Best Knife Sharpeners, Tested & Reviewed

Best Knife Sharpeners, Tested & Reviewed

A sharp knife is essential for safety, efficiency, and quality in the kitchen, and using a knife sharpener regularly can prolong the lifespan of your knives. Knife sharpeners come in various types and price ranges, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. Here’s a list of some of the best knife sharpeners tested and reviewed for 2024:

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1. Best Overall Knife Sharpener:

Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener Mk.2

• Type: Electric sharpener
• Price: Around $120
• Pros:
  • High performance with belt-based sharpening system.
  • Versatile: Can sharpen knives, tools, and even axes.
  • Adjustable angle guides for precise sharpening.
  • Built-in cooling system to prevent overheating.
• Cons:
  • Expensive for casual home use.
  • Requires more counter space.

The Work Sharp Mk.2 is a versatile electric sharpener that uses flexible abrasive belts to quickly restore a razor-sharp edge on knives. It’s particularly useful for those who want a professional-grade sharpener at home. It also works well for larger tools like axes and shears.

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2. Best Manual Sharpener:

Chef’sChoice 4643 ProntoPro Knife Sharpener

• Type: Manual sharpener
• Price: Around $50
• Pros:
  • Simple to use with a 3-stage sharpening system.
  • Produces sharp, polished edges in minutes.
  • Works for both straight-edge and serrated knives.
  • Compact and easy to store.
• Cons:
  • Takes a bit more time than electric models.
  • Requires manual effort.

Chef’sChoice 4643 is an affordable, high-quality manual sharpener that’s great for home cooks. It uses a 3-stage sharpening process, starting with coarse sharpening and finishing with fine honing, ensuring knives are sharpened effectively.

Buying Guide: Label Makers

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3. Best for Professional Chefs:

EdgePro Apex 4 Knife Sharpening System

• Type: Manual sharpening system
• Price: Around $240
• Pros:
  • Offers complete control with adjustable angle settings.
  • Excellent precision, delivering razor-sharp edges.
  • Professional-grade quality.
  • Includes a variety of stones for different grits.
• Cons:
  • Expensive and not the most user-friendly for beginners.
  • Requires some practice and skill.

The EdgePro Apex 4 is the gold standard for those who are serious about knife sharpening. It allows professionals and enthusiasts to sharpen knives with extreme precision, delivering incredibly sharp edges. It’s ideal for chefs or anyone who wants a custom, razor-sharp finish on their knives.

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4. Best for Serrated Knives:

Lansky PS-MED01 BladeMedic Knife Sharpener

• Type: Manual multi-tool sharpener
• Price: Around $20
• Pros:
  • Compact and portable.
  • Designed specifically for serrated edges.
  • Includes a diamond tapered rod for honing and sharpening serrated blades.
  • Also sharpens standard knives, scissors, and tools.
• Cons:
  • Can’t sharpen large knives effectively.
  • Not ideal for professional chefs, more for casual use.

Lansky’s BladeMedic is a great choice for anyone who needs to sharpen serrated knives, thanks to its specialized features. This compact tool also works for straight-edge knives and is perfect for field use or home kitchens.

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5. Best Electric Sharpener for Speed:

Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

• Type: Electric sharpener
• Price: Around $70
• Pros:
  • Quick and easy to use with a 3-stage sharpening system.
  • Affordable compared to other electric sharpeners.
  • Produces sharp results in minutes.
  • Built-in precision guides for consistent sharpening angles.
• Cons:
  • Doesn’t provide the same level of precision as more expensive models.
  • A bit bulky for smaller kitchens.

The Presto 08810 is an excellent value for those looking for an electric sharpener that’s fast and simple to use. With its 3-stage sharpening process, it’s great for maintaining a sharp edge on knives without taking too much time.

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6. Best for Travel:

Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker

• Type: Manual sharpener
• Price: Around $90
• Pros:
  • Compact and portable, great for travel or field use.
  • Features a unique ceramic sharpening system.
  • Can sharpen both knives and tools (even some serrated edges).
  • Highly durable and easy to use once you get the hang of it.
• Cons:
  • Not as fast as electric sharpeners.
  • Takes practice to master the technique.

Spyderco’s Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is a well-designed and versatile tool for on-the-go sharpening. It’s easy to use and offers impressive results once you get the technique down. It’s portable, which makes it an ideal option for those who travel frequently.

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7. Best Budget Option:

AccuSharp 001C Knife Sharpener

• Type: Manual sharpener
• Price: Around $10
• Pros:
  • Very affordable and simple to use.
  • Works well on both straight-edge and serrated knives.
  • Lightweight and portable.
• Cons:
  • Limited precision compared to higher-end sharpeners.
  • Not as durable as some premium models.

The AccuSharp 001C is a highly affordable and easy-to-use sharpener that delivers great results for basic knife care. It may not be as precise or durable as higher-end sharpeners, but it’s a solid choice for casual home use.

