OWNER REVIEWWORK SHARP POCKET KNIFE SHARPENER
Dec 4, 2021
Tester
Information
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Name:
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David
Wilkes |
E-Mail:
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amatbrewer@yahoo.com
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Age:
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56 |
Location:
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Yakima
Washington USA |
Gender:
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M |
Height:
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5'11"
(1.80 m) |
Weight:
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203
lb (92 kg) |
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Biography:
I started
backpacking
in 1995 when I moved to Washington State. Since then, I have
backpacked in all seasons and conditions. I am currently getting into
condition to summit some of the
higher peaks in Washington, Oregon, and California. I normally use a
tarp/tent or hammock for shelter. My current base weight is around 17
lb (8 kg), not including consumables.
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|
Product
Information
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Manufacturer:
|
WORK SHARP |
Year
of Pruchase:
|
2017 |
Manufacturer’s
Website:
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www.worksharptools.com |
MSRP:
|
$14.95 US
|
Dimensions: | Measured (not listed) 5.5" X 1.75" (14cm X 4.5cm) |
Weight: |
Measured (not listed): 1.6 oz (46 g) |
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|
Product
Description:The
WORK SHARP POCKET KNIFE SHARPENER is a compact portable sharpening
system consisting of two sharpening surfaces, one 320 grit diamond
plate with 20deg sharpening guides and one fine ceramic rod with 25deg
sharpening guides. It is intended to allow the user to quickly sharpen
or hone the edge of a blade while on the go. |
|
Report
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Use:
- Since
obtaining this sharpener I have used it to sharpen multiple knives
ranging from cheap blades I keep in my shop or around the house, to
some of my higher end tools such as my Benchmade and HELLE of Norway
knives. I have also used this to sharpen some of my garden and bonsai
tools. It has been used on blades consisting entirely of stainless
steel, to high carbon, as well as laminated steel.
- While I have
taken this on a few backpacking trips, I rarely find the need to
sharpen my knives during a trip so this is mostly used around the
house, my yard, shop and to put an edge on my knife before/after a trip.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I obtained this sharpener as a free giveaway item at a trade show.
A
dull blade is a pet peeve of mine. From my first job working in
restaurants I learned that there are a myriad of reasons most
knives absolutely should be kept sharp from safety to ensuring they are
up to the tasks they need to perform. As such I have used and owned
many sharpening systems over the years. So when I received this one I
did not have very high expectations. However I was soon to learn to not
trust first impressions and that sometimes the simplest solutions are
best.
I would mention here that I have seen miss or overuse of
diamond sharpeners quickly destroy knives and/or greatly shorten their
usable life so I tend to be skeptical of them. However I have found it
to be an asset to this handy little device. When I want to quickly put
or restore an edge on a tool, a diamond plate can be exactly the right
surface to use. Aggressive enough to remove lots of material but still
fine enough grit that it does not require additional work to clean up
prior to honing. The ceramic rod is excellent for finishing a blade
after sharpening with the diamond side, or just refreshing an edge.
If
there is one downside to this, it would be that its small size makes
safely holding it while sharpening a bit of a challenge. I have tried
holding it a few different ways but when I am working with a really
sharp knife I have yet to find a hold that does not leave me open to
possibly nicking my fingers, or the blade contacting the surface I have
it resting on. But I would note that this small negative is more than
compensated for by its ability to put a quick edge on my tools as well
as being small enough to carry just about anywhere. I would also note
this allows me to maneuver the sharpener in ways that may be difficult
if not impossible for some other larger sharpers which adds to its
versatility.
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Likes
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Opportunities
for improvement
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Lightweight, compact, easy to
use, quickly puts an edge on even a very dull tool, hones to a very
sharp edge, integrated angle guides.
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Hard to hold in a way that does not expose my finger to getting nicked.
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