Hi Everyone,
I've been here for a while now and am very happy to let you all know that as of this week we are now sponsoring TradGang!
My company is KME Sharpeners. Quite a few of you already know me but for those who don't here's a little background- I am the product designer and customer service/tech support guy for KME. I grew up with a recurve in my hand, went over to the wheelie bow side for a bit but, I am a trad hunter in both heart and mind.
I learned to freehand sharpen knives as a kid after a local "sharpening service" just about destroyed my prized Buck Fisherman sheath knife. Later I spent quite a few years in the custom furniture business and through necessity, learned how to sharpen chisels, plane irons, cabinet scrapers and all kinds of cutting tools. I studied sharpening theory pretty extensively (and I'm still learning). Anyway somewhere along the line, and without even realizing it, I became a complete fanatic about sharpening and sharp edges of all kinds.
During my wheelie bow days I shot mostly replacement blade heads. Does anybody remember Savora broadheads? How about the old orange Satellites? or the old Wasp six blade? How about the original Anderson 245 Magnums? I also spent a few years with the Rothar Snuffers in my quiver. The package said 145 grains but my powder scale said 200!
The replacement blade heads are the reason that I built the broadhead sharpener. The manufacturers always said "razor sharp and ready to hunt with". The problem was they were rarely sharp enough for me, remember I'm a sharpening crazed maniac. I built a jig to hold those little blades and it worked great. Then a buddy of mine who shoots Magnus two blades asked me to make him a jig for sharpening those. It wasn't till we were done that we realized how well the thing worked and that maybe someone else might like to have one too...
I'm not here to push our products, and I will not bash anyone else's sharpeners. I do know a little bit about sharpening stuff though and I'll admit I'm pretty opinionated but, my opinions are based on my experience. I am a honed and stropped edge devotee. I often say that a knife can actually be made too sharp for some jobs but a broadhead can never be sharp enough. I will put my .02 in on most sharpening related threads but that's all it will be- my opinion. If anyone has a question or comment about our sharpeners please feel free to ask.
We are very proud to be part of "The Gang" and I would like to thank Terry for his permission to post this thread.
Now who wants to talk about sharpening Stuff???
Ron Swartz
(Sharpster)
Welcome Ron! I used the Savora BH's in the late 70's into the 80's, put a pile of venison in the freezer. I am sharpening poor and always ready to learn to do better than my file followed by a steel edge on BH's.
Hey neighbor! It's great to see you here as a sponsor now. Thanks so much for such an easy to use product. My Grizzlies and Magnus I's are as sharp as I've ever gotten them with half the effort.
Welcome. Nice to see you here neighbor.I shot just about every broadhead you mentioned. My all time favorite out of my old wheely bow was a four blade 100 grain Wasp.My old saying was "I stung another one with my wasp".Anderson Broadheads and Targeteers boy that's more memories they still have some Trad bows in there at least the last time I was in there.I shoot Snuffers out of one of my bows too.
Ron -- I am stingy with my endorsements, but having bought, full pirce, and used and talked to you about the KME sharpener, I can say absolutely that this is the best broadhead sharpener I've ever used and I can't imagine how you ever thought it up ... delivery was fast ... your online broadhead and knife sharpening videos are first-rate ... and your follow-up support to customers is next-to-none. And so far as I know, KME is the only sharpener that works as well with single-bevels (the broadheads of the future, I predict and hope) as it does with doubles. You, like Ed Ashby, are clearly dedicated to reducing wounding loss, which is a win-win deal for all concerned. More power and welcome. Dave
That's a nice looking knife sharpener! I've seen that bearing guide on a few custom jigs... it sure is nice to see it on something commercially available!
Sending you a PM on a stone question...
Welcome. Looks like a good product you have to offer.
Welcome from Iowa Ron, Your sharpener has been at the top of my list.
:wavey: :wavey:
Good to see you, Ron. Don't be a stranger.
I saw one of your sharpeners 2 weeks ago and liked what I saw.
well done.
Pete
Glad to have you onboard. I purchased your two blade shaperner about six months ago after having tried several very fine alternatives. I made about two dozen passes with you tool on a Stos two blade and checked it on my left arm. It was scary sharp!!! It shaved hair like I have never seen. It is my goto shapener for all my blades! This is not my first shapening tool. I've been hunting for nearly 40 yrs and this one takes the cake. :notworthy: :clapper: :clapper:
Gentlemen,
Thank you all for the warm welcome and kind words about my sharpeners. Dave2old, Bill Carlson, and a few others can testify that one of the biggest reasons that I started this company was- to help people. Don't get me wrong, I hope to get a paycheck one of these days but, I do get a great deal of personal satisfaction when I hear that I may have helped someone get a broadhead or knife truely sharp for the first time, or even if the tool just made it an easier task than it was before.
Thank you all again,
Ron
Welcome! I've heard nothing but positive feedback about your sharpener, I need to try one and see what all the fuss is about. :D
Welcome to The Family, "TradGang" IS A BIG and Getting Bigger Family!! Wow!!
