As far as the KME goes, they have great customer service and KME generally answer any email questions same day, or you can just call. Great customer service. When I needs new stones, strops, paste, etc., they usually ship same day and I get my order in 2 or 3 days. My KME is many years old, and I can get an amazing edge on all steels up to maxemet very quickly. Like any system, there is a small learning curve.
The guy that owens Kme is awesome! I deployed the Afghanistan he legit gave me one of the stones out of his personal collection and a free base. The guy is awesome! I wish they would come up with different holders for the knife, the jaws them themselves! But other than that, they are one of the best
Whoever makes the kme diamond plates really needs to start making 3x8 inch plates. They make the best diamond plates out there by a long shot and I would love a set of 3x8 plates from them.
I've not had the same experience it seems. I've worn out 2 sets of plates in about 5 years on my kme. My wicked edge is about 8 years old and the original stones still have a very aggressive bite. Then my DME fine and extra fine plates are probably almost 10 years old and still cut very well.
I've not had that experience at all either. Out of the blades I've used the KME were some of the worst. Initially they were great. But about 10 sharpens in they stopped cutting massively. After a year they were almost not usable. I actually just recently got a hapstone RS with hapstone premium diamond stones and I can't speak on longevity yet but new KME stones vs new hapstone premium diamond stones the hapstones definitely perform way way way better. And the Atoma stones for the KME cut better and last wayyyyyy longer In my experience
This system looks awesome! I was literally about to buy the old KME not too long ago, and then I saw a CZcams short that showed the new one and said they would be bringing it to Blade Show. so I held off on purchasing it because this one looked so much better. After seeing your video, I’m very glad I held off
Thanks for this introduction. I will have to start saving my money so I can get the new KME to go with my old KME. I love that the new KME system can use some of the specialty stones that I have for the traditional KME.
At least you’re honest about where ya got it from. Lot of people won’t even do that. I believe you would definitely give it an accurate review. And as much as you’ve used the old one I’m sure it will be a bullseye accurate review at that.
I will store and care for your old kme if you are running out of room in your workshop. Just an added service I can provide as a subscriber. Just letting you know. Great video.
I have the original KME, and actually prefer to hold it in my hand, rather than using the base. The only thing I use the base for (and it is handy for this), is to hold the system while changing stones, taking a break, etc. But in the end, I find a sharpening system to be a bit of a pain to use, because I don't have anywhere to leave it set up. It's much quicker (for me) to simply pull out a diamond stone, or two, and a strop, and sharpen by hand. The KME system does work very well (with limits on knife sizes), though, if that is your preference. 👍
Petethx for a great preview. Glad to see KME doing some innovation--finally. Is the clamp better? BTW I got a replacement nylon collar just for calling KME so good service
Thank you Pete for yet another interesting video! I have the old KME and the new tsprof. Something i love about the tsprof is the speed of setup. This new kme seems “fidgety”. I’d be interested to see how the new KME holds up from the consistency perspective. My concern is that there are too many moving parts that could become loose during sharpening. I wonder whether this is something you’ll see in the long run. Otherwise, the cylinder reminds me of a machinist’s jack and for some reason, doesn’t strike me as an elegant solution for the problem it’s meant to solve.
Looking forward to follow-up videos - hope it really is an improvement that's worth the extra cost - at least in your opinion. Not seeing any other videos on the new model.
Overall a good video. Just to let you know, the TSPROF Kadet that you have has been updated with adjusting knob for angle as well, it's called Kadet Pro. Also, the basic diamond plates that comes with them, the ones that you have, are not Venev. The Venev stones are resin-diamond bonded and are much better.
The Tsprof Kadet Pro is a really good sharpening systeme. I use Atoma Diamond Plates, they have a high abrasive power and hold up well. I use the Kadet Pro mostly for edge reprofiling, it's easy and fast. Knife sharpening I do mostly freehand.
One thing with the angle cube, since you can use that rod to actually push up the sharpener you might want to zero your angle cube on the metal strip instead since that would more accurately reflect 0. Not really something most people would be bothered with but if you want a specific angle it could make a difference, possibly as much as a few degrees.
