KME Sharpeners Lapping Film Kit How to Video

www.kmesharp.com

[@ohroonoko]

1:24 "...they're color coded so you can't get them mixed up. They did a good job of that." Me:

[@abc456f]

I got the basic KME kit with the base and just ordered the 3 and 6 micron lapping films. Shabazz is using it this way and is able to get a mirror polish. After having used the sharpmaker and the Lansky, I have to say that the KME is light years better than either of them. Much more consistent results and so much easier to use.

[@Scrub_Zero]

I know a lot of these videos are kinda old, but I just wanted to thank you for making these. I've just ordered a kme, and these videos are an incredible resource!!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you. Enjoy the new KME.

[@kylestewart4444]

Thank you so much for all of these great videos, Matt. I’m brand new to sharpening and just ordered a KME kit with the full set of lapping films so I’m excited to start chasing that mirror.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Congrats. Thank you

[@daveeverett9341]

Great vid! I've been using a KME system for a year, now, and just got into the polishing tapes. Love the results, but your detail on the process here is most helpful. BTW, also picked up the KME stone thickness adjuster since I have some aftermarket ceramics and others that vary in thickness. It makes transitioning through various stones quite easy....

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks for watching.

[@jkstdstang]

Thinking of ordering some 3M psa lapping film sheets to cut myself for the Lansky since im cheap haha. 9, 5, 3, 1, and .3 microns. For $28 bucks it should make several strips per sheet and achieve similar results. Appreciate your videos! Great info!

[@RunGun]

Great video can't wait for my lapping films to get here

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Congrats. You will love them.

[@KarmaFlight]

I am having great results too. Very satisfied with these tapes.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Michael Sable The lapping film kit is the way to go. I love it.

[@DoingMoreKustoms]

DeanO sent me by to check out this kit. Thanks for sharing Bud, looks like a great kit. Subbed ya as well ;). ThumbZ UP !!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+DeeMan Kustumz / GIVEAWAY OPEN Thank You very much.

[@Crazyknives]

KnifeKrazy have you ever try to sharp a chef knife? Like 240mm?

[@kylestewart4444]

I’d definitely love to have that full set of wet stones but that’s a lot of money. Since I’m just getting started, I went for the basic kit, a base and the full lapping film kit. All of that was $340 so it’s definitely not cheap but the full set of wet stones on top of that would make it $600. I may get them eventually but I’m pretty sure that I’ll be more than happy with the results from the lapping films. Once I get a few cheaper knives sharpened and I’m pretty confident in my ability, I’ll start moving on to my much more expensive knives. I might even try to get a few friends to pony up a few bucks for me to sharpen their kitchen knives and such. That way I can partially offset my investment a little bit haha

[@Deer3083]

I prefer the lapping films over the wet stones. Same result without worrying about water and less mess.

[@Knivess0]

Still using your KME?

[@devigil1973]

Thanks Matt, for the tutorial

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Donnie Vigil No problem

[@DrFrankLondon]

Thank you for a great video, I have the Deluxe kit with all gold diamond stones, Arkansas stones, 2 strops, 1 for the 3 micron emulsion and 1 for the 0.1 micron emulsion, I have as well all grits of lapping films. But I use the 3 micron strop/emulsion and then I go straight to the 0.5 micron lapping films, then the 0.1 micron finishing off with the roo strop, but I am not sure if I should always go through all the lapping films for a better mirror polish or what I am doing is the right thing. My edges are really mirror after my standard but do you think I would get an even better polish going through all grits always to get away all the micro scratches?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you. If you have all the lapping films, use them. Better results.

[@pstaehlin]

Great video, thank you. My question is HOW do I know or decide to change and go to the next lapping film grit?

[@ThatDudeDeven]

You ever figure that out? lo

[@EnduringEagle]

Great Video.. Well Done!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+EnduringEagle Thank You

[@Tridente01a]

Hi, please Tell me, ist polishing to mirrow only a optical thing, or holds the edge longer? Thanks Andreas

[@AntonChou]

Hi I want to say thanks for posting all those info, I've learned a lot from your videos. I wanna ask your opinion about strops and lapping films, since their grit size kinda overlap a bit. Would you recommend using both in accordance with their grit size, like 4 micron CBN strop- 3 micron lapping film- 1.5 micron strop- 1 micron film- 0.5 micron film then strop- 0.1 micron film then strop? Or do you have any other suggestion?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks for watching. No I would do that. I would do the lapping films and then finish with the .1 strop.

