KME Sharpening System 101- Tips for Starting out Sharpening with the KME

[@x.adam1]

5 years later and I’m watching this for the first time. Just started getting into knives a bit and need to sharpen them. Ordered my KME kit today.

[@zexnynex777]

This vid is now 7yrs old. 1st time.. New fan.

[@pvolkspvolks]

7 Years later and this vid just answered some big questions I've had. Probably the most thorough sharpening vid I've seen yet. Thank You!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@freddym223]

i keep looking for a better basic sharpening video than this on youtube but there doesn't seem to be one . well done !

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@BirdShotIV]

Still the best video on the KME!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

toadstkr thank you

[@drinkinspot]

Totally agree. GREAT video, thanks.

[@abc456f]

KnifeKrazy Great instructions! Quick question...I have the basic kme system with the four diamond stones and also bought two lapping films. I've been using a light weight oil to treat the stones and films before sharpening. But I have seen some people use water or water with a little dishwashing liquid, and some sharpen dry. What would you recommend for best results? Really appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@jkstdstang]

This is by far the best explanation of how to get a proper edge that I have watched yet. Learned a few things myself bravo!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@kirkl731]

this was one of the most helpful videos I have ever viewed on the intergoogles. Thanks please keep us Newbies in mind in future videos. MUCH appreciated!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you Kirk

[@Primo489]

This was very helpful ,informative & easily understood. Thank you for sharing your experience it is much appreciated/

[@greekmaster1001]

And thank you for explaining this better than any KME video

[@josephdaleadams]

Without a doubt this is the best kme startup video ever. That is saying something for a video that is over four years old. No nonsense information delivery and managed to impart a lot hard earned experiences. Thanks for sharing this

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@Ray-gu5kp]

You absolutely explains thing like no one else I have ever seen, you are the man Matt!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez Thank you.

[@tderrenberger1]

Just found your channel and I’m glad I did. Just purchased a KME system and you explain usage in a “down home” manner that I like and understand. I am now subscribed to your channel. Thanks

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you very much for the kind words. Thanks for watching.

[@mikeoreilly4020]

So much important information...crammed into 26 minutes. Thank you. Just bought a KME System and you've save me hours and probably a couple of my knives from mistakes I would have made.

[@bp-hx9ts]

Mike O'Reilly wtf is your profile picture

[@cornpop9262]

@@bp-hx9ts looks like a fish. Lol

[@TheStabbyCyclist]

Your point about getting the bur and uneven grinds from the factory is spot on. Just got a KME and the edge is uneven in exactly the spot you mentioned.

[@TXLoneStar_]

Who would of thought that after almost 5 years, this is still one of the most informative how to videos on the Kme. Maybe I'll see ya in Edge Snobs later on. ~Gary K.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@solaydbak]

It really is. He should have more subscribes based on this video alone.

[@kylestewart4444]

Thank you so much for this great video. I just ordered the KME kit and I'm a total noob at sharpening so I really appreciate the tips.

[@bongofury3176]

Thanks again for your excellent advice. So clear, detailed and in-depth. May your blades cut true

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you again.

[@MADHIKER777]

Fantastic video! A ton of critical information, clearly presented. I have a KME on order and I will use every one of your tips. You probably saved me from messing up a few knives. Thank You!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@m3rcynside458]

I know this video is 5 years old but I just bought my kme system because of this video.Thank you for a great video.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@mountaindweller4514]

this video contains many useful tips for sharpening with any guided system, not just KME. I learned a lot, thanks.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I agree. Thanks for watching.

[@vdog570]

thank you for the Ark trans tip!! I just received mine in the mail and never would of thought to change the angle!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You are welcome.

[@mickkeim4142]

Thanks. One of the most informative KZbin videos I’ve seen for a while. This helps a bunch.

[@teel1981]

This is a video I really needed to see! As a beginning knife-o-holic I am accumulating knives faster than sharpening skills. I've been killing myself trying to decide on a sharpening system/method. Thanks!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+teel1981 Thanks for watching. I hope it helps you.

[@knifesketch101]

I finally bought myself a KME and I’m going back to watch your videos again. Such a great resource. Thanks for taking the time to make them.

[@capttug812]

Really good video. Extremely informative. You break it down far enough for it to sink in but i must admit i watched it twice so far. Thank you

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@josephmgalloway]

I just have to say thank you, just recently got the kme, best straight answer how to and how not to video I’m come across for the kme, will be checking out the rest of the kme videos you have to offer! Thank you!!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@cornpop9262]

Mine is coming tomorrow. Glad I found this video. Way more informative than the other ones I've found. Thanks man

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Congrats. Thank you.

