KWB Knives
KWB Sharpening System
KWB Sharpening System
Over the last 9 years we have been using many sharpening jigs in pursue of the perfect edge and for one reason or other, they're all either garbage or ridiculously expensive, especially when you start wearing through the stones and needing to replace parts. After many generations and requests to produce them for sale, here it is, the KWB Sharpening System. Combining the lifespan and benefits of full size stones, freedom of freehand whetstone sharpening, and the reliability and professional accuracy you get with a jig.
Features:
- Fully customize-able with extras, spares and future upgrades.
- Compatible with any stones.
- Light weight and portable.
- Professional, handmade quality that lasts.
- Stainless steel and aluminium parts.
- Suits most blade thicknesses and lengths (see specs for details).
- Precision machined parts.
- Adjustable movement limits to prevent running off the stone.
- Recessed clamp contact points to ensure a secure hold on most surfaces.
- Precision angle adjustment using a digital angle finder.
- Stones are not included, please let us know if you'd like to see them as optional extras.
Specs:
- Angle range from 0-25 degrees. Smaller blades at lower angles will cause the clamp to rub. I have done paring knives at 18 degrees without issue and the clamp could be ground down for more clearance if you mostly work with smaller blades.
- Blade thickness up to 6mm.
- Maximum blade length up to 80cm (can be flipped without removing clamp up to around 40cm)
- Dimensions - 60x10x18cm.
Directions:
- Set your first stone in the holder, adjust and tighten the supports if needed. If using multiple stones it helps to mount them on boards so they are all the same size and thickness.
- Clamp the knife holding by the flats if possible, towards the handle is usually best. Don't torque it down too hard, but a good grip is important, the aluminium clamp shouldn't mark the steel but you don't want it rubbing or slipping. You could protect the surface with electrical tape if necessary. Ensure the knife is parallel to the clamp; If you look from edge to spine the blade should line up with the ball joint to achieve symmetrical sharpening. Blades without a flat reference surface may require some tape to shim up the edge. Any error here should have minimal effect on cutting performance, but we strive for perfection.
- Set the angle: Flip the clamp so the logo is facing down, this will give you a parallel reference surface for the digital angle finder to rest once zeroed to the stone. The angle adjustment locking screw can be moved to the left or right handed position for personal preference. Most knives are sharpened between 15-20 degrees. A lower angle will feel sharper and cut better but also be more delicate.
- Set the travel stops (optional). loosen both stops and move the cutting edge of the blade close to the front edge of the stone, push the stop up to the carriage and tighten. Repeat for the back edge of the stone with the rear stop.
- Sharpening: The naniwa pro stones require a splash of water but others may require soaking or cutting oil. I like to work the blade in sections, usually the heel, belly and tip, building up a small burr long the full edge before repeating on the other side. Thin knives only take a few strokes, I would avoid more than 10 or so before flipping the blade to keep symmetrical. I start at 1k grit for thin edges but chipped or thicker knives may require 400 grit. Final grit depends on personal preference, generally a finer finish will give you better bite and a sharper feel especially for push cutting, however sometimes a toothier edge can be beneficial. A leather strop can help remove burrs and keep the edge for longer.
- Stropping: Finish by removing the knife carefully and stropping on leather to remove the burr. With newly sharpened knives I like a fine honing compound on a paddle strop but for daily use, clean leather is best.
Stones:
We love our Ninawa professional stones but this sharpener can be easily set up to hold anything, including a leather strop if you wish. I would definitely recommend investing in a decent brand as they will cut much cleaner. A thin or well maintained edge can be sharpened start to finish on a single 1000 grit stone and leather strop. For finer edges you can touch up with a 3000 grit and for thicker blades or chipped edges, start with a 400 or 600.
Not only has this design gone through many generations of real world use by multiple professional bladesmiths, but we are still here and improving the design so if you have any questions or special requirements, perhaps an idea for a future upgrade, optional extra or one off attachment, please get in contact.
Purchasing:
Batch 6 is here, thanks to all that pre ordered!
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- Free next day delivery on orders over £150
Let customers speak for us
from 17 reviewsI purchased a custom knife from Korben. Korben took me through the process step by step from drawing different knife shapes and explaining the pros and cons to what designs I was looking at. This explanation included the steel types and the how the handle grains would catch the light. The knife arrived a few days ago and even the box it came in was a presentation itself. As I picked up the knife, I was quite impressed with the build quality and finish. The hamon line was remarkable and well defined. The edge almost fell through a sheet of paper by its own weight. I have many custom knives and this one is by far my new favorite.
Brilliant billets.
Brilliant customer service.
I've used dozens of them and they have all been superb.