[@AntonChou]

Got it, thanks.

[@robertalantickle160]

Thanks for posting this. I'm just learning to use my KME and your video helped. A question for you. I've read that all Spydercos come from the factory with a 30 degree inclusive edge. When using the KME/Sharpie method to find the factory angle, I swear that some Spyderco knives are factory ground closer to 40 degree inclusive. What has been your experience?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

That’s not true. Not all Spyderco’s are 30 inc. most of the ones I have done is closer to 40 or so.

[@robertalantickle160]

The Para3 in S110V I've had for a while definitely arrived sharpened somewhere near 40 degrees. I just got a Para3 in S30V. This one is definitely closer to 30 degrees. Is it possible Spyderco uses different sharpening angles for different steels on the same knife from the same factory? I've heard Spydercos are hand sharpened at the factory, so maybe the angle just depends on the guy who sharpens the knife?

[@Huero87]

are the glass blanks similar in thickness to the diamond stones? Would it be be safe to go from the 1500 grit diamond to 9 micron films and proceed from there?

[@SavageD1984]

Yes they are the same thickness and yes they are perfect from going from the 1000-1500 diamond stones to the lapping films 👍

[@DanielReyes-hz1qk]

Do you have any methods or suggestions on MAINTAINING a mirror edge once the knife has been used for a while? I can free hand strop to hair popping sharpness but it doesn't seem to do the finish any justice

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Sorry. I do not. The only thing I can say is don't use the knives with mirror edges. Lol

[@dillo1594]

I need your expertise

[@JG54206]

I currently have a lansky and am loving what I am seeing on the KME. I was just wondering if you had looked at any other systems before picking this one. Namely the edge pro Apex. So far there’s a toss up between the 2 for which one I would want to upgrade to. Obviously you picked the KME, but can you tell me exactly what made you pick this one? Did you ever look at others?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Hi. Yes. I looked at all the sharpening systems before I purchased the KME. I went with the KME because of a few things. Cost, upgrades, able to mount the blade in the clamp. I don’t want to have to worry about holding the knife and moving it.

[@JG54206]

KnifeKrazy That’s the same point I’m at. I think I prefer the KME for all the reasons you just mentioned but I haven’t been able to decide if I would prefer another clamp style system like the lansky I have or something like the edge pro. Do you ever run into problems clamping tricky blades in the KME? I mean knives where there isn’t a good flat spot on the spine of the blade to clamp down on. Is there some accessory or something that KME makes? Or is that knife just not serviceable with the KME? I very much prefer the add ons and stone choices for the KME. The edge pro seems like they really push the water stones whereas I like the idea of the KME with just the diamond stones, maybe an Arkansas, and the lapping films. That way there’s no water or oil, and if you want water stones, KME has them too. Thanks for the speedy reply and sorry for the paragraph of questions ^^

[@KnifeKrazy.]

There are some blades out there that the KME has some issues with but not many.

[@abc456f]

Julian G The KME is light years better than the Lansky. Soooo much easier to use and excellent results.

[@punchlinehybrid-9454]

Do I need the 9 micron or can I just skip to 6 and 3? Doesn’t seem like 1500 grit stone to 1800 lapping film isn’t much of a difference

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Realistically you don’t “need” any of them. To be honest. That being said, I don’t skip.

[@jeremyburris4890]

I was thinking about starting with 9 and 6 micron films and a 4 micron strop. Would that be a good place to start?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

That’s a great start.

[@DeanO]

Great demo

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Dean O Thanks Dean.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Matthew Howard That's totally up to you. Spend as much time as you want to. Until you are happy with the way the edge looks and you are happy with it. I don't have a set amount of strokes. I just go until i'm happy.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Matthew Howard 20-30 strokes per side. Per grit. I use my knife for anything it need to be used for. Whether it's for opening a box or personal protection. Whatever is needed.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Matthew Howard Then double it. But like I originally said. As much as you want to. That's the joy in having your own sharpener. Do it how you want to. There is no set by the book method.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Matthew Howard I don't do other metels. At least not what is in that video. I wish i had a few blocks of that.

[@mike7958]

Are the glass blanks combined with a lapping film the same thickness as one of the stock diamond hones? Just wondering if they would keep the same angle as the stock diamond hones without any adjustment.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Yes they are the same. That's what's so awesome about it.

[@mike7958]

Sweet! One of these days I'm going to have to pick up this system.

[@TorlingJarl]

Yes, get it. You won't be disappointed

[@dillo1594]

Hey Matt I'm about to use the lapping films, how many times do I stoke for each side of the blade with the lapping films

[@KnifeKrazy.]

There is no set stroke amount. As many as you want. More is better. You just need to make sure the scratch pattern from the last grit is removed before moving on. I would do less than 40-50 per side per grit.

[@TorlingJarl]

Why specifically LESS than 40-50?

[@briankadereit5452]

Is there any advantage using lapping film over the kangaroo leather strops?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Brian Kadereit The one biggest advantage is, the lapping film kit has 6 different microns. The strops only have 4. Having more microns you can taper the grits down more gradually to get a finer mirror edge.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Wondering if you could put these on the back of the kme stones or strops same thickness

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Lapping films has to be on a very smooth surface like glass

[@bp-hx9ts]

KnifeKrazy ok thanks for answering my question

[@frankstallone3887]

Hey. Don’r know if you read comments this late, but would love to know if in your opinion you need all of the lapping films or if you can get by with just a couple? Thanks.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You can buy as many as you want. Just as long as you buy them in order. If you buy one. Start with 9micron. And so on.

[@frankstallone3887]

KnifeKrazy thanks for the response! I subbed. Came over from BirdshotIV

[@n0148813]

When you say you can use an upstroke when the blade gets smooth...if the blade is smooth to the grit of the take, wouldn’t that mean that you have already finished with that tape? I can’t imagine that these tapes are creating a burr. Thanks for the demo and explanations...UPDATED COMMENT - kindly disregard everything before I said “thanks for the demo and explanations”...I very much understand now. Thanks again!

[@aem226]

Would recommend the lapping films or the stropps with the CBn oil?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Lapping films.

[@aem226]

@Freedom1775 I actually bought both. Lapping films go higher in microns than the strops. I use the strops for touch ups or in between sharpening s.

[@aem226]

@Freedom1775 in my opinion the sharpness is much sharper with the lapping films but the strop gets it super sharp too. I course I’m not expert I remember a while back someone asked the best comb was one of the strops and some of the lapping films or the other way around.

[@xderiwx]

With the lapping films, can you actually detect a burr? If not, how do you know when to stop/switch? Are you just going until you see the scratch pattern has changed? Thanks!

[@danhickman4323]

Good question and wondering where you may have found the answer.

[@ThatDudeDeven]

@@danhickman4323 You ever find that answer? lol

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Appreciate the demo, you did not tell us how many film do you get with each micron, and how easy does it ware down, another words how long will it last vrs the Chesera's

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez You get 5 lapping tapes per grit. There is no exact amount of blades you can do before they wear out. If you are doing little blades it will last longer than doing larger blades. So it's hard to say how many you can do. I'm guessing 5-10 blades. I haven't used it long enough yet to confirm.

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Thanks, i just looked at the KME websight and you are right, but in the long run, these lapping films will be alot more expensive than the Chasera,

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Please correct me if im wroge.

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Wrong

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez I like them both. The Lapping film is faster and less messy. But, I do love my Chosera's. I think if you take care of your water-stones they will take care of you.

[@ssrknivesandguns8741]

nice stuf man!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+SSR KNIVES AND GUNS! Thanks Dude.

[@yuichicowles7915]

So first question...do you use the dofferent strops depending on what lapping you end off on? Like lets say I cant afford the kit, and I only get the 9 and 6 micron...would I end off on the 4 micron strop? Second question, on your video about the tip of the knife, you said to twist the stone towards the blade tip, would you do that with the lapping stones as well or what?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Yes on the Strop question. You have to be careful doing that with the films. They tear very easy.

