Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife Sharpener

[RStock521]

I purchased a Ken Onion edition Work Sharp based on the glowing reviews on here, and the post by Gunflint put be over the edge to grab one.  I absolutely love this thing.  I compared my Rapala fillet knife that I sharpened on it, to a brand new Rapala fillet knife, and the Worksharp sharpened knife was significantly sharper. It's like a razor blade.  I can finally fillet fish like you see the pro's do where they barely run the knife along the fish to cut it up.

My quesiton is, do you guys recommend aftermarket belts, or should I just stick with the $15 package of official Worksharp replacements that you can buy on Amazon or wherever.  If you do use the aftermarket ones, do you have a brand or certain grits you should use?   I saw someone recommend Econoway Abrasives, but you have to select the size and type of material, then the grit.  I don't know about knife sharpening to know what material is best for general sharpening of knives.  Just curious what belts you guys all use.  Thanks!

[Gunflint]

I purchased a Ken Onion edition Work Sharp based on the glowing reviews on here, and the post by Gunflint put be over the edge to grab one.  I absolutely love this thing.  I compared my Rapala fillet knife that I sharpened on it, to a brand new Rapala fillet knife, and the Worksharp sharpened knife was significantly sharper. It's like a razor blade.  I can finally fillet fish like you see the pro's do where they barely run the knife along the fish to cut it up.

My quesiton is, do you guys recommend aftermarket belts, or should I just stick with the $15 package of official Worksharp replacements that you can buy on Amazon or wherever.  If you do use the aftermarket ones, do you have a brand or certain grits you should use?   I saw someone recommend Econoway Abrasives, but you have to select the size and type of material, then the grit.  I don't know about knife sharpening to know what material is best for general sharpening of knives.  Just curious what belts you guys all use.  Thanks!

Isn't it amazing??

I bought a couple of sets of the branded belts and then I also bought a 3rd party leather polisher that works great.

Glad you like it. 

[RStock521]

Isn't it amazing??

I bought a couple of sets of the branded belts and then I also bought a 3rd party leather polisher that works great.

Glad you like it. 

  I absolutely love it.  I find myself looking for stuff to try to sharpen lol  I've got my little keychain leatherman multitool razor sharp with this thing.  I wish I hadn't waited so long to grab one to be honest.  I tried stones, lansky, chefmate and I'm sure a few others and the Work Sharp is by far the easiest and most effective one for me.  I sound like I'm beign paid to post this lol  I'm no knife expert, but I do appreciate a sharp knife.  I just didn't have the time or patience to learn the stone technique.

[stitch]

Just got mine for xmas.sharpened everything in the house.money well spent.my rapala fillet knife has never been so sharp and im pretty good with a stone.some good videos on youtube about tips and troubleshooting.enjoy.

[shiveringjoe]

I am definitely going to get one soon, glad to see another glowing review. My pair of whetstones are getting pretty worn down and replacing those is most of the cost of a work sharp. Is it difficult to keep a straight  edge on a large chef's knife?

[stitch]

Large knives are easy .the onion edition has a guide for large blades.

[vanhln]

What's the difference between Ken Onion edition and regular?

[Seamonkey84]

Damnit man, can’t you let the itch subside before bringing it up again!  I’ve been using the Lansky system for years, and have been pleased with it but it takes a bit to set up and can’t get and even edge on my longer blades, or get a shaft tip without re setting the blade in the grip.

[Gunflint]

Damnit man, can’t you let the itch subside before bringing it up again!  I’ve been using the Lansky system for years, and have been pleased with it but it takes a bit to set up and can’t get and even edge on my longer blades, or get a shaft tip without re setting the blade in the grip.

 

[Unclegillhunter]

I don’t have the KO edition. I have the regular one. Love it! Used the lansky for  lots of years! Some knives had to wait for sharpening till I could set aside a couple of hours to spare. Now if my wife’s favorite needs a touch up plug it in and hand it back to her! So if anyone is on the fence I say get it!
Keep it safe! JDL

[badger132]

The KO edition is variable speed, and has more adjustments for angle. I use the regular, and it does everything I need. I even sharpen auger blades.

Smart@ss answer: About 50 bucks!

