Talk me into or out of the Ken Onion Work Sharp

[arskrg]

I bought a used regular Work Sharp a few months ago and have had a lot of success with it. More than any other sharpening method I've tried.

Now I have enough in Amazon gift cards to buy the KO version.

I'm wondering a few specific things:

-How much better is the adjustable KO angle settings vs the guide on the standard model?
(I have a bit of trouble with thumb studs getting in the way with the standard model's guide. Is this any better with the KO?)
-Am I missing anything with only the three grit options offered with the standard model?
-Is the variable speed really a big deal?
-If you've owned both, which do you prefer, and why?

Any answers from personal experience to these and any other questions I may not have thought of would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bgentry]

I'll answer one question: The belts that are included with the WSKO will give you a larger variety of finishes to choose from. Whether that helps or not is open to debate. There are several other belt types and grit ratings available directly from Darex as well as third parties. I personally think that their recommendation of stopping at a 22 micron belt for kitchen knives makes a lot of sense.

Now the question for you: What are you hoping to do differently or better with the WSKO? Or asked a different way: What's wrong with the results you achieve with the WS now?

Brian.

 

[AFAustin]

I used the original when it came out and liked it immediately---it completely changed the way I sharpened. I got the KO when it came out (in fact, I was lucky enough to do some product testing on it when it was a proto) and liked it even more. I continue to use the KO regularly, as well as the Blade Grinder Attachment to some extent, and it is a great---and versatile--- tool.

As for your first question, I am a strong believer in freehand and so won't speak to the guides. Try using the "sharpie method" to see where you're sharpening and forego the guides.

As for the belts, I love having a wide variety and the stiffer (Norax) and wider (3/4") KO belts are a big improvement over the originals. You'll get more even bevels, have more control, and round fewer tips.

Yes, the variable speed is a big deal---you have much better control over how much metal you're removing and you will have fewer mistakes. Most of my sharpening is done on low-medium or medium speed.

I think if you make the jump to the KO, and invest in wider range of belts, you'll be glad you did.

Andrew

 

[Bobby3326]

The biggest benefit of the Ken onion work sharp is the accessories. I love the blade grinding attachment, it's practically all I use now, I get much better results with it than I ever did before.