My kids got me an Amazon gift card for Christmas and I want to buy me a new knife sharpener. I've used a Lansky for years with decent results but I think I want to try one of the Work Sharp models. Here's my question, why is the Ken Onion model (WSKTS-KO) 129 dollars and the other model (WSKTS) 69 dollars? Is the difference just to pay for this guys name on it or is it a better unit? Thanks folks for any help and Merry Christmas!!! Baker

It's got a wider belt on it plus some dude's name.

I think...

I just got the regular one yesterday. Been sharpening the heck out of some kitchen knives, lol. I can't see the benefit of paying extra for a Ken Onion one, though.

Lanski makes a good one check on amazon

I believe the Ken Onion version gives you more options for sharpening angles while the original only gives you two options

True, the Ken Onion has adjustable degree settings. It's a better unit in my opinion.

Yep, the angle is adjustable on the Ken Onion, and the speed is adjustable.. But I bet they both work. I have have been using the Ken Onion since May 2015 with good results, but I'm not ready to put one of my custom knives on it yet. Oh yea, I'm not a pro either.

I have the regulare one and it works great!

Thanks for the advise guys, I bought the regular Work Sharp modlel so in a few weeks I'll likely be missing a finger ot two!!! Baker

you will like it...

I bought 2 of the ken onion models for my store and we sharpen for customers all the time with them...they very quickly get blades razer sharp. So sharp it will split hairs. It's easy to learn. You won't be disappointed at all

Hey folks I just want to follow up with a everyone. As I stated previously I bought the Work Sharp basic model and really spent some time with it this weekend. I've yet to sharpen any of my nicer blades but chose to practice on some old fillet knives as well as a two old skinners I've got. I'm pleased with the results and I would recommend it to anyone. All my old knives are once again razor sharp but I'm still not confident enough to put my good stuff on the belt yet! I will likely give this one to my son and upgrade to the Ken Onion model just for the wider belt. I'm left handed so it took me a while to get the feel for it right handed. It can also be used as a lefty but it's not set up for it. Just FYI Baker

If you don't want to mess up your fine blades cause you're not comfortable with belt grinding
then sharpener from WickedEdge is what you need

that's the brand I use for about 10 years now

https://www.wickededgeusa.com/product/pro-pack-ii/


this is what I have: $1800 and weighs 60-70 lbs

It's a fine sharpening machine for all fine blades


https://www.wickededgeusa.com/product/commercial-series/

The key to not messing up your tip or blade with the belt is keep the PROFILE of the knife LEVEL when you pull it through the guide, and of course keeping contact with the guide from the beginning to the end of the contact with the belt. Many try to dive the blade down vertically when they get to the part of the blade that curves up to the tip. This is what can end up grinding the tip off your blade or scratching it.

If you follow this simple procedure you will not scratch your blade or dull the tip. I have many custom knives and I sharpen them all with the regular work sharp without any issues.