 

[Gunflint]

The KO edition is variable speed, and has more adjustments for angle. I use the regular, and it does everything I need. I even sharpen auger blades.

Smart@ss answer: About 50 bucks!

 

I liked the smart@ss answer...

[russelln114]

Love mine.

[GreeceMonkey]

Yup it’s a good buy. I’ve also used it to sharpen my auger blades with pretty good luck.

[hawg]

I’ve never seen aftermarket belts. They are MUCH cheaper online than in Fleet( if they have them that day) or local stores.

[Gunflint]

I’ve never seen aftermarket belts. They are MUCH cheaper online than in Fleet( if they have them that day) or local stores.

Here is an aftermarket belt from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Knife-Sharpener-Sanding-Belts-Replacement/dp/B0811C6QYS/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1YD4IXMDMKOYG&keywords=work+sharp+belts&qid=1580337412&sprefix=work+sh%2Caps%2C591&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExUDRLTjVFOTAxV1BPJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNjExNDA3MkdHMk9MRDNPQzZMSiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTE4NTMyMUJGTlhFNjFPV0tJTCZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

Here is the leather belt:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4-x-12-Leather-Honing-Polishing-Belt-Fits-Ken-Onion-Work-Sharp/392459891265?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item5b606eb241:g:rPsAAOSwFZddp15n&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU2M43t%2F0KljOHvQtX4zbwm7%2FSuY9Dncnc8H%2Bm3PgZ1WPOCsCbjuhUyTDN8Sk%2B1eY4P3jo24vVXL7tWxHT3RtvaKY8RKl8vUniFzm8At3rgk432%2F18UtMWtV4iZ24lIcPb%2FDUxsmPLcH1ovMAw%2FxlleUj26xcPwAUptox6voN0ileZcbZayagwm6%2BvRiL6kXXrNLkJwRCKHp8hOn5LEXaioMkrcrByg8I9v62TV%2Fooj%2FcZmXreO0B8teYwTZCfrCY3l9reXPZwo0slmlOA43d9pAxhsmXnlfOHBal%2BAVxiQCeI3QPBhxBRl9cEeskYcjCgg242hKmFK4nf6wikyzKaT8pjfv0DaYa9h2dsVOfkSUFv8W0vM7tS3Tn2ZWOiHYecoUoa0eC1EI8NPIv6MBPf5IuYynTTKurPBRlutt%2B5FA0W6cfkGlAZiS7I7O8ABiq4py3JpMBjydqj1DCrSO7DAwBHLomk2WTWSjdgacOtciYEKV8sXRQo55U4eSHrOo%2BOLxSsJtLqUjTKSq7JKxm5fzZ8OWv3Hpo7jUNNQ1iGePz%2BaoUxlAMaRSTzLzsb2j6%2FB%2FdgNXRDtk%2Bkgx1Ml3E4gISXEbrE%2FhVtb9Z0X3nba1equOFB39JEMg0sqOpt%2BGiKfGl9S%2BXEtixsOWz9pbEwJEJ9QhnX0nIUYPgNHbIgMkj5KUTh4fDgghGkjVh5yT43OVnV8nySj%2F6JbySVLQAkOCWj2MDj5%2F7vwh5zfzbEO2w%3D%3D&checksum=3924598912650beeddf2bb3e46938d4fccc5e7cac5c6&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU2M43t%2F0KljOHvQtX4zbwm7%2FSuY9Dncnc8H%2Bm3PgZ1WPOCsCbjuhUyTDN8Sk%2B1eY4P3jo24vVXL7tWxHT3RtvaKY8RKl8vUniFzm8At3rgk432%2F18UtMWtV4iZ24lIcPb%2FDUxsmPLcH1ovMAw%2FxlleUj26xcPwAUptox6voN0ileZcbZayagwm6%2BvRiL6kXXrNLkJwRCKHp8hOn5LEXaioMkrcrByg8I9v62TV%2Fooj%2FcZmXreO0B8teYwTZCfrCY3l9reXPZwo0slmlOA43d9pAxhsmXnlfOHBal%2BAVxiQCeI3QPBhxBRl9cEeskYcjCgg242hKmFK4nf6wikyzKaT8pjfv0DaYa9h2dsVOfkSUFv8W0vM7tS3Tn2ZWOiHYecoUoa0eC1EI8NPIv6MBPf5IuYynTTKurPBRlutt%2B5FA0W6cfkGlAZiS7I7O8ABiq4py3JpMBjydqj1DCrSO7DAwBHLomk2WTWSjdgacOtciYEKV8sXRQo55U4eSHrOo%2BOLxSsJtLqUjTKSq7JKxm5fzZ8OWv3Hpo7jUNNQ1iGePz%2BaoUxlAMaRSTzLzsb2j6%2FB%2FdgNXRDtk%2Bkgx1Ml3E4gISXEbrE%2FhVtb9Z0X3nba1equOFB39JEMg0sqOpt%2BGiKfGl9S%2BXEtixsOWz9pbEwJEJ9QhnX0nIUYPgNHbIgMkj5KUTh4fDgghGkjVh5yT43OVnV8nySj%2F6JbySVLQAkOCWj2MDj5%2F7vwh5zfzbEO2w%3D%3D&checksum=3924598912650beeddf2bb3e46938d4fccc5e7cac5c6

