Best Knife Sharpener Guide and Review

April 25, 2019

I’m sure we can all relate to that old dull blade that is as good as trash. Not only does a dull blade not cut well but it becomes a safety hazard. If there is any slippage in the extra pressure you will have to apply to get a cut, more often than not, it can lead to serious cutting injuries. Whether you’re cutting meat, a loaf of bread or whatever, it should always be a seamless process. The best thing you can do for yourself is to invest in a quality knife sharpener that will save you the hassle of cutting and money in the long-term. Read more to see the best knife sharpener.

The Ultimate Guide and Review of the Best Knife Sharpener

Generally speaking, the process to sharpen any knives or tools involves two steps: Grinding and honing. Grinding is the process of shedding or removing of metals from your blade. As to honing, is an abrasive process, which a small amount of materials are removed, typically done with finer grit stones.

Knife sharpeners come in many different shape, sizes and material. Below we’ll break down what you need to know to select a sharpener that is best for you.

 

What to Consider When Buying a Sharpener

 

Types of Knife Sharpener

  • Electric Knife Sharpener (Our favorite)
  • Manual Knife Sharpener: Stone, Steel and Pull-Through’s
  • Knife Sharpening System

 

Understanding the Types of Sharpening Materials

  • Metal Steel – will work for most daily sharpening usage. Ideally, these are appropriate for knives that only needs some basic maintenance to sustain it’s sharp edge.
  • Ceramic – what make ceramic a favorite amongst many customers is its simplicity, affordable price, low maintenance and easy storage.
  • Stones – comes in many types of grit, length and materials but they all work the same manner. Apply one of the knife’s edge onto the stone, and with some pressure, stroke it across the entire length of the stone.
  • Grit level – it ranges from extra coarse to fine. Most sharpeners employs at least to level of grit stages to give a strong sharpening edge (coarse) and to hone it (fine).

 

 

The Best 5 Electric Knife Sharpener Review

This is our absolute favorite. Electric sharpeners, also known as automatic sharpeners, offer the convenience and speed to turn your dullest blade into a sharp one. These are perfect for individuals or chefs that need their knife sharp prompt at the perfect angle consistently. The only backdrop to electric knife sharpeners is their price. Since it’s a relatively high-tech item, the cost will be more than traditional manual sharpeners. We believe that the time you will save and reduced injuries from manually sharpening your knife will fully support a solid investment.

 

  1. Chef’s Choice 130 Professional Knife-Sharpening Station, Platinum


This is the total package when it comes to knife sharpening. It’s a flexible tool that can sharpen both straight or serrated, hunting, sports and tactical knives. It comes with three stages: 1) 100% daimond cutter. 2) a hardened steel that will help develop the ultra-sharp edge 3) Probably the most underestimated part of knife sharpening, it’s made of a disk that polishes the edge to give it a hair-splitting sharpness. This is a fool-proof tool that will give you the perfect angle to sharpening your knives every time. This is what one satisfied customer said, “Well built, very easy to use and does a really great job sharpening all kinds of knives.”

  1. Chef’s Choice Model 1520 AngleSelect Diamond Hone Knife Sharpener


    Go around the world with sharpener and it’ll sharpen just about any knives. Considered by many to be the world most versatile sharpener. From a 15 degree for Asian knives to 20 degrees for the standard European and American knives. It comes with a 100% diamond abrasives with the finishing touch of polishing disc. The patented knife guide will automatically position in the optimum angle for the for perfect edge.

  2. Wusthof 3 Stage Electric Knife Sharpener


    Made in Germany. This item is recommended for either straight, hollow or serrated edge blades. It comes in a 3 stages sharpener 1) diamond wheel sharpener to create that paper thin cut; stage 2) a finer grit diamond wheel to further refine the edge. As one customer puts it, “This is a great knife sharpener if your only concern is to keep razor sharp edges on your knives, I fall into this category.”

  3. Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener


    A more economical electric sharpener. Even though the quality is subpar to the Chef’s Choice 130 from the quality of make to diamond sharpener, it’s good enough to make it to our ranking. If your in for a low budget, this one is for you. This works great on straight, serrated hunting and fillet knifes.

  4. Presto Eversharp


    This is a two stage sharpener, coarse and fine, that focuses on sharpening and honing. It’s specifically made for straight knives only, so of course, this wouldn’t work on a serrated knife. Unlike the diamond sharpeners we’ve seen above, Presto uses what they call Sapphirite sharpener. It is economically cheaper but if you’re looking for something that just works, this one is for you.

 

 

The Best 5 Manual Knife Sharpener Review

Although manual sharpeners are generally cheaper, it comes with a cost though. It takes a certain skill set sharp a knife manually specifically, getting the right angle and stroking consistent throughout the process. Generally speaking, there are two types of manual sharpeners; ceramic and rod. Below are our top choices.

 

  1. Priority Chef Knife Sharpener, 2 Stage Knife Sharpening System, Black


    this is a two-stage manual pull through knife sharpener. Stage one is a couarse sharpener that’s ideal for dull and blunt blades. By running your knife through 2 – 3 times should do the trick. Stage 2 will give a fine finish that will remove any blunt if there is any. This is an ideal sharpener if you want to get the perfect angle every time without the hassle lubrications and clean ups. Here’s a comment from a customer, “I had knives I thought were so dull I just need to throw out, but they are almost like new using this sharpener.”