[@Zululima3375]

Just got my KME, your videos are very helpful... thank you

[@SteveLum]

Bought a KME months ago and finally made time to learn to use the KME. Thanks for the beginner tips and for the detail you added to the tutorial. It answered just about all of my initial questions.

[@BruceWillisiscool]

Just bought one of these. I bought a lansky a while back and then the worksharp precision adjust. I was happy with both but decided to get into the big leagues with this. Nice video.

[@petervu9773]

i know its a old post, but thank you !! very informative and will buy this KME with confidence now

[@Xandrosi]

My KME arrived today. Watched a bunch of your videos before I purchased. New subscriber. Really appreciate learning from your experience. Sharpened an old crappy stainless chef's knife this evening that would have cut butter, but that's about it. On my iPhone, I downloaded the bubble level. This allowed me to zero the angle based on the base. That way I could then measure the angle relative to the base. Went with a 17 degree angle. Following your guidance, that crappy knife (yes, it's still crappy) is stupid sharp. 😁

[@cornpop9262]

What angle ap do you use?

[@Xandrosi]

@@cornpop9262 It's literally named "Bubble Level." FWIW, the KME system has a wand attachment that handles the recurve on a trapper. No other system did that.

[@StoneHands25]

This is the video I've been looking for I've definitely not ruined but messed up some knives trying to figure this out so thank you

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Very welcome!

[@David-vi9mm]

Such a great video. This is the best video I’ve seen on KME sharpening 🙏🔪

[@SkyBridgeRE]

I just understood sharpening in a new way, thanks

[@crf450rbulletdavid9]

You did a very good job sharpening that delica. The tip are is nice and flat and pointy. A lot of people including me when I first started sharpening would round out the tip very badly. I've since learned and am getting awesome results too. Different system but same basic deal.

[@bonzai199]

Thank you sir! Helped this newbie greatly!

[@chrispittman4826]

Great video. Lots of tips for beginners. Answered my question of first stones to buy after my basic kit.

[@n0148813]

There are so many points in this video on so many lessons I have learned in my experiences with the kme, and still learned more. That isn’t to say the kme makes sharpening complicated...quite the opposite. But for someone who sharpened wrong for so long with other methods and devices, the kme really makes the difference in sharpening correctly. For the first sharpening of most blades, you almost need a 50 and/or 100 grit to the angle consistent. Great video

[@andyseal8134]

Just got a KME and this video will help a lot. Thank you.

[@jesseallen4184]

Extremely informative video. Thanks for your time and help. I’ve got the deluxe kit but just focusing on the basic diamond stones for now until I get better.

[@fldiverjc4496]

great video....it clarified our earlier discussion. I have much better understanding now of what you said about the stone thickness changing the angle. much thanks for making this video. had placed my order... looking forward to its arrival

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Joseph Chillemi Thank you. Not a problem. I hope this helps.

[@Whippled_slobruh]

Wow! Now i know why i was getting wider bevels near the tip! DAMN!!! I always put the knife all the way back. BUT i also had problems with it putting hair line scratches in my blade.

[@devigil1973]

Love the video, I'm sold on the KME

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Donnie Vigil Thank you. Great. You will love it.

[@LuvThemKnives]

Thanks for the video. I just ordered the KME system. I'm definitely on a learning curve. You're very helpful. Thanks

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Congrats on the KME. Thanks

[@germando81s]

KnifeKrazy thank you for a very informative video. I’ve sharpened two inexpensive knives so I can get a feel for the KME system. I did get very sharp results with both finishing with the strop and 4 micron emulsion. However, with the second knife I did not get an even edge. You video helped me identify what I did not do correctly. Which was to continue on the second side until it’s even and has the burr as well. The burr I did get on the second time but did not pay attention if both sides were even. Thanks again!

[@tngo54]

Thank you for this video. Very easy to understand and informative.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@onesappleone]

Excellent video. You are a very good teacher.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@45acpP90]

Thank you for the helpful video. It really clarified some questions I had about the KME sharpener. I haven't bought one yet. But, I'm getting ready to pull the trigger. Very informative. Great video.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+45acpP90 Thank you for the kind words.

[@larrya197140]

I just started collecting knives! This video is so freaking awesome, a baby could understand, thanks dude!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Larry Banks Thank you for watching.

[@alisadigout5617]

Really nice informative video ..The best video on the KME as well as a great video on sharpening itself, thanks for your great effort on teaching us all

[@vtxdaryl]

About to order my KME sharpener very soon in March, 2021.