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Here are the answers to your knife sharpening-related questions:

1. What is the best thing to sharpen knives with?

The best tool for sharpening knives depends on your level of expertise and the type of knife you have. Here are a few options:

• Whetstone (Sharpening Stone): Many professional chefs and home cooks consider whetstones the best option because they offer precision and control. They are ideal for restoring a sharp edge and can be used with various grits (coarse, medium, and fine) to sharpen or hone knives.
• Electric Sharpeners: For convenience and speed, electric sharpeners are great, but they might not provide the same level of precision as a whetstone.
• Manual Sharpeners: If you’re looking for ease of use, manual sharpeners (such as a 3-stage or diamond-coated sharpener) are an excellent option.
• Honing Rod: While it doesn’t sharpen the blade, a honing rod is good for maintaining the edge between sharpenings.

2. What is a knife sharpener called?

A knife sharpener is often referred to by different names based on the type of tool:

• Sharpening Stone (Whetstone): A flat stone used to sharpen knives.
• Honing Steel (Honing Rod): Used to realign the edge of a knife, but not for actual sharpening.
• Knife Sharpener: General term for any device (electric, manual, or mechanical) used to sharpen knives.
• Sharpening System: A more sophisticated tool that guides the angle and process of sharpening, such as the EdgePro or Work Sharp systems.

3. Is a whetstone better than a sharpener?

A whetstone and a knife sharpener (manual or electric) each has its pros and cons:

• Whetstone:
  • Pros: Provides more control over sharpening angles, better for precision, and can sharpen a wider variety of knives.
  • Cons: Requires some skill and patience, as well as practice to master.
• Knife Sharpener (Manual/Electric):
  • Pros: Easier and quicker to use, requiring less skill, ideal for people who don’t want to spend much time on sharpening.
  • Cons: May not achieve the same level of precision as a whetstone, especially for high-quality knives or specific blade angles.

Conclusion: If you’re looking for the highest level of sharpness and precision, whetstones are considered better. However, for ease of use and convenience, a knife sharpener is a practical choice.

4. Do knife sharpeners ruin knives?

If used incorrectly or with poor-quality sharpeners, knife sharpeners can damage knives by:

• Removing too much material: Some sharpeners, especially electric ones, can remove too much metal from the blade over time, which can shorten the knife’s lifespan.
• Improper angle: If the sharpening angle is too steep or too shallow, it can cause uneven sharpening, damaging the blade edge.

To avoid damage:

• Use high-quality sharpeners.
• Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for sharpening angles and techniques.
• Consider sharpening only when necessary (don’t overdo it).

5. Which knives cannot be sharpened?

Some knives may not be easily sharpened, including:

• Serrated Knives: These have a jagged edge that is difficult to sharpen using standard sharpeners. Special tools like a serrated knife sharpener or diamond rods are required.
• Damaged or Extremely Worn Knives: If the knife is severely chipped or the edge is too worn down, it might require professional repair or reshaping before regular sharpening.
• Knives with Non-Replaceable Blades: Certain disposable or cheap knives are made from materials that can’t be effectively sharpened, like very thin or low-quality steel.

6. Should I wash my knife after sharpening?

Yes, it is recommended to wash your knife after sharpening. Here’s why:

• Remove Debris: Sharpening generates small metal particles, and these should be cleaned off to prevent them from contaminating food or affecting the sharpness.
• Hygiene: A clean knife is essential for food safety.
• After sharpening, wash the knife with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly to avoid rusting or corrosion.

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Summary:

• The best tool for sharpening depends on your preference and skill level. Whetstones offer precision, while electric and manual sharpeners provide ease and speed.
• Sharpeners include whetstones, manual sharpeners, electric sharpeners, and honing rods.
• Whetstones can be better for professional-level results, but sharpeners are faster and easier for casual users.
• Sharpeners won’t ruin knives if used correctly, but excessive sharpening or improper use can damage them.
• Serrated knives and severely damaged blades are harder to sharpen effectively.
• Washing your knife after sharpening helps remove metal debris and ensures hygiene.

By using the right sharpener and following proper care instructions, you can maintain the performance and longevity of your knives.

Conclusion:

The best knife sharpener for you depends on your needs:

• For home use or beginner sharpening, the Chef’sChoice 4643 ProntoPro or the AccuSharp 001C offer simplicity and good results without breaking the bank.
• If you want professional-level precision, the EdgePro Apex 4 is the top choice, offering complete control over your sharpening angles.
• For portability or traveling, the Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is a compact and versatile option.
• If you prefer speed and convenience, the Presto 08810 offers quick results for maintaining sharp knives.

Each sharpener has its strengths, so choose the one that best fits your sharpening needs, whether it’s for occasional home use, professional-grade results, or on-the-go convenience.

Best Knife Sharpeners, Tested & Reviewed