Work Sharp has been making waves in the knife-sharpening space for over a decade. Offering sharpening solutions at every level, the company has something for everyone at any skill level. Following the success of the original Precision Adjust Elite from 2021, Work Sharp expands the system with the Professional Precision Adjust Elite. The system is a robust option for any skill level, from novice to pro, featuring ten abrasives and upgraded features.

The Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpening System

Featuring a tower-based platform, the Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpening System occupies a minimal footprint on your workbench. The sharpening frame has a durable metal construction and houses the adjustment screw and steel stabilizing rod. Attached to the screw and rod is the angle guide providing sharpening angles from 15° – 30° for everything from field to kitchen knives.

The angle guide holds the abrasive handle, which is specifically designed to secure the sharpening abrasives. In addition, the spine of the abrasive handle features a ceramic rod for sharpening serrations.

The kit includes ten 1” x 6” sharpening abrasives, including:

• 220 Coarse Diamond Plate
• 320 Coarse Diamond Plate
• 400 Medium Diamond Plate
• 600 Fine Diamond Plate
• 800 Fine Diamond Plate
• Fine Ceramic
• 1200 Grit Resin Bonded Diamond Plate
• 2000 Grit Resin Bonded Diamond Plate
• 3000 Grit Resin Bonded Diamond Plate
• Leather Strop with 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide

On the front of the frame is the metal V-Block Clamp, which is designed to secure your knife in place. The clamp rotates to make it easy to get both sides of your edge without removing the knife. In the case of long knives, the frame can be unlocked and tilted back on the polymer base. This allows clearance for a longer knife without tilting the whole unit back (which might not be possible if you have it mounted to a workbench).

Also included in the kit is a clamp stabilizing platform to help keep the clamp in place with large knives. Another ingenious inclusion is the small knife table. For Swiss Army knives or small slipjoints, remove the V-Block Clamp and add the small knife table. It secures the knife blade via a magnet and allows for tiny blades.

Using the Sharpening System

The first step is to secure your knife’s blade into the V-Block Clamp using the tightening dial behind the clamp. I highly recommend making sure you lock it down tightly, or you will have to start over. The first time I used it, my blade came loose when I was almost finished. Fortunately, I was close enough that I could forgo the final stropping.

Once your blade is secured, you will need to establish your edge’s angle. I use a Sharpie and color the edge bevel. Then I use a medium grit abrasive and adjust the angle guide until it removes all of the Sharpie along the edge bevel evenly.

To adjust the angle guide, just turn the angle adjustment knob located on the top of the frame. Likewise, the system includes a digital angle indicator to ensure you get the exact angle. Simply place the angle indicator on the angle guide’s rod, turn it on, and the digital display will indicate the precise angle setting.

After your knife is secured and you have set your angle, affix the proper abrasive plate. They are easily attached via two posts at each end of the abrasive handle and held in place via a magnet. If you are just honing your edge, you can start with a finer abrasive. However, if you are reprofiling an edge or fixing a bad edge, start at the beginning with the 220 course.

Finally, work the abrasive evenly down the length of the edge. Work Sharp has a great video on the process. Then, rotate the V-Block Clamp to get the other side of the blade before moving to the next abrasive.

It is worth noting that you do not want to press hard on the abrasive handle. Let the abrasives do the work.

A Truly Portable Sharpening Solution

I never used to talk about packaging and cases. However, I have found lately that a lot of companies are stepping up their game. Work Sharp is no different, and it is worth talking about.

The Professional model comes in a heavy-duty case, similar to Pelican or Plano, that can handle the abuse of travel. It’s so robust, you could probably toss it off the second-floor balcony to save the trouble of carrying it all the way down. Just kidding. Don’t do that. It probably really can take it. But seriously, don’t do that.

The case features a removable foam lining base with separate cutouts for each piece of the sharpening system. Then, a removable top layer of foam holds the guide rod, digital angle guide, honing compound, clamp support, and the ten abrasive plates. Everything is held securely in place to prevent jostling while on the move.

The case includes two secure clasps that lock the lid down and ensure a water-tight seal. Finally, an oversized handle makes the entire Professional Precision Adjust Elite system easy to grab and go. As a result, you can take the entire system with you wherever you go.

Work Sharp Continues to Raise the Bar

I have been a fan of Work Sharp sharpening systems since its inception. The company makes some of the most intuitive, easy-to-use, and full-featured systems on the market. And the Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpening System is no exception. I already had the Precision Adjust Elite, but this new model steps things up dramatically.

Although the whole system—in its case—is quite large, this will be my new go-to portable truck sharpening system.

Is the Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpening System for everyone? No. But if you want to be the rock star at deer camp, break this out and sharpen everyone’s knives. That said, don’t let the “Professional” moniker scare you away. This isn’t just for professionals. It is for anyone who likes to keep their knives sharp.

Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Sharpening System Specs

Features

• Precision Metal Sharpening Frame
• Digital Angle Indicator
• Rugged Carry Case
• Comprehensive 10-Abrasive System:
• Coarse diamond plates (220, 320, 400 grit)
• Fine diamond plates and ceramic plate (600, 800 grit, fine ceramic)
• Premium resin-bonded diamond plates (1200, 2000, 3000 grit)
• Leather Strop with 0.5 micron Chromium Oxide
• Innovative Metal V-Block Clamp
• Small Knife Table Attachment
• Clamp Stabilizer Platform
• Dedicated Serration Sharpener