Edge Pro Apex vs KME Precision Knife Sharpening System

The Edge Pro Apex and the KME Precision Knife Sharpening System are both highly accurate and ingenious sharpening systems. But how do you choose between two sharpening systems that are both so close to perfection? In this side-by-side comparison, we'll explain all the similarities and differences.

What's included with the Edge Pro Apex 1, 2, 3 and 4

The Edge Pro Apex sharpening system is available in four different versions. The base is the same, but the number of sharpening stones and other accessories differs. This allows you to choose which set best suits you and your budget.

What's included with the KME D4 and R.P.S.H. COMBI KIT

The KME has only two versions. The KME D4 and the KME R.P.S.H. COMBI KIT. The only difference between these two sharpening systems is the type of sharpening stones. The D4 has four diamond sharpening stones from 150 to 1500 grit. The R.P.S.H. COMBI KIT has one extra coarse diamond sharpening stone, two aluminium oxide sharpening stones, and one natural Hard Arkansas sharpening stone.

Because of these different versions of both sharpening systems, we will only discuss the fundamental differences and similarities between the basic sharpening systems in this comparison article.

Similarities between Edge Pro Apex and KME Precision Knife Sharpener

Price category

Both systems are in the same price category. If you compare these systems with other sharpening systems, they can both be described as economical.

Country of origin

Both sharpening systems are made entirely in the United States and come with a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects.

Storage or transport

Both systems are easy to store and transport. The Edge Pro Apex comes in a nylon carry case and the KME sharpening system comes in a plastic carry case.

Accessories

Both brands have lots of additional accessories for different applications. Adapters, sharpening stones, sharpening rods, lapping films and much more. The systems can be expanded for almost any application or desire.

Results

The main similarity is the precision with which both sharpening systems sharpen. They both maintain a very constant sharpening angle and ensure consistent, razor-sharp results.

Reading the sharpening angle

Reading the sharpening angle is equally challenging with both systems. On the KME, the protractor indicates the sharpening angle by degree. The Edge Pro sharpening system has coloured rings on the vertical bar which indicate the sharpening angle. You have to move both up or down by hand. However, you never know the exact angle at which you are sharpening. To ensure that you sharpen the entire edge at the correct sharpening angle, we recommend using the pen trick. Watch the video to see how the pen trick works and read more about the sense and the nonsense of sharpening angles.

Differences between Edge Pro Apex and KME Precision Knife Sharpener

Fixed base

The most noticeable difference is the fact that the Edge Pro Apex has legs and suction cups that keep the system firmly in place on a flat surface. The KME is a sharpening system that you hold in your hand with the wooden handle. A wooden base for the KME is available separately, but is not included as standard with the sharpening system. It's very nice to have a fixed base, especially if you have to sharpen for a long time. However, an advantage of the KME sharpening system is that you can use it everywhere. You don't need a table or workstation.

Sharpening steel

With the Edge Pro Apex 2 up to and including 4 sharpening systems, you also receive a sharpening steel. You can use this to easily sharpen serrated knives. KME does offer a diamond sharpening steel, but this is not included as standard with the sharpening system.

Securing the knife

With the KME sharpening system, you place the knife in the clamp. The blade stays clamped until you have finished sharpening. The clamp can rotate, so you can easily sharpen both sides of the knife. With the Edge Pro Apex, you place the knife loosely on the sharpening system. The system supports the spine of the blade, but you hold the knife with one hand while moving the sharpening stone back and forth with the other hand. Keeping the knife still while sharpening does take some getting used to, but an additional advantage is that you can easily remove the knife from the sharpening system to examine the edge.

Conclusion: which sharpening system will you choose?

Both sharpening systems come from the United States, are comparable in terms of sharpening results, have many extra accessories and are in the same price category. With both sharpening systems, reading the sharpening angle takes some getting used to. The KME sharpening system indicates more accurately the current sharpening angle. Although the sharpening angle is not always the most important thing.

The Edge Pro Apex sharpening system attaches securely to a table. You hold the KME sharpening system in your hand. The KME sharpening system uses clamps to hold the knife firmly in place. On the Apex, you have to hold the blade with one hand while you are sharpening. Which sharpening system is best depends entirely on your preferences. Whether you choose the Edge Pro Apex or the KME Precision Knife Sharpening System, you will be getting a very handy, affordable and accurate sharpening system in return.