The 15 Best Knife Sharpeners – Reviews And Buying Guide
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When was the last time you sharpened your knife? If you don’t remember, it’s time you read this article and get your hands on a knife sharpener.
Knives are one of the most important tools in the kitchen. They need to be sharp if you want your meat, herbs, and vegetables to be cut finely and crisply. They make meal prep a lot easier. But with time, knives can start to dull. Here’s where knife sharpeners come as a blessing in disguise. They help in sharpening knives as per the angle you would like and make them razor-sharp.
Here’s a list of 15 best knife sharpeners to pick from. We have also added a buying guide to guide in purchasing the best knife sharpener on the market. Scroll down to check them out!
In This Article
15 Best Knife Sharpeners
1. KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip Knife Sharpener
The 50009 knife sharpener by KitchenIQ is easy to use. It features two stages of sharpening – coarse and fine. The coarse sharpening slot has carbide blades at preset angles to sharpen dull knives. The fine sharpening slot has ceramic rods to polish the edges of sharp knives.
This knife sharpener comes with an Edge Grip bottom that keeps it stable on the kitchen countertop. It has a non-slip base and is made of stainless steel. This product can sharpen both straight-edged and serrated-edged blades.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.34 x 2.09 x 5.93 inches
- Weight: 0.03 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset (20-22 degrees)
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Compact
- Portable
- Non-slip base
- Sturdy construction
- 2 stages of sharpening
- Not easy to hold
- Does not make knives razor-sharp
2. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener
Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener is meant for on-the-go, ideal for someone who spends a lot of time outdoors fishing, hiking, or hunting and needs their blades to be the sharpest always. It features a tapered, round, diamond coated rod to sharpen standard and serrated edges. This knife sharpener has multi-stage sharpening, which includes carbide blades and ceramic rods.
The coarse slot has pre-set carbide blades that help restore dull and damaged knives. The specifically shaped ceramic stones in the fine slot provide a razor-sharp finish to the knife. The carbide blades and ceramic stones are reversible and replaceable. This knife sharpener comes with a lanyard hole that makes it easy to carry around.
It comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 1 x 0.01 inches
- Weight: 0.02 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset (23 degrees)
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Easy to hold
- Durable
- Easy to clean
- Easy to use
- 2-stage sharpening
- 3-year limited warranty
- May chip the knife blade
- Does not sharp big knives well
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 19,694 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
3. AccuSharp 001C Knife And Tool Sharpener
The AccuSharp 001C Knife And Tool Sharpener claims to sharpen most blades (both serrated or straight) in about 10 seconds. This sharpener is multipurpose and can be used for professional and personal uses and gardening, fishing, etc. The ergonomically designed handle makes it easy for both right-handed and left-handed people to use the tool.
This knife sharpener is covered with a full-length guard to protect your finger while sharpening the knife. Its blades are made of the hardest known material – diamond-honed tungsten carbide. The AccuSharp Knife Sharpener has reversible blades that do not rust and can be cleaned in the dishwasher or with soap and water. This product comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Weight: 0.12 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset (20 degrees)
- Sharpening Stages: 1
- User-friendly design
- Protects the finger
- Durable
- Dishwasher-safe
- Lifetime warranty
- May ruin the knife blade
4. Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
Presto’s 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener produces razor-sharp results with its sapphirite grinding wheels, used in professional knife sharpening shops. The 2-stage sharpening allows for the sharpening and polishing of the knife blade. Stage 1 is to create a precisely angled edge, and Stage 2 is to polish the blade to make it razor-sharp.