[@sgtcarro13]

Hey matt, Check out the hapstone pro its a sharpener found , it looks pretty cool !

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+SgtCarro13 I will check it out.

[@deeclinton1532]

KnifeKrazy , hello my name is Dee clinton, question I'm thinking about purchasing a sharpening system, I'm undecided between the kme & wicked edge which one do you recommend or which one do you think is better? Thanks

[@TorlingJarl]

I'm one for making really long responses, but I'll try to keep it simple (if it isn't too late) Get the KME. Just, hands down, no question, price aside. Get the KME.

[@averagerider92]

What's better, lapping films or cbn with roo strop?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Lapping films

[@TorlingJarl]

The lapping films are far better in terms of improving the surface finish of the bevel. It's also the most important when getting the 1500 diamond scratch pattern out and paving the way for a mirror finish. but If what you are looking for is the most efficient improvement of sharpness, the best option are the strops. The way that the CBN on roo leather cuts puts the very best edge on that you could ask for. If you want both Surface finish refinement and a ridiculously sharp edge, I would suggest the first 3 lapping films and then the set of strops. The 9, 6, & 3 micron films and the 4, 1.5, .5, & .1 Kangaroo strops. BUT! There is a progression that I think people don't really think about. If you go from the 1500 diamond to the 9 & 6 micron lapping films. You can strop with 4 micron CBN on roo for just a little while and get just about the best mirror polish with just about the best edge sharpness you could ever want. Full mirror and whittling hairs both ways. MATT! If you are reading this I would love to see you make a video telling the public of how effective this grit progression is. But that's all, I know this was a very long winded and extremely detailed response, but I hope it helped. I have done a hell of a lot of sharpening with different systems, techniques, and grit progressions. I like sharing the knowledge I've gained with as many people as possible so they can have as much knowledge at their disposal as possible. Thanks for reading this overly long response - Wyatt

[@jeremyburris4890]

@@TorlingJarl I was thinking about just getting the 9 & 6 films with the 4 strop. I don't need super mirror polished, just super sharp.

[@bootlip11]

do you prefer this over the chosera's?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Yes I do.

[@bootlip11]

KnifeKrazy ill be purchasing those then. how do the strips hold up?

[@bootlip11]

KnifeKrazy one more question. would you rather use this or the CBN emulsion and Kang strops?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

As long as you don't roll them over the tip and tear them, they last about 7 knives. Give or take.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

The lapping films. My go to is, diamonds, then right to the lapping films, done.

[@bastardstropsmassaponaxvir290]

The problem with using the up and down strokes with lapping film verses just down is wear.. If you look under microscope you will see it causes premature wear and will get more knives out of each strip with only down strokes and achieve same results. Have a great day and sharp edges...🔪😎

[@ssrknivesandguns8741]

i sharpen with 10 billion grit man that's sharp!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+SSR KNIVES AND GUNS! LMAO.

[@ssrknivesandguns8741]

+YourMyBoyBlue OK I WILL!

[@porkchopspapi5757]

Knife crazy is right. You got to be crazy to spend that kind of money on a system that will wear out quickly, when a quality $16, 12" diamond rod & a homemade strop with a $7 syringe of ultra fine diamond emulsion will get you perfect razor sharp edges. But hey, thats just me.

[@richlabombard6780]

If you are looking for a bargain, use sandpaper. Will cost you $3.75 Or, go with a smooth flat rock like your ancestors used. You won’t have a KME edge, though.

[@porkchopspapi5757]

@@richlabombard6780 Or you could just do like I said.

[@jasoncampbell6222]

Shame that those grit equivalents were all completely wrong especially the 0.1 micron which is actually 250,000 grit

[@ThatDudeDeven]

Damn! All of that for $130? Inflation is craaaazy. I'm looking at $300

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Price went up in the last 8 years I guess.

[@ThatDudeDeven]

​@@KnifeKrazy. Yea since I was looking at a few hundred anyway, I just got a Wicked Edge Pro Pack 2 on a swap for a CRK large inkosi that I had laying around. That KME does look nice though

[@95993harpo]

Do not ever go into the blade with lapping film. Look up scary sharp sharpening.