Best Knife Sharpener – A List of Top 7 With Detailed Reviews [Updated]

Finding the best knife sharpener can be as challenging as finding a suitable knife. Some knife sharpening equipment is only effective on certain types of knives. On the other hand, the quality of the sharpener and the effort you put into the sharpening process decide the knife’s sharpness.

In this article, go over the different types of sharpening devices with a fine-tooth comb and pick the best knife sharpener for you.

Why it’s worth owning a knife sharpener?

Do you get excited to check it out every time you get a new kitchen knife? In the following paragraphs, I am going to discuss why having a good knife sharpener is worth it, so allow me!

Despite different brands or materials, your new knife undoubtedly makes the ideal cut. While every movement you make with it seems natural, precision is spot-on. On the other hand, the process of preparing a meal feels too fast and exhilarating while using this knife. Besides, you snick the wrong thing and chip or break the knife immediately. But dullness does not occur out of the blue. Instead, it is a slow-paced, almost imperceptible transformation.

Nevertheless, whenever you make use of the knife, burrs and chips build at a microscopic level. Furthermore, these gradually accumulate, requiring you to exert a little more effort with each cut. After that, however, precision becomes more challenging to pull off. Before too long, you will find yourself scrutinizing how to move towards the food with your knife without leaving many rags or tears. Instead, a dull knife stifles your creativity rather than encouraging it.

However, the great news is that you can use devices to sustain your knife edge sharp that will keep your enjoyment of food preparation full-on. Those are nothing but sharpening tools for the home. Moreover, a good sharpener will burnish, maintain, or repair the edge of your blades, extending their lifespan. For example, honing rods straighten the edge and keep it sharp for longer between the sharpening dates. In conclusion, the best knife sharpener can repair badly damaged blades, renew the edge, and re-define the edge angle, thereby maintaining the factory sharpness level of your cherished knives.

Beat the clock and master your skill on using them so food prepping in the kitchen can always be quick, easy, and fun.

How to select the best knife sharpener?

What is the Abrasive’s Grit?

Grit is a term used to classify whetstones, sandpaper, and abrasive belts.

Grit is abrasive sand, diamond, or other stone particles or granules. The grit number represents the coarseness or fineness of the abrasive. The greater the grit number, the finer the abrasive, and the less material it can remove from a knife blade.

Low-grit abrasives can remove plenty of material in a single stroke, making them ideal for mending highly damaged blades. However, chefs only sharpen their knives once or twice a year to keep them sharp. Finer abrasives can make used repeatedly to fine-tune the blade.

Furthermore, the grit system differs according to the area, brand, and type of material. When purchasing stones or belts, it is critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to obtain the proper grit. The grit numbers on pull-through sharpeners, especially those containing diamond or metal dust, are rarely visible. When using a multi-stage one, the first step is usually the coarsest and should only be used once in a while, but the following stages are suitable for constant use. Additionally, we have some great options for you if you are specifically looking for a diamond rod sharpener.

What is the Knife Edge’s Grind and Angle?

The majority of chef’s knives have either a Western or an Asian edge angle. Western knives are the best for handling tough vegetables as well as animal-based foods. Moreover, it is has a 20- or 22-degree edge with a colossal, strong blade.

Asian knives, on the other hand, are more suited to fish and softer vegetables, with more fine angles (13–15 degrees). Blades with a more wide-angle are more powerful, but high qualities angles allow for more precision.

However, some of the best kitchen knives are hybrid, with a 15 to 18-degree edge angle. The knives can also be classified according to their blade grinds or the structure of their blades. Flat, hollow, taper, convex, and chisel are the names given to these edge forms. In general, a single sharpener will not repair and polish all of the different varieties. Nonetheless, the best knife sharpener for you is the one that can sharpen the different types of your blades.

However, it will be easy to find the perfect sharpener if all of your knives are from the same set. First, find out whether your set is Asian or Western besides the type of blade grind, and then finally, purchase the sharpener with the same angle. On the contrary, if you have different kinds of knives, ranging from German to Japanese (as many serious cooks do), finding the best knife sharpener can be challenging. Either get many pull-through sharpeners or learn how to operate a semi-manual or fully-manual tool (think Waterstones, oilstones, or the entire set of sharpening systems).