[@greekmaster1001]

I just received mine today

[@vtxdaryl]

@@greekmaster1001 Every knife I sharpen now has a chrome polished edge. I have the 50 through 1500 Diamond grits and bought Gritomatic 5000 and 8000 grit stones plus the polishing micron paper, glued to glass blanks, kangaroo and cowhide strops. I have more friends with knives that are bringing me their knives to sharpen. Be careful because when you get knives this sharp, you are going to cut yourself. Might as well keep some clean paper and bandaids handy. I have cut myself 5 times already not including the nicks I got shaving hair on my arms. You will have fun and learn as you go. Watch all the videos you can and use your magic marker to find the factory angle. After 5 to 10 knives you will get the hang of getting the right angles. All confusing at first but practice, practice and practice on more knives and then they will start looking good. If you want a sharp knife, you could do that with 1 stone but to put the mirror edge, you will need everything. Good luck.

[@Coemgenus618]

Thanks for the response. I was able to find one on Amazon that looks like it would be appropriate for my "meat hooks," and it's teardrop or elliptically shaped, same 1/4 x 20 female.

[@JayceBroda]

This was well done! Thank you so much. My new KME is in the mail. I will be watching this many times. =)

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Jayce Broda Thank you. Take your time with you new KME. It will be worth it.

[@marklea8343]

Hi there. I was wondering if you have a kitchen knife that’s sharp but want to bring it back to really sharp using the same angle and no damage seen on the edge how course a stone would you start with ? I want to take it to 1000 grit and then strop . Thanks. Mark

[@downstc1]

Really helpful, thanks for the detailed explanation. I'm gonna watch again 1 or 2 times.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@eightGhosts]

Do you have a video about how to fix already-inconsistent angles, for example 15 degrees at the tip and 20 at the base? Thanks!

[@volcanowb]

My KME will be here in a couple days. I ordered the kit with the stand a four diamonds and the lapping plates. Micheal threw in the Arkansas translucent. Your video will.surely help! I subscribed.... Thanks!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Congrats on the new KME. Thanks

[@volcanowb]

Do you use the angle cube much?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

All the time. Just about every blade.

[@volcanowb]

How did you cut and stick the steel on the other side of the stone holder. ( Don't have mine until Monday, so I don't have any reference. )

[@roylerroycerickson]

Great video very informative think i will buy a KME

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@japalian8082]

awesome awesome video! by far the best knife sharpening video I have seen on KZbin. I'm going to order a set here in a minute. thank you for taking the time to explain things for us who are less knowledgeable in knife sharpening. I laugh now when I see so many people locking in their knifes at weird angles in their videos Haha that can't be good for the knife

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Oscar Passalacqua Thank you so much for the nice word. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@kremerrak]

Great video. I learned a lot. Why doesn’t someone make a shim for under the diamond stones that would make the combined thickness the same as either the water stones or the Arkansas stones? THANKS

[@CCumby007]

How do you sharpen a Kitchen knife? I just got a KME yesterday and when I was sharpening my kitchen knife I noticed that the angle at the middle and the ends of the knife were different by a couple degrees. How do I fix this problem? Yesterday I moved the knife several times and used my cube to set the angle every time sharpening only small sections at a time. This took way longer then I anticipated

[@locksmithdb5987]

I really like your videos! They have helped me get a sharp knife! That's what matters!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@mattgross5505]

Super helpful video. Thanks

[@pstorey290]

I should be getting my KME tomorrow. I have been watching a lot of your tutorial videos these past few days. I know this is an older video, but here you explain how to set your clamp parallel to your edge. Where A newer video I seen of yours, you explain to clamp along an imaginary line from the blade edge of heel to tip. Which method is preferred? Thank you! And thank you for all the helpful videos!

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Thank you again Matt, just ordered the knob cost $1.65 ordered 2 of them, one round and one oval to see which one I like, that description of #20 was very import as it meant the threads per inch, which meant all the difference in the word. It will be so much easier to pull and push the rod. In your humble opinion do you feel the Chosera stones are worth it!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez You're welcome. You will find the Oval knob will work better in your palm than the round knob. At least for me it was. The water stone "worth it" question? lol. This is a tuff one. The answer lies within you. I can tell you my opinion. I had the water stones before the Lapping Film Kit came out. The water stones are very time consuming but, yield great results. After the lapping Films came out, I haven't used the water stones since. The water stone require adjusting the angle when you change stones. The lapping films you do not. You can set your angle with the diamonds stones and roll right into the lapping films with no need for adjustments. The same thing with the Strop set. It's all in what you like. I don't think it's a wrong or right answer.

