Work Sharp knife & tool question

mdpatterson · 09-13-2013, 04:49

I was brave enough to hit up the gun show last weekend, and had my knife sharpened by a guy selling a small electric tool called the Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener: http://www.worksharptools.com/

I've watched/read and tried to absorb as much as I could from all the tips Mr. Harsey has given free of charge, but even calling myself a novice in this area would be a stretch.

I was amazed at how sharp this guy got my EDC beat up blade in a very short amount of time. He did say there was a collaboration with Ken Onion and this machine, but didn't give much more info than that. Looking at the website, I now see.

My question to all the knife makers here is a very simple one, what are your thoughts on this machine for a person like myself. I know it is nothing compared to what you guys use, and could probably get the same or better results with no machine at all, but I don't share that skill set. They describe it as anyone can use it and get the same results, but that's where I'm a skeptic. The machine obviously works (I can shave with this blade), but was it the machine that worked or the user behind the machine that made it work?

Price point isn't bad, but wanted to get some actual opinions from you guys that do this for a living or even as a hobby. Worst case scenario, I bring all my knives that need sharpening to the show once or twice a year as he does the sharpening for free

.

Thanks in advance for all opinions,

Mike

Irishsquid · 09-13-2013, 06:52

I still sharpen all my knives with stone, steel, and a strop. I can shave with any of them, and I don't have to spend much time to keep 'em just about perfect...

As for the machine, I've never used one, but just from looking at it, it doesn't look like there will be a lot of user input...appears to be all guided. The downside there is you don't have the flexibility in honing angle that a stone gives you. On the surface, it looks like it should give a good edge without a lot of time or expertise needed. It won't give a perfect edge, but in order to do that, you have to put in a lot of practice.

My only worry with any kind of grinder for sharpening is the effect of the heat on the temper of the blade...I'm just barely starting to learn about blacksmithing/bladesmithing, but I would think that heat can't be a good thing...

mdpatterson · 09-13-2013, 07:39

Thank you. I wish I had the skill to use simple tools and get it done, but I have managed to screw up a blade worse than it started using a simple pull through Benchmade tool. If I had the time to practice more, maybe I could eventually get it, but I don't. If this machine does the magic it says it does, it is definitely for me. If it requires the user to be fairly skilled already, it's not going to serve much purpose for my needs.

Again, I appreciate all the input I can get and thanks in advance to all who respond.

Mike

longrange1947 · 09-13-2013, 09:19

The worksharp is mainly for sharpening dinged chisels, plane blades, etc. final honing is done on stone, though I use diamond plates (lazy). I would not use the worksharp on a good knife as it will take it down really fast. It is designed to reform bevels on wood working tools, lathe and caarving tools, etc.

As far a skill in sharpening, it is nothing but time spent to build that skill. I have a bunch of chisels, plane irons, and gouges that I can let you practice on.

Leozinho · 09-13-2013, 22:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by longrange1947

The worksharp is mainly for sharpening dinged chisels, plane blades, etc. final honing is done on stone, though I use diamond plates (lazy). I would not use the worksharp on a good knife as it will take it down really fast. It is designed to reform bevels on wood working tools, lathe and caarving tools, etc.

As far a skill in sharpening, it is nothing but time spent to build that skill. I have a bunch of chisels, plane irons, and gouges that I can let you practice on.

There are at least two different types of Worksharp sharpeners. I think the OP is talking about the one that's basically a mini-belt grinder, not the one to sharpen chisel grinds.

OP -look into convex grinds, as that's what you are creating with the Worksharp. Personally I'd buy the $40 Harbor Freight 1x42 (I think that's the length.) I'm on my fone or I'd provide a link. You can get a wide range of grits andleather belts for it. Knifemaker Jerry Hossom has a tutorial on convex sharpening on a 1x42.

http://www.knifeforums.com/forums/sh...hp?tid/776367/

mdpatterson · 09-14-2013, 00:16

It is basically a small belt grinder with a couple of guides and three different grit types. I appreciate all the input.

Mike