Another great vid. Thanks for your focus on sharpening. 1 question: Could you/we/I thin behind the apex on guided system IF the system went to a low enough degree (like >10 degrees). For me it would be used on kitchen knives of the longer length (6" to 12")
I have the original KME (based on your recommendation) and its a great little system. If I had to replace it I'd probably go with the Worksharp or TSPRof. The new KME's just look horribly designed. Rather than design a new system they tried to retain as many existing parts as they could, which resulted in "afterthought" engineering with the support post because they made the chassis too long to be stable without it, or the support post on the adjustable riser, again from trying to save money on new tooling. Would have really liked to see them come out with a true new design. Not a huge issue either way, I imagine I got another 5 years of use before I have to consider replacing my OG KME
The angle adjustment has been improved on the tsprof kadet pro ;-) also there is plethora of clamps design for any type of knives. I think I’ll go for Tsprof eyes closed, but thanks for that review I was very curious about this new kme.
1. Edge pro came out with 1x6 stone standard, not TSProf. 2. Venev stones aren't made by TSProf. They're their own huge company (way bigger than than TS Prof) and have been making all sorts of abrasives for many decades. 3. TS prof doesn't come standard with Venev stones. The stones you call "Venev" are just regular diamond plated stones that are included with TS Prof sharpeners. Vehev are diamond water stones with diamonds imbedded in a matrix instead of a coating.
Hey I handle Tech Support for KME. The Standard LP jaws will handle pretty small blades. For Pen knives we have accessory Pen jaws that can handle the smallest of traditional pen knives. I can do my Victorinox classic and my Case mini TX toothpick no problem, and they’re less than 1/4” wide.
One I'm interested to see your thoughts on is the Xarilk Gen 2 fixed angle sharpener from Amazon. It fits the TS Prof stones (because the stones it comes with are not good). It's very sturdy made of steel and aluminum. But it's relatively inexpensive. I'm curious to see what you think especially if you use the TS Prof stones in it.
Looks like a big improvement over the old unit, which I owned for a good while. It's a shame that they didn't incorporate a stone holder that would better handle Edge Pro-type stones, which have become the de facto standard.
Hey Pete. I was looking forward to this overview from you. Curious to see how the dual clamp set-up holds up to pressures on the ends. And why they didn't go with the tapered stone holder is beyond me. Most all 6 inch stones have that taper. It will be a challenge with those stones. What an oversight. Keep those pivot detents oiled up or they will prematurely wear. Lots of improvement with a few shortcomings. What say you?
Eventually it comes down the the flex of the blade. Or you can just do a ton more passes for no flex problem. I always say - the edge I get from the cheapo Worksharp is as good as I can do manually unless I'm at it for hours.
It could be that my eyes are playing tricks on me. It looks like the angle changes a little when adding the "rest" between the base and clamp assembly. If so, can you zero out angle cube on clamp assembly?
Thanks for introducing this new improved KME. But I can only afford a single sharpener, can you give a verdict is this new KME is better or the TS-Prof is better?
It’s…better than I need. I have 3 worksharps including the $50 fixed angle one. If I had a bunch of $500+ knives (or sharpened knives for fun/living) then it’d probably make sense. The problem is most of my knives are in the vicinity of a hundred bucks and the worksharps will probably get me 75% of the way there…for around $75. It’s nice but has a math problem.
Hey Cedric! Based on your long experience with the original KME, and given that it's such a simple simple design constructed of, well, pieces of heavy sheet metal, have you found any problems or inconsistencies with the edge bevel results from one side to the other? That is, do you generally find the 2 bevels of the finished sharpening to be equal on both sides of a knife sharpened on a KME? Or does this depend, at least to some degree, on the blade design (shape, spine thickness, length, etc.). I'm asking basically in reference to folding knives and specifically the Benchmade Griptilians. Sorry, for the very long-winded questions but I've found your how-to videos on using the KME to be the best and thought you would be by far the best impartial reviewer to ask about this.
As an owner of the original KME, this new one gives me ‘made in my garage’ vibes even more than the first model. The reason I bought the original years ago was solely the price, it was cheaper than the other fixed angle options. In 2024 with all the other low cost options that are available, I’m not sure this will be a hit like the original. I like the new pivot and stone size, the rest meh. If I had to pick something again today, I think the TSPROF is the way to go.