[@WillEDC]

Excellent vid. I have many polishing papers already. Can you tell me the dimensions of the glass blanks. I bet I can have a window shop make me some blanks. Thank!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

1x4

[@WillEDC]

KnifeKrazy oh thanks. Would happen to know the thickness ? 🙏🏻

[@LocoDirewolf]

How does it handle longer knives? Like a 8 or 10 inch kitchen knife?

[@delmasfzickefoosejr5045]

Getting ready to buy a sharpener. what's one do you prefer KME or wicked edge

[@bamafaninky861]

Can you utilize 4x1x.25 pocket stones on the KME? Specifically Dan's Arkansas Stones.

[@stevenpetty1]

What about blades that come with a nice bevel on one side and hardly any bevel on the other side like the Benchmade Infidel 3300? It comes from the factory like that. I was wondering how to sharpen it when it comes time.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I have a video on how to sharpen a chisel grind.

[@MSFB4EVER]

Love these KME videos you do!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks

[@jp456011]

My new KME sharpening system should arrive about Saturday. I know that I will love it.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Joe Pagley Nice. Take your time with it until you get the hang of it. You will love it.

[@jp456011]

I know that I will love it. I just ordered the KME system with the base for now. After I get a little use out of it, then I will be ordering a little more till I have everything that I want in the kit.

[@Coemgenus618]

Thanks for this video. Where did you get that beefy black knob handle on the stone holder? I don't see it on the KME site.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

At McMaster-Carr dot com 1/4”x20 female knob

[@greekmaster1001]

So what's the longest knife we can sharpen that won't change the angle

[@johnlathrop123]

Great video. This is the first of yours I've watched. It makes sense.

[@johnlathrop123]

It makes more than sense now. It really works! This knife was so dull I could run my finger over it with pressure. I used the KME the first time but didn't get this result. I watched your video and realized I wasn't waiting for the burr. I went back to the KME and knife did it against and the blade has "youth" again. Scout master didn't tell me about the burr in Boy Scouts...lol. Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWPdh5SLaNynjtE

[@mike7958]

Very informative video. And very easy to understand.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@Mori8636]

Damn, shoulda come to this video sooner, I made tons of those mistakes already, good thing i only used my tenecious and not my other knives, great vid man, subbed!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@bugdozer]

Great video. Been using the Lansky system forever but I've got some better knives now so I was thinking of stepping up to the KME. This video convinced me I need to. Thanks! P.S. BirdShot pointed me your way.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@adrianthrockmorton7557]

Can you wipe off the bur with a paper towel when flipping over to do the other side to see the other bur better? Or is that a Nono?

[@jolIyjoeker]

Is that grip tape for hockey sticks that you use?

[@brucev6642]

Very interesting video. I just ordered one of them, will be interesting to see how it goes. One question I have. Let's say I have a bunch of kitchen knives I will be sharpening with this. We will assume they are all 'about' 20 degrees but not exactly the same. From your video I think I have to do some mild re-profiling in order that I can set and forget the KME system at say 20 deg versus having to each time determine the actual angle for each knife with a sharpie as you talked about in your video. Is that correct? I hope this makes sense.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks for watching. Yes. You are correct. I would pick a degree you are happy with and do all the kitchen knives the same. The first time for each knife will be a reprofile. Then every other time will be quicker and easier.

[@mikethebike67]

Thanks for the video. Much appreciated. looking to get the kme system soon.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Michael Frontera You are very welcome.

[@andygold]

What do you do if your knife blade is half serrated, half non-serrated?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You sharpened the non serrated edge just like you would normally. And the serrated edge you have to use a Diamond rod. KME sells them also. Or you can take it out the clamp and do it by hand with a Diamond rod.

[@andygold]

Thank you for the prompt reply! I appreciate it!

[@greekmaster1001]

Can you show using the kme on a really curved knife

[@pyrorye-80]

Great video. Glad i found your stuff. Very helpful!!

[@707SonomaComa]

Do you think KME is the best clamp-type knife sharpener? Is there a good one for large kitchen knives and a separate one for smaller knives?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

TSPROF Blitz or KME for small knives. TSPROF K03 for larger knives. But. The KME and Blitz can do larger knives when you need too. And same thing for the K03. It can do smaller knives also.

[@CCumby007]

2 questions how does the distance away from the centerline effect the angle? How does this system compare to TSPROF?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

As long as the center line out is still in a straight line, I don’t effect it any. But once the curve starts, then it changes. It like this with all clamp systems. If you are sharpening a Wharncliffe blade, the Angle will stay consistent. The TSPROF’s are solid systems. Built with billet aluminum. But they cost a good bit more also.

