Work Sharp for pocket knives?

[rea1eye]

Has anyone used the Work Sharp belt sharpener to sharpen pocket knives?

I saw it at Cabela's today. It looks like it can sharpen at a fixed 25 degree angle. (not

adjustable)

Is a 15-20 degree angle best for pocket knives? Would the 25 degree angle give

you a less sharp edge/unsatisfactory?

Bob

[Mumbleypeg]

Is that an electrical cord I see coming out the back of that contraption? If so it wouldn't touch any knife I own! Wouldn't trust it, or myself with it.

Ken

[treefarmer]

Bob,
I bought one sometime back and have used it on a lot of kitchen knives and filet knives with great success, also have used mine on some pocket knives and have been pleased with the results. It works great for me when restoring a blade that has been tipped or abused. There are 2 different guides with the one I bought, follow the instructions and it will do the job.

Now at the end of the user guide, there are some exaggerated claims, in my opinion. No doubt it would work but sharpening shovels, hoes, axes, pick axes, posthole diggers and mower blades, it appears to be a tad on the light side. This is right angle or bench grinder territory in my book.


I read the user guides and practiced on some old rags that didn't matter and feel confident in using the Work Sharp, however it has not replaced my Lansky system, my steel or my leather strop!
Treefarmer

[nifenut]

I have one and really like it.

[edge213]

I agree with treefarmer. It's great for restoring an abused or tipped blade (once you practice with it).
I never use it on my good knives. I did use it on a cane sword for a friend. The sword was a cheaper China version that came from the factory with an unsharpened edge, I was able to get a keen edge without any trouble. I don't think I could have done this with my other sharpening techniques.

[QTCut5]

Bob,

PM sent...check your messages.

Cheers,
~Q~

[ken98k]

I looked at a display model locally and the belt seemed too aggressive but I think finer belts may be available.

[jerryd6818]

finer belts are available.

I've had one for a couple of years. I've braged on it several times in various threads on AAPK. IMO it's great for everything except pocket knives. Maybe I just don't know the lick it's done with but I discovered early on that it tends to round off the tips of my pocket knife blades. Again, JMO.

As an aside, for shovels, hatchets and axes I use the 1"x42" belt sander. For the lawnmower blade, I use the right angle grinder. Just the way I do it.

[Darksev]

There are a few versions of the work-sharp.

There is a newer "Ken Onion" edition that has a speed adjustment knob (slow it down for no heat buildup) and angle adjustments from 15-30 degrees. The angle adjustments are really just a general angle, since it's a slack belt sharpener (it will convex your edges). I know some guys who have one they use for sharpening longswords for tatami cutting.

it takes (somewhat) standard 3/4x12 belts and you can get them from coarse to 6000 grit micromesh.

[ken98k]

As an aside, for shovels, hatchets and axes I use the 1"x42" belt sander. For the lawnmower blade, I use the right angle grinder. Just the way I do it.

I don't believe I've ever sharpened a shovel but, for my machete, hatchets, and axes I use a 1x42 belt sander also. And like you, I use a 4" grinder for the mower blades.

[FRJ]

I don't believe I've ever sharpened a shovel

I have ........... by using the hell out of it ............

[deltaboy]

In the ad they say it will sharpen even pocket knives.

[jerryd6818]

In the ad they say it will sharpen even pocket knives.

See my post above.

[cody6268]

No pull-through or power sharpener will ever touch my knives. Honestly, Work Sharps are a bad idea, unless you're using them to put a grind on a new handmade knife, or sharpening something like an extremely dull and chipped axe. I don't own one.

[orvet]

I use a 1 X 42 belt sander or a slow water bath stone similar to a Tormek, and a Powr-Strop.
Both allow me to use a very light touch so I do not remove any more metal than is necessary.

I have examined the Work Sharp at local stores where they have a demo model. After examining it and seeing how it was setup, I did not use it on one of my EDCs because I could see would remove more metal in one use than I remove in a year with my method.

It is not something I will be using on my knives.

[QTCut5]

If anyone wants to try one of these Work Sharps but doesn't want to risk investing a lot of money, I have a brand new one that's never even been plugged in (Ken Onion edition). Still has all paperwork, manufacturer's warranty and instructional DVD (but no box). Send me a PM and maybe we can work something out (special discount for AAPK members, of course). Otherwise I'll probably go ahead on list it on the eBeast.

~Q~

[Jigslinger]

Great sharpener to have on hand if you have several knives in line to sharpen. If I only have one or two I'll go with my stones. It does a fine job, but there is a learning curve to get the best out of it. It is super for larger blades but for me, a little sketchy for smaller blades, like a pen knife blade. The jury is still out for me on the convex edge that the Work Sharp produces. They claim it is a superior edge but I'm not so sure. It is a keen edge though. And easy as pie. I think it is a good augmentation to sharpening, but I'd never give up my stones entirely. Plus, I just like stones. As far a rounding tips, that's generally operator error. Just have to pay attention and not let the belt get hold of the tip. My good pocket knives still get stone only.