So I suck at putting a good edge on a knife. I have been toying with the idea of getting one of the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners.

This would mostly be used for pocket knive,multi tools, fixed blade knives, hatchet, and a couple of axes.

Does anyone have any recommendations on which model to get (or something else), to make the job as "dummy proof" as possible?

Thanks for the help

quote:

Originally posted by smithbc:
So I suck at putting a good edge on a knife. I have been toying with the idea of getting one of the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpeners.

This would mostly be used for pocket knive,multi tools, fixed blade knives, hatchet, and a couple of axes.

Does anyone have any recommendations on which model to get (or something else), to make the job as "dummy proof" as possible?

Thanks for the help

Get the Ken Onion model.

I've used one to sharpen chisels before at work (I put binding on guitar bodies). I much prefer water stones, but it produces a respectable edge after stropping on leather charged with with the red and then white compounds they use on the lacquer in the buffing department.

Based on the one I used, I wouldn't personally buy one (I have water stones already for my chisels), but I also wouldn't outright dismiss their offerings aimed at knives. This is actually a complete 180° change from my position when I started 6 months ago. If one were gifted to me I wouldn't think twice about using it for stuff like reprofiling knives.

Just be careful with how much pressure you apply. Sandpaper is more than capable of throwing sparks, and I have had to snuff out more than one patch of glowing embers. The one we have likes to generate a lot of "fuzz" that then ignites. I'll try to find out what model we have tomorrow.

I’ve got one I never use. If you want it shoot me an email and I’ll send it to you. I tried it on one or two knives and decided I liked my stones better. Seriously, it’s just sitting on the floor in my basement. I won’t miss it.

- Bret

I got the Ken Onion model for Christmas and was able to put razor sharp edges on some kitchen knives that I’ve never been able to get an edge on. It took less than 30 minutes to sharpen 6 kitchen knives. Same for some scissors my wife uses in the kitchen So far I’m sold.

quote:

Originally posted by sadlerbw:
I’ve got one I never use. If you want it shoot me an email and I’ll send it to you. I tried it on one or two knives and decided I liked my stones better. Seriously, it’s just sitting on the floor in my basement. I won’t miss it.

- Bret

If smithbc does not want it I would like to give it a try as I have the same problem as he.

quote:

Originally posted by sadlerbw:
I’ve got one I never use. If you want it shoot me an email and I’ll send it to you. I tried it on one or two knives and decided I liked my stones better. Seriously, it’s just sitting on the floor in my basement. I won’t miss it.

- Bret

Thanks,

I just sent you an e mail

I have a lanaky kit, several sets of stones, a razor hone and a leather strop, I can put a razor sharp edge on a knife. When the work sharp first came out I had just been diagnosed with arthritis (OA & RA) and sharpening my knives with stones hurt. I bought the original work sharp and it worked great with much less effort on my part, once I get a knife shaving sharp when it starts to get a little dull I just use cheramic sticks to true up the edge. I can sharen all the knives in my house in a short period of time. I really like the work sharp.
It

Like everyone else I have a drawer full of high expectations & poor performance.

Finally got the WSGSS version of Worksharp manual set up.

After Lansky System/tons of other stuff, this one works for me.

The power Onion deal wasn't what I was after, as the developing the manual skill to produce the sharp edge is a pleasure in itself.

The trial performance was exceptional. About 2 years ago Cabelas had a large hands-on display of various mfg units for the shopper to use.

I tried my daily carry & acquired superior edge in only a few strokes. Not satisfied with that, on 2 subsequent store visits I brought other really dull knives. They too responded very well.

I got the model with extra coarse to extra fine diamond hones, with ceramic and leather accessory pack. With my magic coupon the entire deal was under $60.

I have the original model. I'd love to get the Ken Onion version, but can't really rationalize the expenditure since my knives are all sharp. I'd buy one again, for sure.

Also have the original version, do not have need for Onion one. Quite happy with it

I have the Ken Onion version, and love it. I'm a foodie, and use my kitchen knives a LOT, plus regularly dull my carry knife.

The WSKO puts a razor edge on my knives REALLY fast. Fast being the main thing. I need to frequently sharpen a bunch of knives, and at this point in my life do NOT have the time to have "knife therapy" on stones or rods, no matter how much I may or may not want to. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

Wicked Edge is hands down the most foolproof and easiest.

quote:

Originally posted by Outnumbered:
I have the Ken Onion version, and love it. I'm a foodie, and use my kitchen knives a LOT, plus regularly dull my carry knife.

The WSKO puts a razor edge on my knives REALLY fast. Fast being the main thing. I need to frequently sharpen a bunch of knives, and at this point in my life do NOT have the time to have "knife therapy" on stones or rods, no matter how much I may or may not want to. I'd buy one again in a heartbeat.

__________________________________

I have one as well, but beware, you can round over the point really easy. Otherwise they work just fine for power sharpening. A stone and strop is the ultimate for hand work, it's like a razor when done correctly.

I have the manual worksharp and I still cant get a knife sharp.

I have a spyderco sharp maker and the work sharp and I am still unable to put a decent edge on a knife

Moving belts and sandpaper...create heat which can reverse the Heat Treating used to harden the steel. If that happens you will never get it sharp, and if you do it will not hold an edge. So remember, the finer the grit the more heat generated with a moving belt/wheel. Light pressure!! I myself use a Wicked Edge.

I've always prided myself on keeping my knives, wood working tools, etc razor sharp, but it took a lot of time to keep them that way. For almost 50 years I used a good set of Japanese water stones, but a couple years ago I got a Ken Onion Worksharp with the extra blade grinding attachment.

Now it takes hardly any time at all to put an edge on anything from my finest knife to mower blades for the lawn tractor.

A word of warning though- if you don't have a good understanding of knife sharpening skills to begin with, then the only thing any power sharpener will do for you is ruin a good blade much faster than doing it by hand.

quote:

Originally posted by Ronin101:
I have the manual worksharp and I still cant get a knife sharp.

I have a spyderco sharp maker and the work sharp and I am still unable to put a decent edge on a knife

I almost bought the KME for $200 on Amazon because I have similar problems. People say it's all about consistency, but nothing works for me.

I have to give these methods a try
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2nyyBMXOBg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPGGo3W15HQ

I've tried the Cliff Stamp method, but I knever know what angle to use during the fast motion portion.

If you're getting the Ken Onion worksharp, get the Blade Grinder Attachment. Seriously.

I get the catharsis of using stones but for fast sharpening, the Ken Onion worksharp with the blade grinder attachment is the best thing since sliced bread.

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Get the Ken Onion model.

Yep!

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I have one as well, but beware, you can round over the point really easy.

Read the instruction manual. STOP the belt before you run the tip all the way over off the belt. That's the only way to round the tip and it tells you NOT to do that.
My automatic pocket knife has a tanto tip, it isn't rounded and neither are my kitchen knives.

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Moving belts and sandpaper...create heat which can reverse the Heat Treating used to harden the steel.

If you are creating heat, you're doing it wrong. The belts don't move that fast and you shouldn't need NEARLY the amount of pressure for that to take place.
The WSKO model is not a high speed machine. I've tried bench mounted muslin wheels treated with rouge that create 10 times more heat than a WSKO could ever dream of.

After sharpening all the kitchen knives, a few strokes on a steel brings them right back to SHARP. If they get dull, (after the wife uses them to do Godknowswhat) a couple of minutes of the WSKO with the higher grit belts is all that is needed.
My pocket knives gets a couple of strokes on the ceramic rods for touchups after opening boxes, etc., etc., you know...regular pocket knife stuff.