Korben is a gent
Amazing knife maker, very friendly and knowledgeable. I had a custom knife made for me a year or so ago and its been a super reliable and beautiful knife. The experience was fantastic, very flexible and professional throughout the whole process. they also do amazing knife sharpening jigs!
The knives are so much more than anyone could ever ask for. Absolutely beautiful
I was excited to hear about KWB Knives as my husband really appreciates a good knife and I like to support local businesses. Korben was helpful and informative throughout the process of agreeing a design and production even though I was buying at entry level. This is a company very much worth supporting; you’ll have a great experience from first contact and every time you look at, let alone use, the knife for evermore. Thanks!
Sorry for the delay in review! Absolute 1 of a kind craftsman. You can see for yourself in the designs the style is outrageous but quality is just as good. Will take the time needed to make sure it’s right and won’t rush which is what you want when you’re looking at pieces like these. All the best.
A decision to get a custom kitchen knife made just for me came with some risk due to many choices out there. When I starting vetting Korben at KWB Knives it included checking out his work and style, of course. But, for me it was more about responses to my questions and how well he could connect to my vision. Well, he certainly has a knack and ability to listen well and then translate that to a perfectly forged to finish knife JUST for me!
He kept me updated from early design process, forging, grinding/polishing, handle material choices to assembly and finishes! As for performance, it is sharp as a razor, has the "just right" weight and balance and is of an appearance level that has me want to display it! Truly a fantastic experience with Korben at KWB Knives!
I was so glad I reached out to KWB Knives for the custom project I had in mind. From the beginning Korben was enthusiastic & supportive of what I wanted. Communication was excellent & his willingness to accommodate fine detail changes as the process went along was so welcome.
The build quality & aesthetic of the knife is just exceptional & hits all the specs I wanted.
‘What was this knife?’ I hear you say!
It was a screen accurate version of the Crocodile Dundee Bowie Knife 🐊
If you want a custom blade, KWB Knives should be at the top of your list!
Thank you Korben for the labour of love this became & it would be remiss of me not to also mention Korbens occasional colab partner Adam from Nord Knives who I understand spent a lot of time hand-sanding the blade. Your effort is also greatly appreciated!
All best wishes from a very happy customer!
Korben made a nakiri for me and made every aspect of the knife I asked for come to life! The finished product is truly something special👏🏼
I reached out to Korben after discovering him on Instagram and loved all of his amazing photos and knife work! I was looking for a custom knife for my wife and he really did he deliver exactly what we were looking for! He worked with us through every step to make sure we got exactly what we wanted. He is very meticulous and his attention to detail is exceptional. If anybody asked me where to get a custom knife I would recommend KWB Knives hands down best experience ever! Thanks Korben!
Ordered a custom knife a little while back and seriously not dissapointed. The craftsmanship is beautiful and and the knife is extremely sharp. As a proffesional chef of almost 10 years I've seen quite a few knifes and this one is among the best. KWB worked with me every step of the way from the length, the style, the edge, and even got to choose the wood for the handle too! 10 out 10 would recommend to anyone wanted a customized blade!
I absolutely love my knife. Thank you so much. Communication, professionalism, skill & quality all 5 star.
KWB are extremely professional, courteous and talented. The knives are handmade with such skilled craftmanship. Extremely knowledgable and would 100% recommend. Currently waiting on my 3rd knife to be made, would not go anywhere else.
I have a collection of knives both Japanese imports and British bespoke made and I have to say I was blown away from start to finish with the craftsmanship from KWB. My knife from KWB is head an shoulders above the rest. The knives are so unique, nothing like I had seen before. Razor sharp with a unique lightning bolt effect running through the blade, making a stunning and eye catching piece to add to my collection. I was kept updated well throughout the process and felt I could ask questions and make suggestions whenever needed. Korben is a master in his craft and would highly recommend investing a piece from him.
What can I say but, WOW!!
The is is my second knife from KWBKnives and I can honestly say, they are my favourite knives (I have over 800!!) They really are at a point where art meets functionality! They have no issues with being thrown in at the deep end and coming out gleaming. The shell pattern and grain structure are a pleasure just to look at!
The edge strength and sharpness retention is amazing. I haven’t even had to dress them up with a strop after a use yet. They’re still popping the hairs off of my arm.
I cannot sing Korben’s praise enough! From his attention to detail, to his involvement with you in the process and listening to all of your requests. He also has an encyclopaedic knowledge of suggestions and he isn’t afraid to try things. His handles fit so well in the hand, that they make it a pleasure and ease to work with.
I’ve already got a deposit in for #3 and I cannot wait to work with him and see what amazing creation he comes forth with!
Thank you Korben!!
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