Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System - Thoughts?

J

JayC783

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Nov 16, 2015
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I've been reading about different sharpening systems so much these past few days it makes my head spin. :D All I really have right now is the Smith's Two Stone Precision Sharpener that I got from Walmart. It's ok for what it is, I guess. It's a guide rod system that comes with a course diamond hone, and fine Arkansas stone hone. The clamp has four different degrees ranging from 20, 25, 30, and 35. On the couple knives I used it on, it definitely made an improvement. I just don't think I'm completely satisfied with it. I wish it had come with more hones. I wish I knew what I know now when I got it.

Anywho, I thought I wanted to get the Sharpmaker. However, after reading oodles of threads about it here I'm not completely sold on it. The Wicked Edge and Edge Pro are out. They just cost too much, especially for the few knives I have. I don't have anything expensive. I thought I wanted the Lansky Deluxe Diamond Stone setup, but again, after reading threads on here I wasn't completely sold on it either. The Work Sharp power sharpener, intrigues me, but I would probably end up ruining the few blades I do have. Reading numerous posts about how easy it is to mess up kind of scared me away from it.

Then I read over and over about freehanding and various stones. With the little stone I have, I can keep a steady hand, and keep my angles consistent going both directions. However, when holding the knife, I don't know 20*, from 25*, from 15*. I stumbled across the Work Sharp Guided Sharpening System and it really intrigues me. I like the idea of guides, and if I get good enough the guides can be removed. The thing is, there isn't much about it on the forum here. YouTube has some videos where it gets rave reviews, but I was kind of hoping to get people's thoughts on it here. If I get it, I will also get the upgrade kit, since it comes with extra diamond plates, strop, and 25* guide.

If it's one thing I learned from spending a lot of time reading these forums is it seems every sharpener out there is some sort of compromise or another. I think I may have finally found one that I like the sounds of. And so, I am wondering if anyone here has the Work Sharp GSS, and what your thoughts are on it? Has anyone used it on, say, a Buck knife like the 110? I have a 110, 112, and some 110 clones. Since my 110 is still new, the edge is still wicked sharp. Will the WS GSS let me keep that wicked sharp edge?
 
Based on my experience with the field sharpener, I would say it should keep your knife very sharp. It's more well suited for actual sharpening than the Sharpmaker(because the coarse rods aren't really that coarse), but i would say both look pretty user friendly to me.

If there's any downside to such a system, it's simply that the coarse may not be coarse enough to repair more serious edge damage(chipping), and the fine might not satisfy some of the folks here who won't be happy until they split an atom:D.
 
I own the field sharpener and it works pretty good and I expect the guided sharpener to perform just as well for it's intended function. Which is to say pretty good if you do your job as a sharpener. You probably won't find many reviews of it here as it's a bit of a spin on free hand sharpening with the pivoting system and some guides thrown into the mix so all the things about free handing should apply and the guides just help with checking your angle. Results will vary based on user skill, but it should have less of a learning curve than just normal free handing. For what you get for the price with the stones and base I would say it's worth the price as you could always just deactivate the pivot system to my knowledge and remove the guides and use it as a normal stone with no assistance.

From the sounds of what you want I think this system is right up your ally, and you may benefit from the upgrade kit to pick up the 220grit diamond stone in it for quicker metal removal when doing the initial reprofile if you like the system.
 
I just recently purchased a KO Worksharp power sharpener. The first knife I tried, I ended up scratching the belly on the guides. After that, I improved my technique and haven't had an issue since. It took me about an hour to sharpen all the knives I have, including chef's knives to a hair shaving edge. I was even able to repair a knife that had the tip broken in about a half hour. I'd say is was money well spent.
 
General suggestion we give people who buy the powered sharpeners is use some cheap knives you don't care about to practice on or buy some so you don't ruin your nice knives while learning.
 
Bob6794 said:
General suggestion we give people who buy the powered sharpeners is use some cheap knives you don't care about to practice on or buy some so you don't ruin your nice knives while learning.
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Excellent advice. That's exactly what I did. Used a cheap one that I bought a long time ago. Now I wouldn't hesitate to use it on one of my good knives. Mostly I just use the extra fine band to touch up the edges.
 
Bob6794 said:
General suggestion we give people who buy the powered sharpeners is use some cheap knives you don't care about to practice on or buy some so you don't ruin your nice knives while learning.
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^^^Definitely necessary when I was thinning out the blades with my Kalamazoo.

