KME Precision Knife Sharpener System with 4 Gold Series Diamond Hones - Model KF-D4

I have every kind of sub 100 $ shapener you can buy. Lanky, DMT, Worksharp precision adjust, Worksharp belt sharpener and freehand stones.This is worth the little extra because it is stable and precise.Work sharp precision adjust is flimsy and flexes with little pressure,Lansky is good but not as easy to clamp the blade and the guide rods are a bit weak causing the stone to get out of alignment and you have to end them straight sometimes.Dmt aligner pro is good but I have had a few just break.This KME is solid and precise. Easy to clamp and easy to find the right angle.The diamond stones are heavy and well build. The stone holder is solid.Flipping the clamp to the other side DOES maintain the same angle. I have had a generic brand that was two different angles depending on the side you flipped the clamp to.Don't bother with any of the others I mentioned just get this one and you will be happy.

I've tried wicked edge, spyderco sharp maker, Lansky and edge pro. Much prefer the kme to the others to the point I sold the others besides the spyderco which I might give to a friend. Don't need anything besides the kme.This basic kit will get you a great edge but if you have a damaged edge you might want to order the extra 100 grit and 50 grit stones from kme directly. The 140 grit that comes with the kit can work but will take a lot longer and with the harder steels like m4, elmax etc you will wear out the stones faster, would be better to start with a more aggressive stone. There's many YouTube videos reviewing it and a great Facebook group called kme users with plenty of useful info.

I thought the case was dinky but it fits the optional stand and extra stones I purchased separately. Check if it does what you need. You won’t get a very low angle and it’s suited to >24 cm blades but it is a quality piece of kit that will last you a lifetime.

I've tried many other sharpening systems and this is my favorite without spending $400+ on a knife sharpener. The clamp works great and the stones are top notch. I have a non clamp system also and this beats it hands down. It's easy to use, the stones cut fast and the angle is accurate. What more can I ask for in this price range. I highly recommend this system and KME customer support is the best if you happen to have any problem.

A vast improvement over the Lanky and similar clamp-centred sharpening systems but could be improved. As other reviewers have noted (e.g. the redoubtable Nick Shabazz on YouTube), it's not a beautiful thing that you have to shell out more than the $200+ selling price of the basic components to buy the base separately. But the other after-market accessories available (some very various and quite groovy abrasives, clamps to accommodate thicker sharpening platens/strops without losing the grinding angle; add-on jaws for small blades) make the KME system this one of the most interesting works in progress in the clamp=centred sharpening world. The manufacturer is also very good to deal with and there are some great instructional materials available online to umm help whet your skills (sorry). One quite nasty hazard that needs fixing is the tendency of the plastic jam-nut that tightens the clamp jaws to seize in place once it's torqued hard enough to secure the blade in place for sharpening. You can get a real nasty just trying to hassle the darn thing loose with a freshly sharpened knife blade jammed into its jaws. Otherwise KME is definitely worth considering...an they're nice people to deal with, too, if you're looking for accessories or operating tips.