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About six months ago, I picked up a Work Sharp Blade Grinder Attachment to expand the capability of my Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener. After six months of fairly heavy use ranging from: EDC, filet, kitchen, boning and hunting knives, I wanted to give an honest assessment of what is working and what could be improved.
DIY Sharpen A Machete with the Work Sharp Grinding Attachment:
Use the Work Sharp Grinding Attachment to put an edge back on your machete Learn How
If you don’t have either, Work Sharp is now packaging them as a combo at a cheaper price. Too late for me, but may help some others.
What I Need
I gave my complete review of the Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener: Ken Onion Edition about four months back and overall, I love the tool. I picked up the grinder attachment based on a recommendation that it would elevate my love for the tool.
My Take on the Work Sharp Blade Grinder Attachment
Where It Shines
Sharpens Any Blade
Unlike the Ken Onion grinder alone, the larger belts and unobstructed access to them allows you to easily sharpen the full length of all blade sizes. This addresses an issue I’ve had with larger blades on the grinder alone where I’m unable to sharpen to the handle.
No Blade Scratches
This is worth the attachment alone. No more taping blades with painter’s tape as the attachment doesn’t leave scratches. This is a huge time saver!
Large Range of Angles
The angles on the grinder attachment are nearly unlimited. You can use the marked measurements or use a digital angle gauge to home in on the exact angle you need.
Points to Consider
I hesitate to says these are improvements needed. These are actually just features of the attachment, but some folks will need to get use to them.
No Guide for Maintaining Angle
The attachment has a point of reference platform to ensure the blade is level, but once you lift off the platform, you are free-handing the blade over the belt.
I actually prefer this, but for those who are use to sharpening with the Ken Onion and the included guide, it could be challenging.
Get Comfortable Being Ambidextrous
This is probably the toughest challenge for me. You have to flip the blade to sharpen both sides of the knife. Unless you are ambidextrous, you will have a side that feels more comfortable.
I find the best way to do this is to hold the handle from the top and place your index finger near the point of the blade for an anchor point when you sharpen the tip of the knife.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the Blade Grinder Attachment should come standard with the Ken Onion Knife and Tool Sharpener. It’s almost essential.
Purchase the combo, it will save you money now and time sharpening in the long run. If I’m sharpening knives, I have the blade grinder attachment on these days.