Anyone ever use one these to sharpen your knives???

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Wateren

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Nov 8, 2014
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Work Sharp WSKTS Knife and Tool Sharpener

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And yes I know the Wicked Sharp is way better the price for this one has me looking at it.
 
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It's worth the price to upgrade to the ken onion edition. Its even more worth the price to get the blade grinder attachment.
 
I would get the ken onion model too. it seems a little beefier build and it has variable angles. If all you were doing was kitchen knives the original would be fine. But for someone who wants options the ken onion model I think is best. Not as good as the wicked edge? that is debatable. I would take a work sharp over a wicked edge. I prefer factory edges. And until the work sharp it wasnt the easiest thing to achieve. And even if you prefer high polished V grind edges I am weary of any sharpening system that actually clamps the blade. They do that to maintain a consistent angle but if your knife is really long that angle can drift as you work your way to the tip. I like the fact that by clamping you keep the blade perfectly straight at all times but you lack the ability to draw the knife back like say with an edgepro apex. While its a bit harder to keep the blade flat on those at least you can move the portion of the edge you are working on to maintain that consistent angle. Ill tell you though, I have strongly considered selling my apex to pick up a work sharp. I just worry I could even screw that up, lol.
 
PURPLEDC said:
And even if you prefer high polished V grind edges I am weary of any sharpening system that actually clamps the blade. They do that to maintain a consistent angle but if your knife is really long that angle can drift as you work your way to the tip. I like the fact that by clamping you keep the blade perfectly straight at all times but you lack the ability to draw the knife back like say with an edgepro apex. While its a bit harder to keep the blade flat on those at least you can move the portion of the edge you are working on to maintain that consistent angle.
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- If I'm sharpening a larger knife, I always move it horizontally in the Wicked Edge. It's very easy to keep the same height using the height keys.
 
If you get it make sure to get plenty of belts. They wear out quickly and are nearly worthless once the grit is gone.
 
Just learn to sharpen. That will benefit you in the long run.

I've used about everything, and I've never seen a contraption that is easier to screw up a knife tip than the work sharp.
 
In my case, using a hard/soft Arkansas stone helped me achieve a decent edge along with a strop. As in all things practice makes perfect. Sorry but personally I have never used a different sharpening technique.
 
Wateren said:
benefits of the upgrade ???
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Big differences between the original WorkSharp and the WSKO:

1. WSKO is variable speed in 14 steps from pretty darned low to full speed.
2. WSKO uses 3/4" belts instead of 1/2" so they have more surface area.
3. WSKO has more belts included with the system (5 grits instead of 3) that are spaced more reasonably, so you aren't jumping from 220 grit to 6000 grit like you are with the original.
4. WSKO has more belts available for it in different grits and abrasive types.
5. WSKO has an adjustable angle guide. Wider range of angles, but it's also spring loaded, which means it doesn't provide a super firm surface to run the blade against. This might be a negative depending on how you look at it. I've never used the angle guide, so I couldn't tell you for sure. I use the WSKO freehand.

Whoever here said the WSKTS is dangerous is probably right. The combination of the included 80 grit belt, plus FULL SPEED only is a dangerous combination. It's one BIG reason I waited for the WSKO. Sure you can still destroy a blade with the WSKO, but you've got variable speed so you can at least turn the speed way down to be safe as you are learning. That's what I did, and I haven't messed up a blade yet.

Brian.
 
Just remember that if you're only sharpening to use the gray belt as it won't completely reprofile your knife
 
I dont like work sharp because it is a slack belt system. There's so support behind the belt, so it bows as you work on it. Great for convex edges, horrible for anything else. If they made one with a flatbed support I'd probably buy one.
 
I just got one for my Birthday on Tuesday, I just started using it a little today and I think it will take getting used to. I've always either used an old dual grit wet rock or a set of sticks in a v wooden block and what ever leather I can find to strop on and I can almost always make a knife of decent steel shave. I think I can translate that to the WSKO. I honestly probably never would have purchased one myself, my step dad gave it as a gift. I'll use it more and report back, but I think if you understand how to sharpen a knife, you can usually do it well with various methods, at least with some practice.

I will say that I watched the video posted above a day or two ago and I thought the spring loaded guides may be a problem due to his comments on the KO, but I think it's an improvement from the original to keep you from applying too much pressure and ruining your blade.

I also agree it would be nice if it came with a flat platen for those that don't want a convex grind. It looks like the tool sharpening attachment could easily be modded for use as a flat platen.
 
I have the ken onion edition and I recommend spending the extra. There are a lot of features that make the extra cost worth it in my opinion. It takes a little to get used to so don't start out doing super high end knives. I can get my knives razor sharp with a mirror finish. It takes a bit of practice, but I find it to be a very good quality sharpener. The only complaint I have is having to practice quite a bit before getting efficient. Yes the belt do wear out, but expecting a belt to last as long as a stone is like apples and oranges. Overall, I find this extremely useful and I use to with all of my knives.
 
What is to be done with the integral bolster on the knife in the original post. Would you use another part of the belt to grind it down when needed?
 
If I was looking for a power sharpener I don't know that either of these sharpeners would work for me.You have to buy those small belts that won't last very long.These belts are not a belt I can go and buy at a local store.A cheap 1x30 you can .The other thing does the trigger have a lock?The sharpener can move around on you if your not careful I'd have to make a mount for that.A nice 1x30 or 1x42 is more stable and the belts will last longer.If you like the angle guide you can make them or Check out Freds bubble guide .It priced reasonable and will help keep your angles .He has a video you can watch on his site
 
I agree. Another issue with the small belt, even with variable speed is that you would be more capable of heating the blade too much. I've never owned one and don't see the point after using a 1"x42". It may be fine for someone sharpening a couple of EDC knives and a few cheap kitchen knives but I think that a larger belt would be much more versatile and useful.
I think if one is thinking about getting this thing consider a larger machine that is capable of sharpening scissors, axes, pruners etc..
2beagles121 said:
If I was looking for a power sharpener I don't know that either of these sharpeners would work for me.You have to buy those small belts that won't last very long.These belts are not a belt I can go and buy at a local store.A cheap 1x30 you can .The other thing does the trigger have a lock?The sharpener can move around on you if your not careful I'd have to make a mount for that.A nice 1x30 or 1x42 is more stable and the belts will last longer.If you like the angle guide you can make them or Check out Freds bubble guide .It priced reasonable and will help keep your angles .He has a video you can watch on his site
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Hi guys I remembered seeing a belt sharpener some of you might want to check into.Abletotech.Has a little 1x30 belt an angle guide. The deluxe model has a guide for drill bits and scissors. Deluxe is 153.75 standard is 133.50.Has what looked to be a steady stand.If you sharpen professionally it might be a good one to check out.Belts can be bought from them and top out at a 600 grit.For me I'd finish on a paper wheel with a good white compound.Should be able to split a hair when you get done.Demo is on youtube.
 
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