Elite vs Elite - Which Sharpener is Best?

The Precision Adjust Elite vs the Ken Onion Elite. We bare down and test our two high end knife sharpening machines head-to-head. Which sharpener is fastest? Which sharpener will create the better edge? Which edge will hold up best against abuse? What is the best knife sharpener? Today we find out.

Both machines will sharpen matching knives then be edge tested on the BESS Tester. We conducted this test using the Limited Edition Work Sharp Benchmade Bugout. Both of these knife sharpeners were ranked head-to-head in four main categories: Speed, Edge Finish, Sharpness, and Edge Retention. Each knife will then be put through some hard use. 50 cuts through cardboard, 25 cuts through a hemp rope, and 10 cuts through a braded rubber hose. We will then finish the test by rechecking the edge sharpness on the BESS Tester and comparing to our original results to find which knife held the better edge.

The sharpening process on the Precision Adjust Elite and the Ken Onion Elite are similar but use two different types of technology. Flat grinding on the Precision Adjust Elite using diamond, ceramic, and leather plates. Then flexible belt sharpening on the Ken Onion Elite allowing you to achieve a convex edge. Both feature progressive grits to achieve that truly shave sharp, razor edge.

If you're at all familiar with the Precision Adjust Elite you'll know that while it will deliver you a razor sharp edge, it is not considered a fast sharpening system. As a manual sharpener it is just that, manual. The pivot rod allows the sharpener to maintain the perfect edge angle throughout the sharpening process but it requires the user to move the abrasive across the blade manually.

The Ken Onion Elite is a belt driven machine utilizing an electric motor to power the abrasive belt so in terms of raw speed it will always have the edge over manual sharpeners. Truly the choice of professionals, the Ken Onion Edition Knife & Tool Sharpener is the world's most versatile knife sharpener.

We have actually tested these two sharpeners again and had surprising results! Watch here: