Tips and Tricks for the Work Sharp Original Knife and Tool Sharpener

Here's a great video for learning how to get even more from the Work Sharp Original Knife and Tool Sharpener. Your old knives, shovels, mower blades, scissors, shears, and more can be sharper than the day you bought them!

[@94Sadek]

I'm really pleased with this! It works like a charm kzbin.infoUgkxDcr-y2Pf6xdnrFHrSP7dl9kpKaCozcSQ Takes less time than my old electric sharpener because it can take more off the knife faster, and then it smooths out nicely with the finer grit polisher. I don't know how long it will last before the grit wears away, but I wouldn't mind having to replace it every once in a while.

[@jordanmyers8594]

Understanding what a burr is and why it is important changed the game for me when sharpening. Thanks Work Sharp.

[@mikesharp4033]

One of the best, most detailed, tutorials I have ever seen. Thank you.

[@seccorps]

I ordered the Work Sharp on Saturday the 12th and received it on Monday the 14th of January. Great delivery. Very fast. I can't wait to use it. Thanks This is a great tutorial. He is easy to understand.

[@edwardirelan7676]

Thanks for the great video! I was struggling with deforming the blade and the tip. Cured that and now my knives are razor sharp

[@Dbarboza2]

I have to admit that I have had issues sharpening knives using guided rods, bench-stones and my Ken Onion edition belt sander. This video and the concept of raising a burr has been revolutionary for me! Thank you very much Work sharp.

[@patricktoohey8310]

Really helpful video. I've had one for two years and love it, never had sharper knives. This video took it to the next level for me, especially the burr.

[@flynlow4ever]

Finally, a great tutorial on how to properly use the WS!

[@hectoro5144]

Hello sir, today I sharpened my knives using one of your products, I love them, have a great day!

[@Paskanakki-Jack]

He looked so happy on the final sharpening when the blade cut the paper like it was nothing. I'm convinced. I'm getting one.

[@chrislamo6631]

I just bought one its great. I tuned up an old Buck knife, in minutes it was like a scalpel.

[@JoaoPereiraJBP]

@@chrislamo6631 how about the belts? My only concern is if they last long enough so I don't have to buy more, or they get to a point that don't sharpen the blade anymore and you have to get new ones? Are there replacements belts for sale?

[@charliemartin5482]

I bought belts where i got my Worksharp .

[@steveniemyer9288]

@@JoaoPereiraJBP The belts last a fairly long time. My original box of belts lasted me about two years. I sharpen about 20 knives about every three months. Now if you have extremely dull knives your experience maybe different. The belts I go through the quickest are the honing belts. When I replace belts I purchase the variety box with the green, red and purple belts, and I purchase an additional box of just purple belts. You can get the belts on Amazon or at the big box stores that sell the sharpeners.

[@kevina4674]

@@steveniemyer9288 want to save money on them honing belts? Go on Amazon and get the leather strop belt! It’s amazing! Once you have the blade sharp... all you have to do is touch it once a week or so with just the strop. Depending on how much you use the knife and how sharp you like to keep it. I don’t have to use any belt but the strop now. Edit: only use the strop on the front part of the blade guide. So as the belt is going downward on the blade. I get the best results that way. And even if you don’t want to spend the ten bucks on the strop... keep that fine belt even after it turns black. And just put some white compound on it. Your gonna need more strokes. But it will still do it’s job nicely. I have not bought belts for mine since I bought it. Have had it probably over two years now. Found it at Lowe’s for 17 dollars!

[@frankhopkins7032]

Thank you for this video!! Had the work sharp for years and always had good results so was looking to see any tips since for some reason my hunting knives weren't getting as sharp as what I felt they should be. Also the masking tape was a great tip since I've scratched some really nice knives. Thanks again!

[@steveniemyer9288]

I bought one of these when they first came out a few years ago. The instructions that came with it are far different than what is being presented here. I also believe the original belts were different. The original red belts threw sparks and seemed much more aggressive. The reason I searched out this video is because I purchased new belts and they just don’t seem to be the same. I went from being able to produce razor sharp knives to sharp enough knives. After watching this video and following his instructions with the new belts I’m back to razor sharp knives.

[@1999Valkyrie]

This video is a game changer, in a positive way! Great job, Work Sharp!

[@rcbuell]

Incredibly professional and very informative. The smile at 12+53 sums it all up.

