Essential Upgrades for the Work Sharp Precision Adjust

If you’ve used the Work Sharp Precision Adjust (PA) or Precision Adjust Elite for any length of time, you’ve probably noticed a few shortcomings. The Work Sharp Precision Adjust was my first fixed-angle sharpener, and while I was able to get razor sharp edges, the process was more difficult and inconsistent than I hoped.

So, I started designing a few upgrades, a few items that made sharpening easier, faster, and more repeatable.

This post covers the most common pain points with the Work Sharp Precision Adjust (WSPA): limited abrasive selection, knife flex, base instability, and inconsistent angle readings, and how my accessories solve each issue.

I offer all of the products on my Shopify site, but if you prefer to use Etsy, the same products are available there as well (Links at bottom).

Stone Holders

The stock abrasives that come with the WSPA get the job done, but they’re limited in grit range, very small, and wear out quickly.

The first thing I made was a 6" Stone Holder for third-party aftermarket stones. This single upgrade changed everything. The lowest grit that comes with the WSPA is 220, which can take ages to reprofile a dull edge. By switching to a 6" stone holder, I was able to use a Hapstone Premium Diamond 80 grit stone for fast bevel resets, then move through a full progression of 6"x1" (1x6) abrasives up to 1000 grit and beyond.

The longer stones allow longer strokes, faster cutting, and a more uniform bevel. I can now take any knife from dull to shaving sharp in a fraction of the time.

Many users prefer shorter stones, so I also created a Universal 4" to 6" Stone Holder that fits both sizes. This version is ideal if you already own 4" abrasives and want more flexibility.

Phone Tray (Included with Stone Holder)

The angle gauge built into the WSPA is fine for rough estimates, but the real angle varies depending on knife thickness, blade height, and even the stone you’re using. Aftermarket abrasives add even more variation since their thickness can differ greatly.

To fix this, I designed a Phone Tray that holds a smartphone. Using the measure app’s level tool (on iPhone) or any inclinometer app (on Android), I can now dial in precise angles, like 15.0° per side, and maintain that angle no matter which knife or stone I use.

This small addition transformed the system from "in the ballpark" to "laser-accurate."

Platform with Knife Supports

The WSPA’s plastic base keeps it lightweight, but it also means it’s prone to wobbling and tipping, especially when you’re working one-handed, like I often do due to my disability. Stability matters.

To solve that, I designed a Platform that the WSPA base securely locks into. It provides a wider footprint and keeps the sharpener solidly anchored during use.

But the biggest limitation of the WSPA isn’t the base, it’s knife flex. The stock clamp allows the blade to bow near the edge, which makes it hard to fully apex and form a burr (the most critical step in sharpening).

My platform includes three integrated, adjustable supports that slide underneath the knife just a few millimeters behind the edge. Raise the supports until they barely touch the blade and this stabilizes the edge and completely eliminates flex. The result: cleaner bevels, more consistent edges, and sharper results with less effort.

Where to Find the Upgrades

All of these accessories are available on my Shopify store. If you prefer Etsy, the same products are listed there as well.

Final Thoughts

The Work Sharp Precision Adjust is a fantastic entry-level sharpening system, and these upgrades push it into pro-level performance territory. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your edge consistency, these mods will save time, improve accuracy, and make sharpening genuinely enjoyable.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to reach out!

Compatible with Work Sharp Precision Adjust systems; not affiliated with Work Sharp.

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