Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener Review

Have you ever struggled with dull knives in the kitchen or out in the field? Ever wondered if there's an efficient, user-friendly tool to restore your blades to their prime sharpness? Or perhaps you're seeking a sharpener that can tackle various types of blades with ease? Finding the right tool can make all the difference in both performance and safety. 

The Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener provides an easy and effective way to sharpen knives. Designed as a blend of powered abrasive belt technology with a ceramic honing rod, it guarantees a sharp edge for almost any type of knife. This sharpener also uses a 25° angle guide for both sharpening and honing, ensuring a consistent edge every time. Overall, it stands out in the market as an affordable and user-friendly tool, specifically tailored for those who desire a straightforward and efficient sharpening method.

Sharpness is Essential for Proper Knife Function

Keeping knives sharp is essential for various reasons, including safety, efficiency, and the longevity of the knives. 

• Safety: Contrary to what some might think, a sharp knife is safer than a dull one. When a knife is dull, users tend to apply more pressure to make cuts. This increased force can lead to the knife slipping off the item and potentially causing an injury. A sharp knife, on the other hand, requires less pressure and provides more control, decreasing the risk of accidents.
• Efficiency and Precision:Sharp knives make tasks quicker and more efficient. Whether you're dicing vegetables, slicing meat, or carving fruits, a sharp blade will allow for cleaner and more precise cuts. It not only improves the appearance of the food but also ensures even cooking, as uniformly cut pieces cook at the same rate.
• Preservation of Food Nutrients:Clean cuts, as opposed to jagged or torn edges, can better preserve the integrity and nutritional value of food. This is especially true for certain vegetables and fruits, where tearing can lead to more rapid oxidation and nutrient loss.
• Longevity of the Knife:Regularly sharpening and maintaining a knife can extend its lifespan. When knives are kept sharp, there's less likelihood of the blade chipping or becoming damaged during use. Additionally, the process of sharpening removes only a minimal amount of material from the blade, whereas trying to revive a severely dulled knife might require removing a significant amount of metal, reducing its overall lifespan.
• Cost-Efficiency: In the long run, maintaining sharp knives can be more cost-effective. With proper care, you won't need to replace knives as often, and you'll spend less time and resources on extensive repairs or sharpening.

Keeping knives sharp is a practice that combines safety with efficiency, ensuring that cutting tasks are not only done effectively but also with enjoyment and precision. Proper knife maintenance also ensures that these valuable tools serve their purpose for a long time.

What is the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener?

The Combo Knife Sharpener is a compact tool that weighs only 23.2 oz. According to its product specifications, it features a 120VAC / 0.7 amp motor that operates at a fixed speed. It is also equipped with a single-speed power button and has a duty cycle of 20 minutes per hour. The sharpener utilizes ½" x 10" sanding belts. Every sharpener is backed by a 3-year warranty, which is a testament to its durability and the brand's confidence in its performance.

How Easy is It to Use?

The Combo Knife Sharpener is user-friendly and straightforward. It has an electronic component that drives a flexible abrasive belt while angled grooves on the device help users maintain the right sharpening angle as they move the blade across the belt. The sharpener also has a built-in ceramic honing rod to fine-tune the knife's edge- the angle guides on this rod ensure the knife is at the right angle at all times.

The Combo Knife Sharpener is versatile, and suitable for various knives, from kitchen knives to hunting tools. To use it, all you have to do is plug it in and pass the knife over the belt around five times per side before using the ceramic honing rod. Depending on the thickness of the blade, you may need to pass it more often, but when done correctly, the result is a perfectly sharp knife.

Pros and Cons

Like any product, the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener has its advantages and disadvantages based on its design, functionality, and user feedback. Here's a breakdown of the pros and cons.

Pros

• Simplicity and Ease of Use:One of the primary advantages of the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener is its intuitive design, which allows even beginners to sharpen their knives efficiently. The preset sharpening guides ensure a consistent angle, taking the guesswork out of the process.
• Versatility: In addition to sharpening straight-edged blades, it can handle serrated knives, making it an all-purpose tool.
• Fast Sharpening:The motorized sharpening system can quickly restore the edge on a dulled knife, reducing the time and effort required compared to manual sharpening methods.
• Compact Design: The unit is usually compact and lightweight, making it easy to store or carry around if needed.
• Affordability:When compared to some other electric sharpeners or professional sharpening services, the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener tends to be more affordable, offering good value for its price.

Cons

• Limited Flexibility on Sharpening Angles:The pre-set angles are great for beginners, but for professionals or enthusiasts looking for specific angles or more control over the sharpening process, this could be limiting.
• Wear on Blades:Any motorized or electric sharpener, when used improperly or too frequently, has the potential to remove more material from the knife blade than necessary, leading to reduced knife lifespan.
• Not Ideal for All Knife Types: While it can handle many common household knives, it might not be suitable for certain specialized knives or those with unique blade geometries.
• Noise: Being electric, it can be noisier than manual sharpening methods, which might be a concern for some users.
• Dependence on Power:Unlike manual sharpeners, the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener requires electricity to operate. This can be a limitation in situations where power isn't readily available.

The Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener is an excellent tool for many users, particularly those who want a straightforward and effective sharpening method. However, professionals or knife enthusiasts might seek out sharpeners that offer greater control and flexibility. As with any tool, it's essential to understand its capabilities and limitations to ensure it meets your specific needs.

What Abrasive Belts Does the Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener Use?

The Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener utilizes ½” x 10″ sanding belts. Specifically, it comes equipped with three P120 grit belts, which are effective for sharpening and honing a wide range of knives. When the time comes to replace or replenish these belts, you can find the same½” x 10″ knife sharpening sanding belts at Red Label Abrasives. Red Label gives you more control over your sharpening with several different grits to choose from. You could go with 120 grit belts like the belts that come stock with the sharpener, but we also offer grits ranging from 80 to 7000. It's essential to select the right grit for your application to ensure consistent and optimal sharpening results with the device. You cancontact our team of abrasive technicians for help selecting the right grit to meet your needs.

Stock Up On Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpening Belts

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1/2 X 10 Inch Knife Sharpener Sanding Belt Kits, 10 Pack

from $17.29

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Sanding Belts Designed For Knife Makers

For individuals who find it challenging to achieve that desired sharp edge on their blades, this tool might be the answer. The Work Sharp Combo Knife Sharpener provides a seamless and efficient sharpening experience, ensuring every knife, regardless of type, is as sharp as it needs to be. 

If the task of manually sharpening blades with a whetstone feels tedious or intimidating, the Combo Knife Sharpener is a worthy alternative. Crafted with precision and user-centric features, it offers an unrivaled sharpening experience, making it a must-have for every knife owner.