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

This video is for people that is just getting started with the KME. I made this video because, I kept seeing the same questions get asked. So, I Figured I would make a video about it. I hope this helps everyone. Thanks

[@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.

[@greekmaster1001]

And thank you for explaining this better than any KME video

[@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/

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@Ray-gu5kp]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ramon Donestevez Thank you.

[@mickkeim4142]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@andyseal8134]

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

[@chrispittman4826]

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

[@bongofury3176]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you again.

[@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

[@pyrorye-80]

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

[@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

[@SkyBridgeRE]

I just understood sharpening in a new way, thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@Zululima3375]

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

[@bonzai199]

Thank you sir! Helped this newbie greatly!

[@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.

[@petervu9773]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@downstc1]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you.

[@mikethebike67]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Michael Frontera You are very welcome.

[@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

[@drinkinspot]

Very informative, thanks.

[@MSFB4EVER]

Love these KME videos you do!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@RunGun]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks

[@devigil1973]

Love the video, I'm sold on the KME

[@KnifeKrazy.]

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

[@David-vi9mm]

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

[@mattgross5505]

Super helpful video. Thanks

[@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.

[@onesappleone]

Excellent video. You are a very good teacher.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@locksmithdb5987]

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

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@mike7958]

Very informative video. And very easy to understand.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you

[@chadw1736]

Thank you. You're awesome.

[@anthonyp7051]

Enjoyed this demo Truth

[@ryanparret7775]

Great video, you were very informative and helpful.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Ryan Parret Thank you

[@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.

[@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.

[@Ray-gu5kp]

Thank you my brother!

[@tobiray]

thanks brother great info, appreciated

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Tobi Jay You're welcome.

[@zacharyruben1852]

Thanks man, I joined edge snobs. I look forward to learning more.

[@brandonconley2705]

Awesome video explained very well

[@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.

[@olechuga2]

Sir, a very informative video. Thank you very much.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks for watching.

[@mijoizagas3747]

Well done sir.

[@ssrknivesandguns8741]

AWESOME VID MAN!!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+SSR KNIVES AND GUNS! Thank you sir

[@roylerroycerickson]

Great video very informative think i will buy a KME

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@lakestephens8545]

Awesome!!

[@caseG80]

Thanks some very helpful info a lot other videos I guess assume everybody knows

[@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.

[@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!

[@jasonmiller9495]

About a year ago I got into knives. FFWD to today and I have way too many knives for me to ever use and Inhave multiple sharpening systems. My favorite is the Ken Onion edition with Grinder attachment. I have the leather strop belt that I use Bark River white compound on and my blades come out polished. I just got the KME with 4 diamond plates then the Kangaroo leather strop and the Jendi diamond infused plates 1 micron to 15 micron. I’m gonna use the Ken Onion for my Fixed Blades because of the convex edge and use KME for my folders. The point of this comment is once you get hit by the knife bug . You end up always saying that’s it one more until you see another one more and that’s it. Lmao it’s a good hobby but man is it expensive

[@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. )

[@LtSurvival]

great vid. I am using Lansky stone not as complete as your KME. maybe one day, or i will go to some motorized sharpening systeme. thanks

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@bluecamarodriver94]

Thanks for help

[@bluecamarodriver94]

If done correctly going to 1500 grit is that good enough for hair cutting sharp "razor sharp?

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Yes

[@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.

[@paulardelean8756]

Hey loved the video! I’ve finally decided to give the KME a shot (birthday present hehey) and was wondering what you were trying to say about the 4 micron compound for the strop (around 24:25). Why can’t you pass directly to a 1.5 micron compound for example? I’m asking this because I know you can use diamond lapping films that are 6 and 3 micron when you’re done with the diamond stones. If let’s say you pass through a 3 micron stone would you have to go to something smaller for the strop (1.5) or should you first start at 4 and work your way down?

[@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.

[@rblw912]

Thanks!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You are welcome.

[@MrT6250]

awesome tutorial sub earned

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks

[@ohroonoko]

16:25 this is the most important part of this entire video. If you only have a minute to watch this video, watch this minute right here and look closely.

[@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.

[@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

[@colbyc.6698]

damn this help me so much thanks

[@KnifeKrazy.]

You're welcome

[@colbyc.6698]

@@KnifeKrazy. found myself watching this video a year later thanks again

[@WordMadeFlesh777]

Really like your videos. I have just purchased a kme with a translucent Arkansas, 100 grit diamond plate, 6 micron and 3 micron too strop. So far so good. Just need to get some more knives under my belt to get my skills up. What size threads does your modded knob have? 1/4-20? I need one of those, I feel like I'm getting carpel tunnel from holding the little stone holder. Thanks!