[@davidfeld22]

Super informative and instructive. I love this sharpener. As important a piece of gear as any knife in the drawer. Thank you, very much.

[@keithfawbush517]

Very helpful information! Thanks, Work Sharp!

[@riclopez8698]

Thanks for the "tips" I love my worksharp and can get a real good, sharp blade but have noticed that I was starting to lose my tip, after this video I know what I was doing worng, Thank You..

[@charlesfredrick4789]

Thanks it was very informative I did not know about placing the blade in first then starting the machine I have an old sharade I'm going to have to redo

[@peternorthrup6274]

Just picked one up. It's real nice. I think it really helps to have some experience with a stone. I'm using your tool to save me time putting that razor sharp mirror polished finish on my blades after I use my stones. It's very easy to remove alot of steel real fast if your not careful. Just starting out use all of your junk knifes for practice. Then move on to your nice ones. Great video.

[@creativemillwork6408]

This is a very informative tutorial! Thanks.

[@benperea8483]

Awesome video...very informative...thank you for posting!

[@prst71]

I own the Ken Onion version. I sharpen everything from folding pocket knives to large butcher knives with this thing. they all come out with hair popping, paper cutting edges. Just like anything else, there is a learning curve. This video is a good place to start that curve. Start with a cheap beat up old knife and practice. I've sharpened hundreds of knives for myself and others. Never found one that I could not get sharp.

[@EdwinRiveraTheOneThatGotAway]

Ah Ha

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

With the KO model the spring loaded guide is there a certain way to hold the knife like pushing outwards vs not on the guide as I sharpen.

[@DrummerAybars]

Great video and great tips. Thank you 👍

[@nowakezoneforever6021]

Every owner, especially a new one like myself, should be required to watch this video. And, prerequisite to calling customer service, you should have to watch this video.

[@frogmandave1]

Absolutely correct. I ruined a tanto blade which now has a profile of a drop point blade once I ground the middle intersection completely away. My knife has a thin blade which does not rest against the guides. Lesson learned.

[@JC-ux7dz]

Amazing video. Very well done and super informative.

[@MustangGal004]

Ypu saved my life! I had no idea to 1 use any of the other sandpaper. I only used the brown. And I was getting jagged edges also not sharp. I used brown then purple and waaalaaa sliced like a piece of cheese. Thanks so much!!!!

[@blackrifle3742]

I got my belt sharpener, started working on a blade of mine, got it beautifully polished...and it wouldn't even cut cardboard. Was more dull then before. I had no concept of getting a burr then knocking it off to achieve sharpness. Thanks for the video, im sure it was in the instructions but who reads those lol.

[@gerardamitranno8837]

I own the Ken Onion machine and it's a step up from the original machine . I be been Sharpening knives for a long time with a stone as butcher , the Ken Onion machine is a no brainer . The difference between the original work sharp and the Ken Onion machine is the belt is wider . The machine does the job !!!!

[@DiegoAriasG]

What an awesome video and tips!!!!

[@mikeelek9713]

There are some great tips here, including stopping the belt when the blade is still in the center and the correct amount of pressure to apply.

[@BiteSizeMediaLLC]

I've had my Ken Onion for about a week. Love it, would definitely recommend it. My only complaint would be, I ran out of stuff to sharpen. Maybe my neighbors have some stuff.

[@michaelbattin6717]

great video! You helped me , I was scratching the blades of some nice blades'

[@kurttanner5855]

Dollar for dollar, best sharpener out there..

[@leomabry9388]

Excellent video.

[@garyrhodes5608]

Excellent job, with explanation! Keep up the great work👍✌♿👍

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Thank you! 👍

[@michaelhelton2394]

great video ,thank you

[@colinp2528]

Just bought one on sale at Cabela's for a good price. I wasn't expecting too much from it and only really bought it for cheap kitchen knives (it sharpened them up very well). I probably won't use it for my folders (at least with the guide) until I get more proficient with it. If a person follows the instructions in the video, you shouldn't have rounded tips, however, depending on the knife and thickness of the blade stock, you may start to put a recurve on it, so keep that in mind. I could be wrong (I remember I was wrong once a long time ago) but I think Benchmade uses these machines at knife shows to re-sharpen their knives for "walk-ups", so you may have had a knife sharpened on the WSKT and not even realize it.

[@GeorgeLCostnza]

Love when Robert De Niro puts these out.

[@BillRodgers2]

Another tip, I use mothers polish paste on my purple belt I get a mirror finish edge that will pop hairs quick

[@papageo5]

Me too!

