above doesn't look like the authentic KME, so we will see if the AliExpress buy is a waste of money. KME sells 6 stones with the deluxe kit: They also give you ceramics and Arkansas stones, as well as 4 micron CBN emulsion and a leather strop.
Feedback? Questions? Drop me a line!

Tom's Knife Info / [email protected]