Ken Onion Work Sharp...Anybody Fooled With One? Opinions?

[troutman]

I feel a bit more confident so I decided to try my luck with a little higher quality pocket knife. This ZT was my EDC for a few years and was abused, so I decided it was a good candidate. I re-profiled at 17 deg. This took about 20 min before I got a bur on 1 side. Then another 20 min on the other. I then followed up with the finer belts.
I then followed up with the leather wheel I made for my bench grinder.
DAMMIT MAN! This thing is sharp! I know me and I know that I will probably end up cutting something off or at the least, a few stitches!
This tool is awesome. Thanks Dogtown Darren for bringing this to my attention.

 

[Dogtown Darren]

I bet that leather wheel takes one from sharp to scary sharp!

Glad you're enjoying it, my friend!

 

[jeepnuts]

I feel a bit more confident so I decided to try my luck with a little higher quality pocket knife. This ZT was my EDC for a few years and was abused, so I decided it was a good candidate. I re-profiled at 17 deg. This took about 20 min before I got a bur on 1 side. Then another 20 min on the other. I then followed up with the finer belts.
I then followed up with the leather wheel I made for my bench grinder.
DAMMIT MAN! This thing is sharp! I know me and I know that I will probably end up cutting something off or at the least, a few stitches!
This tool is awesome. Thanks Dogtown Darren for bringing this to my attention.

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That edge looks great. Nice job

 

[Joshua223]

Ken Onion WS
Very happy with it. I read all the instructions and did some cheaper knives before trying my nicer knives.

Stones and a ceramic stick for honing work well for me on pocket knives and kitchen stuff.

In my wood shop I use norton water stones starting with 600 grit and going to 8000. Wood cutting tools need a mirror finish and the stones do it without a lot of effort. If I pick up a tool that needs to be rehabilitated I start on a low speed grinder to keep from burning the metal. It’s satisfying to me to see what really sharp good steel can do in woodworking. Leaves a finish so smooth it doesn’t need sanding.

Hadn't thought about the finish they produce on the wood. Interesting...

 

[jeepnuts]

My first edge. Cheapest knife I had, was pretty dull. Super sharp now. The tip is the hardest part and i don’t think i did a very good job on the tip. Once you leave the guide you’re on your own and the belt can take the tip for a ride. Majority of the edge is very sharp, happy with it for my first attempt. Also hit the thumb stud with the belt at 20°

 

[BlackRifler42]

What’s the difference between the Ken Onion and the regular work shop? Is the price difference worth it?

 

[jeepnuts]

What’s the difference between the Ken Onion and the regular work shop? Is the price difference worth it?

I think the ken onion has wider belts. It also has adjustable angle guides and maybe a few other upgrades. Worth is a relative term, I suppose.

 

[CAMSDADDY]

I figure since there is a lot of experience with the Work sharp here I would resurrect this thread. Like the OP my wife has asked me what I want for Christmas and a knife sharpener is something I just haven't brought myself to buy. Is everyone still pleased with their Work sharp? Is the Ken Onion the model to buy?

 

[Moondog1]

I’m too cheap for that.
What are my alternate options?

1x30 belt sander from Harbor Freight and 400-1000 grit belts, then get a 1x30 leather honing belt. I've really gotten my money out of my little belt sander. It does take some practice to get that perfect angle though.

 

[troutman]

I figure since there is a lot of experience with the Work sharp here I would resurrect this thread. Like the OP my wife has asked me what I want for Christmas and a knife sharpener is something I just haven't brought myself to buy. Is everyone still pleased with their Work sharp? Is the Ken Onion the model to buy?

Ken Onion is definitely the one the get. I used mine quite a bit and it works great. Small learning curve. BUT, I finally decided to learn how to use the wet stones I bought years ago and pretty much use those now. The only exception is the ZT that I use at work. I abuse that knife and need to sharpen it quickly every few weeks so I use the WS for it.