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Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener Comparison: Mk. 1 vs. Mk. 2

Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener Comparison: Mk. 1 vs. Mk. 2

Should You Upgrade to the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk. 2?

If you’ve been relying on the original Work Sharp Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk. 1, you may have noticed it’s been discontinued. So now, with the Ken Onion Mk. 2 available, you’re probably asking yourself: is it worth upgrading? Let’s dive into the differences between the two models and help you decide if the upgrade is right for you.

What’s New in the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk. 2?

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Mk. 2 is its refined design and build quality. While the original Ken Onion was reliable, it had a few limitations, especially with its sharpening guides. The Ken Onion Edition Mk. 1 featured plastic guides that were functional but sometimes felt less refined. You’d adjust the sharpening angle using a continuous dial, which worked well enough but didn’t offer the precision some knives require.

The Ken Onion Mk. 2  knife sharpener addresses these issues with leather lined guides, ensuring a smoother sharpening experience and protecting your blades from scratches. Another significant improvement is the click control, which allows for 0.5 degree adjustments to your sharpening angle. This added precision makes a world of difference when working with delicate knives or tools that require an exact angle. Having used both side-by-side, it’s clear that the Mk. 2 not only makes it easier to set the perfect angle but also helps maintain that angle while sharpening, offering more consistent results.

Precision Sharpening with Improved Motor Control

The motor and speed control are other areas where the newer Ken Onion Edition Mk. 2 outshines the original model. The original Ken Onion Edition had a manual speed control, but it didn’t provide any indication of the belt speed, making it challenging to maintain consistency, especially during precision sharpening tasks.

Left: the Mk. 1, right: the Mk. 2 with Digital Speed Control and Click-Control Angle Guide setter. 

The Mk. 2 features electronic speed control, with seven adjustable speed settings ranging from 850 to 2,590 SFM (surface feet per minute). An LED display lets you easily monitor and adjust the speed, giving you more control over the sharpening process. The upgraded motor also delivers more torque at lower speeds, which is ideal for sharpening smaller knives where precision is key.

Sharpening Belts

The new Ken Onion Mk. 2 uses the same, great quality belts as the original. It has improved on how belts are changed. The Belt Change Lever locks into place, making it easier to fit the belts around the three pulleys. Once the belt is properly positioned, pressing the red Belt Tensioner Release Button will re-tension the belt, ready to sharpen.  

The red Belt Tensioner Release Button is a great new addition to the Ken Onion Mk. 2 (right). 

While the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk. 2 improves on many fronts, belt tracking is one area where the original model might still have an edge. On the original Ken Onion Mk.1, belt tracking was controlled by a convenient ratcheting lever on the sharpener’s body. In contrast, the Mk. 2 requires you to adjust belt tracking using a Philips head screw located next to the angle dial. While this adds an extra step to the process, it’s worth noting that the Mk. 2 hasn’t required any adjustments so far, so this may not be a significant drawback for most users.

Is It Worth the Upgrade?

If you’re on the fence about upgrading, here’s what it comes down to: the Mk. 2 offers more precision, better control, and an overall improved user experience. The click control sharpening guides and electronic speed settings alone make it a far more refined tool. Plus, the lower speed, higher torque motor enhances performance, especially for precision tasks.


So, should you upgrade? If you’re satisfied with the basic functionality of your original Ken Onion Edition Knife and Tool Sharpener, there’s no need to rush. Both models use the same belts, so replacements will be available for the foreseeable future. However, if you’re looking for a more professional sharpening experience, the Mk. 2 is definitely worth the investment. You’ll benefit from improved precision, more consistent results, and a tool that just feels more capable overall.

Ready to Upgrade?

If you’re ready for a sharper, more professional sharpening experience, the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk. 2 is waiting for you. Experience the upgrades for yourself and don't just work smarter, work sharper. 

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