Kershaw love / DME sharpener question

Since Christmas, I've picked up a few more knives, including my first (3) Kershaws based on the reviews here and on their prices. I got the Volt II, the Cryo (a Hinderer collaboration), and a CQC-7K (Emerson collab.). The Volt is nothing special, and doesn't really get me excited. It works great, and feels fine (kinda cheap though because of the nylon scales, like the BM basic Griptilians), but will just be left in my truck's glove box. I really like the Cryo and CQC though. I took the useless-as-tits-on-a-boar thumbstud off the Cryo, and it has become my typical EDC. Feels solid, looks cool, and I love the flipper/assisted opening. I just got the CQC last night, and have been surreptitiously practicing using the wave opener at work. (Yeah, I know.) Anyway, when the wave works, it is pretty damn cool, but it looks like something I'll need to practice with to make it work seamlessly.

Anyone else pick up any cool blades so far this year?

Anyone here use the DME sharpening system? I have a Smith's (i.e. cheap Lansky) basic, basic two stone system, but don't love it. I use my Spyderco Sharpmaker for touch up with great results, but was thinking of getting something with a guide for more serious work.

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Originally Posted by kpp80202

Since Christmas, I've picked up a few more knives, including my first (3) Kershaws based on the reviews here and on their prices. I got the Volt II, the Cryo (a Hinderer collaboration), and a CQC-7K (Emerson collab.). The Volt is nothing special, and doesn't really get me excited. It works great, and feels fine (kinda cheap though because of the nylon scales, like the BM basic Griptilians), but will just be left in my truck's glove box. I really like the Cryo and CQC though. I took the useless-as-tits-on-a-boar thumbstud off the Cryo, and it has become my typical EDC. Feels solid, looks cool, and I love the flipper/assisted opening. I just got the CQC last night, and have been surreptitiously practicing using the wave opener at work. (Yeah, I know.) Anyway, when the wave works, it is pretty damn cool, but it looks like something I'll need to practice with to make it work seamlessly.

Anyone else pick up any cool blades so far this year?

Anyone here use the DME sharpening system? I have a Smith's (i.e. cheap Lansky) basic, basic two stone system, but don't love it. I use my Spyderco Sharpmaker for touch up with great results, but was thinking of getting something with a guide for more serious work.

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I'm surprised you opted for those three and not a Kershaw Blur. That knife is inexpensive, easily sourced (Walmart carries them) and is a fantastic EDC knife. I've had a few over the years and they've been one of the best value EDC knives I've owned. If you're in the Kershaw segment and looking at EDC category you really need to give that knife another look.

As for knives bought this year... a few more Benchmade knives made their way into my collection and I went a little crazy at Spyderco and added nearly 50 to my collection. I'm deciding which ones I want to part with though as I don't need all of them. They're fantastic knives though and locally made is a huge bonus IMO. Just wish they sold their auto line here. Hopefully they will change that with the recent changes to litigation concerning them in this state. I've been an auto whore for years now and rarely ever touch my others now.

I've got my eyes on some Gold Class Benchmade as well as a few Microtech knives currently. We'll see what route I decide to go.

Jer - I only overlooked the Blur because it must not have been on sale and in the cabinet at Big 5 when I started by Kershaw shopping. I will definitely give it a look. I also want to check out the Leek.

On Benchmade, I've been tossing around the idea of picking up a Mini-Barrage and/or a 940-2. The 940 is a classic with a different blade shape than anything I have, and I'd like to try out BM's assisted opening system. Basically, I'm a sucker for trying out all types of designs to see what I like best. I did that with SA pistols, DA/SA pistols, striker pistols, revolvers, semi-auto battle rifles, bolt guns, etc., and both had a blast learning about different designs, and settling on my favorite(s).

50 Spydies!? Damn! I bought one - a PM2 in black that I really like from the outlet as a Christmas present to myself, and have owned a fully serrated Delica for at least 15 years. Love the local connection, and love the outlet store. I may pick up a tiny one and a Native at some point, but no time soon--my budget is getting thin for toys.

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Originally Posted by kpp80202

Jer - I only overlooked the Blur because it must not have been on sale and in the cabinet at Big 5 when I started by Kershaw shopping. I will definitely give it a look. I also want to check out the Leek.

On Benchmade, I've been tossing around the idea of picking up a Mini-Barrage and/or a 940-2. The 940 is a classic with a different blade shape than anything I have, and I'd like to try out BM's assisted opening system. Basically, I'm a sucker for trying out all types of designs to see what I like best. I did that with SA pistols, DA/SA pistols, striker pistols, revolvers, semi-auto battle rifles, bolt guns, etc., and both had a blast learning about different designs, and settling on my favorite(s).

50 Spydies!? Damn! I bought one - a PM2 in black that I really like from the outlet as a Christmas present to myself, and have owned a fully serrated Delica for at least 15 years. Love the local connection, and love the outlet store. I may pick up a tiny one and a Native at some point, but no time soon--my budget is getting thin for toys.

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Yeah, I may have gone a little crazy at their outlet sale.

If you decide the budget will allow & are interested in anything Spiderco let me know. I may have it & may be willing to part with it which could save you a few bucks too. I have a few listed in the trade section here but haven't taken the time to list more.

Recently bought a Boker Kwaiken for EDC. A nice little knife. Heavy but that's partly because I got copper scales.

Are you referring to the KME sharpener? If so, I recently bought they system. May have been a mistake. It's great for pocket knives if that's all you sharpen. But, so far, it's very disappointing for large kitchen knives with Japanese steel and acute edges (works fine on soft German steel but I've gotten rid of most of those). I have an EdgePro Apex system with chosera stones I was hoping to sell off; more of a hassle to use. However, it's far better on the bigger blades and smaller angles. Will keep playing with the KME but may end up selling it instead (too late to return, I've done several mods). There are pros and cons to both systems. I don't have the patience to learn hand sharpening.

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Originally Posted by Mtneer

Are you referring to the KME sharpener?

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Yes! Sorry for the brain fart.

Thanks for sharing. Your experience sounds like others I've read. I hate to sink a bunch of money into sharpening systems if I don't have to. For woodworking, I use wet/dry sandpaper on a granite block. Definitely lives up to the "scary sharp" name. I guess I'll continue and just go by hand with sandpaper or my Sharpmaker.

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Originally Posted by Jer

If you decide the budget will allow & are interested in anything Spiderco let me know.

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Will do, thanks!

The 3m plastic backed grit with adhesive works well as a very inexpensive way to mimic a typical waterstone. Same concept as paper on a block, just lasts a lot longer. I personally have a full set of Shapton pro and glass stones with 3 different grit diamond plates. Serves me well as I use them for both my knives and straight razor. They last forever as well.

King Japanese stones are a super value. I recently ordered a version of this, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00YORHU26..._t3_B00EU7OXHU. a knife maker in Canada did a positive review on these. And they take other makers stones. A guy has a you tube video with some good mods. I always "improve" my purchases.

I am looking forward to Kershaw Decimus (?) to be out soon.