Want a Mirror Edge? - KME diamond lapping films overview

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What do you need to achieve mirror-polished knife edges?
They are expensive, they wear out and they may actually hurt cutting performance in some cases. Talking about diamond lapping films. You really don't need them but if you are like us, you want them anyway ;)
BirdShot IV
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[@KnifeKrazy.]

Thank you guys. Ark Trans is a waste of time if you are going to do the lapping films. 1500 diamond then go right to the 9 micron film ( no angle adjustment necessary) Keep this in mind, if you go to the Ark Trans after the 1500 diamond you will need to change the angle. Because the Ark Trans is thicker. Then change it back when you went to the films.(diamond and lapping film is the same thickness) I don't strop after the .01 micron lapping film either.

[@BirdShotIV]

good stuff from the KME expert himself!

[@jrquarnberg4317]

KnifeKrazy would it do me any good to go from ark trans to like a 6 or a 3 film? I’m not wanting to buy all the films. So should I buy non of them or would one or even 2 help me? I have 50 to ark trans and one kangaroo strop currently.

[@bobbushb2]

Thanks guys for more incredible help with the KME. I got mime about a week ago and have been sharpening every knife in the house. Each one comes out just a little better than the last one. The KME is a dream to use, and it's just plain FUN. Keep up the good work.

[@BirdShotIV]

we agree, keep focusing on getting that burr end to end on the very first stone!

[@sawtoothscream1521]

After years with the ceramic stones I finally bought the diamond set and a 100grit, probably add the 140 as well. Much happier with these stones , made easy work on my 940-1. Debating the film's, feel like my pm2 wants a mirror edge but my wallet is saying it doesn't lol.

[@russelltalker]

Beauty of the metric system is I know exactly how small a micron is just by its name. A millionth of the base unit which is a meter. So 1 thousand of a millimeter.

[@Billthesheepdog]

I have been very happy stopping after 1500 then stropping with the 4micron liquid stuff on kangaroo then using a stropping board clean. Looks like liquid silver! My Zugang was at 25* before starting it. Too much. I took it down to 20* each side but man that took a while with the S35vn. The biggest tip I got from Ron at KME was not to be in a hurry. Take my time!

[@BirdShotIV]

this is true! Ron is always good for a consult call lol. 1500 to 4 CBN will give you dangerously sharp edges!

[@robertlefeaux]

Friendly tip for lining the films up on the glass if you're having trouble: After you peel the backing off, hold it lengthwise on the table top, the very very CLEEEEEEEEEAN table top, but angled slightly, sticky side upwards. Line the glass blank up next to it and slide the film over on its edge until the bottoms connect (snicker snicker). Slowly tilt the film up and be sure to apply light pressure to the film so it has a slight curve (sticky side being the bump) to it as it moves until its attached. That reduces the chance of air bubbles getting caught. I don't actually have a KME, but i use a similar technique applying protective screens to electronic devices.

[@anthonyb2990]

All you need to have a decent/good mirror edge is the 9 and the 6 from what I hear, the rest is gravy.. even though I dislike gravy. Great video!

[@BirdShotIV]

lol. try just the translucent Arkansas stone after the 1500 diamond. it's pretty damn reflective at that point. finish with a 4CBN strop and it's close to what you're getting with all the films.

[@Sicarius888]

Always good to see nice new stuff, I haven't heard before about lapping films. But the bad thing is all that professional systems and mirror edges kind of make me feel about my basic 280-600-1200 freehand stones like I'm a bicycle riding kid at jetfighter pilots meeting.

[@BirdShotIV]

in the end though, a sharp knife is a sharp knife :)

[@J0j0m10]

Awesome and informative video. Having had my KME for a week, I was looking at other stones and strop. Need to look at the lapping films.

[@BirdShotIV]

Like I say, a cheap upgrade is the translucent Arkansas stone. It's one step further after the 1500 diamond. I did this for a long time before using the lapping films. The films are fun though... www.kmesharp.com/4x1xgrtrarst.html

[@ronatkinson4142]

I think that I am going to just buy this Arkansas translucent Stone. And then use the CNE kangaroo stropping from that point on.

[@geomagpsz]

I'm sure that 0.1 sharpening leaves your knife completely able to divide atomic bonds hahahaha

[@BirdShotIV]

there's a need for that!

[@jeepnwithdog]

@@BirdShotIV For reference water filters that filter out bacteria and viruses go to 2 micron. That is crazy fine and I must have it.

