New to forum - question about Work Sharp K&TS

[jerrypoller]

This is my first post and forgive me if it isn't in the right place. I've carried an inexpensive EDC pocket folder for many years, and my son just convinced me to try a better knife. I sharpen my kitchen and EDC knives using a course and fine diamond "stone", followed by a black Arkansas stone, and finally a strop. I got what I thought were acceptable results, even if somewhat inconsistent. When I would finish sharpening I could cut newspaper easily. But I just got a William Henry EDC pocket folder (E6-1) and the edge on this blade makes all my other sharpening efforts look like abject failures. So I started doing a little research on convex sharpening and saw several references to the Work Sharp K&TS. A little more research pointed out the newer version due out in Oct. - the Ken Onion Work Sharp. My question is: is there enough difference/advantage to the Ken Onion model to warrant the increase in price - about $75 for the older version vs $150 for the Ken Onion model. I would appreciate any feedback on either of these models and the relative value of each. Thanks.

 

[Noctis3880]

I suspect aftermarket belts would be hard to get ahold of if you're interested in expanding your belt range beyond what the manufacturer provides. The angle control is helpful if you don't do freehand without the guide, and the speed control can be helpful if you're worried about heating up the blade too much.

Upon reflection though, it probably wouldn't be too big an improvement upon my current Work Sharp device. I don't use a guide to begin with, and I control the speed of metal removal by changing to different grit size belts(coarse if I want to remove metal faster, fine if I want to grind slower). But I would think the Ken Onion model is more user friendly for new users.

 

[OHALLUM]

I have the older model, and while it is a great system, I think the newer version will be worth the extra cost. For your first "sharpening system" I don't think you can do any better for the money and the results you will get out of it. There is a learning curve, and I recommend buying some thrift store kitchen knives to learn and practice on. You can usually find them for about $1 each at Goodwill, and other such places. It is a great little tool that can be used for more than sharpening knives since it is basically a small belt grinder. I have found the available belts sold by Work Sharp to be more than adequate for most uses.

Blessings,

Omar

 

[Noctis3880]

I have the older model, and while it is a great system, I think the newer version will be worth the extra cost. For your first "sharpening system" I don't think you can do any better for the money and the results you will get out of it. There is a learning curve, and I recommend buying some thrift store kitchen knives to learn and practice on. You can usually find them for about $1 each at Goodwill, and other such places. It is a great little tool that can be used for more than sharpening knives since it is basically a small belt grinder. I have found the available belts sold by Work Sharp to be more than adequate for most uses.

Blessings,

Omar

Very true that the thing is flexible(). I've used it for sanding wood and regrinding blades, though a full size belt sander is definitely better at the latter, it does a pretty good job in and of itself.