Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener Kit User Manual

1. Introduction

The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener Kit is designed for precise and consistent knife sharpening. This system provides a stable platform and a range of abrasives to achieve sharp edges on various knife types. This manual provides instructions for assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure optimal performance and longevity of your sharpener.

Figure 1.1: The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener Kit, including the main sharpening unit, carry case, and various abrasive plates.

2. Product Overview and Components

The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener Kit features a robust metal construction and includes a comprehensive set of components for sharpening a wide range of knives.

Key Components:

• Sharpening Chassis: The main frame that holds the knife clamp and angle adjustment mechanism.
• Metal V-Block Clamp: Securely holds the knife blade during sharpening. Features rubber pads to protect the blade.
• Abrasive Handle & Sharpening Rod: Holds the abrasive plates and guides them across the blade.
• Angle Adjustment Knob: Allows precise adjustment of sharpening angles from 15 to 30 degrees.
• Digital Angle Indicator: Provides accurate real-time angle readings.
• Abrasive Plates: A set of 10 premium abrasives for various sharpening stages:
  • 220, 320, 400, 600, and 800 grit diamond plates
  • Fine Ceramic plate
  • 1200, 2000, and 3000 grit Resin Bonded Diamond Plates
  • Premium Leather Strop
• Honing Compound: Used with the leather strop for final polishing.
• Small Knife Table Attachment: For sharpening small blades at angles as low as 15 degrees.
• Large Blade Support: Provides additional stability for longer blades.
• Rigid Carry Case: For organized storage and transport of the entire system.
• Organizer Tray: Helps keep abrasive plates and small components organized.

Figure 2.1: Detailed view of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite components, including the main unit, carry case, abrasive handle, metal V-block clamp, digital angle indicator, honing compound, small knife table, large blade support, various diamond abrasives, ceramic hone, and bare leather strop.

3. Setup

The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener is designed for quick and intuitive setup. Follow these steps to prepare your sharpener for use:

1. Unpack Components: Carefully remove all components from the rigid carry case. The case is designed with foam inserts to protect and organize each part.
2. Assemble Main Unit: The main sharpening chassis typically requires minimal assembly. Ensure the V-block clamp and angle adjustment mechanism are securely attached to the base.
3. Attach Abrasive Handle: Insert the abrasive handle into its designated slot on the sharpening chassis.
4. Prepare Abrasives: Familiarize yourself with the different grit abrasive plates. They are magnetically attached to the abrasive handle for easy swapping.
5. Position Digital Angle Indicator: The digital angle indicator can be placed on the round arm that holds the abrasive slider to measure the sharpening angle.
6. Optional Attachments: If sharpening small knives, attach the small knife table. For longer blades, utilize the large blade support.

Figure 3.1: The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener being set up from its organized carry case, demonstrating the ease of access to components.

4. Operating Instructions

Achieving a sharp edge requires a systematic approach. Follow these steps for effective knife sharpening:

4.1. Securing the Knife

1. Open Clamp: Rotate the wheel on the V-block clamp to open it sufficiently.
2. Insert Knife: Carefully insert the knife blade into the V-block clamp. Ensure the blade is centered and held firmly. The rubber pads on the clamp protect the blade's finish.
3. Tighten Clamp: Rotate the wheel to tighten the clamp until the knife is secure and does not move.
4. Use Support Piece: For enhanced stability and consistent angles, place the support piece below the clamp. This prevents vertical movement during sharpening.

4.2. Setting the Sharpening Angle

1. Adjust Angle: Use the angle adjustment knob to set the desired sharpening angle. The system allows angles from 15 to 30 degrees.
2. Verify with Digital Indicator: Place the digital angle indicator on the abrasive rod to confirm the exact angle. Zero the indicator if necessary.
3. Small Knife Table: For very small knives or specific edge geometries, attach the small knife table to achieve angles as low as 15 degrees.

Figure 4.1: The digital angle indicator displaying a precise 17.00-degree angle, ensuring accuracy during the sharpening process.

