How Work Sharp Started?
Founded in 1973 in Illinois, Darex is a family-owned company that has always aimed to develop and distribute sharpeners that are intuitive to use and deliver sharp results every time they are used. Today the company is located in Ashland, Oregon and is managed in the fourth generation by Matthew Bernard, with whom we have had a friendly relationship for many years.
Darex hits the nail on the head with the slogan „Sharp Matters – a knife is only as good as its cutting edge is sharp“. The Work Sharp brand, with which we are very familiar, brings together all the products designed for end users – from natural stones to a wide range of sharpening systems and equipment, right through to first-class electronic belt grinders. The cooperation with the world-famous knifemaker Ken Onion, who is revered as a true legend in the world of knives, will certainly be remembered. The successful cooperation resulted not only in the development of the extremely popular Ken Onion Edition of the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener, but also in numerous other sharpeners and tools. In addition to the development of excellent sharpeners, Work Sharp attaches great importance to building and maintaining good customer relations. Through honest feedback and the implementation of personal suggestions, the company has succeeded for many years in constantly improving existing equipment and time and again has developed innovative tools that are perfectly matched to the needs of its customers.
In addition, the sharpening experts at Work Sharp are happy to share their specialist knowledge and provide numerous aids for learning the various sharpening techniques in videos and instructions. Starting with the selection of the ideal angle for the different types of blades, through the precise adjustment of the belt grinders, to the complex production of a mirror-polished cutting bevel. Because resharpening knives is easier than many people think and with the right tools and the right application every knife will be as sharp as on the first day. And since even the best knives become dull over time, regular resharpening is an absolute must.