This knife sharpener can sharpen knives made of carbon, alloy, or stainless steel. The three suction cups at the bottom hold the tool in place on the kitchen countertop, while the two receptacles below collect the metal filings arising from blade sharpening. This machine comes with a limited 1-year warranty against defects.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.75 x 5.75 x 4 inches
- Weight: 2.95 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Sapphirite sharpening wheels
- Non-slip base
- Sharpens quickly
- Value for money
- Long-lasting
- Vibrates during operation
- Slots extend past the grinding wheels
5. Kitchellence 3-Stage Knife Sharpener
The Kitchellence Knife Sharpener has a three-slot system for knife sharpening. The first slot has a diamond rod that sharpens ceramic blades and straightens and repairs dull and damaged metal blades. The second slot has a tungsten steel blade to restore the V-shape cutting edge of metal blades. The third slot has a ceramic rod that finely polishes, sharpens, and eliminates the burrs on the blade.
This knife sharpener has an ergonomic handle and can be handled easily by both left-handed and right-handed people. It is made of ABS plastic, which is sturdy and durable. It comes with a cut-resistant glove for additional safety. The brand offers an unconditional money-back guarantee within 30 days if you are not satisfied with this product.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 2.2 x 3.4 inches
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset
- Sharpening Stages: 3
- Comes with a Level 5 cut-resistance glove
- Non-slip base
- Ergonomic handle
- Durable
- Easy to use
- May damage ceramic knives
6. Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener – Ken Onion Edition
This electric knife sharpener by Work Sharp was co-engineered by Ken Onion, the world-renowned knife maker. Its a variable speed motor lets you control and customize the angle settings (between 15-30 degrees) and sharpen various tools like knives, serrations, gut hooks, scissors, and axes at various speeds. This knife sharpener has premium abrasive belts that deliver razor-sharp edges that last a long time. It comes with a 1-year warranty that covers manufacturing defects, excluding abrasives.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 10 x 6 inches
- Weight: 3.1 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: 15-30 degrees
- Sharpening Stages: 1
- High precision
- Reliable
- Durable
- Creates stronger edges
- Easy to use
- May create a mess
- Eye protection needed
7. SunrisePro Supreme Knife Sharpener
The SunrisePro Supreme Knife Sharpener will turn your knives (both straight and serrated blades) into razor-sharp ones in just 4-5 pulls (dry knives will require 8-11 pulls) and 2 seconds. The ABS plastic body makes it sturdy, and the suction pad clamps the sharpener on the countertop and keeps it stable to reduce the risk of injury.
This device has a unique handle locking mechanism that prevents your fingers from coming in the way while sharpening the knife. It can sharpen various types of knives – chef knives, cheese knives, butcher knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, etc. It is compact and convenient to use.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 2.36 x 2.56 x 2.36 inches
- Weight: 0.2 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: 20 degrees
- Sharpening Stages: 1
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
- Locking suction
- May leave jagged edges
- Not long-lasting
8. Smith’s CCKS Knife Sharpener
Smith’s CCKS Knife Sharpener is one of the best knife sharpeners, especially for fillet knives. It is built from the highest quality materials. This 2-stage sharpener features two tungsten carbide blades and two ceramic rods with preset angles for sharpening and offering a razor-sharp finish, respectively.
Just three to four strokes in the coarse carbide slot can turn dull knives into sharp ones. This knife sharpener is lightweight and portable and comes with a lanyard hole that makes it easy to carry around. The non-slip rubber feet provide stability and prevent injuries. This product comes with a three-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 5 x 5 x 5 inches
- Weight: 0.1 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset (23 degrees)
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Effective on most blades
- Does not work well for paring knives
9. Chef’s Choice Trizor XV Electric Knife Sharpener
The Chef’s Choice Trizor XV Electric Knife Sharpener has a 3-stage Edge Select sharpening system to provide the perfect edge. The first and second stages have diamond abrasives to shape, sharpen, and hone the edges of knives. The third stage houses a patented flexible abrasive system that not only polishes the knife but also gives it a long life.