Here is an aftermarket set:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/3-4X12-Inch-Assorted-Belt-Kit-With-Leather-Super-Strop-fits-Ken-Onion-Work-Sharp/283654271573?_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item420b1cb255:g:xQ0AAOSwrL9ds0jc&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU876HVcext%2FXDPzeNeiYTOYsbtXbLfpEjcEbltpegNRrX80sfUAY9fuHMFUH19gJqSGNGrD8DvbaLHhpRyQgjfcYHbWJNSkWZDBeVd8Bbl8FXJcbOuRlDKIFklGDHg7ncarulzPeccNWZg40pbb6wnwMevZCwA3givqm2BvLH6xhmRRcn%2BKzX%2B8M%2B8xvx%2FHMuVwZYUFpkhUsq13k9jVBqyrCKpNKlM5Q8Atx0QQ%2BE5YJ9sBAZhWaXlynFa2FzsKzPgFz8k4ZPi36KaUBnVEUjlqozjaucG%2BomYcy9%2FnDFCW5uoGc5pNxeqa2fmUxhvAqDn%2B5lfp1C52WSNqmyMpOl%2BUpyfpcoFt%2Bu8tAaNuzpYWTi%2Fnx6bfN5Ls3rmqTmma1UqS44AcyNuy11LQZirzd%2BpRpVCa6aRkY0oVi7jSf5CgRgeYx0Cb6%2FNOZcHN0ZOYpMO9XOj6ekrxCzjXz64n4Avxr%2FSAIAJzsj%2F3FS02nxltDfZka%2BoZIR%2B2a1jXvjFUP%2F7H5%2Blx5g24agfUN6lQeH69W9XwOp9uV%2FuVIHUhD2U1thok7NImOTVvg%2B9dsx%2BJipPKpHE6w0S8JR%2Bn%2BGMwZn1LG2cngpV6x3rZm20WSPtPigjJLPdVOM3vSG5W1UqPUH%2BZLn9OMag6kbGrzBxobwBzM2aPBT8SVJ0vLA3kGbcUtqJ%2F%2FJhj2CfiyYuiXWDdumblBAKsboMOGlZzqsr8uwXINzpPNfPYP9p4DpfDdpmkw%3D%3D&checksum=283654271573b4a9cdf4abe3439897f5ec568063f8f7&enc=AQAEAAACQBPxNw%2BVj6nta7CKEs3N0qU876HVcext%2FXDPzeNeiYTOYsbtXbLfpEjcEbltpegNRrX80sfUAY9fuHMFUH19gJqSGNGrD8DvbaLHhpRyQgjfcYHbWJNSkWZDBeVd8Bbl8FXJcbOuRlDKIFklGDHg7ncarulzPeccNWZg40pbb6wnwMevZCwA3givqm2BvLH6xhmRRcn%2BKzX%2B8M%2B8xvx%2FHMuVwZYUFpkhUsq13k9jVBqyrCKpNKlM5Q8Atx0QQ%2BE5YJ9sBAZhWaXlynFa2FzsKzPgFz8k4ZPi36KaUBnVEUjlqozjaucG%2BomYcy9%2FnDFCW5uoGc5pNxeqa2fmUxhvAqDn%2B5lfp1C52WSNqmyMpOl%2BUpyfpcoFt%2Bu8tAaNuzpYWTi%2Fnx6bfN5Ls3rmqTmma1UqS44AcyNuy11LQZirzd%2BpRpVCa6aRkY0oVi7jSf5CgRgeYx0Cb6%2FNOZcHN0ZOYpMO9XOj6ekrxCzjXz64n4Avxr%2FSAIAJzsj%2F3FS02nxltDfZka%2BoZIR%2B2a1jXvjFUP%2F7H5%2Blx5g24agfUN6lQeH69W9XwOp9uV%2FuVIHUhD2U1thok7NImOTVvg%2B9dsx%2BJipPKpHE6w0S8JR%2Bn%2BGMwZn1LG2cngpV6x3rZm20WSPtPigjJLPdVOM3vSG5W1UqPUH%2BZLn9OMag6kbGrzBxobwBzM2aPBT8SVJ0vLA3kGbcUtqJ%2F%2FJhj2CfiyYuiXWDdumblBAKsboMOGlZzqsr8uwXINzpPNfPYP9p4DpfDdpmkw%3D%3D&checksum=283654271573b4a9cdf4abe3439897f5ec568063f8f7