[@fast2valve559]

Run it down a leather strap to finish the edge if you want to be able to shave your face with it.

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

I’d give a tip, but the Work Sharp rounded it off 🙄

[@reeb9016]

@@rifleshooterchannel208 Did you stop in the middle, as per instruction, or did you pull all the way?

[@rifleshooterchannel208]

Ree B Used as per the written directions and after watching multiple videos from this channel. The Work Sharp is a scam.

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

Ive got a Ontario with the swedge that's sharp as well . can i use this to sharpen that too

[@abdrahim1051]

Its a workable system, learning curve can be challenging. With a motorised system a mistake can damage a blade very quickly. I am currently using a Lansky system and considering to aquire a Wicked Edge Go. I prefer a controlled unmachnined system. Its my preferance.

[@pyrorye-80]

Had a wicked edge. Not an easy setup and for sure not fast. Takes forever to break the stones in too. If the knife has a tappered blade it becomes a bitch to mount it in the same position everytime. Point is every system has its negatives

[@joshuajacob6402]

Why don't you learn how to speak correctly before making comments about your preference in sharpening systems.

[@EndureSurvive93]

Any tips on sharpening a tanto blade and keeping the profile factory correct? I sharpened mine today and deformed it a bit.. do I just need steadier hands? Do you stop at each edge of the blade? (Since tantos have 2 edges technically)

[@edgeGabe]

I would like to know if the blade face can be polished with a high micron belt and if the shoulders can be brought down along the face with this sharpener?

[@RBKathletics]

How can a burr be on both sides? I understand getting the first burr. Then same strokes on the other side and there should be another burr on both sides?

[@MerriweatherMcWiggan]

Very good video

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

What about The X45 Belt the description said it is for the initial Convex shaping ..

[@danielswinger2986]

How do I sharpen a blade with an uneven cutting edge? I have a crkt with a larger flat spot on one side

[@sascotttx5145]

Pulling a knife through the angled guide has the belt moving in one direction on one side of the blade and in the opposite direction on the other side. Is it important that opposite sides receive opposite belt directions? I ask this because I use my Work Sharp to sharpen a lot of machetes and I have built a jig to hold the machetes and end up with the belt traveling the same direction on both sides.

[@1ronhall]

Thanks for the video!! I’ve watched a ton, and yours is the only one to start & stop the unit with the knife in place. I learned something .... so thanks!

[@kevinbarker4696]

My first work sharp came with a polishing compound to use with the honing belt. I don't see it being used in any videos or did it come with my second work sharp purchase. Is there a reason why it's not being used??

[@johngreen5837]

How do you get the edge back to center of the blade?

[@arturorodriguez8832]

Do you hve to stop the belt every time?

[@harveybeekerthegreysquirre8262]

Could I use the 6000 grit Extra fine Belt on this sharpener or the 12000

[@SurvivalSpec]

I got the original Work Sharp and the Ken Onion and haven’t even touched the Ken Onion. The original is still amazing.

[@trentenstanley4864]

So get a burr with the red 220 then finish off with the purple?

[@bobpeebles3781]

Why am I no longer able to order the knife, scissor, etc attachment for the work sharp 3000?

[@robertreyes4391]

after a few knife shapenings that 25 degree guard is not true. the knife begins to cut into it. no matter how light you press it doesnt matter.

[@wolfman011000]

Not knocking the product at all, but i practiced with cheap chinese made knives first rather than my benchmade or spyderco's. It made it easier to learn without any worry of messing up my favorite knives. Thanks for the video, take care, God bless one and all.

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Thanks for sharing that tip. It's something we recommend as well. This is a power tool, both very capable and we recommend practice to get the best results.

[@lifeisgood070]

He always pulls the tool up in the Z direction when pulling across

[@tudstv1473]

Where can i buy that machine here in the phillippines

[@MannysCorner]

Will this sharpen a bushcraft knife with a scandi grind on it?

[@danielruthven2739]

Its funny all these people complaining about this thing rounding off the tips of knives. I've actually used this thing to grind tips back on at least three different knives that had the tips broken off.

[@riclopez8698]

@Semper Skeptical that was me, until I watched this video. I want complaining I came here to know why "I" was rounding my tip, I now know.. BTW thanks for your service..