The Trizor 15-degree edges help make dull blades razor-sharp with a simple on/off switch. The first time sharpening will take about a minute, and resharpening will take about 10 seconds with this knife sharpener. The instruction manual outlines the steps to follow for the 3-stage sharpening process as well. This product comes with a 3-year limited warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 10 x 4.25 x 4.25 inches
- Weight: 4.18lbs
- Sharpening Angle: 15 degrees
- Sharpening Stages: 3
- Easy to use
- Triple-bevel Trizor XV edge technology
- Durable
- Easy to hold
- Releases metal dust into the air
- Loses effectiveness over time
10. BulbHead Bavarian Edge Kitchen Knife Sharpener
Bulbhead’s Bavarian Edge Kitchen Knife Sharpener gives your dull knives a makeover by sharpening and honing them. It works with various knives, like Japanese knives, chef knives, serrated knives, etc. and is not recommended for ceramic blades.
This device has two independent spring-action sharpeners made of ultra-hard tungsten carbide. It flexes and contours to any knife’s edge at any angle, much better than any sharpening stone. This knife sharpener is suitable for standard, serrated, and beveled blades. It has four rubber feet at the bottom that offer better grip and stability. This knife sharpener also comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 3.75 x 6.375 x 3.125 inches
- Weight: 0.95 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Any angle
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Suitable for all blades
- Sharpens at any angle
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Lifetime warranty
- Not dishwasher-safe
- Cannot sharpen ceramic knives
11. Rada Cutlery Quick Edge Knife Sharpener
The Rada Cutlery Quick Edge Knife Sharpener has dual, hardened, and intersecting high carbon stainless steel wheels that help sharpen both sides of a blade at the same time. The sturdy, black nylon base keeps it from falling off. Four to six pulls will sharpen any knife easily. Its small size makes it easy to be carried on fishing, hunting trips, and cooking events.
You can wipe the metal shavings off the blade in a single swipe. Although this sharpener is exclusively designed for Rada knives, it can sharpen any other blade just as effectively. This product comes with a hassle-free lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 6 x 6 x 1.5 inches
- Weight: 0.13 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset
- Sharpening Stages: 1
- Sharpens quickly
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Compact
- Easy to use
- Ineffective non-slip feature
- Uneven blade edges with time
12. Utopia Kitchen Store Knife Sharpening Rod
This 10-inch steel knife sharpening rod by Utopia Kitchen Store will help you maintain all your knives – including kitchen, household, gardening, sporting, and pocket knives. Its ergonomic handle fits all hands, which makes it easy to use. The slip-resistant bottom handle helps you grip the rod well while sharpening. This honing steel rod is ideal for kitchens, slaughterhouses, and butcher shops where knife usage is high. It can be washed with water and wiped dry.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 15.5 x 2 x 2 inches
- Weight: 0.71 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: NA
- Sharpening Stages: NA
- Effective for quick sharpening
- Sturdy
- Safe
- Easy to use
- Not dishwasher-safe
- May wear out
13. Zulay Knife Sharpener
Zulay’s premium quality knife sharpener is a godsend for kitchen, chef, hunting, pocket, and serrated knives. It has a 2-stage sharpening – the coarse stage has tungsten carbide grinder blades that restore dull knives and restore their shape, while the fine stage has ceramic rounded blades that give the knives a smooth and razor-sharp edge. This sharpness is perfect for cutting meat.
This knife sharpener has a smart, compact design that makes it easy to store in kitchen drawers. The ergonomic handle and non-slip base make it easy to handle and keep it steady on the countertop. This product comes with a lifetime warranty.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 8 x 2.25 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 0.51 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Can be set
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Compact
- Easy to hold
- Easy to use
- Sharp edges
- Not long-lasting
14. PriorityChef Knife Sharpener
The PriorityChef Knife Sharpener will transform your straight and serrated dull knives to super sharp ones to make all your chopping chores easy. The2-stage sharpening involves a first layer of diamond-coated wheel followed by a high-quality ceramic honing wheel, which shape and polish the knife blade, respectively.
