Darex Ken Onion Edition User manual

USER’S GUIDE
WORKSHARPTOOLS.COM
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand this instruction
manual before using product. Save these instructions for future reference.
• CAUTION!

Table of Contents
Safety Information.........................................................................3
Sharpening Basics ..........................................................................8
Getting To Know Your Tool..........................................................10
Setting Up Your Tool ....................................................................12
Know Your Knife...........................................................................13
Sharpening Reference Chart .......................................................14
Sharpening Outdoor Knives........................................................15
Sharpening Serrated Knives........................................................17
Sharpening Fillet Knives..............................................................18
Sharpening Gut Hooks.................................................................18
Sharpening Kitchen Knives .........................................................19
Sharpening Scissors .....................................................................20
Grinding, Polishing, Deburring....................................................21
Tool Grinding Attachment...........................................................22
Blade Grinding Attachment.........................................................24
Troubleshooting ...........................................................................26
Parts Index....................................................................................27
Thank you for purchasing this tool. Your support makes a real
impact on our small business. We are confident you will be very pleased with
your purchase. If that is not the case, please contact us. We know you work
hard for your money and we want to provide you with a high performance,
high value tool. Please keep in touch and let us know how we’re doing. Until
then, stay sharp out there…
Team Darex,
Ashland Oregon

3
You will be creating incredibly sharp knives and tools with this sharpener.
Please handle them with care. Use caution to avoid cutting yourself.
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
• WARNING! Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure
to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, re
and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term “power
tool” in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or
battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
• WARNING! CHOKING HAZARD!
Small Parts - Not for children under 3-yrs.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
1) Work area safety
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tool in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of ammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
2) Electrical safety
a) Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any
way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools.
Unmodied plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b)Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes,
radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water
entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling
or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil,
sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk
of electric shock.
e) When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for
outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric
shock.
f) If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual
current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces the risk of
electric shock.
Safety Information

4
3) Personal safety
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use a power tool while you are tired
or under the inuence of drugs, alcohol or medication. Amoment of
inattention while operating power tool may result in serious personal injury.
b) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Safety equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position
before connecting to power source or battery pack, picking up or
carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your nger on the switch or
energizing power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A
wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in
personal injury.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts. Air vents often cover moving parts
and should also be avoided.
g) If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection
facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust
collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
4) Power tool use and care
a) Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate
for which it was designed.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any
power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must
be repaired.
c) Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tools. Such
preventative safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
d) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow
persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate
the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving

5
parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the
power tool’s operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before
use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
f) Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
g) Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc., in accordance with these
instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work
to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
5) Service
• Have your power tool serviced by a qualied repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.
• Do not dispose of electrical products with household waste.
Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household
waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local
authority or retailer for recycling advice.
• To replace a damaged power supply cord (Type Y), your power
tool must be returned to the Service Center.
Specific Safety Rules
• WARNING:ALWAYS use proper safety glasses. Everyday
eyeglasses are NOT safety glasses.Also use face or dust mask
if operation is dusty.ALWAYS WEAR CERTIFIED SAFETY
EQUIPMENT.
• WARNING: Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals known to
cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Some examples of
these chemicals are:
• lead from lead-based paints,
• crystalline silica from bricks and cement and other masonry products, and
• arsenic and chromium from chemically-treated lumber (CCA).
Your risk from these exposures varies, depending on how often you do this type
of work. To reduce your exposure to these chemicals, work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety equipment, such as those dust masks that
are specially designed to lter out microscopic particles.
Darex, LLC
210 E. Hersey St.
Ashland OR 97520
USA
Tel.: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
E-mail: techsuppo[email protected]
Internet: www.worksharptools.com