[@spwan10]

How do you sharpen chisel ground blades on it

[@mirandalaren9120]

Hello, I'm new around here, I just started doing leatherwork in my downtime and I've been doing slightly better than mediocre work. My only hang up being... I spend more money on replacing blades with new rather than sharpening old ones. I guess you can say I'm scared/nervous/apprehensive to sharpen because my worry is I won't do it right and my cuts will be sloppy. I started looking around on the KZbin for how-to videos and after watching yours, I'll tell you.. there is a lot of bad bad information out there. Have you guys thought about doing a 'reaction' type video. I'd love to hear what you have to say about the way some of the other people (your "competition") are doing this. ... I feel like a lot of other people would too and I'd be willing to bet the first wallet I made, it will save some people a trip to the E.R if they know where to find the correct information. This isn't exactly the most exquisite of talents, although it is extremely overlooked but its definitel not complicated enough to require 'hacks' lol just a thought. Keep up the good and safe content boys. -m

[@floriansch45]

Whats the name of the Benchmade Osborne at begining!?

[@kurttanner5855]

A can of compressed air helps with cleaning

[@tamrattesema1647]

How do you get this simple machine, and how much the cost ?

[@paulcolburn1208]

Is that NIB black sabbath in the background?

[@sluggerwest3414]

I thought I made a mistake buying this compared to the ken onion work sharp but doesn't seem so bad compared to some reviews I read . Been sharpening knives long enough . I know thing take some practice

[@randyclark7540]

How can I tell when I need a new belt?

[@spwan10]

I know u said it can fit any profile but what about a Karambit

[@zeetrain9625]

I still have mine after all these years, only sharpener I use..

[@JoeMama-vj8es]

I bought one but moved on to the sandpaper freehand method.

[@ivansivadon4692]

Merci

[@nono559]

How flush is the knife against the guide?

[@MrGrxxx123]

These machines work!!! Razor shave sharrppp!!

[@gerrymurphy9524]

So I have always followed the directions where they have you starting with the red band 120 and then working your way down each band from there, but I saw another one of the Work Sharp videos where the go from the red band to the 6000 grit right away. Which is correct? If you go from the red, heavy grit, to the medium grit next aren't you still removing more metal still with the medium grit? Is using each band from heavy to all the way down to 6000 overkill? Thanks for your help. It seemed I got better results using the heavy grit to get a burr and then going right to the 6000 grit.

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Using all of the belts will create a different edge than using the coarse belt and skipping to the fine 6000. This is primarily preference and not a matter of better or best. Starting with coarse grit and skipping straight down to fine will leave small teeth in the edge, which may cut more like a saw, and increase durability of the edge as some teeth may fold or bend but others remain sharp. Using all of the belts will yield a more polished edge. The level of refinement will be higher and the final result may be technically sharpener, however also considered more delicate and may not hold up as well with high use. Using two belts certainly saves time and is my preferred method.

[@gradyrogers6707]

where too buy. ?

[@mikefarinella5268]

Hey, thanks man.

[@PBS-nm1uu]

where can i get the machine ?? and what is the correct name ??

[@themodernadventurer4320]

Worked out wonderful, thanks. For those who are rounding of the tip just listen to the man and pay attention. First time using it for me and it worked flawlessly. Get yourself a basic understanding of tools and handy work or get back in the kitchen. Yes it will burn through metal quick, try and use the smoothest belt, and if not go down to a coarser one. Also keep a bucket of water handy, don’t want to ruin the knife’s heat treat. After using this I can also say that this is not for regular sharpening, but instead to add a fresh flawless edge every couple of times a year, unless you have a beater edc or heavy duty tool. Touch up the blade with a stone, honing, and leather polish as much as possible. Otherwise, great product 👍

[@johngreen5837]

I love mine, but I'm left handed and have to hold the machine backwards. I'm still getting the dent back by the tang

[@MrPhins]

Same. Being a lefty with this is a major pain.

[@charlie1571]

Me too my friend. I have finally got the hang of it and I love using it. Sometimes being left handed can be a curse.

[@yogibear5809]

One of the better videos I have seen with WK onion edition

[@BeardedBaldGuy87]

This isn't the onion

[@frankhopkins7032]

@Work Sharp Shapeners Just tried the burr...Should there be a burr on only one side?

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

The burr will form on one side, then repeat the same number of passes on the opposing side and a burr will form on the other side - but only one side at a time. The burr signifies that you have reached the apex of the edge.

[@ericsmith223]

Should you feel a bur on both sides?