I tell you a story. I had a really nasty Psychosis last year. Life was upside down etc and I was in a care home. The first step there was learning to free sharpen knives again and I did. It was like learning how to walk again since I sharpened all my knives freehand before for years. They say the psychosis causes brain damage and If I dont know how to free sharpen my knives in the future Im pretty fking retarded. Right now im ok.
Seems like an odd choice to demonstrate sharpening a small bladed knife on the updated version when the original KME weakness was for longer blades 😕 I understand the upgrades will benefit both types, but it seems redundant to consider upgrading if the major benefit comes when using longer blades, in the upgrades twin jaws
For simple sheet steel bend and a simple jaw design they are wanting 500+???? They are nuts, with TSprof your getting precision CNC aluminum Billet components/system...
Actually the KME clamp is the best in the business for clamping FFG's. Just pinch the clamps and torque it down. Floating design. TSProf and Hapstone have special clamps that involves a little tuning and set up but are very hard to get do to the war.
@@JohnDoe-zb7dz Thanks, I'll give a try. I've had a KME for a while but I never liked it so I always freehand sharpen. The cheapskate in me wants to use it to get my money's worth!
@@Acre00 that could be due to applying too much pressure when sharpening towards the tip. Theres a tension knob on the back of the sharpening fixture that you can tighten to help prevent that.
KME should have you on the payroll. You've sold more of their system than anybody. It always seemed overpriced to me. And for the price of the new one -- I'd be buying a TSProf.
Sir, I don't know how much you like or dislike China products, but not counting on the stones itself, the Ruixin rx009 from China is apparently pretty competent for the price.
I will do it's job for you, it's not gonna give you the greatest quality of edged but it will give you acceptable/serviceable edge quality so long as you buy some decent abrasives as those crap water stones are literally worthless.
@@doid0666 I've got one of the more expensive Chinese systems (around $100 plus tax and shipping) and build is much more precise, more solid and more substantial than the early KME offering for a fraction of the price -- but you really need to buy better abrasives. I started out with some better Chinese diamond stones -- the ones that are mounted on aluminum rather than plastic -- and they worked really well. I've since bought the TSProf set, but I'm not seeing a significant difference in use. Perhaps the more expensive ones will last longer, but the cheap Chinese ones did a perfectly adequate job.
This is one time when procrastination worked out real well for me. I knew I would get a KME. This new system is the one. 👍🏻 Thanks Pete.
As far as the KME goes, they have great customer service and KME generally answer any email questions same day, or you can just call. Great customer service. When I needs new stones, strops, paste, etc., they usually ship same day and I get my order in 2 or 3 days. My KME is many years old, and I can get an amazing edge on all steels up to maxemet very quickly. Like any system, there is a small learning curve.
The guy that owens Kme is awesome! I deployed the Afghanistan he legit gave me one of the stones out of his personal collection and a free base. The guy is awesome! I wish they would come up with different holders for the knife, the jaws them themselves! But other than that, they are one of the best
Whoever makes the kme diamond plates really needs to start making 3x8 inch plates. They make the best diamond plates out there by a long shot and I would love a set of 3x8 plates from them.
I've not had the same experience it seems. I've worn out 2 sets of plates in about 5 years on my kme. My wicked edge is about 8 years old and the original stones still have a very aggressive bite. Then my DME fine and extra fine plates are probably almost 10 years old and still cut very well.
I've not had that experience at all either. Out of the blades I've used the KME were some of the worst. Initially they were great. But about 10 sharpens in they stopped cutting massively. After a year they were almost not usable.
I actually just recently got a hapstone RS with hapstone premium diamond stones and I can't speak on longevity yet but new KME stones vs new hapstone premium diamond stones the hapstones definitely perform way way way better.
And the Atoma stones for the KME cut better and last wayyyyyy longer In my experience
I've pretty much abandoned my KMS stones in favor of Venev, and Atoma stones.
Thanks for taking a look at it Pete! Great overview and great looking results on that Maxamet wow!
Whenever a new video comes up I shout 'Cedric! Cedric!'.
No idea why this channel cheers me up.
Answer honestly, do you think his name is Cedric?😊
Cedric passed away a few years back RIP Cedric and Ada.
@@Wzrd100 At the time I wrote it, I did. But now ponder it, no. I think I've reached the age where it all starts to get a bit Biden.