6
• WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which
may cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always
use NIOSH/ OSHA approved respiratory protection appropriate for the dust
exposure. Direct particles away from face and body.
• CAUTION: Wear appropriate hearing protection during use. Under some
conditions and duration of use, noise from this product may contribute to hearing loss.
• Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where
the abrasive belt may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.
• Always hold tool rmly.
• Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the work piece to a
stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body leaves it unstable
and may lead to loss of control.
• Avoid prolonged contact with dust from power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction activities. Wear protective clothing and wash
exposed areas with soap and water. Allowing dust to get into your mouth, eyes,
or lie on the skin may promote absorption of harmful chemicals.
SAFETY GUIDELINES — DEFINITIONS
It is important for you to read and understand this manual. The information
it contains relates to protecting YOUR SAFETY and PREVENTING
PROBLEMS. The symbols below are used to help you recognize this
information:
• DANGER: Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
• WARNING: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
• CAUTION: Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION: Used without the safety alert symbol (•) indicates a potentially
hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
The label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V...................Volt A............. amperes
Hz..................Hertz W............ watts
min................minutes .......... alternating current
...............direct current no............ no load speed
.................Class II Construction ........... earthing terminal
•..................safety alert symbol rpm......... revolutions or
......................... reciprocations per minute

7
Motor
Be sure your power supply agrees with nameplate marking. 110 Volts AC
only means your tool will operate on standard 60 Hz household power. Do not
operate AC tools on DC. A rating of 110 volts AC/DC means that your tool
will operate on standard 60 Hz AC or DC power. This information is printed on
the nameplate. Lower voltage will cause loss of power and can result in over-
heating.
Extension Cords
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one heavy enough to carry the
current your product will draw. An undersized cord will cause a drop in line
voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following table shows
the correct size to use depending on cord length and nameplate ampere rating. If
in doubt, use the next heavier gage. The smaller the gage number, the heavier the
cord.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Minimum Gauge for Cord Sets
Volt Total Length of Cord in Feet
120V 0 - 25
(0-7.6 m) 26 - 50 (7.6-15.2 m) 51 - 100 (15.2-30.4 m) 101 - 150 (30.4-45.7 m)
230V 0 - 50
(0-15.2 m) 51-100 (15.2-30.4 m) 101-200 (30.4-60.9 m) 201-300 (60.9-91.4 m)
Ampere Rating American Wire Gauge
More Than Not More
Than
0 6 18 16 16 14
6 10 18 16 14 12
10 12 16 16 14 12
12 16 14 12 Not Recommended
Intended Uses:
• Grinding, Sharpening and Honing applications on knives and tools.
• Light duty grinding in metal.
• Only for use with consumer applications.
• Tool should only be used with sharpening cassette installed.
Unintended Uses:
• Industrial or commercial grinding or sharpening applications.
• Extended, continuous heavy duty use.

8
What edge angle and why?
Our recommendations (found in section 4) are based on our extensive testing and
driven by three primary factors: 1) Optimizing the edge angle for the intended
purpose of the knife. 2) Optimizing edge retention for the knife’s purpose. 3) Speed of
sharpening process.
Why is a convex edge superior?
Our blade use and sharpness testing have taught us that a convex edge is a superior
edge. The smooth radius edge type does not have ‘shoulders’ like a flat grind and
creates less friction or resistance when cutting. A convex edge provides more steel
behind the edge to support it, so the edge stays sharper longer. Lastly, our convex
method thins the bevel when you sharpen the blade, while flat ground blades get
thicker and thicker as you re-sharpen.
The Sharpening Process
Angle Changes - what to expect with a decreased angle:
Duration: If you are sharpening a knife to an angle lower than the factory grind
(example: factory 25° sharpening to a 15°), you should expect this process to take
longer. This is due to the amount of material being removed to ‘thin’ the edge. Expect
this reduced angle edge to be more prone to damage and edge rolling.
Bevel height: You should also expect the look of your edge to change if you are
decreasing the edge angle. The height of the bevel will increase as the edge angle is
reduced and create more surface area. This also increases sharpening time since the
surface area of the blade being sharpened is higher.
Most knives are
flat ground and
have a smaller
bevel height or
surface area.
Factory
Re-sharpening
to a lower
angle and a
convex grind
takes time.
In Process
Sharpen until
a burr is raised
before switching
to a finer grit belt.
Continue to Next Grit
Burr
Sharpening Basics:

9
Definitions of sharp:
• Toothy Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has micro serrations at the cutting edge
and is considered a ‘toothy’ edge since it bites into material. This is the ideal knife
edge for general kitchen use and a working edge on a pocket knife for tasks like
cutting rope or boxes.
• Shaving Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has been sharpened / honed / refined
past a Toothy edge. The micro serrations or ‘teeth’ have been honed away to
reveal a smooth keen edge. This is the ideal edge for field dressing animals or
cutting raw meat in the kitchen.
• Shiny Sharp: This is a sharp edge that has been honed / stropped past a Shaving
Sharp edge. This lower angle edge has a mirror reflective bevel that has little to no
abrasive scratches in the surface finish of the blade and is the ultimate edge. No
bleeding please!
The fastest way to a sharp edge: Toothy Sharp
• Outdoor Knife: Angle = 25° | Speed = Low/Med
-X65: 6-10 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)
• Kitchen Knife: Angle = 20° | Speed = Low
-X65: 4-8 strokes, then X22 (2 strokes)
For a more refined cutting edge: Shaving Sharp
• Outdoor Knife: Angle = 25° | Speed = Low/Med
-X65: 6-10 strokes, then X4 (10 strokes)
• Kitchen Knife: Angle = 20° | Speed = Low
-X65: 4-8 strokes, then X4 (10 strokes)
For the ultimate cutting edge: Shiny Sharp
• Outdoor Knife: Angle = 22.5° | Speed = Low/Med
-X65, then X22, then X4 (10 strokes each)
• Kitchen Knife: Angle = 17.5° | Speed = Low
-X65, X22, and X4 (10 strokes each)
Note: Stroke count is for each side of the blade.
Sharpening Basics (cont.)

10
Sharpening Guide Slots
Belt Tensioner
Belt Change Lever
Handle
Sharpening Cassette
Power Platform
Not Pictured: Bench Mount Fastener (1/4” x 20)
Edge Guide
Angle Adjustment Knob
Cassette
Lock Lever
Belt Tracking Lever
with variable speed dial
Power Switch
Power Switch Lock Out
Getting To Know Your Tool
1

11
Extra Coarse
P120
Norton SG
Tool Sharpening
Knife Repair
Belt Name
Grit
Size
What it Sharpens
Uses
Coarse
X65
Norax 65µ
Knife
Shape
Medium
X22
Norax 22µ
Knife
Sharpen
Fine
X4
Norax 4µ
Knife & Scissor
Hone
Extra Fine
6000
SiC 2µ
Gut Hooks
Serrations
15° - 30° in 1° increments. Included (total) edge
angle is 2 x the angle selected. Align desired
angle with the indicator line on top of guide.
Low speed (+/-) is 1200 SFM
Mid speed (+/-) is 2000 SFM
High speed (+/-) is 2800 SFM
SFM = Surface Feet per Minute
Belt Information
• Engineered abrasives are long lasting and should meet your sharpening needs.
• Keep clean for best performance and life.
• 6000 Belt is narrow for improved gut hook sharpening.
• Belt Grits are labeled on backing (µ = micron).
• For reference, belts are equivalent to: X65 (P220) | X22 (P1000) | X4 (P3000)
Knife Sharpening Guide Adjustment
Speed Control Adjustment
Belt discoloration is not an indicator of wear. Engineered belts expose new
abrasive as they break down. Used belts may take extra strokes but will
continue to remove material. These belts will keep going longer than you think.
Keep using them as long as they cut.
Abrasive Belt Wear