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+Shane Fu Thank you. Yes it's 1/4-20 threads. I feel your problem.

[@PaulK390S90V]

isnt that the delica not endura? pretty sure. only because i just got the kme and i am about to use it for my first time (after dozens of hours using a lansky and wanted an upgrade) and i have my endura 4 out and it looks different in the clamps. anyways great video i will certainly use this as a guideline!

[@Wavester64]

Great video. I wish I could say like +Larry Banks said that even a baby could do it...cause to me there is a lot going on here...so I know I would be lost with this system. I have 2 different systems and IMO I am not the greatest on either - I just get by. Plus it looks like everything you have here cost a lot, which I know I can't afford. I just wish there was an easier way to be able to get those mirror polished edges you get with yours. Oh well, maybe one day I will take the plunge with the KME.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks Joe. I love my KME. For about $340 you can get a mirror edge with the KME. With practice of course. :)

[@Wavester64]

***** I want one of these bad...but for now it's going to have to play the waiting game. Hopefully someday :-)

[@616Haggard]

Damn dude, you like your Hinderers dont ya? lol You got a good page going. I have to thank you for the Shirogorov clone vids. You got me hooked. You ever mess with an out the front Microtech? I'm about to go check those out in a few days. My closest "good" knife store is 3 hours away so it's a special trip for me to go up there and get to finally hold the knives I'm interested in, in person.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+616Haggard Thanks. I've never owned a Microtech. Not really my thing. Good luck at the knife shop. Don't spend too much money. :)

[@616Haggard]

I never messed with one so it might not be my thing either. I like my frame locks. I'm just wantin to see how fun it is to play with that Microtech shootin the blade in n out all day. haha. I aint bringing money with me there either.. I just wanted to handle a bunch of knives and see what I like then I go on the forums and try to find good deals on used ones.. always lookin for deals. I kinda feel like new knives are like new vehicles- better off buying a used one thats still good as new.

[@billnott5811]

Merry Christmas from Alaska =) Awesome super informative video , ty ! I just ordered the KME basic kit from Amazon , comes with the 140 , 300 , 600 and 1500 stones.. My question is this , I am a hard-core prepper , and I love to have back ups of my back ups , so I was wondering about the longevity and lifespan of these stones , and should I order a couple more sets for storage ? I'm expecting only moderate use on my KME system , as I only have three knives ( 2 benchmades and a wusthof ) and I also use Japanese whetstones. So does anyone have experience with these KME stones lasting a year , 3 years , 5 years etc.. with moderate to low use ? Thank you so much for any help =)

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Merry Christmas to you. I’ve had my stones for years and they still work fine. The 1500 will be the first to wear out. It’s always good to have a back up of everything. But with moderate use they should last you for years

[@cwsmith17]

Great information for all skill levels. Should be KME free download, like Spyderco's included DVD LOl Good job...5 years later

[@abc456f]

Great tutorial! I got the basic kit and am having a hard time getting a burr with the 140 grit, especially on harder steels. Think I'm going to get the 50 and 100 grit stones. Some questions...once you have a burr on one side and turn the knife over, do you wipe that edge clean before sharpening again? Also, do you use water or oil with the diamond stones or leave them dry? I also have two lapping films, 3 and 9 micron, that I use with a little oil. I'm able to get a nice mirror polish but because I'm not getting that good burr from the start, my blades are still not as sharp as I'd like. Thanks in advance, subbed and thumbs up.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thanks. No just start sharpening I use my diamond stone dry

[@spetersonaz]

Buying my KME today and stumbled onto you channel. Great videos! I wish I could afford your whole setup up front but I'll have to work up to it. Can this system handle a big 9" blade? I was figuring I would have to sharpen half of the blade at a time then re adjust. Anyways, thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@KnifeKrazy.]

+spetersonaz Thank you. Ron at KME says a 10" blade can be done with the KME without repositioning the blade. It needs to be put off center closer to the tip of the blade. Put it in the clamp losely and try it. If it don't reach the heal and the tip, reposition it and try again. I don't have large blades. I only have 4" or less.

[@spetersonaz]

+KnifeKrazy I only have a couple bigger knives, but thank you for the input. Hope to get mine and to do a video response to this one from a beginner. Thanks again!