Spotlight: Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2
Work Sharp's most popular electric sharpening machine has received an upgrade! The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk.2 offers some smart improvements compared to the original model. Think of easier speed control and a more powerful motor.
The versatile Work Sharp Ken Onion electric belt sharpener has been one of our bestsellers for years. This popularity is owed to the system's versatility, ease of use and speed of the sharpener. Fortunately, certain features have remained the same: the sharpening belts are still the same size and the tilting head has remained unchanged. In terms of versatility, the Mk.2 is also great. Although the previous version already performed excellently, Work Sharp has optimised some parts.
Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2 scope of delivery
The Work Sharp Ken Onion Elite Knife and Tool Sharpener Mk.2, also known as KO2 by Work Sharp, is available in two versions. The standard model includes only the sharpener, while the Elite model includes both the sharpener and the Blade Grinding Attachment (BGA). The Mk.2 Blade Grinding Attachment is, of course, also available separately. Whichever model you choose, the correct sharpening belts are included.
Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2 stronger electromotor
The electromotor has received an upgrade too. It runs at 50/60 Hz, consumes 0.8 A and delivers 140 watts of power. This more powerful motor has a longer operational time of 30 minutes, ensuring long-term and reliable operation.
Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2 speed regulation
The biggest improvement to the Ken Onion Mk.2 is the digital speed control. The previous model had a dial on the trigger that allowed you to adjust the speed of the belt, which could sometimes be a bit of a hassle. Work Sharp has solved this by adding a couple of knobs on the top of the handle. You still activate the machine with the trigger and you can lock the speed with a button, leaving your hands free for sharpening, just like the previous model. But instead of the dial, you now use the plus button to increase the speed and the minus button to decrease it. There are seven speed levels, and LED lights clearly indicate which level you're currently using. Do you want to switch off the machine? Simply press the yellow button with the circle. It's incredibly intuitive!
Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2 sharpening angles
Another upgrade is the way you can adjust the sharpening angle. This used to be located vertically on the sharpening angle guide. Now, it is fitted horizontally, so it's easier to see the angle. The guides have a soft piece of leather on the inside to prevent scratching the blade of your knife. The sharpening angles have not changed. You can adjust the sharpening angle to your liking in 0.5-degree increments from 15 to 30 degrees.
Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2 Blade Grinding Attachment
The part that may have received the most upgrades is the Blade Grinding Attachment. The difference is clearly visible when holding it next to the original. Adjusting the sharpening angle is now significantly better, thanks to a rotary knob on the front that allows you to infinitely adjust the angle. Installing or replacing the belts has also become easier thanks to a larger, bolt-action-style lever. You can lock this, leaving both hands free to install the belt. Adjusting the belt has been made easier, and the large wheel now has three positions that allow you to adjust the tension of the belt on the area you are sharpening. To minimize convex grinding, adjust the wheel to its tightest setting.
At the rear, at the vertical straight surface, the belt will then closer to the rear surface. This allows you to sharpen with greater stability on the belt for a better and straighter result. In addition, you can slide the reference plate up or down as required.
We expect all versions of the Ken Onion Mk.2 by the end of 2024!