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(Last Updated On: August 18, 2023)
A sharp knife is essential in every kitchen, whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook. It not only makes your slicing and dicing more efficient but also safer as you’re less likely to slip and cut yourself. To maintain your knives in top condition, investing in a quality knife sharpener is a wise choice.
There are various types of knife sharpeners available in the market, ranging from manual to electric models, and they come in various price points. In order to find the best one for your needs, it’s important to understand their features and how they affect the performance of your blade.
Our Top Picks
Best Electric Sharpener
Chef’sChoice Trizor 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Best Manual Sharpener
Wüsthof Knife Sharpener
Best Budget Sharpener
KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
Best Electric Sharpener
Chef’sChoice Trizor 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Pros
- 3-stage sharpening system
- 100% diamond abrasives to sharpen
- Polishes and finishes the blade
- 20-degree & 15-degree edges
Cons
- Heavy
- Multiple steps
- Loud
The Chef’s Choice Professional Electric Knife Sharpener is a great choice for those who want an easy and efficient knife sharpener. With its 3-stage EdgeSelect knife sharpening system, flexible spring guides, and ability to apply an ultra-sharp edge to 15-degree knives, this sharpener is our top pick.
In terms of cons, the unit is quite heavy, weighing 4.19 pounds, which may make it difficult to move around or store. Additionally, while the sharpener is easy to use, it may take some time to get the hang of it if you’ve never used an electric sharpener before. Finally, the sharpener is loud, operating around 65dB, which may be an issue if you have noise sensitivity.
Best Manual Sharpener
Wüsthof Knife Sharpener
Pros
- Two stages, carbide (coarse) sharpens dull edges, and ceramic (fine) hones the blade to a razor-sharp edge
- The anti-slip rubber base
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- expensive compared to other manual knife sharpeners
- Not for serrated knives
Wüsthof Knife Sharpener is a well-designed product that can sharpen your knives efficiently. The two-stage sharpening process ensures that your dull knives become razor-sharp. The anti-slip rubber base provides stability, making it safer to use.
The sharpener’s compact and lightweight design makes it easy to store and transport. Additionally, the sharpener is relatively expensive compared to other manual knife sharpeners available in the market.
Best Budget Sharpener
KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
Pros
- Compact size
- “V” edge grip
- Pre-set sharpening angles
Cons
- May not give you a razor-sharp edge
- Doesn’t work well on very dull or damaged knives
The KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener is a great tool for everyday knife maintenance and touch-ups. The coarse slot with carbide blades is perfect for dull or damaged knives, while the fine slot with ceramic rods is ideal for finishing and polishing the edge.
The “edge grip” feature is a unique design that allows the sharpener to rest on the edge of the counter top or table, giving you more flexibility when sharpening. The non-slip material on the bottom of the sharpener provides safe and sturdy sharpening.
Smith’s Adjustable Angle Pull-Through Knife Sharpener
Pros
- Two stages of sharpening
- 6 angle settings (14-24 degrees)
- Non-slip base and soft grip handle
Cons
- Takes longer than expected
- May not work well on longer knives
If you’re looking for a versatile, easy-to-use knife sharpener that can handle a variety of blades, the Smith’s Adjustable Angle Pull-Through Knife Sharpener is definitely worth considering.
With its adjustable angle settings and two-stage sharpening process, you can quickly and efficiently sharpen all types of straight-edge knives and serrated blades. Plus, the non-slip base and replaceable abrasive components make it a durable and long-lasting tool for your kitchen or workshop.
Sharp Pebble Orange Ninja 4-Stage Knife Sharpener
Pros
- The 4-slot system
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- Takes longer than others
- Coarse setting can be agressive
This 4-in-1 knife sharpener offers a coarse slot for straightening and repairing damaged blades, a medium slot for sharpening knives, a fine slot for polishing, and a serrated slot for sharpening serrated blades. The Orange Ninja kitchen knife sharpener can quickly and easily sharpen all types of knives in three simple steps.
The ergonomic handle is designed to be comfortable for both right- and left-handed people, making it easy to restore your cooking knives in a matter of seconds. Simply place the blade in each of the slots and gently pull the knife through a few times for fast, effective sharpening.
Types of Knife Sharpeners
Manual Knife Sharpeners
Manual knife sharpeners are an affordable and compact option for keeping your knives sharp. These sharpeners often feature carbide or ceramic abrasives set at specific angles to help you create a well-defined edge. To use a manual sharpener, simply:
- Insert the blade into the slot,
- Apply light pressure,
- Swipe the knife back and forth in the slot.
Examples of manual knife sharpeners include:
- Pull-through sharpeners with V-shaped slots,
- Handheld sharpeners with notches or grooves,
- Honing rods (or steels) that help you maintain the knife’s edge between lengths of sharpening.
Electric Knife Sharpeners
Electric knife sharpeners offer a faster and more efficient. They use motor-powered abrasive wheels to sharpen your knives automatically at various angles. To use an electric knife sharpener:
- Turn on the device,
- Insert the knife blade into the designated slot,
- Slowly pull the knife towards you, allowing the abrasive wheels to work on the blade.
Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for specific models and maintain a consistent angle for optimal results.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Knife Sharpener
Sharpness
When selecting a knife sharpener, consider the level of sharpness you desire for your knives. Different sharpeners offer varying degrees of sharpness, so it’s essential to find one that meets your needs. High-quality sharpeners, such as the Chef’sChoice Trizor 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener, typically produce the sharpest edges.
Ease of Use
Choose a knife sharpener that’s user-friendly and doesn’t require too much effort or skill on your part. Electric sharpeners generally offer a more straightforward sharpening process compared to manual sharpeners. However, some manual options can also be easy to use for those on a budget.
Safety
Your safety is paramount when using a knife sharpener. As you shop, prioritize devices that include safety features to protect your fingers and hands during the sharpening process. These could include secure grips or guards to minimize the chances of accidents. Additionally, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on proper use to ensure your sharpening experience is both effective and safe.
Wrapping Up
In your search for the best knife sharpener, it’s essential to consider your needs, budget, and preferences. From the information available and various sources mentioned, the Chef’sChoice Trizor 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener is a popular and top-performing choice.
For a more budget-friendly option, you might want to explore the KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener. This sharpener is ideal for maintaining your knives and ensuring they stay sharp.
Another option to consider is the Wüsthof Knife Sharpener. This sharpener is highly rated for its overall performance and ease of use.
Remember that a well-maintained, sharp knife is not only safer to use but also more efficient in the kitchen. Invest in a quality knife sharpener to keep your knives in optimal condition and to make food preparation a more enjoyable experience. Consider factors such as performance, price, and user-friendliness when making your final decision, and happy sharpening!