I am debating getting a worksharp to sharpen up some of the knives that have pretty much no edge from the factory.

I know you can mess up a tip quick. What are the pro's and con's. I can get one really cheap for my out of pocket expense anyway. I have hand sharpened with a stone my whole life. So its all greek to me.

What says the guru's in the yard.

i also have the same questions

I love it. I was nervous at first but started in on it and it's my favorite sharpening method. Screwed up the first couple of tips on some cheap kitchen knives but I can now get my blades shaving sharp in just a minute or so. Gunfixrjoe noted that if you stop your knife about a third of the way along the belt you don't mess up the tip. Followed that advice and it's been fantastic.

Pros:
- Even grind/angles on both sides
- wicked sharp
- convexed edge
- relatively easy to master (or at least become proficient)

Cons:
- need to buy replacement belts
- slight learning curve
- Your blades will all have a convex edge profile that you will now be wedded to (strops, sandpaper/mousepad, or continued use of a worksharp/belt sander

Other pro, once it's reprofiled, a dull knife goes back to sharp really fast--just a few swipes each side usually.

i dont like that if shtf you have a cord

i have one & love it

super easy. just dont keep the blade on there too long cause it'll heat it up

Try it! It's quick and easy! As noted aw, practice on cheap blades. I actually lock the handle of mine in a vise, remove the guide, adjust the angle, and sharpen freehand.

Yes...I like mine as well. In fact I bought a user 511 that is going to the garage for an edge today... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Gundog, yes, if the power is out you are up shyte creek BUT, if already have the convex edge on it is very easy to maintain (strop/mousepad etc) for a loooong time with the need of the tool.

I don't have a great pic of it but the Skeleton Key in this pic now has a fantastic edge courtesy of the Workshap ..... <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

great tools Andy <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Well, if the end of the world is upon us, you can always sharpen it on stones--the v grind will come back <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

...or you can try to find a convex stone...

I have been using a bench belt grinder. I didn't even know about the Worksharp. How long do the belts last?