Belt Sander

Many "high dollar pocket" knives are sharpened on belt sanders. Where they're made! If it's good enough for the maker, not sure why it wouldn't be good enough for the user. That said, it's easy to trash a knife cosmetically on a belt sander if you aren't very coordinated. Practice on a cheap knife or three first.

Regarding the original question - any method of sharpening a knife will work as well as another if the person doing the work does so skillfully.
 
A Worksharp or Worksharp Ken Onion for all intents and purposes is a belt sander with guides. So it's quite doable as someone else mentioned though without guides even more skill is required.

Remember to wear eye protection, I've used a worksharp before and have had tips broken off and fly towards me.
 
Bob6794 said:
A Worksharp or Worksharp Ken Onion for all intents and purposes is a belt sander with guides. So it's quite doable as someone else mentioned though without guides even more skill is required.

Remember to wear eye protection, I've used a worksharp before and have had tips broken off and fly towards me.
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I was thinking something more along the lines of a 1x30 grizzly belt sander with belts designed for sharpening
 
The Kalamazoo 1x30 is a real nice rig I'd suggest looking into. And yeah, with the right belts, it works a treat. Just make sure you learn the ins and outs of using it on cheap knives before taking it to anything that costs much to replace.
 
eKretz said:
Many "high dollar pocket" knives are sharpened on belt sanders. Where they're made! If it's good enough for the maker, not sure why it wouldn't be good enough for the user. That said, it's easy to trash a knife cosmetically on a belt sander if you aren't very coordinated. Practice on a cheap knife or three first.

Regarding the original question - any method of sharpening a knife will work as well as another if the person doing the work does so skillfully.
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That's why I said "I" as in singular form. I am sure there are lots of great sharpeners that do it daily with great results.
 
I have a harbor freight model. $50 +/- that I've had for several years. More than adequate and I have no issues at all up to now. But it's your money. I wouldnt mind having speed control. But I bought the sander for other things. If I was buying for knives only I would get speed control. But again if you work carefully you shouldn't have any issues with overheating the steel. I also have the Ken onion and never use it. Not knocking it though.
 
I find the Kalamazoo belt sander great for sharpening any knives. Low to high price does not matter as long as you know what you are doing. The speed of the sander is VG for sharpening knives. You might want to watch this video.
Large assortment of belts online to choose the finish you desire.
Here is my set up. It the same grinder as in the video. Much faster then any other method and you also can screw it up faster. Use X backing belts as they are stiffer. You can minimize the convex using these belts along with the spot you sharpen on the belt. (least deflection in the belt)
P10100011-vi.jpg
 
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