Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener Elite Mk2 - Adjustable Knife Sharpening System with Blade Grinding Attachment

I’ve sharpened knives a lot of different ways over the years, and this thing is flat-out impressive. The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Elite Mk2 gets knives extremely sharp, quickly, and with far less hassle than traditional sharpening methods. I did try the guided sharpener function, and honestly, it’s great — especially if you’re newer to sharpening or want a little more hand-holding on angle consistency. It takes a lot of the guesswork out and works well. That said, after using it for a while, I’ve switched almost exclusively to the Elite add-on belt sharpening option, and for me, that’s where this thing really shines. Once you get comfortable with it, it lets you sharpen faster and more consistently, and I’ve been able to get knives to a true hair-whittling sharp edge with less effort than other systems I’ve used. There is a learning curve, and like any powered sharpener, you can remove material quickly if you’re careless. Light pressure and patience go a long way. But once you get the feel for it, the control and results are excellent. So far, I absolutely love it, and honestly, my biggest regret is not ponying up the money for it years ago. If you use knives regularly and appreciate a properly sharp edge, this is money well spent.

The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener Elite MK2 is easily one of the best sharpeners I’ve used. It does an excellent job sharpening knives and can make even cheaper knives feel extremely sharp again. After using it, my knives feel razor-sharp and chop through just about anything effortlessly. It feels very safe to use and you can adjust the angles for sharpening. The build quality is excellent, and the whole system feels much better than your average sharpener and is very durrable. It might look a little intimidating at first, but it is actually very easy to get the hang of. Just follow the directions in the box, take your time, and you’ll get great results quickly. I love using this because it makes all of my knives feel like they have a fresh edge again. It is a little expensive, but in my opinion, it is worth every penny. I would recommend this to anyone who cooks at least a couple times a week and wants their knives to stay sharp without struggling with cheap sharpeners.

As a Sushi Senior and avid knife enthusiast with a serious collection of Japanese cutlery, I've spent years with traditional whetstones achieving a truly perfect edge was always time-consuming and inconsistent. The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk.2 (KO2) has completely revolutionized my sharpening routine, especially for my high-HRC Japanese blades. ​The Japanese Knife Test: Unparalleled Control and Finish ​The primary concern with any powered sharpener and Japanese knives is overheating the thin, hard steel and maintaining the shallow, acute edge angles they require. The KO2 excels in both areas: • ​Precision Angles for Japan: Unlike fixed-angle sharpeners, the KO2's adjustable guide ranges from 15 to 30. The 15 setting is the sweet spot for many traditional double-bevel Japanese knives, allowing you to establish a perfectly clean, consistent, and aggressive edge bevel every time. • ​Variable Speed is CRITICAL: The 7-speed electronic motor control is the feature that makes this safe for delicate Japanese knives. I can use the lower speed settings to work slowly and coolly, ensuring the thin steel never overheats or loses its temper. • ​The Finishing Touch: The included belt kit, especially the extra-fine belt allows for a truly polished, mirror like finish that is essential for maximizing the performance of Japanese steel. The resulting edge glides through paper-thin vegetables with zero resistance. ​Why the KO2 is Worth the Investment • ​Convex Edge Advantage: The flexible abrasive belts create a slight convex profile on the edge. This provides superior strength and edge retention compared to a standard flat bevel, meaning your razor-sharp Japanese knives stay sharp for longer, even with heavy use. • ​Total Versatility: When I’m not perfecting my kitchen knives, the KO2 handles my pocket knives, outdoor tools, and even scissors with ease. It truly is an all-in-one sharpening station. • ​Repeatable Results: The guides take the guesswork out of sharpening. Once you find your angle like 15 for a gyuto, you can lock it in and achieve the same world-class edge instantly, without having to practice your freehand technique. ​The Verdict: ​If you are invested in high-quality Japanese knives, do not hesitate. The Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk.2 provides the necessary precision, control, and fine finishing grits to maintain these sophisticated blades better and faster than traditional met hods. It’s an indispensable tool for anyone serious about edge maintenance. Stop struggling with stones and get to slicing!

I can't say enough good things about the Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Mk2. This sharpener has completely changed the way I maintain my knives and tools. Whether it’s kitchen knives, pocket knives, or even garden tools, this thing handles it all with ease and precision. The adjustable angle guide is a game changer—it lets me get the exact edge I want, from razor-sharp to robust utility. The variable speed control gives me full control over the sharpening process, and the upgraded Elite Mk2 version just feels more refined and user-friendly. What really impressed me is how consistent and professional the results are. My blades are sharper than ever, and I actually look forward to sharpening them now because it’s fast, satisfying, and effective. It’s also super versatile—I’ve even used it on scissors and axes with great results. If you’re serious about keeping your blades in top condition, this is hands down one of the best investments you can make. Highly recommended!

I'm considering the Tormek sharpening system (t8), but the price is a bit steep to just "try". Decided to give this a shot as I have some home knives that I have zero interest sharpening on my whetstones. They are in rough shape. Started with the roughest grit and worked my way up to the finest grit (didn't do the strop tho). Angle is set at 25 degrees. The knives are probably aus10 or vg5, fairly cheap set of home knives. Did roughly 8-10 passes on each side on each grit. It didn't feel that sharp (vs my work knives) but the cutting performance has drastically improved. Fairly easy to use, once I figured out how to change the belt without removing the setup from the motor. Will try the other attachment later on some knives that need thinning. It's better than most electric sharpeners, (imo they aren't very good to begin with). If you're in the market for an electric sharpener, this is the way. Is it worth the price tag though? If you like keeping your knife sharp (makes cooking more enjoyable) and don't want to get involved with whetstones, this isn't a bad option. Is it better than whetstones? I don't think so. It would also depend on the knife (various shapes out there) and types of metal the knife is made out of. I don't think these are great options for powdered steel knives, I'll try thinning my SG2 single bevel knife later to see. I wouldn't use this indoors, it dusts a decent bit if you do more than one knife. And it's kinda loud, like a blender on high, but maybe quieter than a hand sander. My biggest gripe though is the lack of case/container. I'll have to get something to hold everything.

This is my second Onion Sharpener and it differs somewhat from the original. There's been a definite improvement made in the belt tracking mechanism on the larger jig....................the tensioner rollers have been widen and they now keep the belts more taught and stable. An Added plus also, is a more user friendly power control device and readout. It's a solid little sharpener with multi task capabilities.

This thing is awesome, it is compact, portable and pretty lightweight. My kitchen knives are sharper now than when we bought them. Definitely recommend watching the YouTube video tutorials they post on how to use it as it is very easy to ruin the tip of a blade but it is all technique and they show you how to do it!

Why did I wait so long and waste so much time and money on other "sharpeners". This thing is built very well and actually sharpens my knives. Simple to use, puts a perfect edge on my knives and makes them just like new! Very happy with this purchase - highly recommend!

I had to return it as even though it is sold on amazon.ae it is still in US electrical specs