Is the MK.2 worth it over a manual sharpener?

For a household with many dull knives, yes. It is faster and holds a consistent angle, where rods and stones depend on your hand. A manual sharpener is quieter and cheaper to run.

What is the difference between the 20° and 25° settings?

20° suits kitchen knives for slicing. 25° gives a sturdier edge for outdoor, hunting and utility knives. Flip the switch to match the blade.

Can it sharpen serrated knives and scissors?

Yes. The narrow belts reach into serrations, and the guide supports scissors and gut hooks. Work lightly on serrations so you do not flatten the teeth.

Does it need special belts?

It uses 1/2 x 12 inch flexible abrasive belts. Coarse, medium and fine grits are sold separately, and the fine belt gives the cleanest edge.

Will it damage my knives?

Not if you use light pressure and let the belt do the work. Heavy pressure on the coarse belt removes steel fast and can thin or round an edge.

How does it compare with the original Work Sharp Ken Onion edition?

The MK.2 keeps the belt-and-guide design with a simpler two-angle switch. The Ken Onion edition adds a variable-speed dial and a wider angle range for more control.

Where is the Work Sharp MK.2 Knife Sharpener cheapest?

At Lowe's, for $89.98, as of our latest check.

Where can I buy the Work Sharp MK.2 Knife Sharpener?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Lowe's, Tractor Supply Co.

Work Sharp MK.2 Knife Sharpener

Best price now

$89.98at Lowe'sChecked 22 h ago

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What reviewers say

Owners rate the MK.2 highly for bringing dull kitchen and hunting knives back to a working edge in minutes. Most praise the angle guide and two speeds. The common complaints are over-grinding on the coarse belt and rounded tips when users rush.

What people mention

Edge anglePraisedOwners like the switchable 20° and 25° guides for repeatable bevels.
SpeedPraisedReviewers say it restores a dull knife in a few passes.
Steel removalCriticisedSome say the coarse belt grinds too aggressively if rushed.
Tip roundingCriticisedUsers report rounded tips when the knife is lifted before the tip clears.
BeltsMixedBelts are easy to swap but are a recurring consumable cost.
NoiseCriticisedThe motor is loud, especially on the high-speed setting.

About the Work Sharp MK.2 Knife Sharpener

The Work Sharp MK.2 is a powered knife sharpener with a two-speed motor. The high speed setting is for grinding, and the low speed setting is for honing. It uses 1/2 x 12 flexible abrasive belts in coarse, medium and fine grits (P80, P220, 6000).

The redesigned sharpening guide is scratch-resistant, has a leather lining, and sets two angles. A switch changes between 25° for outdoor knives and 20° for kitchen knives. The Edge Guide supports the knife all the way to the tip.

It sharpens straight, curved, tanto, filet and serrated knives, as well as gut hooks, scissors and other edge tools.

Motor

Two-speed: high for grinding, low for honing

Sharpening angles

25° for outdoor knives, 20° for kitchen knives

Belt size

1/2 x 12 flexible abrasive belts

Belt grits

Coarse P80, medium P220, fine 6000

Guide

Dual angle, scratch-resistant, leather-lined

Works on