This system looks awesome! I was literally about to buy the old KME not too long ago, and then I saw a CZcams short that showed the new one and said they would be bringing it to Blade Show. so I held off on purchasing it because this one looked so much better. After seeing your video, I’m very glad I held off
This version of the KME is looking great!
Thanks for this introduction. I will have to start saving my money so I can get the new KME to go with my old KME. I love that the new KME system can use some of the specialty stones that I have for the traditional KME.
I was unaware of a kme upgrade, very exciting! Thank you for sharing!
Great overview!!!! Highly recommend anyone interested in a sharpener to watch this first impression video.
LOOK, LOOK everyone!!!! The extremely rare Australian bumblebee!!!! Look at the beautiful colors!!!!
Often recognized for its many knobs
At least you’re honest about where ya got it from. Lot of people won’t even do that. I believe you would definitely give it an accurate review. And as much as you’ve used the old one I’m sure it will be a bullseye accurate review at that.
A big knob and 6 inch stones, that is exciting.😂
I will store and care for your old kme if you are running out of room in your workshop. Just an added service I can provide as a subscriber. Just letting you know. Great video.
Lmao
I have superior storage! Choose ME! 😂
My sharpening angle is inconsistent! Pick me!
I can also help with any chocolate cake disposal requirements.
I have the original KME, and actually prefer to hold it in my hand, rather than using the base. The only thing I use the base for (and it is handy for this), is to hold the system while changing stones, taking a break, etc. But in the end, I find a sharpening system to be a bit of a pain to use, because I don't have anywhere to leave it set up. It's much quicker (for me) to simply pull out a diamond stone, or two, and a strop, and sharpen by hand. The KME system does work very well (with limits on knife sizes), though, if that is your preference. 👍
Petethx for a great preview. Glad to see KME doing some innovation--finally. Is the clamp better?
BTW I got a replacement nylon collar just for calling KME so good service
Thank you Pete for yet another interesting video! I have the old KME and the new tsprof. Something i love about the tsprof is the speed of setup. This new kme seems “fidgety”.
I’d be interested to see how the new KME holds up from the consistency perspective. My concern is that there are too many moving parts that could become loose during sharpening. I wonder whether this is something you’ll see in the long run.
Otherwise, the cylinder reminds me of a machinist’s jack and for some reason, doesn’t strike me as an elegant solution for the problem it’s meant to solve.
Looking forward to follow-up videos - hope it really is an improvement that's worth the extra cost - at least in your opinion. Not seeing any other videos on the new model.
Thanks Peter. I have the Worksharp. I’m sure they will all allow you to make a very useable edge. 🎸🔪
I love your videos. One of the reasons I open you tube
Nice new upgraded system. I wonder if you could get the new larger stones and holder to use with the older system?
Overall a good video. Just to let you know, the TSPROF Kadet that you have has been updated with adjusting knob for angle as well, it's called Kadet Pro. Also, the basic diamond plates that comes with them, the ones that you have, are not Venev. The Venev stones are resin-diamond bonded and are much better.
The Tsprof Kadet Pro is a really good sharpening systeme. I use Atoma Diamond Plates, they have a high abrasive power and hold up well. I use the Kadet Pro mostly for edge reprofiling, it's easy and fast. Knife sharpening I do mostly freehand.
Kadet pro has to be the best system available. I picked one up during one of their sales for roughly the same price as the KME.
One thing with the angle cube, since you can use that rod to actually push up the sharpener you might want to zero your angle cube on the metal strip instead since that would more accurately reflect 0. Not really something most people would be bothered with but if you want a specific angle it could make a difference, possibly as much as a few degrees.
So zero after setting the stone thickness?
@@chinoyboi14 No, check the 0 on the flat metal bar behind the clamp just in case the removable support lifted it up, then set the angle normally.
Awesome quasi-review!
Good stuff as s always, Pete.
Another great vid. Thanks for your focus on sharpening. 1 question: Could you/we/I thin behind the apex on guided system IF the system went to a low enough degree (like >10 degrees). For me it would be used on kitchen knives of the longer length (6" to 12")
thanks for sharing
I have the original KME (based on your recommendation) and its a great little system. If I had to replace it I'd probably go with the Worksharp or TSPRof. The new KME's just look horribly designed. Rather than design a new system they tried to retain as many existing parts as they could, which resulted in "afterthought" engineering with the support post because they made the chassis too long to be stable without it, or the support post on the adjustable riser, again from trying to save money on new tooling. Would have really liked to see them come out with a true new design.