[@bwax1542]

More useful tips

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Tell the public when do you use 20 degrees compare to 25 degrees I find this always a question asking my self ?

[@gerrymurphy9524]

I was confused when trying to get a burr. So the burr actually occurs on the opposite side of the knife you are sharpening, correct? If I was sharpening the right side of the blade, the burr would be on the left since you are essentially push the metal with the red belt. Does that make sense. Thanks

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Good question, yes! The burr is pushed over from the side you are sharpening and forms on the opposing side of the bevel. You got it, hopefully this unlocks the next level of sharpening.

[@gerrymurphy9524]

@@WorkSharpOutdoor Thank you. Yes I did confirm that from a different video also.

[@airmojo]

So right off, I noticed the sharpener is being held with the handle and belt perpendicular to one's body, instead of parallel in the instructional video... I always held it parallel... does it matter ? I've had my WS Sharpener for several years... good too watch some new videos on using this tool !

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Great question - it doesn't matter. We showed it like this to help give a better camera angle. Do what's comfortable for you, the only really important part is where the knife makes contact with the abrasive.

[@sstanko19]

How do you avoid rounding the tips of your knives while using this? I’ve had the og worksharp for a few years and have lost a few knives to that. Any pointers?

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Make sure and stop with the knife tip still in contact with the belt that way the belt cant wrap around the tip of the knife which can cause some rounding over time. Good new is, stopping on the belt will start to restore your tip!

[@robertreyes4391]

Wait till you really look at your knives and you notice the heal of your blades where never sharpened. The newer system is a little better but only with the extra attachment you have to purchase.

[@eblackbrook]

10:40...the red 220 grit? I guess your belt colors have changed since this video was made. The belts that came with the one I just bought have 120 red, and the 220 is gray.

[@TheMajor2257]

I've had mine for a few years and never really used it with any consistency because of rounding of the tips. I drug it out a few days ago to try to figure it out again. I got to where I could do better with it but when you get to the tip it is unsupported by the guide and you have to kinda hafta "freehand" the angle of the tip. If you watch the video closely, you will see him do this. He's pretty good at keeping the angle consistent but you can see him lift up when the tip looses the support of the guide. That, folks, is what makes it so hard to use with consistent results.

[@fast2valve559]

Is a rolled edge what your referring to as a burr?

[@57strub]

Yes

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

A rolled edge can feel the same as a burr but a rolled edge happens because of pressure on the edge of the blade, a burr is formed when restoring an edge. Metal is pushed from one side and across the dull edge and then forms a burr on the opposing side, this is a physical indicator that the dull portion of the knife is now gone. Then repeat the same number of strokes on the other side to maintain symmetrical bevel height.

[@UserFormelyKnownAs_hjkh]

I have one of rhese and it works great. My only complaint is that i dont use it much because it has managed to round off the tip of every knife ive sharpened, extremely disappointed in this

[@lifeisgood070]

oh wow good to know. no more tips? Any way to get them back?

[@EdwinRiveraTheOneThatGotAway]

"Ah-Oh"Thanks.

[@milwaukeegregg]

serrated blades?

[@stephenlnoe]

Serrated knife?

[@arwenblackcloak]

My Work Sharp just ruined two of my edc blades by putting a recurve into them and dulling the edge for no reason. An Ontario RAT II in Aus-8 and a TOPS UTE in 1095. Took my time, followed the angle guides and watched and read probably 100 things before trying it out could not get a burr and the one time I did the honing grit belt dulled the blade to nothing after two strokes per side. Maybe mine is defective because it's just ridiculous I've never seen anyone else have issues.

[@WorkSharpOutdoor]

Thanks for saying something - Your experience with our tools is extremely important to us. A few things to keep in mind: Rest the knife in the guide THEN, SIMULTANEOUSLY, power on and begin drawing the knife through. This will prevent creating a recurve shape. Sharpen one side at a time, 3-5 strokes on one side, then feel the opposite side for a burr. Then repeat the same number of strokes on the opposing side. Use the fine belt to remove the burr. At first, the burr may feel sharp, and the first stroke on the fine belt may create a dull feeling, however, it is only dulling the burr as it removes that bit of material. Alternate strokes on the fine belt and do as many as 10 strokes per side to refine the edge. If you have any questions get in touch with our customer service team, they will walk you through step by step.

[@KirkDickinson]

I don’t understand why the directions say to stop the belt on the tip... why not just leave it running and pull all the way through?