  2. DMT DS2F 12-Inch Diamond Steel Sharpening Rod, Fine Grit


    The name says it all. This is a high end sharpener rod that utilizes a fine grit diamond surface steel. It’s great for knives that have been roughed up and needs heavy duty sharpener to get the job done. The emphasis on a larger guard adds a higher level safety. Overall, a well made tool.

  3. Messermeister 12-Inch Ceramic Rod Knife Sharpener


    Over 217 reviews on Amazon, making it one of the highest reviewed sharpener. There is a reason for that. It’s simple, economical and high quality. The unique approach of using ceramic rather than steel positions this product as a more abrasive yet a very hard surface. The craftsmanship of Messermeister is second to none. By using a soft grip, not only does it provide a better grip but making it one of the most ergonomic rod sharpener in the industry.

  4. Chefs Choice Multi-tool including Ceramic Rod for Hi-Q Blades and Serrated Knives


    This is the Swiss knife of sharpeners. It claims to be “1 sharpening tool for all your tasks.” Although it won’t blow your mind with the highest quality in the industry nor fancy addon’s, it will sharp just about most blades out there, from hunting and serrated blades to Hi-Q and scissors.

  5. Smiths TRI-6 3-Stone Knife Sharpener


    When it comes to whetstones, it doesn’t really get better than this. The TRI-6 three stone sharpener comes in rotating triangular block with three different stones: coarse diamond at 325 grit, fine diamond at 750 grit and Arkansas stone at 1000 – 1200 grit. The base has a strong grip to assure a strong foundation to not skid. In addition, it comes with a cleaning and protection honing solution. With the built of “V” trough, it will allow any dripping oil or water to be collected at the bottom of the base.

 

The Best 5 Knife Sharpener System Review

Knife sharpener system provides you the best of both worlds. You can set the degree to specific angle to get a consistent edge throughout your knife and also, the old fashion approach of do-it-yourself sharpening method. This is a mid to high tier pricing item. One of our favorite thing about these kits are the different stones that comes with it. Some items to consider when buying a manual sharper – type material: stone, ceramic, grit and steel.

 

  1. Work Sharp WSKTS-KO Knife and Tool Sharpener | Ken Onion Edition


    for this sharpener Work Sharp and the lengendary knife maker Ken Onion designed a system that’s fast, easy and stylish the sharpen your tools and knives with the same precision repeatedly. Instead of using traditional stones or steel, Work Sharp employ an advance engineered abrasive belt system. It comes in five different level of grits: extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine and extra fine. As one reviewer puts it, “I have used every knife sharpening method available. From cheap carbide sharpeners to Japanese waterstones to expensive fixed angle sharpeners. This unit from Work Sharp is has made all those obsolete.”

  2. KME Sharpeners EKFD Knife Sharpening System – Diamond Stone Kit


    if you’re looking for a premium sharpening system but yet keeping things traditional, this is the one. It comes with a strong bearing rod guide that will give you the exact angle you set and a sharpening process. In one degree increments, the angle can be adjust from 17 to 30 degrees.

  3. Work Sharp WSKTS Knife and Tool Sharpener


    As mentioned above, unlike traditional sharpeners that utilizes a type of metal or rock, Work Sharp uses premium abrasive belts to do all the hard work. In comes in three grit levels: coarse, medium and fine. The innovative sharpener guide will assure you a consistent angle when sharpening and can be universally used on hunting, tactical and other outdoor knives, giving you the versatility and portability wherever you go.

  4. Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System


    this is a ideal for smaller knives. There are four different degree guides at 10, 20, 25, and 30. The color coded stones have great ergonomics with the finger-grooved. There are five different hones of coarseness: extra-coarse, coarse, medium, fine alumnia oxide and extra-fine ceramic hones.

  5. AGPtek Professional Kitchen Knife Sharpener System Fix-angle with 4 Stones


    this sharpener system gets the job done at bargain price. It comes with four different stones (different level of grits) and two solid suction cup for stability. There’s nothing that shouts fancy or superior innovations but if you’re in the market for something cheap, this is one will keep your knives razor sharp and ready to cut.

 

 

What is the Best Knife Sharpener for You?

That really depends on your budget, the types of knives you use and how often you use them. If you’re a chef who spends a lot time in the kitchen or an avid outdoor person with multiple types of knives, an electric sharpener might be ideal for you. The flexibility of sharpening different types of knives quickly and getting the perfect angle on the go makes it our top rating. If you are looking for the best value and don’t necessarily spend all of your time in the kitchen, then a pull-through like the Pro Chef Knife Sharpener would make sense. For knife sharpener enthusiasts who has mastered the skill of sharpening and want more customization of grit choices, a quality knife sharpener system with different stone kits would be the ideal. You can grind down the knife to the “V” shape to your likings with different levels of grit choices.

 

Our Review Process to Choosing the Top Knife Sharpener

At knifesharpenerguide.com, we provide hands-on reviews on the most popular knife sharpener in the industry. We have a three-prong approach (1) research (2) reader feedback and (3) customer reviews. Although we try to be as thorough as possible, we understand this is not the end be all review. For that reason, we encourage you to share your experience and opinions.