[@papasauce234]

Sluggo Knows i can cut bacteria in half with my 0.1 micron tan flipper then

[@The122979]

I just got a KME. Happy with first results. BUT I NEED TO KNOW HOW LONG WITH THESE LAPPING TAPES. Will take to get the mirror finish? How many strokes with EACH TAPE. NO ONE EVERY GIVES YOU AN IDEA. Really enjoy your take on reviews etc. THANK YOU

[@orendz7740]

Thank you for making this vid. My kme will be here Friday along with the lapping films or whatever they're called. I will be referring back to your Vids multiple times

[@BirdShotIV]

thank you for the support!

[@orendz7740]

@@BirdShotIV thank you for the vids and teaching us newbs

[@paulhughes3961]

Denatured alcohol works good because it will evaporate quicker and is less oily the nail polish remover.

[@jtscustomcutlery317]

I agree with Frankie, I need a mirror edge

[@BirdShotIV]

they are addicting

[@bogthing1]

Fascinating. I'll have to go back through the library and learn more about this.

[@BirdShotIV]

they are really fun!

[@Dale_Higgins]

Why choose the film's rather than the set of strops with the different grits? I'm about to buy a kme, the strops appeal more to me, but it seems everyone on youtube is using the films.

[@danielducu]

Just get the blanks and buy 3M Diamond lapping films in A4 format. Cut them in smaller pieces and you're on. You can find all grit sizes and also diferent materials beside Diamond (which is cheaper). Heck you can stick any sandpaper using double sided film tape from 3M.

[@BirdShotIV]

all potential options, sure

[@BennyCFD]

Absolutely right.

[@WillEDC]

BirdShot IV would you happen to know the dimensions of the glass blanks? I’ve been told 4”x1” but I don’t know the thickness

[@blackadder1966]

I have a kme kit on the way 😁 $325 Australian, hopefully next month a good tax return Will see the lapping film kit on its way too.

[@ventology]

You two used to race? :D Wow, you learn something new about your favorite KZbinrs every day. I enjoyed learning how to sharpen knives. What do you guys think about using a ceramic rod turn box as a beginner sharpening system?

[@BirdShotIV]

yep, our first youtube video was uploaded in 2006! We raced cars until 2014 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoHLeoCejJqVbpI

[@StarWarsGoldfish]

I wouldn't mind a video of you just sharpening something

[@BirdShotIV]

yep, need to get back to those

[@literaryartist1]

Can you explain to be what is the difference between the lapping films and the CBN??? Would you use both? Is one better then the other???

[@Jimislash]

I could see putting that sweet, shiny edge on something higher end. It would hurt my feelings to put it on a user.

[@Jimislash]

Sean H I haven't reach that level of financial stability. But I can understand the dilemma. Polish away!

[@BirdShotIV]

the first cut after a mirror polish is always bittersweet lol

[@bp-hx9ts]

I wouldn’t care every knifes a user for me

[@batfish37]

Great video. Lots of great info.

[@preppingforbeginners1347]

I'm gonna be looking into this forsure!!thanks didn't know about these

[@BirdShotIV]

mirror edges are fun :)

[@preppingforbeginners1347]

BirdShot IV I have my knife maintenance kit very budget. It needs an upgrade..or Additional tools..

[@mcnasty624]

i lap piston in hydraulic piston pumps to remove the glaze and leave a very fine cross hatch patern to help lubricate😎

[@BirdShotIV]

analogies with hydraulics, sweet! Lubrication/wear and sharpening have some things in common for sure ;) Thanks DJ!

[@Mike-ql4sz]

Hi there, thx 4 sharing ur experience about these films. I'm considering buying a KME system and would appreciate ur reply, as i see u used it mostly 4 short edc blades: can the KME be used on kitchen knives, which obviously have longer blades? Thx so much

[@Nanchi]

just got a lansky system for 23 dollars and every knife I sharpened I can shave my arm hairs now my arms have bold spots from testing the edge and I have a basic kit only goes up to 600 grit

[@BirdShotIV]

yep, check out the video we posted after this. You should have an extremely sharp knife at 50 grit! Nice find for $23!

[@BradKarlovec]

Love the video!

[@BirdShotIV]

we really appreciate that!

[@baileysollenberger3589]

nice breakdown i never knew

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks DJ!