Welcome to Tradgang. Always happy to see new products that help bowhunters become better sharpeners.
Looks like a nice design for traditional 2 blade heads. And really like the overall design of your knife sharpener...I'll bet that one works like gang-busters!
After looking at your website, I didn't see them so I assume you don't have a system for 3 blades or curved blades of Simmons heads?
I'm really enjoying my KME broadhead sharpener and Ron was a pleasure to deal with.
Welcome to the TG.
Just finished watching your product demo video. Great job explaining how it's done! I fix machines for a living and I know a well thought out product when I see it. If I were to add one thing, it would be an extra rod bearing for the knife sharpener, or maybe offer replacements on your site. I know they last a long time, but I bet one of my machine operators could find a way to break it. LOL! I'm thinking, if there's money left over for me after Christmas, I'll get myself one of your systems!
Ron,
Welcome aboard. I purchased one of your sharpeners and some Grizzly 190's this year. I can't imagine getting these broadheads so sharp without your tool. Truly a great product.
Welcome Sir and I have always thought your equipment was top notch.
Welcome Ron! Nice product. Enjoyed your website.
Holy smokes guys! I was out of the office all day today, No, unfortunately I wasn't hunting.
I just checked the thread and was amazed at all the responces. You fellas know how to make a guy feel welcome!
Thank you all again and I will answer your questions in a little while. It's My wifes birthday tomorrow and you know how things like that bring everything else to an abrupt halt!
Ron
QuoteOriginally posted by JC:
After looking at your website, I didn't see them so I assume you don't have a system for 3 blades or curved blades of Simmons heads?
JC, the three blade sharpener is in the works, probably next year.
The best way to sharpen an inside curve like a Simmons broadhead is with a round rod or round edged slip stone. The sharpener will work for these style blades but, a different technique is required. We realy want to add a three grit set of ceramic or natural Arkansas round rods to our line but man, they cost a fortune! Trying to find a high quality AMERICAN supplier right now.
If anyone knows of one please let me know.
Thanks,
-Sharps
Sharps,
Welcome to the Tradgang!
And HappY Birthday to your wife!
I am extremely pleased with both my KME broadhead sharpener and my KME knfe sharpener. My knives and broadheads are insanely sharp using these tools.
Both tools make sharpening a breeze. The results are swift and predictable with these tools.
Thank you for creating an all-American made tool for sharpening broadheads. And an even better tool for sharpening knives.
I can hardly wait to see what KME comes up with for sharpening the three-blade broadheads!
Good luck hunting! >>>------------>
Welcome Ron, and thanks for sending all the the stones and broadhead sharpener...I'm the guy with the "covert operations". Glad you joined the Gang.
HappY Veteran's Day!
Thank you for your service to your country and for your sacrifice for us.
And thank you to Ron for making sure we have the sharpest broadheads and edged tools whereever we go. And whatever we may be hunting...
Good luck hunting >>>------------>
I see they are offered at 3Rivers now...pretty good price too.
QuoteOriginally posted by Tom Leemans:
I know a well thought out product when I see it. If I were to add one thing, it would be an extra rod bearing for the knife sharpener, or maybe offer replacements on your site. I know they last a long time, but I bet one of my machine operators could find a way to break it. LOL!
Tom, Thanks. The spherical bearing and race are made from Nylon 6/6. We don't offer replacements on the website because the whole sharpener is guaranteed for life. If you were to wear out or break any part, we would replace it free.
-Ron
QuoteOriginally posted by Sharpster:
We don't offer replacements on the website because the whole sharpener is guaranteed for life. If you were to wear out or break any part, we would replace it free.
How often do you see THAT these days!! :thumbsup:
Very Very glad to have you aboard. Look forward to your insight on sharpening and other subjects.
Jake
Good ol' American customer service is alive!
Ron welcome to the gang. I just watched your videos and was wondering what kind of honing oil you were spraying on your stones? Thanks Glenn
QuoteOriginally posted by Wood Butcher:
Ron welcome to the gang. I just watched your videos and was wondering what kind of honing oil you were spraying on your stones? Thanks Glenn
Glenn,
That's top secret info! Just kidding, one of my favorite honing oils is not a honing oil at all. It is CRC Screwloose! This is a very lightweight penitrating oil and not only does it do a great job of "floating" the metal particles, it cleans the stone instantly when you spray it on.
Ron
Thanks Ron. I just ordered the broadhead sharpening kit from 3Rivers. Glenn
Ya can't go wrong with a KME Sharpener, right Sir !!!!
Thank you Ron for making such a fine product.
Daniel
I have not seen the sharper yet! But with all of the attention it has drawn, I'm about to bring up another tab. Journeyman meat cutter at the age of 19, ( grew up in the business ) I can sharpen a blade, hone it, and keep it. ( I use wood, not plastic ) For you fellas that don't know this yet, If you have a razo0r sharp edge on your knife and it gets a bit dull, find a nice piece of wood and holding it at a 90 degree angle, just pull it through and straighten out the edge. Bowferd
Good tip Bowferd,
A quick stropping on a piece of dry cardboard will bring it right back too.
