Work Sharp

[StagLefty]

Since my damascus knife blank project was cancelled, I used a gift card at Cabela's and picked up a Work Sharp sharpener today. Looking forward to develop a new skill since my sharpening skills were always questionable.

[ray1970]

Be careful with that thing. I had a co-worker do my work knife for me. He did pretty good on the edge but managed to round the tip off pretty good.

[Ah Pook]

I'd be interested in the results. Historically, I avoid using anything with a cord on my knives.

[StagLefty]

Be careful with that thing. I had a co-worker do my work knife for me. He did pretty good on the edge but managed to round the tip off pretty good.

I did a lot of research on this sharpener and the most common complaint is rounding the tip. It's a result of not following the contour of the blade and pulling the blade straight back across the belt. I'm going to practice with some beater blades before I commit to my better ones.

[newracer]

My friend has the Ken Onion edition and he really likes it. I have been meaning to pick one up to try. I have been known to just buy a new knife rather than sharpen a used one.

[StagLefty]

I need to refine my methods with it but so far I'm pretty happy with the results. I've put an edge on some beater knives that have never been sharp.
The rounding of the tip has been avoided by stopping the sharpener and stop pulling the blade across the belt as soon as the tip starts across the belt. Pulling all the way across the belt causes the rounding due to the belt flexibility.
Also I need to discipline myself to let the sharpener do the work and not force it. Let the weight of the blade and the belt do the work. The belts can take too much material of the edge if your not careful.
Like I said originally my sharpening skills have always been questionable and I think for me this is a huge improvement . I'm impressed with it for the out of the pocket money it cost me.
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE

[ben4372]

These seem to work very well and everyone I know who has one likes them. I use something else. But the Ace Hardware on Wads and Jewell has one on display to try if you want.

[brutal]

I have the Ken Onion version -adjustable angles - and like it.

Practice on beater knives for sure and understand if you want a fine or toothy edge before you start.

The kitchen knives were good practice after the true beaters, before tackling any others. None of my knives are very high $$$, but it did a nice job on not only the EDC SOG, but also the Gerber fixed blades and even the BK2.

[StagLefty]

I think I'm getting the hang of it. All the knives I worked on yesterday I got paper slicing sharp. Need to spend a little more time on the 6000 belt to get shaving sharp.

[Grant H.]

I also have the Ken Onion one, and I love it.

You have to pay attention to not round the tip of a knife, but if you put a little thought and finesse into it, it puts a fantastic edge on blades.