[@brainache555]

Great video as always! im thinking about getting the KME system. Maybe you guys can do a test if a highly polished edge dull up faster or get more knicks in it when cutting wood.Than lets say 3000 grit edge maybe just stropped a few times on leather as a finishing touch. Im sure polished edges is better when cutting catalog paper thou :)

[@BirdShotIV]

we need to make youtube our full-time job lol, we could crank out hundreds of knife tests!

[@brainache555]

BirdShot IV That would be nice but :) that was not what im asking for this is a simple fast test :) would be interesting. Im all for mirror edges i love them! But again something tell me they are more fragile.

[@Layarion]

Bird, 1) if I need to thin the flat grind/primary body of knife, will I need to buy a corse stone for that and then put the knife back on the KME for the cutting edge? 2) something that kind of bothers me, I'm going to be sharpening my kitchen knives, and I'm thinking the parts away from the center of my 8inch chef knives will be even in angle and in shape. Is this a problem?

[@happycampermusicman3725]

Is there a waiting list for either of you to do a sharpening? Is it possible to send you a knife, and paypal pay? Turnaround? Price? Would it include a bird drawing?😄 I'm in California, my knife I'd love to have you sharpen, is a new White River Justin Gingrich 1 piece S35VN gti 2.5 tactical neck knife with black ion bond coating. Would be interested in performance razor sharp, as opposed to "mirror show piece", but would leave everything up to you😄 Would be so cool to have a kinda custom sharpening by Frankie or Bird😄😄😄

[@BirdShotIV]

get us a PM!

[@billmcdonough7951]

After finishing the 1500 grit diamond stone should I use a kangaroo leather strop before starting the lapping films? Or is that just a waste of time and I should just jump right from the 1500 grit to the 9 micron lapping films?

[@katzsteel]

How does this sharpener perform on kitchen chef knives and larger? It seems you might have to reposition the knife all the time.

[@dubglock2312]

hes got skillz people!!!

[@BirdShotIV]

haha thanks Dub!

[@LtSurvival]

That did answer some question i had on lapping film. One remain do you used them like the stone or like a stop. Toward the edge or with the edge? Nice vid

[@BirdShotIV]

yes, forgot that. Well, I guess it wasn't really a how-to video but I could have mentioned it. So "officially" you should use them the same way you would a strop, downward strokes only. But, if you are careful (light touch) you can use them just like a stone with up and down strokes. I have only cut one film and it was after 8 knives worth of use.

[@sharpsvilleBill]

Access to a Frankie, Haha. Don't we all wish we had access to a Frankie?!

[@BirdShotIV]

lol thanks for watching!

[@paulwin9036]

I don't know the specifics of that sharpener but Ark's generally have a higher grit than 1800 so if you are going wit the films it is a waste of time

[@BirdShotIV]

seems that way, thank you!

[@scotteger6271]

Bird...I've been getting more into sharpening lately, following your videos and advice...I've added to the original kit with the XXC and Beast hones. So my question...lapping films or just a series of CBN emulsions? I saw BladeHQ has 4 micron, 1.5 micron, .5 micron and .1 micron. Seems like 4 strops and the emulsions would last longer than the films.

[@BirdShotIV]

The strops and emulsions probably would last a little longer (assuming you don't upstroke on the strop lol) but I have slightly preferred the films over the last couple of years.

[@scotteger6271]

@@BirdShotIV thanks for the response...about how many knives can you sharpen with each film before it needs replacing?

[@jeremyames-bourn3810]

Good Video guys.

[@BirdShotIV]

we really appreciate that!

[@gobot90]

What do i do with a new M390 blade that came not super sharp out of the box? Start with the coarse stones or...? Thx guys!

[@mattskiiau]

Can you use one film on each side?

[@richkocon3443]

What about using the Arkansas stone the the kangaroo strap, how much less mirror edge?

[@BirdShotIV]

very reflective, very fine scratch pattern but still visible close up

[@joshpentalin5303]

I want to get the kme and have been doing some research on what I need. I would like some advice and input from people who know about this system and who have experience. I want to get the base kit and add the base, 50 grit, 100 grit, and some lapping films. Is the 9 micron necessary or can I go right from the 1500 to the 6 micron? I’m only going down to the 3 micron so should I still strop? And what kind of stop compound do you recommend. Or do you recommend the kme strop with a different compound or a kme compound? Thanks for any and all help!

[@robertbefford4190]

Can you send a knife to be done like this

[@ronatkinson4142]

Yes, you can send your knife to have it sharpened professionally. Check on some of the knife forums, check out love them knives videos, he always puts a link for a guy who sharpens knives for very reasonable price

[@abc456f]

Do you guys ever clean the lapping films, perhaps with alcohol, or am I just better off replacing dirty films? Thanks!

