Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener

So you’ve just got your brand new EDC knife and its factory edge is razor sharp, right out of the box. But what will you do when your knife starts to get dull? All knives need sharpening and maintenance, including ones made with high-end super steels. Regular tasks like opening packages can wear down and dull an edge, making your knife less effective and more dangerous compared to a sharp one. And while bringing your blade back to its former glory might seem like a daunting task, Work Sharp’s Precision Adjust Knife Sharpeners were designed to make the process as easy and efficient as possible.

How does it work?

Work Sharp’s Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener works by clamping the knife securely into place with the included blade clamp, setting the angle of Work Sharp’s Tri-Brasive sharpening Rods (either using fine grit or coarse grit), and using them in a sweeping motion to sharpen the knife, moving the abrasive up from the cutting edge while moving slowly side to side. Using a downward sweep when honing will help finish the edge nicely.

What it’s meant for

The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener can sharpen a wide variety of knives, from compact EDC pocket knives from Spyderco and Benchmade to 10” chef’s knives, making it highly adaptable to various knife types and sizes. With the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite, you can sharpen the everyday carry knife of your choice with ease and consistency, and once you pick one up, you’ll go through your entire collection in no time.

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Base Model

The base model version for the Work Sharp Precision Adjust was designed to be an affordable and efficient way to sharpen a variety of knife styles, including straight-edged knives, serrated knives, and even scissors. As a knife sharpener, its primary function is to sharpen knives using an abrasive belt. It features different grits of belts to allow for coarse to fine sharpening. The sharpener provides for precise angle adjustments using a guide system to ensure a consistent and accurate sharpening angle, maintaining the knife's original edge geometry and sharp edge.

Pros: If your knife collection isn’t too varied, one of the advantages of the base model version of the Work Sharp Precision Adjust is its relatively affordable price. With an MSRP of just $69.95, you get a complete set of everything you need to sharpen your hunting, kitchen, or paring knives without breaking the bank. The base model version of the Work Sharp Precision Adjust is proudly made in the USA and comes with a 3-year warranty.

Cons: For more varied blade types, the Work Sharp Precision Adjust base model may not be sufficient. Compared to the Elite version of the same model, the base model lacks certain abrasives such as coarse diamond grit, which would be useful for serrated edges, and a leather strop for honing.

Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite

Like the base model of the Work Sharp Precision Adjust, the Elite version easily and efficiently sharpens a wide assortment of knife styles, with the added benefit of more grit options for optimal sharpening.

Pros: While more expensive with an MSRP of $139.95, the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite kit is a complete knife sharpening solution. It comes with seven abrasive grits and includes a premium carry case if you need to sharpen and maintain your knives on the go.

Cons: The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite is a complete sharpening system, which puts it at a higher price point than the base model version.

Elite vs. Regular

The Work Sharp Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener is a more comprehensive knife sharpening system than the base model. The main difference between the two are the included sharpening stones. The base model includes 320 and 600 grit diamond and fine ceramic Tri-Brasive sharpening stones, while the Elite model comes with more options for sharpening.This includes 220, 320, and 400 grit diamond stones as well as 600 and 800 grit diamond stones and a ceramic stone plate, together with the base model's sharpening base and chassis.

The Elite version also has a leather strop and a ceramic rod for serrations. Lastly, the Elite version has a premium carrying case, which the base model lacks. Those with the base model can always upgrade to the Elite system with an upgrade kit that Work Sharp also sells.

Verdict

Choosing which version to get would depend entirely on your knife collection. If you own a wide variety of knife and blade styles, the the Elite system would be the wiser choice since it comes with a complete set of sharpening stones.

Alternatively, you can save some money by getting the base version if your knife collection consists of plain-edged blades such as kitchen and pocket knives. Both versions are incredibly useful to anyone who wants to keep their knives razor-sharp and well-maintained.

Check Out the Precision Adjust Base Model

Check Out the Precision Adjust Elite

Check Out the Upgrade Kit

FAQs

Can you sharpen serrated knives with a Work Sharp Precision Adjust sharpener?

Yes, the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Sharpener can sharpen serrated blades. However, you will need the Elite version of the Work Sharp Precision Adjust sharpener since serrated knives require both coarse and fine diamond abrasives to sharpen them.

It's also worth noting that not all serrated knives can be sharpened with the Work Sharp Precision Adjust Sharpener. The sharpener is designed for blades with serrations with uniform width and spacing. If your serrated knife has irregular serrations or teeth of different sizes, it may not be suitable for sharpening with this type of sharpener.

Are Work Sharp products made in the USA?

Yes, all Work Sharp tools are designed and assembled in the USA. They design, engineer, and calibrate their sharpening machines all under one roof–also shared by their in-house customer service, sales, and admin teams.

How do you use the guided sharpening system?

The guided sharpening system allows you to adjust the angle of the abrasive sharpening stones from 15 to 30 degrees in 1-degree increments. This angle versatility lets you get to the same blade edge angle as the designers of your knife intended.

How difficult is it to use Work Sharp products?

Work Sharp products are designed to be easy to use, even for those new to knife sharpening. They come with clear instructions and often include guides and angle presets that help ensure that you are sharpening at the correct angle, providing consistent results.

What is the difference between a precision sharpener and an electric knife sharpener?

While both types of sharpeners are designed to sharpen knives, they differ in how they operate and the results they produce. A precision sharpener is a handheld tool that typically uses a set of diamond abrasive stones or ceramic rods to sharpen a knife. The sharpener holds the blade in place while the user runs the abrasive along the blade at a consistent angle.

An electric knife sharpener is a machine that uses motorized grinding wheels or abrasive belts to sharpen knives. The user places the knife into the machine, automatically sharpening the blade. Precision sharpeners can provide more control and precision when sharpening a knife. In contrast, electric sharpeners are generally faster and easier to use but may not offer the same level of precision as a precision sharpener.

What is the difference between the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener and the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2?

The Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2 is a more advanced and versatile sharpener than the original model it replaces. The Mk.2 features a two-speed electric motor, while the Mk.1 had a fixed motor. The angle guide has been redesigned as well. The Mk.1 model had interchangeable guides, while the Mk.2 combines these into a single switchable guide with an up-down toggle. They’ve also added an Edge Guide to the tool, which supports the blade along the full travel from tip to heel for a more stable, even edge.

How we picked

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What is Everyday Carry?

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Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.