The Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener

DivotMaker

New member
So, Saturday morning, awhile back, I'm drinking coffee and channel surfing.  Normally, I skim right over anything that even smells like an "infomercial."  I passed the Outdoor Channel, and they were talking about the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener.

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Hmm... I have tried about every knife sharpener known to man, but this looks different.  With the users demonstrating the sharpener, it actually looked like a well-designed tool that just might work like they say!  Impressed as I was, I did not succumb to the call to "Buy Now!" of the infomercial, but instead headed to the computer!

What I discovered was that the sharpener is made by a company called Darex, started in 1973, in Beecher, Illinois.  They have Darex industrial drill sharpeners, own the Drill Doctor line of home DIY drill sharpeners, and own Work Sharp.  OK, I thought, this might be legit!

I stepped out, with the $99 "TV Offer" and ordered the sharpener.  Money-back guarantee, so I thought "what the heck!"  The TV special includes the tool, as well as:

  • FREE DVD – Secrets to “Shaving Sharp” knives  ($10 Value)
  • FREE – Field Hone / Touch-Up Sharpener ($19.95 Value)
  • FREE – One set of belts ($15 Value)
  • FREE – Tote Bag ($16 Value)
  • FREE S&H ($13 Value)
90 Day Money Back Guarantee
My wife, just rolled her eyes, and knew she had no choice but to sit back and watch.  lol.  Guess that's why she's stuck with me almost 30 years!

So what happened when it arrived?

Expecting my usual disappointment with a "sight unseen" purchase like this, I wasn't expecting what I received.  First, the package arrived in good condition, within about 4 business days (ships from Oregon).  Secondly, everything was included in the package!

I was impressed with the construction of the sharpening tool.  It's essentially a belt sander, with custom knife and tool guides that attach to it.  I watched the tips video, and ready to sharpen some knives!
Using the appropriate guides (which install and uninstall very easily - just slip them over the belt area), I got out every knife in my kitchen, and got down to business.  You do a few passes, on each side of the blade, with the 220 grit belt, then change the belt to the 6000 grit "honing" belt to finish them off.  The belt change is very quick and simple.

Wow.  Pretty much says it all!  I had a bunch of knives sharpened, to a very sharp edge, in a matter of minutes!  I'd say it took no more than 1-2 minutes per knife.  With the multiple-angle guides you get, finding the right one is easy.  I now run my knives through even faster, since I know which guide to use!
Here is a product that actually works as advertised.  I'm not an affiliate sponsor, or anything like that, but (like with SI), a satisfied owner!  The sharpener is easy to setup, easy to use, and produces great results!  It even comes with 80 grit belts for sharpening tools (mower blades, axes, etc.).  Needless to say, I believe this will (finally) be the last knife sharpener I buy!  And, that makes my wife smile, too! ;)

http://www.worksharptools.com/work-sharp-knife-and-tool-sharpener-infomercial-us-only.html

Let me also explain why else I'm impressed with this sharpener:  Ease of use.  I have been working with tools since I was a boy, and know how to put a razor-sharp edge on anything from knives, to planer blades, to obscure things like gravers.  I have spent countless hours with every kind of sharpening stone you can imagine, and smelling like cutting oil.  While yes, there is a great deal of satisfaction in producing a finely-honed edge on a cutting instrument, by hand, there is also satisfaction that I can produce an edge that serves my needs, in a fraction of the time!  So, I like this sharpener for the same reason I love SI smokers; I don't have time for the process, I just want the results!  With this, the results are a short step from the process!
 
Another gadget, I may have to purchase.

DM, same boat with wife rolling eyes about my purchase habits.  Rolled eyes on smokin-it smoker, but now she is a believer.
 
es1025 said:
DM, same boat with wife rolling eyes about my purchase habits.  Rolled eyes on smokin-it smoker, but now she is a believer.

Hehe...yeah.  Mine rolls her eyes, but knows my purchases usually pan out, so she takes a "wait and see" approach now! 8)
 
I watched the infomercial last night and it looks like a pretty cool device. I would like one, but any extra dollars for me are saving for an Auber now that I have my Jerky Dryer, Seafood racks, and Victoronix Slicing knife purchased.
 
