WORK SHARP WSKTS-KO2 Ken Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener Instruction Manual

The Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener MK.2 is a versatile tool designed for sharpening various types of knives and tools. It incorporates safety features and powerful sharpening capabilities to ensure precise and efficient results.

FAQ

Q: Can this sharpener be used for serrated knives?
A: Yes, the Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener MK.2 can be used to sharpen serrated knives with precision.

Q: Is it suitable for sharpening gardening tools?
A: While primarily designed for knives, this sharpener can also be used for certain gardening tools. Refer to the user manual for specific guidance.

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING! You will be creating incredibly sharp knives with this sharpener. Always keep your fingers, hands, and body clear of the knife edge. Failure to follow these warnings could result in severe injury or death.

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

WARNING! Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

WORK AREA SAFETY
1. Keep the work area clean and well-lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks that may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. The use of a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.

PERSONAL SAFETY
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust masks, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to a power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
8. Do not let familiarity gained from the frequent use of tools allow you to become complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe injury within a fraction of a second.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which is was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tools operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
SERVICE
1. Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
  - WORK SHARP
  - Mail…………………………………..210 E. Hersey St. Ashland OR 97520 USA
  - Phone………………………………..1 800-597-6170
  - Fax ……………………………………1 541-552-1377
  - E-mail ……………………………….info@worksharptools.com
  - Web…………………………………..www.worksharptools.com
2. Do not dispose of electrical products with household waste. Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.
3. To replace a damaged power supply cord (Type Y), your power tool must be returned to the Service Center

BELT SANDER SAFETY RULES

WARNING: Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces, because the sanding surface may contact its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and could give the operator an electric shock.

WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/ OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust exposure. Direct particles away from the face and body.

SAFETY GUIDELINES — DEFINITIONS
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.

MOTOR
Be sure your power supply agrees with the nameplate marking. Do not operate AC tools on DC. This information is printed on the nameplate.

INTENDED USES

Grinding, Sharpening, and Honing applications on knives and tools
Light-duty metal grinding

Only for consumer use
The tool should only be used with a sharpening cassette or approved attachment installed.

UNINTENDED USES

Industrial or commercial grinding or sharpening applications.
Extended, continuous use beyond 30 minutes per hour.

WARRANTY

This sharpener is covered by Work Sharp’s 3-year warranty. We stand behind and support our products – contact us if you need assistance, parts, or service. Warranty for consumer, not industrial or commercial use, excludes abrasives. Register your warranty online at www.worksharptools.com.

SHARPENING BASICS

WHAT EDGE ANGLE AND WHY?

Our recommendations (found in the Sharpening Reference Chart, pg 15)
are based on our extensive testing and driven by three primary factors: 1) Optimizing the edge angle for the intended purpose of the knife. 2) Optimizing edge retention for the knife’s purpose. 3) Speed of sharpening process.

WHY IS A CONVEX EDGE SUPERIOR?

Our blade use and sharpness testing have taught us that a convex edge is a superior edge. The smooth radius edge type does not have “shoulders” like a flat grind and creates less friction or resistance when cutting. A convex edge provides more steel behind the
edge to support it, so the edge stays sharper longer. Lastly, our convex method thins the bevel when you sharpen the blade, while flat ground blades become thicker and thicker as you re-sharpen.

THE SHARPENING PROCESS

FACTORY EDGE
Most knives are flat ground from the factory and have a smaller bevel height or surface area.

CONVEX GRIND IN PROCESS
Re-sharpening to a lower angle and a convex grind takes time. Be patient and ensure you create a burr.

CONTINUE TO NEXT GRIT
Sharpen one side of the knife until a burr is created. Switch to the other side and create a burr before switching to a finer grit belt.

ANGLE CHANGES – WHAT TO EXPECT WITH A DECREASED ANGLE

DURATION: If you are sharpening a knife to an angle lower than the factory grind (ex.: factory 25° sharpening to a 15°), you should expect this process to take longer. This is due to the amount of material being removed to “thin” the edge.

BEVEL HEIGHT: You should also expect the look of your edge to change if you are decreasing the edge angle. The bevel (the area being sharpened) will become taller as the edge angle is reduced and will create more surface area.

THE FASTEST WAY TO A SHARP EDGE

TOOTHY SHARP

OUTDOOR KNIFE: Angle = 25° | Speed = 3
- X65: 3-5 strokes per side, then X22 (2 strokes per side)
KITCHEN KNIFE: Angle = 20° | Speed = 2
- X65: 2-4 strokes per side, then X22 (2 strokes per side)
SHAVING SHARP
OUTDOOR KNIFE: Angle = 25° | Speed = 3
- X65: 3-5 strokes per side, then X4 (5 strokes per side)
KITCHEN KNIFE: Angle = 20° | Speed = 2
- X65: 2-4 strokes per side, then X4 (5 strokes per side)

SHINY SHARP
OUTDOOR KNIFE: Angle = 22.5° | Speed = 3
- X65, then X22, then X4 (10 strokes each per side)

KITCHEN KNIFE: Angle = 17.5° | Speed = 2
- X65, then X22, then X4 (10 strokes each per side)

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR KEN ONION SHARPENER

SHARPENING CASSETTE POSITIONS
Squeeze and hold the sharpening cassette rotation lever and rotate the cassette up, clockwise to the SHARPEN or GRIND position.

Warning! Do not energize the tool while in the parked position. Keep fingers, hands, and body clear of the belt. Failure to follow these warnings could result in severe injury or death.

For grinding applications, remove the Angle Guide by pulling it straight up and off. Rotate the edge guide to the vertical position for grinding applications.

REMOVING THE SHARPENING CASSETTE FOR ATTACHMENTS:

Remove belt from the sharpening cassette (See PG 13 for details)
Push and hold the lock lever and rotate the cassette to position the show.

Dismount the cassette by pulling it outward.
Locate this same position to re-install the sharpening cassette or attachments.

KNIFE SHARPENING GUIDE ADJUSTMENT

15° – 30° in 1/2° increments. Angle is measured per side of the knife (ex. 20° per side equals a\ 40° inclusive edge angle). Align the desired angle with the indicator line on the guide.

SPEED CONTROL ADJUSTMENT

CONTINUOUS MOTOR RUN MODE: Depress the Power Switch and press the button directly above the speed controls to lock the motor on. Use the Plus (+) and Minus (-) buttons to increase or decrease the speed of the abrasive belt. SFM = Surface Feet Per Minute

BELT INFORMATION

Abrasive belt dimensions: 3/4” x 12”, *1/2” x 12” Replacement belts and more grit selections available at: www.worksharptools.com

Notice: Only use abrasives recommended for this tool in accordance with these instructions.
ABRASIVE BELT WEAR: Belt discoloration is not an indicator of wear. Engineered belts expose new abrasive as they break down. Used belts may take extra strokes, but will continue to remove material. These belts will keep going longer than you think. Keep using them as long as they are still removing material.

EDGE GUIDE
WHEN AND WHY TO USE THE EDGE GUIDE:

Most pocket / outdoor knives are best sharpened without using the Edge-Guide since they often have thumb studs or belt clips that can obstruct full blade insertion.
It is helpful to support and guide long blades (filet knives and machetes) through the sharpening process.

BELT CHANGE
Unplug the sharpener from power supply. Pull up the Belt Change Lever to lock it into place to remove belt. Route belt around all 3 pulleys. Be sure belt is within pulley flanges. Press RED Belt Tensioner Release Button to retension the belt. Lay tool onto its back for easier belt changes.
Rotate the Edge Guide out of the way for easier belt installation.

THE ANATOMY OF A KNIFE

KITCHEN KNIFE

OUTDOOR KNIFE

BLADE TYPES

SHARPENING REFERENCE CHART

KITCHEN KNIVES
PULL RATE: 1” OF BLADE PER SECOND • USE EDGE GUIDE

	*ANGLE*	*SPEED*	*X65*	*X22*	X4	*6000*
*WESTERN*	20°	3	4-8	4-8	10	0
*ASIAN*	16°	3	0	4-8	10	0
*PARING*	20°	3	4-8	4-8	10	0
*CLEAVER*	30°	4	4-8	2-8	0	0
*BREAD*	X	2	0	0	0	2
			*10 Strokes = 5 per side

OUTDOOR KNIVES
PULL RATE: 1” OF BLADE PER SECOND • NO EDGE GUIDE

	*ANGLE*	*SPEED*	*X65*	*X22*	X4	*6000*
*POCKET*	25°	3	6-10	6-10	10	0
	25°	3	6-10	6-10	10	0
*HUNTING*
	20°	2	6-10	6-10	10	0
*FILLET*
*SERRATED*	X	2	0	0	0	2
*GUT* *HOOK*	X	3-5	0	0	0	2
			*10 Strokes = 5 per side

BEST TECHNIQUES

Resharpen using X4 only.

Follow the curve of the knife when sharpening for best results.
Use the Edge Guide on long or flexible blades when possible.
Use a practice knife to learn.

WITH THE MOTOR OFF, POSITION THE BELT AT THE HEEL OF YOUR KNIVES EDGE.

SHARPENING OUTDOOR KNIVES
Reference Belt Information, pg 12 and the Sharpening Reference Chart, pg 15 for recommended angle settings, belt selection, stroke count, speed, and choice of edge type.

PLACE THE BLADE IN THE GUIDE
WITH POWER OFF, insert the blade into the right side of the sharpening guide all the way to the heel of the edge.\ Place the knife to the bottom of the guide slot and lean against the outside guide. Do not put pressure on/into the sharpening guide. It is intended to provide a reference point for blade position. Only use light pressure (weight of the blade) when using the sharpening guide to yield the best results.
POWER ON AND PULL THE KNIFE
WITH POWER OFF and the blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power switch and pull the blade steadily through the guide at 1” per second. Follow the curve of the blade as you pull through the guide. Keep the cutting edge perpendicular to the travel of the belt for the best and most consistent results. Use only the weight of the blade – DO NOT PRESS DOWN INTO / ONTO GUIDE. Hover the blade and let the tool do the work for best results. Power off as the point of the knife approaches the center of the belt. Pay attention to the proper angle for outdoor knives found on page 15. Ensure you are using the correct angle for each knife.

REPEAT AND FEEL FOR BURR
Continue sharpening on the right side of the guide. Check for a burr every 2-3 strokes (see picture). Sharpen until a burr is created along the entire length of the edge. If the burr is not yet raised, See“KNIFE NOT GETTING SHARP” in the Troubleshooting section.

Repeat a same number of strokes on the other side of the blade/sharpening guide. Once the edge is shaped/formed, continue with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refine the edge faster. See the SHARPENING REFERENCE CHART for the fastest way to a sharp edge section for recommended belt use and stroke count based on the edge you want (Toothy, Shaving, Shiny).
BEST TECHNIQUES: (Avoid rounding the tip) Maintain factory blade profile/shape:

Follow the curve of the blade so the edge remains perpendicular to the travel of the belt. Power Off as the point of the knife approaches the middle of the belt. Lift the knife up and out of the guide.
Pull straight through the guide and do not lift the blade handle as you pull. Power off as the point of the knife approaches the middle of the belt. Lift the knife up and out of the guide.

WARNING: Do not use excessive pressure when drawing the blade toward yourself. Let the abrasive do the work, and use light pressure. Failure to follow this warning could result in severe injury or death.

SHARPENING SERRATED KNIVES

Most serrated knives have a flat side and a bevel side on the blade; SHARPEN ONLY THE FLAT SIDE.

ONLY USE THE FINEST GRIT 6000 BELT FOR SERRATED SHARPENING.
Place the flat side of the blade at the bolster/handle against the fine grit abrasive belt. Set to speed 2 and squeeze the power switch and pull knife steadily across the belt from bolster to tip. An 8” blade should take 8 seconds. Repeat until no burr remains on the flat side of the blade and serration ‘teeth’ are sharp.

BEST TECHNIQUES
Serrated knives can be sharpened with or without the Knife Sharpening Guide installed depending on the height of the serrated knife. Only place serrated blades on the right side of the cassette so the belt is traveling downward. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.

SHARPENING FILLET KNIVES

Reference the SHARPENING REFERENCE CHART, pg 15 for recommended angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a filet knife is the same as other knives. Use the Edge Guide to help support these long, flexible blades during sharpening to ensure consistent sharpening along the entire edge. USE VERY LIGHT PRESSURE IN THE SHARPENING GUIDE SO THE BLADE DOES NOT FLEX

SHARPENING GUT HOOKS

ONLY USE THE FINEST GRIT 6000 BELT FOR SHARPENING GUT HOOKS. Place the curve of the gut hook over the belt on the right side of the cassette so the belt is traveling downward; allow the belt to conform to the blade’s curve. Squeeze the power switch; hone for 2 to 4 seconds. Repeat on\ other side.
BEST TECHNIQUES: Only place the gut hook on the downhill

right side of the belt. Otherwise, you risk cutting the belt.

SHARPENING KITCHEN KNIVES
Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart, pg 15 for recommended angle settings, belt selection, stroke count, speed, and choice of edge type.
MOST KITCHEN KNIVES SHOULD BE SHARPENED WITH THE EDGE GUIDE.

PLACE THE BLADE IN THE GUIDE
WITH POWER OFF, insert the blade into the right side of the sharpening guide all the way to the heel of the blade. Place the knife to the bottom of the guide slot and lean against the outside guide.
POWER ON AND PULL THE KNIFE
WITH POWER OFF and the blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power switch and pull the blade steadily through the guide at 1” per second. Follow the curve of the blade as you pull through the guide. Keep the cutting edge perpendicular to the belt for the best and most consistent results. Use only the weight of the blade – DO NOT PRESS DOWN INTO / ONTO GUIDE. Hover the blade and let the tool do the work for best results. Continue sharpening on the right side of the guide. Check for a burr every 2-3 strokes. Repeat the SAME NUMBER OF STROKES on the other side of the blade/sharpening guide. After the burr is formed, continue sharpening with finer grit belts using ALTERNATING STROKES. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refine the edge faster.

SHARPENING SCISSORS

Sharpen ONLY THE BEVELED SIDE of your scissors. Marking the beveled side with a black marker will make it easier to see when the cutting edge has been fully sharpened along entire edge. Use the 6000 grit belt at speed 3 to hone or touch-up scissors. Use the X22 belt at speed 3 to sharpen damaged scissors.

Once the scissor blade is properly placed in the Sharpening Guide, squeeze the power switch and simultaneously pull the scissor blade steadily through the guide at 1” per second. Repeat 1-2 more times or until marker is removed from cutting edge. Repeat on other scissor blades. Test scissors for sharpness. Continue sharpening as needed. Hold scissors as shown to keep blades open during sharpening.

GRINDING

Remove Sharpening Guide. Pull up firmly. Ensure the Edge Guide is in the parked position and that the Knife Sharpening Guide has been removed before grinding. Push the Cassette Lock Release Lever to rotate the cassette to grind mode. Use the P120 belt and speed 6 for light sharpening and grinding tasks.

CAUTION: Loose items can be caught in moving parts. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Failure to follow this warning could result in moderate or minor injury.
NOTE: Tools such as these do not require sharpening to a precise angle; just let the belt conform to the edge of the tool. It will take longer to restore an edge to severely damaged tools.

BEST TECHNIQUES
Always clamp or fixture work piece before grinding for optimum safety. Use light pressure and let the tool do the work. Do not overload the tool during grinding. Abrasive selection and belt speed are already optimized. Only use the tool grinding section of the belt.

PRUNING SHEARS

Remove Sharpening Guide. Pull up firmly. Ensure the Edge Guide is in the grinding position. Use the 6000 grit abrasive belt at speed 3 to hone the cutting blade. Use the X22 grit abrasive belt at speed 3 to sharpen a damaged or dull cutting blade. Hone the beveled side after sharpening a damaged or dull cutting blade.Only sharpen the beveled side of the cutting blade. Place the Anvil Blade behind the belt as shown and slowly pull the Cutting Blade across the abrasive belt.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand this instruction manual before using product. Failure to follow this warning could dresult in severe injury or death. Save these instructions for future reference.

SHARPENING NOTES

KNIFE / TOOL: NOTES

KEN ONION DESIGNED, WORK SHARP ENGINEERED
Work Sharp partnered with legendary hall-of-fame knife maker Ken Onion to develop new, innovative sharpeners! The combination of Work Sharp engineered and Ken Onion’s industrial design has created a fast, easy and stylish way to sharpen all your knives and tools with precision and repeatability.
“I am proud to be affiliated with this company, I am proud to be affiliated with this sharpener. I am proud of all the projects we have worked on together; because I know how much love, heart, and compassion goes into everything Work Sharp does.
There are a lot of my ideas and designs in this sharpener, it was so much fun to collaborate and create with this team. For the average person who wants their knives sharp, it really is the best thing out there. I feel it’s an honor to be a part of this team, I will be eternally grateful. Thank you for your purchase, and your trust in us to sharpen all of your knives.”

KEN ONION
Legendary Hall-of-Fame Knife Maker

CONTACT

WORK SHARP 210 E Hersey St. Ashland OR 97520 USA
Phone: 1 800-597-6170
Fax: 1 541-552-1377
Email: info@worksharptools.com
Visit: Worksharptools.com

WORK SHARP® is a registered trademark of Darex, LLC

Documents / Resources

WORK SHARP WSKTS-KO2 Ken Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener [pdf] Instruction Manual
WSKTS-KO2 Ken Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener, WSKTS-KO2, Ken Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener, Knife and Tool Sharpener, and Tool Sharpener, Tool Sharpener, Sharpener

References

User Manual

WORK SHARP WSKTS-KO2 Ken Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener

Specifications

Product Information

FAQ