[@BirdShotIV]

no need to clean them besides with water or oil

[@willtrax71]

I use rubber bands and strips of 15 to 3000 grit wet sand paper on my Apex stones, I can’t afford the special KME tapes. Lol

[@Jim00000]

What about the ceramic stones? Where do they fit in? After the diamond stones or not needed at all?

[@BirdShotIV]

not needed with the options shown here

[@jhen8633]

I'm currently saving up for the kme, however I strop my knives after sharpening. Is there any advice you may offer to achieve a mirror polish just using my lansky diamond deluxe kit with the polishing hone and fishing with a strop? Like is there any particular compound I should run for a mirror polish? (before I can afford the kme)

[@BirdShotIV]

you need a progression of very fine abrasives, I'm not familiar enough with what Lansky offers but generally speaking you cannot achieve a fine enough scratch pattern to achieve mirror appearance with stropping.

[@orendz7740]

So do you go through them in sequence like you would with the stones are can you say only use just one

[@jesse7350]

You can use just one if you choose too. It really depends on how far you wanna go. With each film you get crazier results, but with just 1 or 2 films do you really need more? That's what you'll have to ask yourself.

[@Dizzywind]

That is a great question. Do mirrored edges stay sharp longer than non-mirrored ones doing the same cutting tasks? Are they the equally as strong or more fragile? They definitely win in the looking sexier venue and win in swimsuit competitions. What are your thoughts or opinions on that? I'm curious.

[@BirdShotIV]

controversial subject and I won't claim to be an expert. I think it depends on what you are cutting but I tend to think the smoother the bevel, the less friction it will see. Less friction will equate to less wear. That's just my thinking though, I would like to test this more in the future

[@brianf9619]

If there is 25,000 microns in 1 inch , then how much difference is there really between the 9 micron and the 1 micron , not much , your just waisting your time and money.

[@82payne]

When you order the lapping films does it come with the glass bases? I ordered the films but it didnt say anything about the glass ..

[@Reptiliancentaur781]

If you order the box set or the individual starters yes. if you just buy the refills no it doesn't

[@82payne]

@@Reptiliancentaur781 Thanks . The ones I ordered did come with the glass. Its wasnt the box so I really dont know.. I got it from KME .. I got the 1,.5,and .10 microns for like 25 bucks a piece.

[@AxleKlown]

will those blanks and films work on a edge pro system anyone know ?

[@BirdShotIV]

they are sized specifically for the KME set up, I'm sure they will not work for other systems

[@AxleKlown]

BirdShot IV well I get that it is sized for the KME but the edge pro has the adjustable length for stones

[@juanhinojosa1593]

Notification Squad 😏

[@TacticalPatriot-hd7hl]

Johhny Life yep

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks guys!!

[@TacticalPatriot-hd7hl]

Wish I could afford one...

[@BirdShotIV]

$180 gets you going, not that bad. Consider it an investment

[@TacticalPatriot-hd7hl]

BirdShot IV true, if I get one I could always start a small knife sharpening service.

[@BirdShotIV]

if you get one you'll become an edge snob lol. your definition of a sharp knife will totally change ;)

[@TacticalPatriot-hd7hl]

BirdShot IV I think I'm gonna start saving for a KME, I haven't seen anything better than it.

[@rockets4kids]

Of course a mirror polished edge is entirely for aesthetic purposes and has absolutely nothing to do with sharpness. You can achieve just as fine of an edge by applying it at a fractionally greater angle. While that keen edge is great for whittling hair, a toothy edge applied with a 220 grit stone is going to have *far* better slicing ability, and is going to keep it for much longer. The only time a mirror edge ever makes any sense in when you store your knives in a safe and never actually use them.

[@tacticalcats7722]

lol where can I find me a Frankie :)

[@BirdShotIV]

they are rare and tough to find on the primary market. To get one you probably need to check the secondary market but that will be much more expensive. Wait, that doesn't sound right...

[@Billthesheepdog]

LOL! You best hope she didnt read this!

[@jaylane82]

👍☺

[@BirdShotIV]

thanks Jay!

[@jaylane82]

Most welcome

[@poopagore]

*IMPORTANT* when you use the lapping films you have to put NO PRESSURE on it! only the weight of the glass is all you need to prolong the life. save you 💰 in the long run