Not a huge issue either way, I imagine I got another 5 years of use before I have to consider replacing my OG KME
The angle adjustment has been improved on the tsprof kadet pro ;-) also there is plethora of clamps design for any type of knives. I think I’ll go for Tsprof eyes closed, but thanks for that review I was very curious about this new kme.
1. Edge pro came out with 1x6 stone standard, not TSProf.
2. Venev stones aren't made by TSProf. They're their own huge company (way bigger than than TS Prof) and have been making all sorts of abrasives for many decades.
3. TS prof doesn't come standard with Venev stones. The stones you call "Venev" are just regular diamond plated stones that are included with TS Prof sharpeners. Vehev are diamond water stones with diamonds imbedded in a matrix instead of a coating.
I clapped out my KME plates, it has been difficult for me to get replacements.
Nice Vid.
Can it do: pen knives with very small/narrow blades, Scandies, scissors?
Thin blades are a problem.
Hey I handle Tech Support for KME. The Standard LP jaws will handle pretty small blades. For Pen knives we have accessory Pen jaws that can handle the smallest of traditional pen knives. I can do my Victorinox classic and my Case mini TX toothpick no problem, and they’re less than 1/4” wide.
One I'm interested to see your thoughts on is the Xarilk Gen 2 fixed angle sharpener from Amazon. It fits the TS Prof stones (because the stones it comes with are not good). It's very sturdy made of steel and aluminum. But it's relatively inexpensive. I'm curious to see what you think especially if you use the TS Prof stones in it.
Looks like a big improvement over the old unit, which I owned for a good while. It's a shame that they didn't incorporate a stone holder that would better handle Edge Pro-type stones, which have become the de facto standard.
The new stone holder on the new KME will accept edge pro style stones as well.
“I love the lack of rubbers.” -Classic Pete
Hey Pete. I was looking forward to this overview from you. Curious
to see how the dual clamp set-up holds up to pressures on the ends.
And why they didn't go with the tapered stone holder is beyond me.
Most all 6 inch stones have that taper. It will be a challenge with
those stones. What an oversight. Keep those pivot detents oiled
up or they will prematurely wear. Lots of improvement with a few
shortcomings. What say you?
Eventually it comes down the the flex of the blade. Or you can just do a ton more passes for no flex problem.
I always say - the edge I get from the cheapo Worksharp is as good as I can do manually unless I'm at it for hours.
It could be that my eyes are playing tricks on me. It looks like the angle changes a little when adding the "rest" between the base and clamp assembly. If so, can you zero out angle cube on clamp assembly?
I could be mistaken but I think the og kme has dropped in price substantially now that the new model has come out.
Thanks for introducing this new improved KME. But I can only afford a single sharpener, can you give a verdict is this new KME is better or the TS-Prof is better?
It’s…better than I need. I have 3 worksharps including the $50 fixed angle one. If I had a bunch of $500+ knives (or sharpened knives for fun/living) then it’d probably make sense. The problem is most of my knives are in the vicinity of a hundred bucks and the worksharps will probably get me 75% of the way there…for around $75. It’s nice but has a math problem.
I found that new one, and from what I saw, it was 500$😭.
Yeah I was really surprised at the edge I can get from the basic Worksharp.
As good as I can do manually.
Hey Cedric! Based on your long experience with the original KME, and given that it's such a simple simple design constructed of, well, pieces of heavy sheet metal, have you found any problems or inconsistencies with the edge bevel results from one side to the other? That is, do you generally find the 2 bevels of the finished sharpening to be equal on both sides of a knife sharpened on a KME? Or does this depend, at least to some degree, on the blade design (shape, spine thickness, length, etc.). I'm asking basically in reference to folding knives and specifically the Benchmade Griptilians. Sorry, for the very long-winded questions but I've found your how-to videos on using the KME to be the best and thought you would be by far the best impartial reviewer to ask about this.
is the emulsion cbn or diamond that u got
The professional precision adjust is 250$ as of the other 2 are 500$.
Ah the outro is back. Nice.
I honestly can't believe you haven't used a wicked edge yet
That 6" upgrade is really nice, but I've got hundreds invested in 4" stones, so I'm unlikely to upgrade any time soon due to this.