12
Slide guide onto cassette (A)
Snap into place. Pull firmly to release.
Cassette Lock Lever (B)
Push & hold to rotate cassette from
sharpening to grind mode.
Edge Guide: Pull & Rotate (C)
Clockwise to use, Counterclockwise to
raised position.
Bench Mounting (D)
Use 1/4” 20 fastener
to secure tool.
Belt Change:
Lift & hold Belt Change Lever to remove belt. Route belt
around all 3 pulleys, then release the lever. Be sure belt is
within pulley flanges. Lay tool onto its back for easier belt changes.
Belt Tracking Lever
Push lever inward, then slide up or down to track belt onto the center of the top pulley.
Trigger Lock
Pull trigger & push button in to lock “on” position. Pull trigger to release. Not
intended for use when knife sharpening, use for grinding applications only.
Sharpening Guide:
Rotate knob to select angle. Align number with mark on top.
Removing the Sharpening Cassette:
1. Remove belt from sharpening cassette.
2. Push and hold lock lever and rotate cassette to position shown.
3. Dismount cassette by pulling outward.
4. Locate this same position to re-install sharpening cassette or attachments.
SharpeningRemove
Grinding
B
B
D
C
A
Setting Up Your Tool
2
A
Side View

13
Outdoor Knife
Tip
Heel
Bolster
Finger Guard
HandleBlade
Edge
Spine
Point
Tip
Heel
Finger Guard
Choil
Primary
Bevel
Re-Curve
Handle
Blade
Edge Belly
Spine Ricasso
Point
Kitchen Knife
Blade Types
Re-Curve Skinner Drop
Point Hawk Bill
Sheepfoot Clip
Combo
Tanto Spear
Point
Know Your Knife
3

14
Kitchen Knives
Pull rate: 1”/sec •Use Edge Guide
Western
Asian
Paring
Cleaver
Bread
Angle
20°
16°
20°
30°
X
Speed
L
L
L
H
L
X65
4-8
0
4-8
4-8
0
X22
4-8
4-8
4-8
2-8
0
X4
10
10
10
0
0
6000
0
0
0
0
2
Pocket
Hunting
Fillet
Serrated
Gut Hook
Angle
25°
25°
20°
X
X
Speed
L/M
L/M
L/M
L
M
X65
6-10
6-10
6-10
0
0
X22
6-10
6-10
6-10
0
0
X4
10
10
10
0
0
6000
0
0
0
2
2
Outdoor Knives
Pull rate: 1”/sec •No Edge Guide
Best Techniques:
Position belt at the very start
of the edge with motor off.
Place blade in guide then simultaneously
power up and pull the blade.
Sharpening Reference Chart
4
•Resharpen using X4 only.
•Follow the curve of the knife when sharpening for best results.
•Use the Edge Guide on long or flexible blades when possible.
•Masking tape can protect blade from scratching during sharpening.
•Use a practice knife to learn.
Number of strokes per side.
Number of strokes per side.

15
Reference Section 4 and the Sharpening Reference Chart
for recommended angle settings, belt selection, stroke count,
speed and choice of edge type.
1. Place the blade in the guide
With power off, insert blade into right side of sharpening guide
all the way to the start of the edge.
Place knife to bottom and outside edge of guide slot.
Do not put pressure onto / into the sharpening guide. It is intended
to provide a reference point for blade position. Only use light
pressure (weight of the blade) when using the sharpening guide to
yield best results.
2. Power on and Pull the knife
With power off and blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power switch
and pull blade steadily through the guide (1” per second).
Follow the curve of the blade as you
pull through the guide. Keep cutting
edge perpendicular to the belt for
best and most consistent results.
Use only the weight of the blade –
do not press down into / onto guide.
Hover the blade and let the tool do
the work for best results.
Guide will ‘tip over’ if too much
outer pressure is applied.
When and why to use the Edge Guide:
•Most pocket / outdoor knives are best sharpened
without using the Edge-Guide since they often
have thumb studs or belt clips that can obstruct full
blade insertion.
•It is helpful to support and guide long blades (fillet
knives and machetes) through the sharpening process. Pull and Rotate
Sharpening Outdoor Knives
5
Best Techniques:

16
Sharpening Outdoor Knives (continued)
3. Repeat and feel for burr
Continue sharpening on right side of guide. Check for
a burr every 2-3 strokes (see picture).
Sharpen only until a burr is created along the entire
length of the edge or you reach the recommended
stroke count found in the Sharpening Reference
Chart in section 4.
If burr is not yet raised, See “Knife not getting sharp”
in Sharpening Basics section.
Best Techniques (Avoid Rounding the Tip):
Maintain factory blade profile / shape:
Check for a burr by brushing
fingers across/away from the
blade edge.
Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade / sharpening guide.
Once the edge is shaped / formed, continue with finer grit belts using alternating
strokes. Alternating strokes removes the burr and refines the edge faster.
See Sharpening Reference Chart in section 4 for recommended belt use and
stroke count based on the edge you want (Toothy, Shaving, Shiny).
Abrasive Belt
STOP STOP
Abrasive Belt
Follow the curve of the blade so
the edge remains perpendicular
to the belt. Stop on belt.
Use this technique
for these
blade types:
Pull straight through the guide
and stop on the middle of the
belt. Do not lift the blade handle.
Turn power off as knife tip con-
tacts belt.
Use this technique for these blade
types:

17
Only use the finest grit 6000 belt (purple, narrow) for serrated sharpening.
Place flat side of blade at the bolster / handle against the fine grit abrasive belt. Set
to low speed and squeeze the power switch and pull knife steadily across the belt
from bolster to tip. An 8” blade should take 8 seconds.
Repeat until no burr remains on flat side of blade and serration ‘teeth’ are sharp.
Serrated knives can be sharpened
with or without the Knife Sharpening
Guide installed depending on height of
serrated knife.
Only place serrated blades on downhill -
right side of belt. Otherwise you risk cutting
the belt.
Most serrated knives have a flat side and a bevel side on the blade;
Sharpen only the flat side.
Flat Side
Blade
Belt
Beveled Side
Sharpen Serrated Knives
6
Best Techniques:

18
Use very light pressure in the sharpening
guide so the blade does not flex.
Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart in section 4 for recommended angle
settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a fillet knife is the same as
other knives.
Use the Edge Guide to help support these long, flexible blades during sharpening to
ensure a consistent sharpening along the entire edge.
Sharpening Fillet Knives
7
Sharpening Gut Hooks
8
Only use finest grit 6000 belt (purple,
narrow) for sharpening gut hooks.
Place curve of gut hook over the belt on
downhill side; allow belt to conform to
blade’s curve. Squeeze power switch; hone
2 to 4 seconds. Repeat on other side.
Only place gut hook on downhill - right side of
belt. Otherwise you risk cutting the belt.
Best Techniques:

19
With power off and blade placed in the guide, simultaneously squeeze the power
switch and pull blade steadily through the guide (1” per second).
Follow the curve of the blade as you
pull through the guide. Keep cutting
edge perpendicular to the belt for
best and most consistent results.
Use only the weight of the blade –
do not press down into / onto guide.
Hover the blade and let the tool do
the work for best results.
Guide will ‘tip over’ if too much outer
pressure is applied.
Reference the Sharpening Reference Chart in section 4 for recommended
angle settings, belt selection and speed. Otherwise sharpening a kitchen knife is
the same as other knives.
Most kitchen knives should be sharpened with the Edge-Guide.
1. Place the blade in the guide
With power off, insert blade into right side of sharpening
guide all the way to the beginning of the edge or finger guard.
Place knife to bottom and outside edge of guide slot.
Continue sharpening on right side of guide only until a burr is created along the entire
length of the edge or you have reached the recommended stroke count in section 4.
Repeat same number of strokes on other side of blade / sharpening guide.
Continue sharpening with finer grit belts using alternating strokes. Alternating
strokes removes the burr and refine the edge faster.
No finger guard Finger guard
2. Power on and Pull the knife
Sharpening Kitchen Knives
9

20
Sharpen only the beveled side of your scissors. Marking the beveled side with a
black marker will make it easier to see when the cutting edge has been sharpened.
Beveled Side
Once scissor blade is properly placed in
Sharpening Guide, squeeze power switch and
simultaneously pull the scissor blade steadily
through the guide.
Repeat 1-2 more times or until marker is
removed from cutting edge.
Repeat on other scissor blade.
Test scissors for sharpness. Continue sharpening
as needed.
Use the X22 belt at medium
speed to sharpen scissors.
Sharpening Scissors
10