Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener

M

MikeH

Joined
Oct 18, 2001
Messages
4,611
Does anyone here have any experience with these?

Local gun shop has them and they are the first electric sharpener I have seen that I might consider using on my Busses. They are geared to operate slowly enough not to overheat steel, and they create a convex edge. I can also get one at a better price than what is advertised on their web site. Seems to me to be a well-thought out piece of equipment.
 
I just watched some of the videos and it looks pretty interesting. It can convert to a mini grinder as well. If I did get one I would definitely test it out on the junker kitchen knives before I let it near a Busse.
 
It's a Northern product...not 'generally speaking' the best quality but if you've had your hands on it, that could answer that.

Does that motor have enough torque not to stop or slow too much in use?

Where do you get belts in that size? Is it a standard you can find? That would be my next question.

Neat idea though, but no clue on the reality, haven't seen one.
 
For less money, you can buy a cheap 1" x 30" tabletop belt sander, lots of belts, and a leather stropping belt. That's what I use.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
Hey guys, Work Sharp here...

Search this forum for "WSKTS" and you will find a WEALTH of information on this product from real users and forum members; including very thorough tests and reviews.

Just FYI, this is not a Northern Tool branded product. This tool is made by Work Sharp (same company as Drill Doctor) and we're located in Ashland Oregon USA.
 
desmobob said:
For less money, you can buy a cheap 1" x 30" tabletop belt sander, lots of belts, and a leather stropping belt. That's what I use.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
Click to expand...


That would be my thought as well. But, if it does operate at a slower speed, and lessens the concern some folk have regarding "burning" a blade, then it might be worth it for them.
 
A good friend of my father asked me to sharpen one of his knives. I did it for him free of charge. He was AMAZED and so were all of the guys that work with him (all mechanics). He asked me if I could sharpen the rest of his 30+ knives. As much as I wanted to I didn't have the time. It turns out that he, and all the guys in the shop, bought one of these systems that you are referring to. Here is the feedback that I received from an entire shop. "it is the first system that we were able to get our knives reasonably sharp on our own"...but they also admitted they could not get their knives close to as sharp, or to hold up a fraction as long as the edge I put on the knife that I sharpened for my dad's friend on my Kalamazoo. I know this is only word of mouth and I am willing to bet skill has a lot to do with the end results. Anyhow, it can't be all that bad if a bunch of guys with no ability to sharpen knives prior were able to use it with decent results.

To me it is just a mini tiny belt sander with little belts that will wear out faster and a guide system. I am not saying that is bad, I am just saying that is what I see when I look at it.
 
I bought one of these after reading the reviews.

Works great for machetes!, touching up serrated blades, bigger stuff, etc.

After grinding off the tip of a paring knife using the FINE belt, I think it's too quick for thin blades.

It doesn't leave a mirror polish edge, but it's definitely good for most uses.

After playing with it for a couple hours I still won't run my Busses through it, I'll keep the leather stop for them.
 
Rich,

I dont doubt at all that your skills are well above and beyond this little machine. I can get my knives pretty sharp with my KMG or little old 2x42" with a 1" belt grit progression. BUT, I could never get them scary Murry Carter sharp without spending alot of time. I know, practice makes all better. I have tried water stones and still get a "decent" edge...but still not where I want to be.

I started searching a quick but effective sharpening machine and came across the threads started here and to my amazement it was working with excellent results. You are right, with poor technique things can go wrong very quickly. Just looks a little fool proof to me so I said I am jumping:D

I ordered 6 of every damn grit I could find that I figure will get me shaving sharp in no time. I will see how it goes.

Sharpening is a craft and guys like you and the professional's that sharpen blades for a living.....you guys have a serious skill!!!! This machine will just speed things up for us impatient people...LOL

Chris

richstag said:
A good friend of my father asked me to sharpen one of his knives. I did it for him free of charge. He was AMAZED and so were all of the guys that work with him (all mechanics). He asked me if I could sharpen the rest of his 30+ knives. As much as I wanted to I didn't have the time. It turns out that he, and all the guys in the shop, bought one of these systems that you are referring to. Here is the feedback that I received from an entire shop. "it is the first system that we were able to get our knives reasonably sharp on our own"...but they also admitted they could not get their knives close to as sharp, or to hold up a fraction as long as the edge I put on the knife that I sharpened for my dad's friend on my Kalamazoo. I know this is only word of mouth and I am willing to bet skill has a lot to do with the end results. Anyhow, it can't be all that bad if a bunch of guys with no ability to sharpen knives prior were able to use it with decent results.

To me it is just a mini tiny belt sander with little belts that will wear out faster and a guide system. I am not saying that is bad, I am just saying that is what I see when I look at it.
Click to expand...
 
I was just going to reply again asking what thickness blades people have been going to on this little thing. From the look of the guide .250 or larger would def not work. By removing the guard it looks as though a thick blade would not be a problem. If it is, my KMG will take it down to where I need to be....LOL

Demonic1 said:
I bought one of these after reading the reviews.

Works great for machetes!, touching up serrated blades, bigger stuff, etc.

After grinding off the tip of a paring knife using the FINE belt, I think it's too quick for thin blades.

It doesn't leave a mirror polish edge, but it's definitely good for most uses.

After playing with it for a couple hours I still won't run my Busses through it, I'll keep the leather stop for them.
Click to expand...
 
Hey Chris,

Long time no talk :-). I'm not knocking the system. I actually think it is a testament that a shop full of guys had first time success with the system. Although I point out the flaws of anything. I play devils advocate with just about everything :)

Later,

Kevin
 
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