-Sharps
I use oil on my stones when sharpening indoors, or any non-ventilated area, like in the truck.
But if you are outdoors, or in a garage or other well-ventilated area try giving the stone a blast of carburetor cleaner. It not only cleans the stone, it allows the stone to cut more aggressively too.
Just be careful not to breath in any of the dain brammaging vapors...
Good luck hunting! >>>------------>
I've been trying my best to avoid this thread (like the plague)! Not because I didn't want to welcome a new sponsor (always happy to do that for tradgang) but because I have always been "sharpening challenged", though some of the best have tried to teach me (I can't keep a consistant angle) - and, consequently, have spent more money on each "best new sharpening system" then I care to remember. Most commonly winding up with semi-satisfying results, at best. They might very well have been good systems, for some folks (must be, they keep selling them), but I usually wound up with more hand cramps than I did really sharp broadheads and/or knives. I hate it - but that's "the facts, Mame".
Well, I could stand it no more, I finally had to peek in on this thread. While reading the thread, with all it's accolades, I was feeling the torment of two sneaky types of familiar thoughts - "Yeah, here we go again," and, "I'll have to check his video and web site, after I finish this thread."
I did - and all I can say is, "Wow!" This is the first one I"ve seen that seems to really make sense and at the same time looks like I might be able to make it work, without hand cramps. Now, if I was just rich, instead of so good looking - ;) That isn't said to mean your product is too expensive for what it is purported to do, just an old, toungue-in-cheek saying that I learned from my Pop and have used all my life. I will find a way - I'll start out small and get the Broadhead setup first and work my way up later (time permitting :D ). BHs are most important first ( and give the worst hand cramp problems)!
As you can preceive, Ron, your web site and demo videos seem most effective and convincing to me. Good job, great demos. Lord willing, I'll be ordering soon. I see no reason it won't also work on single bevel BH edges, unless I'm missing something, right?
Welcome to what I see as a "very welcome" new sponsor.
ber63, It works great on single bevel BH's...I just finished some today and they are plenty sharp. If I can do it, anyone can. It is not just the system (which made sense to me also) but the quality of the product.
All good to hear, thanks, Moengo.
Thanks Bernie, and thanks Moengo for helping Bernie get one step closer to getting his wallet out! :clapper:
Bernie, if you have any questions you can call me till 9 pm EST 7 days. I'm not a salesman and it's a toll free number. I enjoy talking to people and have found that a lot of "Sharpening Challenged" people can become "Sharpening Pros" with a little coaching. Thanks again guys,
800 561-4339
-Ron
Sorry Bernie, I forgot to answer your question. :knothead:
Yes, the broadhead sharpener works very well for single bevel broadheads, my personal favorites too. I like to do 95% of the work on the beveled side. Get it uniformly polished from end to end and then finish with a short series of forward strokes, flipping the clamp between passes. The result is a micro bevel being formed on the "unbeveled" side of the blade. By micro bevel, I mean you will see a very thin line (less than 1/64" wide) where the paint has been removed. If there is a "secret" to sharpening single bevel broadheads, I would say that this is it.
-Ron
That is very interesting and may very well be the "Tip of The Year", Ron. Thanks, I just tucked that away (in Word Documents) for later reference.
Oh, another question. I know it isn't the easiest but can you sharpen a glued-on BH while on the arrow with this sharpener? (at least for touch up)
QuoteOriginally posted by ber643:
Oh, another question. I know it isn't the easiest but can you sharpen a glued-on BH while on the arrow with this sharpener? (at least for touch up)
Yes you can but again a slightly different technique is required- Because the weight of the arrow will defeat the self-aligning feature of the clamp, you'll have to put your fingertips on the clamp and apply a little presure as you sharpen to maintain continuous blade contact with the stone, and you'll need a lot of room because now you have 30 inches of arrow that is moving too.
An alternative technique would be to turn the sharpener upside down on a table or bench (or even a stump)and rest a steel or stone on the roller and move the steel or stone rather than the sharpener. This is also a great way to pre-sharpen broadheads that need a lot of metal removed for the initial "out of the pack" sharpening. You can actually clamp the sharpener down to the table (again upside down)and use the roller as a guide for a file. This way when you go to the stones, the angle will be exactly the same as the filed angle.
Hope this helps,
Ron
Sounds like it would, Ron, once applied. I need to get an e-mail off to you this week and talk about what, exactly) I need to order. I use different BHs but this year (so far, and I hope all season) I am using Cane arrows and wood bows only. The Cane arrows are tipped with single bevel Trade BHs, made and mounted by a friend who is great at both. I need to be able to touch them up. (Can you hear that wallet creaking? - and the flutter of tiny Moth wings? :D )