Serrated Knives: A Word of Advice

There is no need to sharpen your serrated knife regularly, yet, when you perform, it is backbreaking to find the ideal device that performs the job well. A standard pull-through sharpener, stone, or sharpening band can only remove certain burrs from the pointed teeth, which is limited. In addition, a tiny device is required to get between the several teeth on a serrated edge. There are just a few alternatives for sharpening serrations properly, which you’ll go through with a fine-tooth comb. Hence, our experts have scoured dozens of resources for your serrated knives to get you the best sharpeners.

How much time does it take to sharpen the knife?

The time it takes to sharpen a knife is decided by several factors, including your degree of competence, the sharpening device you use, the knife’s material, size and material, the knife’s condition, and the desired level of sharpness.

Top 7 Best knife sharpener – a summary list

#1. WEN 4270 10-Inch Two-Direction – Rooting around for a sharpener that can handle both kitchen knives and heavy garden tools? This sharpening system might interest you.

#2. Chef's Choice XV Professional – It’s productive and very convenient to use and can be used to hone serrated blades.

#3. ProntoPro Manual Diamond Hone 4643 – There is nothing more good, versatile, and affordable than this Chef’s Choice manual knife sharpener

#4. Sharp Pebble Premium – It’s a modernistic face on the classic stone with two grit measures, an angle guide, and a handbook for novice learners.

#5. Smiths' Adjustable Angle Pull-Thru – Smith’s proffer a wide variety of knife sharpeners, yet few possess such flexibility and functionality as the Pull-Thru 50264.

#6. Cubikook Sharpener CS-T01 3-Stage – The ABS-plastic handle is comfortable to hold, and stainless steel covers the base and sharpening slots, lending durability and credibility to the whole thing.

7. Smith's Pocket Pal PP1 Manual Knife Sharpener – Don’t forget to carry Smith’s Pocket Pal with you on your next hunting or fishing excursion. It’ll show its worth in due time.

Features and reviews of the Top 7 Best Knife Sharpeners

#1. WEN 10-Inch Two-Direction tool for knife sharpening

It’s more of an industrial instrument with a flexible jig for different blade angles. It is a heavy-duty sharpening tool. It includes a 10-inch stone wheel for coarse honing, as well as an 8-inch leather-stropping wheel for burnishing your blades. You start with the stone and adjust the angle with the jig and guide. Because the stone is so abrasive (220 grit), you might want to start with less expensive axes, chisels, or damaged knives to get the hang of it. You risk leaving unsightly scratches on your pricey blades if you don’t.

You could also wish to add a few dressing stones with a lower coarseness level after that. For thinner, smaller blades, finer 1000 grit and 6000 grits will be more suitable. Moreover, those more delicate knives will perform better if you sharpen them wet. This is because the water can lower the heat generated by friction and function as a lubricant to protect the edge.

In conclusion, your blade should be sharp enough to cut through paper after honing with the stone. Then, move on to the stropping wheel if you wish to give it a final polish. You can perform it without any lubrication, but it will yield better results if you use sharpening oil. Your blade will gleam like a mirror after this procedure.

Users Experience

Users are impressed with its honing functionality and high quality. They have specifically loved how easy it sharpens knives, lathe tools, chisels, scissors, etc. On the downside, some customers were unhappy with the functioning of the wheel.

Pros

• Fast, effective sharpening
• Has jig for angle guidance
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Single-speed

My Verdict: From my perspective, if you are a knife enthusiast and require a powerful and flexible sharpener for your blades and accessories, this is a perfect choice.

#2. Chef's Choice XV Professional knife sharpening kit

It can restore the sharpness of your blades to manufacturer specifications. It’s a three-stage electric sharpener that includes two diamond abrasives for coarse and fine sharpening, as well as a flexible abrasive stropping system for a final polish.

It is one of the unique devices that are strong enough to decrease your 20-degree edges to 15 degrees, thus the name XV. According to XV Professional (and simple physics), the smaller angle is typically built on Japanese knives to make them more accurate cut than the traditional 20-degree edges found in Europe and the U.S. You will notice a keen change in how smoothly your knives cut, not simply because of decreased angle. The delicate sharpening and polishing processes eliminate all of the tiny chips that conformation gradually and construct microscopic grooves on the blades. Therefore, it enables them to incise smoothly through the rock-hard materials.