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Matt, do you know where I can get the knob that you have on the rod the holds the stone, can't seem to find it, just came from Home Depot and Lows, and the knobs they have have to small of a thread! Thanks buddy.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez McMaster-Carr.com 1/4 x 20 female threads. Oval Knob.

[@user-pz5ju7mw3k]

What are your thoughts on the lansky? Similar product but only $50. Only has 4 angle settings is the only big down side I’m seeing

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I think it’s a decent system for the money. But the lanky is nothing compared to the KME. If the Lanky is all you can afford. Then it will do the job. If you can save and get the KME. It’s worth the wait. Thanks for watching.

[@RunGun]

Thanks for the info bro great video been away from the tubes need to catch up on your vids

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks

[@stringtwister7654]

Best video you KZbin showing the kme! But is there any way to sharpen a ZT 350 or 301 a recurve blade with the kme without the standard stones? Please help

[@KnifeKrazy.]

KME has a Jewalstik. It's made for sharpening recurve blades. I have a video on it. Thanks for watching.

[@beals6631]

I just got a KME. It seems like that white pivot ball would get wore out. But maybe not

[@Moudmenn]

hey man quick question, when you clamp the blade, is there any minimal play between the clamp and the the main piece of the system behind it?

[@brandonconley2705]

Awesome video explained very well

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@visiblemode]

Are the pen knife jaws required for short but stubby blades like Spyderco Ladybug/Manbugs? Or are they only for very slender blades?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I think the ladybug and manbugs would be ok to sharpen with the regular jaws.

[@visiblemode]

KnifeKrazy thanks for the reply! Much appreciated. You might cover this in your other videos, I’m working my way through them now in anticipation of getting a system, but how do you feel about the flipping of the ball joint “hack” to get to ~15 degree angles?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Most wide blades can get to 15 degree anyways. You have to be careful when you flip it. It will get to close to the jaws and rub them.

[@visiblemode]

KnifeKrazy thanks again for the advice. Your videos will be a huge help as I learn the system.

[@danielducu]

One more question. Right now, I own the basic kit (diamonds from 100 to 1500) a roo strop and a 4 cbn emulsion. I'm not looking to get a mirror edge, just a crazy sharp and a nice looking edge. I'm taking all my sharpening up to 1500 and then I strop with the 4 micron cbn. I'm happy with how the knives cut but I'm not happy with the inconsistent frosty scratch pattern I get. It all looks good at the 600 but once I jump to the 1500 it gets an inconsistent frosty look which is really ugly. Am I doing something wrong?? Should I refine more with the 1500? I'm clearing the previous scratches but it seams that no matter how much time I spent on this diamond.. I get the same thing. Any thoughts? Do you think that getting the Arkansas translucent will make any difference after the 1500?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You are not doing anything wrong. It does the same thing to me. I absolutely know getting the ark Trans or ark black will fix this problem. After the 1500 do the ark stone and then strop. You will have to adjust the your angle when you start to use the Ark stone. It is thicker than the diamonds.

[@Daniel-vd4mk]

Did you had the time to test the new thickenss compensator ? I'm about to place my order for the ark trans and thinking about getting the convexing rod and the thickness compensator... Does the compensator really works better then an angle cube or the old sharpie ? Im going to get the convexing rod just because it's cheap hehehe

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I have not had time to test it yet. But, if you go to KME's Yourube channel. Ron just did a video on it and tested it with the angle cube.

[@danielducu]

+KnifeKrazy hi man, i just got the ark trans stone and did a small test. It does take away the scratch pattern from the 1500 diamond but it's still not as pretty as I was expected. How much time do you spend on the ark trans stone? Do you use water or dry? Do you apply any pressure or just the stone weight? Thanks for all the help man :)

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+knifecom You spend as much time as you want you. As long as it needs to become shinny. Longer the better with the Ark Trans. You definitely need to use honing oil/mineral oil on the hard stones. Dry with the diamonds and oil on the Ark & Lapping films. Water on the water stones.

[@mrmalone28]

I just watched a video saying your angle doesn’t change when you get farther out.

[@danielducu]

Hi man, how would you adjust the angle for the roo strop after sharpening with the trans arkansas? Is there any other way beside anglecube or phone app? If I use the sharpie like i do with the stones wouldnt that hurt the strop (in time) ? I tried with the tickenss compensator but it didn't worked... the final was clearly showing I didn't touched the full edge with the strop. I'd like to do it either way until i get a hold of the compensator... Thanks for the help. Really appreciate all the answers you give here.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

I used the compensator not to long ago after the Trans and it worked fine

[@davidbravo3803]

How much pressure should you apply using the 140 grit?

[@jurmuscle6603]

Do you have to oil or add water to the diamond stones?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Nope