Work Sharp MK2 Professional Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener - Adjustable Tool and Knife Sharpening System

This sharpener puts a fine sharp blade to most all indoor knives. To get the best edge it's important to read the instructions carefully. Failure to do this might lead to disappointing results. I say this because there are two speeds and two sharpening angles on this machine. To use either one incorrectly will pretty much ensure you get a less than satisfactory edge to your knife or work tool. With that said, I've noticed that it's best to stop sharpening a blade when the tip of the blade is centered on the flexible abrasive belt. This ensures the tip is not rounded but is kept to a sharp point, if that's what you want. The Mark-2 uses flexible abrasive belts similar to sandpaper belts to do the sharpening. There are a few different types that come with the sharpener, each with a slightly different use. Work Sharp, the manufacturer of this sharpener, recommends you visit their YouTube video for an indepth look at how best to use this product. Below briefly explains what you'll find when you inspect this sharpener: 1. It has two sharpening speeds, Low and High. Low for sharpening indoor knives, and High for grinding tools, those usually found outdoors. 2. It has two angle positions, 20 and 25 degrees. 20 degrees for your kitchen and pocket knives, and 25 for outdoor blades and tools. 3. It has a front edge guide that supports and guides the knife during the sharpening process, very helpful. 4. The manufacturer recommends that you learn certain procedures and methods while using this Mark-2 no matter what knife you're sharpening. For example: Place the knife in the slot; Turn on the sharpener; Draw the knife through the machine. Mixing these up will result in poor performance and a less than razor-sharp knife. Owners of the Mark-1 may find that the Mark-2, with only two angle settings and only two speeds, does not compare favorably. They'll be satisfied with their Mark-1, I'm sure, and won't find the Mark-2 worth the "upgrade." I have always sharpened my blades with an angle grinding wheel, but love the ease of use with the Mark-2. It takes the guesswork out of sharpening. I found no cons with this product other than it may be considered pricey to those used to using a grinding tool.

About three years ago, my wife and I had what turned out to be a great idea. We went a little outside of our budget and bought a full set of Henkel kitchen knives. Until that time, the best knives we'd ever owned were from the venerable “Ginsu” collection. Remember them from the TV ads? They weren't bad knives, but compared to our new Henkel set, they were strictly 3rd rate. But as time passes, even the best knives will begin to become dull. And the ones we like best and use the most can get dull fairly fast. We had a sharpening service “take care” of them for us one time, but what ended up happening was that our knives came back to us sharper, but they were also chewed up and scored along the edge by whatever process was used. Enter the Work Sharp MK.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener. I've never owned a sharpener like this. It looks complicated coming out of the package, but all of necessary parts, instructions and sharpening tips are right there with the machine - and they're very easy to follow. I've only had this tool for a few weeks – and I haven't quite gotten through with the initial sharpening of all of our Henkels yet. This is mostly because I didn't trust myself – and decided to start with some of our lesser knives. (The ones that I wasn't afraid to ruin.) But it turns out that I needn't have worried. Because if you have a reasonably steady hand and you're using the correct belt, your risk of doing damage to your knives is quite small. So even though I'm inexperienced in this area, thanks to the Work Sharp MK.2 I now have a number of extra-sharp secondary kitchen knives. And even better, I now have the confidence to put a fine edge on my higher quality blades. This sharpening system is simple, efficient and well documented. I strongly recommend it.