Left handed Work Sharp?

[G. Scott H.]

I've mentioned before that I do certain things left handed and other things right handed. Using a pull through or crock stick type sharpener is something I can ONLY do left handed. I've thought about adding a Work Sharp to my sharpening stable, but since it's essentially a pull through device, the fact that it's designed as a right handed tool has me concerned. Is the trigger on the WS momentary or a "clicky?" If it clicks on, I'm thinking I could hold onto some part of the device other than the handle (like the housing over the right hand lower pully) with my right hand and draw the blade through with my left hand. If it's a momentary switch, I guess I could replace it with a clicky, but does this sound at all feasible to you guys who use WS's? Would the machine move around too much without holding the handle? Any other issues you can think of that I may not have thought of?

 

[cbwx34]

Both models have an "Always On" setting (some early models didn't, but do now), so that's not an issue. If you sharpen without the angle guide, you can also just flip it around and use it. FWIW, I'm left handed also, and have never had an issue using it right handed... unlike a rod style sharpener, this you just hold an angle and pull it toward you. But I've used it left handed holding the housing, and that works just fine. You do have to hold it, or it will move.

Also, the Ken Onion model has a "bench mount fastener" so you can secure it to a bench or piece of wood or something, if you want.

 

[G. Scott H.]

Great info! Many thanks, cb. :thumbup: