Introducing the newest to the Work Sharp line of knife and tool sharpeners – where versatility meets precision, and dull edges tremble in fear.
Meet the KO2: The Ultimate Knife & Tool Sharpener
This is the Ken Onion Elite Knife and Tool Sharpener Mk 2—or as we like to call it, the KO2.
Available in two versions:
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Base Model – Includes the sharpening cassette
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Elite Model (KO Elite) – Includes the sharpening cassette plus the Blade Grinding Attachment (BGA)
Designed by Ken Onion and engineered by Work Sharp, this sharpener offers both guided and freehand sharpeningfor nearly any edge, at almost any angle.
With three core sharpening methods, the KO2 combines the power of multiple large, professional-grade machines into one versatile benchtop tool that’s bold, loud, and built for serious sharpening.
Total Control. Total Sharpening Power.
The industry-first digital speed control buttons on the KO2 give you precise, repeatable control over your sharpening speed and usage. Whether you’re honing or grinding, a simple press of a button dials in exactly what you need.
Key Controls:
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Speed up or slow down the motor with a button—no trigger needed.
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Low speeds for honing, high speeds for grinding.
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Continuous Run button keeps the sharpener running hands-free.
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Amber kill switch lets you quickly cut power—no fumbling around.
Sharpening Method 1: The Cassette System
Start simple. The included sharpening cassette supports flexible belts ranging from 120 grit (coarse) to 6000 grit (ultra-fine).
Cassette Highlights:
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Two leather-lined angle guides with front edge support.
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Adjustable from 15° to 30°, with 0.5° increments per click.
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Solid tactile notches for precise and repeatable sharpening—even on swords.
Sharpening Method 2: 45° Convex Grinding
Axes, lawn mower blades, and other irregular tools? We’ve got a method for that.
Here's how:
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Remove the angle guides by pulling up the back of the cassette.
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Rotate the cassette forward to expose the belt at a fixed 45° angle.
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Use the coarse 120 belt at speed setting 7 for handheld grinding and shaping.
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Perfect for odd shapes, thick tools, and fast material removal.
Sharpening Method 3: Blade Grinding Attachment (BGA)
The BGA takes sharpening to the next level. Included with the KO Elite (or available separately), it unlocks true freehand sharpening with convex control.
BGA Features:
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Full set of 1" x 18” flexible belts for everything from dull to polished.
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Two zero-degree reference platforms (front and adjustable rear).
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Angle adjustment knob between the two main pulleys for precision.
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Sharpen by laying your blade flat, then lifting into the belt—freehand like a pro.
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3-way adjustable pulley to control your convex edge:
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Position 1 – Low convex (kitchen knives)
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Position 3 – High convex (axes, outdoor tools)
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One System. Infinite Possibilities.
That’s 3 core sharpening methods in one system:
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Cassette Sharpening – Guided angle + fine belt sharpening
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45° Convex Grinding – Tool shaping and handheld control
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BGA Freehand Sharpening – Pro-level convex edge customization
And that doesn’t even include the 90° flat grind on the back, dedicated scissor guide, or the slack belt area… we’ll save those for another day.
Explore More
Need a walkthrough? Watch the KO2 User Guide
Whether you're new to the KO2 or just want to make sure you're getting the most out of it, this video walks you through setup, sharpening methods, belt changes, and best practices—all in one easy-to-follow guide. Perfect for first-time users and sharpening pros alike