I know a guy that did the same thing you did. Watched the info on outdoor channel and took a chance and ordered it. He swears by it as well so this just confirmed what he told me that it is a good investment. I will def be asking santa for this! Thanks for the review  :)
 
Thanks, Lance.  Nice to hear some "independent confirmation!"  I know my review sounds a little like an infomercial, but it's not.  lol.  Couldn't be happier with the chance I took!
 
Properly done knives should only need the edges reset (sharpened) one a year. the remainder of the time they should be honed or trued before each major use. That is typically done on a steel sometimes called a honing knife. I have not watched the infomercial yet but I a apprehensive to grind away my investment. I took about $3,000. in knives to Northwestern Cutlery and let the pros do them for $3.50 each. I spent $45 for their services but likley wont need it again for a year or more. I nearly have a seizure thinking about taking my or my fathers Randall Made to a power-belt myself. That's $800 just in those two blades.

I hope it servers you well, I will pass and leave it to the pros.
 
Pork Belly said:
I hope it servers you well, I will pass and leave it to the pros.

If I had $3k worth of knives, I might think twice, too, Brian!  Yikes!  Like I said, this is not for everyone, and knew I'd draw some fire from the purists out there (no offense - I totally understand your position).  This is just an easy solution for those of us who don't have really high $ knives, and just want a sharp blade, with convenience.  I do "touch ups" with the 6000 grit honing belt, not the grinding belt.  It's so soft, you wouldn't think it does anything, but it polishes the edge nicely.
 
I wasn't trying to brag I bought some inherited others. Some are hand made hunting knives Randall Made, and Olsen. The Randal's have doubled in value since buying them. Others are custom hunters that were gifted to my kids from their god-father. I have a mixed set of forged Henckels also.

Your right, it is likely a good tool for average kitchen cutlery.
 
Oh, that wasn't bragging, Brian!  Just sounds like you're proud of some really fine cutlery - no harm in that!  Sounds like a set anyone would be envious of!  Like I said, I'd think twice about using it on knives like those, but it's great on the El Cheapo knives I have. lol.
 
I've got the Ken Onion edition. Had it for over a year now.  Love it!  I sharpen all my knives and as it turns out, all my friends knives!  I'm very happy with it!
 
Hi Tony, I have found this sharpener at Northern Tool, theirs is a little pricy for the kit like you purchased. But, I can get just the sharpener, belts, cd and instruction book for $79.00. I really do not need the ceramic honing tool as I have a butcher steel nor do I need the bag. Just a question about the ceramic honing tool would you say is the same as a butcher steel?? But, am off as need to sharpen some knives.. Mine are all Chicago cutlery pretty good knives but not real expensive... That and the lawn mower blade if and when winter decides to leave. Thanks, Bill
 
I have had the work sharp Ken Onion edition for a few years and love it. Just got the blade grinding attachment at Christmas but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I highly recommend these machines and would suggest that you spend the extra $20-30 to get the Ken Onion edition as there are several improvements including thicker belts and variable speed.
 
Libohunden said:
I have had the work sharp Ken Onion edition for a few years and love it. Just got the blade grinding attachment at Christmas but haven't had a chance to use it yet. I highly recommend these machines and would suggest that you spend the extra $20-30 to get the Ken Onion edition as there are several improvements including thicker belts and variable speed.

I can not comment on the Ken Onion Edition but I do have the standard Work Sharp sharpener and I can tell you it is the best, fastest, and easiest sharpener I have ever owned. I will warn you though, once everyone sees how sharp your knives are you will be getting many requests to sharpen their knives as well!
 
Jimmys right. I have become the designated knife sharpener for all of my family and friends.

The great thing is that I'm not worried about dulling my knife on something anymore as putting another razor sharp, mirrored & honed edge is just a few easy minutes away!
 
I was at Cabela's today, and see they are carrying the full line, including the Ken Onion models.  Prices were in-line, too.  Bought a pack of belts for mine.
 
Never heard of this sharpener until I read this thread, I'm stopping at my local Rockler shop on teh way home tonight to grab the Ken Onion sharpener, can't wait!!!!! :)
 
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