4.3. Sharpening Process

The sharpening process involves progressing through different abrasive grits, from coarse to fine.

1. Select Coarsest Abrasive: Begin with the coarsest diamond plate (e.g., 220 grit) appropriate for the knife's current condition. If reprofiling a very dull knife, start with 220 grit.
2. Sharpen One Side: With the abrasive handle, make smooth, consistent passes across one side of the blade, maintaining the set angle. Apply light, even pressure.
3. Form a Burr: Continue sharpening one side until a burr (a small wire edge) forms along the entire length of the opposite side of the blade. This indicates you have reached the edge.
4. Rotate Knife: The sharpening unit allows for easy rotation of the knife clamp to sharpen the other side without unclamping.
5. Sharpen Second Side: Sharpen the second side until a burr forms on the first side.
6. Progress Through Grits: Once the burr is established, switch to the next finer grit abrasive. Repeat the sharpening process on both sides, reducing the burr with each finer grit. The magnetic system allows for quick abrasive changes.
7. Fine Tuning and Stropping: After progressing through all diamond and ceramic abrasives, use the leather strop with honing compound for final polishing and burr removal. Make light passes on both sides.

Figure 4.2: Demonstrating the rotating knife clamp feature, which allows for easy transition between sharpening sides without removing the knife.

Figure 4.3: A kitchen knife being sharpened on the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite, illustrating the sharpening motion.

Figure 4.4: The sharpening system in operation, highlighting the abrasive rod's movement over the clamped knife blade.

Figure 4.5: A close-up of a knife blade, illustrating the results achievable with the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite, with various abrasive plates visible in the background.

Figure 4.6: An assortment of knives, demonstrating the versatility of the Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite in sharpening various blade types.

5. Maintenance

Proper maintenance ensures the longevity and performance of your sharpening system.

• Clean Abrasives: After each use, clean the abrasive plates to remove metal particles. A stiff brush or abrasive cleaner can be used. Ensure they are dry before storage.
• Clean Clamp: Wipe down the V-block clamp and rubber pads to remove any debris.
• Store Properly: Always store the sharpener and its components in the rigid carry case. The foam inserts provide protection and organization.
• Abrasive Replacement: Abrasives are user-replaceable. If a plate becomes worn or damaged, replace it with a new one from Work Sharp.

6. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues during sharpening, consider the following:

• Inconsistent Angles: Ensure the knife is securely clamped and the support piece is used. Verify the digital angle indicator is correctly calibrated and consistently applied. Uneven pressure during passes can also lead to inconsistencies.
• Blade Wiggle in Clamp: If the blade wiggles, ensure the clamp is tightened sufficiently. For very thin blades, ensure the blade is centered and the support piece is providing adequate counter-pressure.
• Difficulty Forming a Burr: This may indicate an incorrect angle setting or insufficient passes with the coarse abrasive. Re-evaluate your angle and ensure you are applying consistent, light pressure.
• Scratches on Blade: Ensure the rubber pads on the clamp are clean and intact. Avoid excessive pressure, especially with coarser grits.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

All Work Sharp sharpeners come with a comprehensive 3-year warranty. Each knife and tool sharpener is meticulously designed and quality-checked at our Oregon facility. Work Sharp stands behind its products and is committed to customer satisfaction.

For support, warranty claims, or additional information, please refer to the official Work Sharp website or contact their customer service directly. Work Sharp products are designed, engineered, and calibrated in Ashland, Oregon, ensuring high standards of quality.

9. Safety Information

Always exercise caution when sharpening knives. Blades are extremely sharp and can cause serious injury.

• Keep hands and fingers away from the blade edge during sharpening.
• Ensure the knife is securely clamped before beginning the sharpening process.
• Use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as cut-resistant gloves, if desired.
• Keep the sharpener out of reach of children.
• Do not attempt to sharpen serrated blades or scissors with this system unless specifically instructed by Work Sharp.
• Always follow the instructions provided in this manual for safe operation.