The firm cushioning at the base reduces the vibrations felt, and the ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold. The knife sharpener sharpens straight and serrated blades with ease and comes with an instructional video. It is available in three colors – black, chrome, and silver.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches
- Weight: 0.55 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: Preset
- Sharpening Stages: 2
- Easy to use
- Ergonomic design
- Non-slip cushioned base
- Sturdy
- Lightweight
- May scratch knives
15. Work Sharp EDC Pivot Knife Sharpener
The Work Sharp Pivot Knife Sharpener features a pivot-response technology that follows the blade’s curve for a consistent and smooth edge. It comes with three slots with powerful abrasives like ceramic, coarse diamond, and convex carbide. Ceramic hones and resharpens the knife, the convex carbide rapidly creates a durable convex cutting edge on the knife, while the diamond plate sharpens the knife. This knife sharpener has a lanyard hole to secure it to your tool belt.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 3.8 x 0.8 inches
- Weight: 0.09 lbs
- Sharpening Angle: 25 degrees
- Sharpening Stages: 3
- Durable
- Portable
- Ergonomic
- May not work on big knives
The above are the 15 best knife sharpeners available on the market. The section below discusses a few factors to consider before buying a knife sharpener.
How To Choose The Best Knife Sharpener
- Budget: Always have a budget in mind while you are looking for a knife sharpener. The one that costs more may not necessarily do a good job.
- Speed Adjustment: If you haven’t used these sharpeners before, opt for one with speed adjustment settings for ease of use.
- Type: Electric knife sharpeners are quick, efficient, and convenient. Manual ones are cheaper, but as you have to sharpen on your own, there is a risk of damaging the knives.
- Reviews: Research the brands you want to buy. Go through the reviews and opt for a brand known for being good with all kinds of knives.
Aren’t you spoilt for choice with so many knife sharpeners to choose from? Pick any from the above list and say goodbye to all your chopping woes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a knife sharpener work?
A knife sharpener works on a simple principle. They have blades made of an abrasive material that wears away the metal on either side of the knife blade to reshape it and create a new edge.
How often can you use a knife sharpener?
It depends on the usage. If you rarely use knives, they may require sharpening only three to four times per year. Frequent sharpening will keep the knife from going dull. Some knives made of stainless steel or carbon steel may require sharpening every other day.
How long should it take to sharpen a knife?
The time taken to sharpen a knife depends on various factors like the kind of knife sharpener being used, your sharpening skills, the type of knife and its condition, and how sharp you want it to be.
Do you push or pull when sharpening a knife?
The push stroke is also known as the edge-leading stroke, and the pull stroke is known as the edge-trailing stroke. The former hits the steel harder and removes more material. You can push or pull or even combine both strokes when sharpening a knife.
Do knife sharpeners cause damage to knives?
Knife sharpeners, especially manual ones, can jag the edges of your knife if used too many times. This damage can be prevented by using good quality sharpeners.
What are the differences between a knife sharpener and honing steel?
A knife sharpener chips off bits of the blade to produce an altogether new edge. This should not be done too frequently; once or twice a year is okay. Honing steel, on the other hand, pushes the edge of the knife once it starts to roll back, i.e., it corrects the edge without shaving much of the blade.
Manual vs. electric sharpener – what is the difference?
The main difference is the mode of operation. A manual sharpener needs continuous efforts with both hands, while an electric sharpener only requires inserting the knife a few times in and out.
Can I sharpen scissors with a knife sharpener?
No, not always. Not all knife sharpeners can sharpen scissors and may lead to unwanted burrs and rough edges. Check the manufacturer’s information to understand if you can use it for scissors.
What materials is the sharpener made out of?
The body of the sharpener uses sturdy materials like aluminum alloy, magnesium alloy, and ABS, hard plastic.
How easy is it to clean and store a knife sharpener?
Most knife sharpeners are very easy to wash and wipe with a cloth. Many are not dishwasher-safe. Remember to read the instruction manual carefully.