[RStock521]

But do you find the aftermarket belts work better than, or as good, as the Work Sharp ones?

I was looking at the Amazon ones, just not sure if they're as good of quality.

[Gunflint]

But do you find the aftermarket belts work better than, or as good, as the Work Sharp ones?

I was looking at the Amazon ones, just not sure if they're as good of quality.

Hard to tell. I really like the leather polishing belt.

[RStock521]

Hard to tell. I really like the leather polishing belt.

Okay cool.  May have to pick up one of those.  For $10, worth a try!

[OldSailor]

I got a Lansky for Christmas when my daughter asked me what I wanted . That was before I saw all the glowing reports on  the Work Sharp K.O. That is now on my list as it seems easier and quicker!

[robert.d12]

I got a Lansky for Christmas when my daughter asked me what I wanted . That was before I saw all the glowing reports on  the Work Sharp K.O. That is now on my list as it seems easier and quicker!

I like my work sharp K. O. better than the classic Lansky system, but I like my Lansky four rod turn box better than the work sharp.  I can get knives just as sharp or sharper and it fits in my pocket without using electricity.  You may want to try one for $20 and at least keep it in your truck or tackle box. 

[OldSailor]

I like my work sharp K. O. better than the classic Lansky system, but I like my Lansky four rod turn box better than the work sharp.  I can get knives just as sharp or sharper and it fits in my pocket without using electricity.  You may want to try one for $20 and at least keep it in your truck or tackle box.

I plan on using both!!

[JonPerry]

When I bought mine I went straight to the aftermarket belts. I don't see much of a difference other than brand. the cost savings will keep me going back once I run low. I believe I got mine on Ebay.

[hawg]

Just checked aftermarket belts for my regular Work Sharp and they were less than a dollar cheaper than what I paid at Fleet just last week. Might as well get the real ones.

[Icefisher1110]

I keep looking at picking one up and now you guys are making me want to even more

[grababrewski]

I've bought belts from Econaway Abrasives. I get the 0.75" x 12".
Another trick I learned was to take a worn out belt and put it on inside out. Makes a great hone.

[kayl]

I keep looking at picking one up and now you guys are making me want to even more

Same here, I've been holding out, telling myself that my Sharpmaker is good enough for me, but I'm losing willpower!

[slipperybob]

I kind of want to upgrade my worksharp to the K.O. version. 

[RStock521]

I've bought belts from Econaway Abrasives. I get the 0.75" x 12".
Another trick I learned was to take a worn out belt and put it on inside out. Makes a great hone.

  If you don't mind sharing, which do you buy?  I see there are a few different types of materials you can choose, and at all the different grits.  I'm just not sure what material/grit combos are best.  Thanks!

[Rugburn]

I like and have used the lansky for many years. Just picked up the KO worksharp and love it, much faster. Did all the knives in the house in record time. Looked at MSC for after market belts, only found coarser grade.