Pros / Cons of WorkSharp for sharpening Spyderco folders?

Here are a couple of folders that came off of my KOWS. The SnG and the Emerson Endeavor both needed to have their secondary bevels relaxed to make them better slicers. The KOWS did the heavy work and then they were finished by hand with a Sharpmaker, a balsa strop loaded with 1 micron diamond paste, and finally, a bare leather horse butt strop. The Emerson is still a single bevel knife. The SnG bevel is very even on both sides. I also have factory edged model of both knives to compare the blade profiles. There's very little difference in them except for the secondary bevels. The edge and belly profile is nearly the same on both the Strider and the Emerson. The KOWS did exactly what it was supposed to do in these cases.

Use it carefully and practice enough to develop your technique, and it'll be a worthwhile tool.

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I've nothing against the Sharpmaker, gonna order one today, in fact.

Still happily using my WSKO, though!
 
I don't have a whole lot to add that hasn't already been said. I own the original WS and if not careful it WILL take off too much metal, especially on softer steels. The newer Ken Onion version has adjustable speeds which will help alleviate this issue somewhat. The guides have also scratched a couple blades. Not sure if that is still an issue with the KO version. I use mine primarily for fixed blades which I think it works very well for. I will not use it on any of my more expensive knives, but again I do not have the KO version.

PROS:
Probably the fastest way to sharpen a knife to a hair popping edge
Convex edges
Works well on larger knives, and can be used on garden tools, and lawnmower blades.

CONS:
Can remove too much metal
Guides can scratch blade

The adjustable speed, more options for bevel angles, and wider belts are big improvements for the KO version. I wish I had one. :)
 
Hi Dan,

I've done my Delica 4 on the original WSKTS. It has a very good edge now, bought my Delica as B-stock. Just be careful and begin with a cheap Chinese knife or something like that.
I also sharpened my Leatherman Style with it. That was a little tricky, half my blade is now polished hahaha. Although it slices as hell.
 
Gentlemen, thanks for the great tips, pros, and cons.

Had not considered taping the blade edges to prevent scraping on the nicer knives, better to find out ahead of time. :-)

I will be getting one of these KO WorkSharp units eventually, to use on at least some of my knives... it just sounds very intriguing.

But for now, I'm going to stick with the Sharpmaker - ** diamond rods arriving tomorrow. **

And I will definitely be seeking sharpening guidance in that BF sharpening subsection - will get that darn Sage 1 sharp yet!! :-)

Also starting to look into a good strop ( folks seem to love the StropMan ones )...

Thanks!
Dan
 
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