Work Sharp Ken Onion MK 2
If you’ve ever been intimidated by sharpening, the Mk.2 is your solution. We’ve taken the guesswork out of the process with a system that feels natural from the very first pull. With simplified controls and guided paths that protect your blades, you don't need years of practice to get a professional finish. It’s fast, it’s foolproof, and it’s designed to make your chores feel like a hobby. From the kitchen to the workshop, you'll find yourself looking for things to sharpen just because of how satisfying it is to use.
The WORK SHARP KEN ONION MK.2 is a professional-grade powered sharpening system designed to deliver precision results with minimal effort. Developed in collaboration with renowned knife maker Ken Onion, it brings advanced sharpening capability to your workbench or job site. With adjustable angle guides from 15° to 30°, it allows you to achieve consistent, repeatable edges across a wide range of blades, from pocket knives to kitchen cutlery and tools.
At its core is Flexible Belt Technology, which adapts to the shape of any blade for smooth, even sharpening without the need for specialist skills. The leather-lined angle guides not only protect your blade’s finish but also ensure accurate angle control for reliable, razor-sharp results every time.
For added versatility, the MK.2 features a variable speed motor with seven LED settings, giving you precise control for everything from delicate honing to more aggressive sharpening tasks. Compact, powerful, and easy to use, it offers a complete, all-in-one solution for maintaining and restoring edges with professional consistency.
- Angle Range 15° – 30°
- Speed Settings 7 (LED indicated)
- Motor Type Variable speed
- Sharpening System Flexible belt system
- Guide Type Leather-lined angle guides
- Design Powered benchtop / portable sharpener
- Professional powered sharpening system for fast and consistent results
- Developed in collaboration with Ken Onion for expert-level performance
- Adjustable angle guides for precise and repeatable edge sharpening
- Flexible Belt Technology that adapts to different blade shapes
- Leather-lined angle guides to protect blade finishes during sharpening
- Variable speed control for handling a wide range of sharpening tasks
- Suitable for multiple blade types including knives, scissors, and tools
- User-friendly design requiring no prior sharpening experience
- Compact and portable form factor for use at home or on the job
- Versatile all-in-one sharpening solution for maintenance and edge restoration
- 7 Speed Motor Control with LED Display
- Adjustable Sharpening Guide 15°-30°
- Tool Sharpening Cassette with 65° Scissor Guide
- 3/4" x 12" Belt Kit (1 ea.)P120 (Extra Coarse), X65 (Coarse), X22 (Medium), X4 (Fine), 6000 (Extra Fine)
- Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2™
Can I sharpen serrated knives and gut hooks with this system?
Yes. Unlike many fixed-stone sharpeners, the Mk.2 uses flexible abrasive belts that can conform to the curves of serrated edges and gut hooks. For these specialized tasks, it is recommended to use the finest grit belt (6000) and the "downhill" side of the belt to avoid snagging.
How do I prevent rounding the tip of my knife?
A common concern with belt sharpeners is rounding the tip. To prevent this, pull the knife through the guide until the tip reaches the middle of the belt, then stop and release the power trigger. Never let the tip of the knife drag all the way across and off the belt while it is still moving at high speed.
Does this sharpener leave scratches on the side of my blade?
The Mk. 2 features improved sharpening guides lined with leather. This leather lining acts as a soft buffer between the guide and your blade, significantly reducing the risk of "blade rash" or surface scratches that were more common on older, unlined plastic guides.
What is the benefit of a "convex" edge?
Because the sharpening belts are flexible, they create a slightly convex (curved) edge rather than a flat "V" grind. This puts more "meat" behind the cutting edge, making it more durable and resistant to chipping while still remaining hair-shaving sharp.
Can I use the Mk. 2 to sharpen garden tools like axes and mower blades?
Yes. The sharpening cassette can be rotated or the guides can be removed entirely to allow for "freehand" sharpening. This allows you to bring the tool to the sharpener (or the sharpener to the tool) to restore edges on lawnmower blades, shears, and axes using the higher speed settings.
How do I know which speed setting to use?
The Mk. 2 has an electronic speed control with LED indicators. As a general rule:
- Low Speeds (1–3): Best for kitchen and pocket knives to provide more control and prevent the blade from overheating.
- High Speeds (4–7): Best for heavy-duty tools and grinding tasks where you need to remove more material quickly.
Is it compatible with the Blade Grinder Attachment?
The Mk. 2 power base is designed to accept the Blade Grinding Attachment Mk. 2. This attachment mimics a professional belt sander setup, offering a larger sharpening surface and more freedom for enthusiasts who prefer freehand sharpening over guided sharpening. (Note: It is typically not compatible with the original Mk. 1 attachments).
- 3-Year Warranty
Our aim is to ensure that your order arrives with you as soon as possible and in the safest, most cost-effective means.
Please Note: Shipping charges may be subject to additional surcharges if out of area or over weight restrictions.
Please Note: DPD SHIPMENTS REQUIRE THE CUSTOMER TO SHOW A PIN CODE ON DELIVERY - READ MORE: HERE
COURIERS
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We use DPD , RoyalMail, TNT and UPS courier services for all our orders whether dispatching to the UK or International. As soon as your order has been dispatched you will receive an email with your unique tracking number. We are unable to add delivery notes to your order regarding safe spaces or neighbour deliveries. If you require this service it can be arranged directly with the courier once the parcel is in their network.
IN-STORE ITEMS
These are items that we have in-stock and will be sent out for delivery as soon as possible. We aim to dispatch all orders within 1-2 working days, but during busy periods dispatch may be delayed by a day or so. If you would like to purchase the item in person then please call ahead to arrange an appointment: 01803 611 895.
PRE-ORDER ITEMS
These are usually items that are going to be out-of-stock for a number of weeks or are in short supply. By purchasing a Pre-Order Item you are in effect paying a deposit for your goods. As soon as the item is back in stock yours will be dispatched within 24 hours where possible. Please see individual product pages for current back-in-stock dates. In rare occasions, these dates can be changed by the manufacturers so we recommend staying in contact with Optics Warehouse depending on the product lead time.
INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY & TAXES
In addition to the above information If your delivery address is outside of the UK you may be subject to import duties and taxes, which are levied once a shipment reaches your country. Any such additional charges for customs clearance must be borne by you. You should note that customs policies vary widely from country to country. Optics Warehouse advises each customer to contact their local customs office for further information if they are in any way unsure of local duties or liabilities. Cross border shipments are subject to opening and inspection by customs authorities which means some packages may be opened and re-sealed.
NEED HELP?
If you require any further assistance, please call us on 01803 611 895 or email sales@opticswarehouse.co.uk
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A NOTE ABOUT DPD SHIPMENTS:
- Please be advised that we have now introduced DPD Pins to all DPD orders from Optics Warehouse.
- If your shipment is being sent from Optics Warehouse via DPD you will be sent a Pin Code that must be shown to the courier upon delivery.
- The pincode is sent VIA email & TEXT message. A valid email address and mobile number must be provided at checkout. Emails will be sent from "Riviera House 3PL" - if you do not receive this email please check your junk or spam folders.
- Please note that if you do not display your pin code to the courier driver upon delivery, you will not be able to have your item and you may need to schedule another delivery date to show a valid pin.
- Please view the attached slides HERE for further information!
