Personally though, I think even the most idiot-proof system requires at least one "lab rat" knife to throw at it before putting your more expensive stuff on it.
 
Never sharpen a good knife on a new stone. Or new edge pro or whatever. Practice on something you don't care about.
To OP- sounds like you are doing OK freeish handing, buy a good stone and keep at it. I don't like systems for more than touch ups because I like way thin grinds. Like, when I first get a knife I hot glue a dime to the top edge of my knife and use that as an angle guide. Even my traditional knives get a wide bevel. Then a 20 deg micro bevel I maintain with a Lansky Turnbox for fine edges or just freehand on my Norton eco for toothy ones.
 
have and use the work sharp ,,excellent system ,,east to use / learn , i started with the spyderco sharpmaker , now only use the work sharp ,
 
Thanks guys. I placed an order for the Work Sharp GSS yesterday. I got the upgrade kit with it. I sure hope I can make it work as good as I've seen in YouTube videos. :D
 
depending on how many knives you have and how sharp they are , remember to order some extra belts ,,,mediums and fine,,your gonna like your results from the work sharp
 
I didn't get the powered unit. I got their manual Guided Sharpening System. There's numerous videos on YouTube that gave it rave reviews, so I decided to get it. Reviews on shopping sites are really good, too. I want to get better at freehand, and I'm hoping this system will help me do that.
 
I've used one a bit... it's a nice setup, I think you'll like it. A couple of tips...

  • Use a Sharpie to mark the edge. If you're using the guides, this will tell you how close to the edge you are, and which stone to start with (if you're close to the edge, start with the medium or fine, a long ways to go, extra coarse, etc).
  • Use light pressure. Can't emphasize this enough. If you use the sharpener with the base 'unlocked' so that the stone pivots as you reach the tip, the pressure to pivot the stone will give you an indication of the pressure to use to sharpen the knife, (which isn't much).
  • Following the instructions produces a great edge. Of course as your experience grows you can alter to suit your needs, but I tried following the instructions provided, and, as long as you're sharpening the edge, (in other words the edge matches the angles), going thru the steps produces a shaving edge no problem.

It's well designed and well built, overall a great sharpener. It will definitely help in learning freehand. Have fun!
 
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I bought the guided work sharp with the expansion kit, back in October. It has become my favorite sharpener to date. The extra course plate will really remove a lot of steel.
 
My girlfriend got it and the expansion kit for me for Christmas. Im not a huge fan of it so far, though I would never tell her that. I prefer free hand. The strop is worthless and the plates are not as fine as I would like to see.

But the course stones do grind material away in a hurry, and it's great for setting a bevel. If you are brand new to hand sharpening or can't seem to get the hang of it, this kit should help.
 
Just used mine this morning on a Busse, and will do do again in a couple days after I strip, sand, and polish another one. I have the KO edition, and after a little practice, it works very well for me. Sometimes I like to finish my edges by hand (sometimes I do it all by hand), but rest assured, the work sharp can get the job done very well. Read the instructions, watch the demonstrations (included dvd or on YouTube) and practice a little before you use it on the knives you value most.
 
I got the WorkSharp for Christmas myself. It will absolutely be replacing my Lansky set. Extremely easy to use, after I ruined my test blade figuring out the proper touch that is.
 
Just so everyone's on the same page... pretty sure the OP is talking about this...

WSGSS_zpsucspeuqp.jpg
 


Sharpens any steel, from Elmax to S90v with ease.

Can repair edges, reprofile, hone or strop.

Under $100.

Portable.

Can be used without base for field and tool sharpening.

It's an awesome system.
 
cbwx34 said:
Just so everyone's on the same page... pretty sure the OP is talking about this...
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Yup, I am. :D I was expecting there to be replies about the powered unit. I guess when people hear the Work Sharp name, they automatically associate it with what it's best known for.

DeadboxHero said:
Sharpens any steel, from Elmax to S90v with ease.

Can repair edges, reprofile, hone or strop.

Under $100.

Portable.

Can be used without base for field and tool sharpening.

It's an awesome system.
Click to expand...

I'm glad you like it so much! I wish the one I ordered would hurry up and get here. lol I hate ordering stuff online. I have no patience. I've got a perfect candidate knife to practice with. If the sharpener can get my crappy Imperial knife in good shape, then I know the sharpener is a good one!
 
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