@@billclancy4913 all your 4" stones, strops, and lapping films will work with the new 6" system!
I wish they'd put a metal insert in the wooden handle to attract the magnet of the angle cube.
@@billclancy4913 the new stone holder has a metal plate on top specifically to use an angle cube with.
The hand held, no base , usage seems dangerous. I'll take the base please
As an owner of the original KME, this new one gives me ‘made in my garage’ vibes even more than the first model. The reason I bought the original years ago was solely the price, it was cheaper than the other fixed angle options. In 2024 with all the other low cost options that are available, I’m not sure this will be a hit like the original. I like the new pivot and stone size, the rest meh. If I had to pick something again today, I think the TSPROF is the way to go.
I tell you a story. I had a really nasty Psychosis last year. Life was upside down etc and I was in a care home. The first step there was learning to free sharpen knives again and I did. It was like learning how to walk again since I sharpened all my knives freehand before for years. They say the psychosis causes brain damage and If I dont know how to free sharpen my knives in the future Im pretty fking retarded. Right now im ok.
Seems like an odd choice to demonstrate sharpening a small bladed knife on the updated version when the original KME weakness was for longer blades 😕 I understand the upgrades will benefit both types, but it seems redundant to consider upgrading if the major benefit comes when using longer blades, in the upgrades twin jaws
For simple sheet steel bend and a simple jaw design they are wanting 500+???? They are nuts, with TSprof your getting precision CNC aluminum Billet components/system...
How do you deal with Spyderco's full flat grind and distal taper with a single clamp? I can't see how you can secure the blade properly.
Actually the KME clamp is the best in the business for clamping
FFG's. Just pinch the clamps and torque it down. Floating design.
TSProf and Hapstone have special clamps that involves a little
tuning and set up but are very hard to get do to the war.
@@JohnDoe-zb7dz Thanks, I'll give a try. I've had a KME for a while but I never liked it so I always freehand sharpen. The cheapskate in me wants to use it to get my money's worth!
KNOB. 🤩
With the KME v1, I have a problem with the knife rotating in the jaws when I get to the tip. Does the v2 improve on that at all?
@@Acre00 that could be due to applying too much pressure when sharpening towards the tip. Theres a tension knob on the back of the sharpening fixture that you can tighten to help prevent that.
Is there a good sharpener for convex blades like Bark River or do you have to freehand sharpen convex?
KME offers a convexing rod.
@@samsonedges Thx
Once I seen you needed a possible supporting rod for base support you lost me , I will stick with my K03 pro and Kadet pro !
LoL. We Irish Always RTFM 😂👍 LuV De Content Yu g Fella...
Can I use my own diamond stones? (DMT 8x3)
KME should have you on the payroll. You've sold more of their system than anybody. It always seemed overpriced to me. And for the price of the new one -- I'd be buying a TSProf.
What is the longest and heaviest knife that KME can handle?
KME has a couple videos showing large machetes in this new system. Ive seen around a 19" machete clamped in the new kme.
It's better at buttering bread than the old one, not quite as good as Tormek though. Tormek also pre-moistens the bread.
Hey Pete, looking to touch base with you I have a knife I’d like to send over.
You can diy this sharpener with the same parts for like $40 from aliexpress parts, Total ripoff IMHO
In “Work Sharp” we trust 🔪
Does anyone else here have a new materials shirt?
£530 on eBay......
Yeah, I'm out.
Sir, I don't know how much you like or dislike China products, but not counting on the stones itself, the Ruixin rx009 from China is apparently pretty competent for the price.
I will do it's job for you, it's not gonna give you the greatest quality of edged but it will give you acceptable/serviceable edge quality so long as you buy some decent abrasives as those crap water stones are literally worthless.
@@EDCandLace they do come with diamond stones (mine was a diamond set). just not the highest grade ones.
@@doid0666 I've got one of the more expensive Chinese systems (around $100 plus tax and shipping) and build is much more precise, more solid and more substantial than the early KME offering for a fraction of the price -- but you really need to buy better abrasives. I started out with some better Chinese diamond stones -- the ones that are mounted on aluminum rather than plastic -- and they worked really well. I've since bought the TSProf set, but I'm not seeing a significant difference in use. Perhaps the more expensive ones will last longer, but the cheap Chinese ones did a perfectly adequate job.