I'm looking forward to trying the belt grinder. It seems to be the most intuitive of the mechanical sharpening systems I've looked at. I can do most everything I need by hand, but it takes time.

The WorkSharp looks mighty handy. As you say, it covers the bases for most people. If one fell into my Christmas stocking, I would not object.

Better still, the WorkSharp looks quite portable. As in, throw it in the trunk when heading to the in-laws for Christmas and amaze them by turning their "sticks" back into knives.

Sure, a big belt grinder is somewhat more versatile, and has a wider variety of standard size belts available. But I'm not going to schlep it around with me, nor use it on someone's kitchen counter.

Dang, you sold me.

I have no problem with getting a superb edge with a stone but I have a WorkSharp and much prefer to use it. I would never use a conventional grinder on a tempered blade, it is just TOO easy to heat it up and ruin the temper. I have a wetwheel grinder for major work (had it for lots longer than the WorkSharp). The limited belt selection from WS limits its use but lots of belts are available. The WorkSharp will do major work, and do it well. Just remove the guide and use the open belt. Unlike the large bench size belt grinders, it does not have a built in guide, but it will work. Will it replace the larger systems - no, but it is convient for most of the work that most of us do, lots easier to move around (sometimes important) and takes up lots less space ("space is a tool"). For me it has placed a larger low speed belt grinder much further down on the want list.

If you want to optimize the WorkSharp buy some Micro-Surface belts (at an astounding .59 ea). They are available in a large variety of grits, I bought from 240 to 1200 (not the same numbers as the grit numbers used by WS). I will add the URL when I get home tonight. (http://micro-surface.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=273_197&products_id=91) Also read the BladeForums (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/795222-Aftermarket-belts-for-Work-Sharp-tested-today!).

Respectfully,

Jerry

Absolutely! I agree with you. I don't mean to sound like I'm running it down. It does seem to be a fantastic system. The portability of it is a great selling point, too.

Please see the URL's added above.

Respectfully,

Jerry