It is simple to use. The sharpening slot makes sure that your knife is at the correct angle. However, it’s a good idea to start by reading the handbook for directions on how to care for different types of kitchen knives, and you will get the hang of it quickly.

Users Experience

The reviews of this electric sharpener are quite outstanding. Most users found it easy to operate with no honing mess. Swiftly take off the damage on the bevel. Simultaneously, I haven’t come across any serious complaints regarding this product.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Sharpens and hones serrated and straight knives

Cons

• Heavy (4.7 pounds)
• Expensive

My Verdict: From my perspective, this manual method is best suited for you if you have expensive knives. It gives the level of perfection that your blade deserves.

Now that we talked about Japanese Knives, here is an excellent collection of sharpeners by our experts specifically for these knives. Don’t forget to check out!

#3. ProntoPro Diamond Hone Sharp Knife Sharpener

This manual sharpening tool uses pure diamond during all three sharpening stages, which defines the name. So it’s no surprise that this sharpener has such excellent sharpening capabilities when combined with the crisscross sharpening pattern. A properly sharpened knife will have an arch-shaped cutting angle, a revived blade, and a mirror-like gloss after only a few strokes.

It performs on all kinds of knives, from serrated to straight and from Asian to Western. Moreover, the grinding slots are suitable with blades with angles ranging from 15° to 20°. The system performs wonders with double-beveled blades that often found on ordinary chef’s knives, hunting knives, filet knives, bread knives, santokus, and pocket knives. Therefore, ceramic knives, scissors, machetes, and axes are not on the list.

Users Experience

While users were extremely pleased with the rubber handle that provides a firm grip and does not develop calluses, it’s a weird shape arch, which some users find uncomfortable. However, from my standpoint, unless you have a strong objection to the design, it isn’t a major issue.

Pros

• Function with a variety of knives (including Asian, Western, & serrated blades)
• Abrasive diamonds for all stages
• Firm grip handle
• Cost-effective

Cons

• Weird handle design

My Verdict: It’s one of the all-rounder chef choice trizor knife sharpeners available at the moment. The way I see it, its performance is incredible to watch and admire. Shop now!

#4. Sharp Pebble Premium tool to sharpen knives

The Sharp Pebble whetstone sharpener has everything you need, including the double stone, a lovely base to keep it stable, and angle guidance. The stone is a fusion of two different types of Waterstones. The blue portion that has a grit or grain density of 1000 is for honing dull knives.

Meanwhile, the white side has a grain density of 6000 for ultra-fine sharpening and finishing. This grit pair is ideal for both beginners and specialists. The Sharp Pebble requires some time to master, but its simplicity and low cost make it one of the best knife sharpener options. The base is a sturdy, robust slab of bamboo with a slip-resistant coating on the bottom. The upper silicone component grabs the stone for additional support. Both the silicone and the bamboo are easy to clean.

Users Experience

Excellent user reviews are a mark of confidence for this product. However, while most users found the guide rod convenient, I noticed some complaints that it creates marks and scratches. You might want to start with your less expensive blades, especially if you’re not habitual to whetstones.

Pros

• Everything you’ll need is in the set.
• Balanced duo grit
• The e-book instructions included
• Excellent client service

Cons

The guide’s hardness is high, and it may scratch your blades.

My Verdict: A great buy for the price and quality. Positive user reviews are a mark of confidence for this product. Hence, my full recommendation for a buy!

#5. Smiths' Adjustable Angle Pull-Thru Knife Sharpener Work

This manual knife sharpener specializes in fillet and pocket knives, in addition to traditional kitchen knives. At first glance, it appears to be a tri-stage model, but it is a dual-stage with a serrated knife sharpening hole. It uses carbide and synthetic hook cut for the coarse level, whereas ceramic rods for the fine stage. The machine works best with straight, double-beveled blades, although it can also handle serrated knives at a set angle.

There are multiple sharpening angles, allowing you to care for a variety of knife types and styles. But flexibility is quite scarce amid manual knife sharpeners. Rubber is used to cover the handle and the base for slip resistance and stability. It also offers a three-year limited warranty.

Users Experience

There were positive reviews about the knife sharpening of serrated blades. Also, users were delighted regarding how smooth adjustment features work; however, some customers were unimpressed with the result of honing other blades.

Pros

• Multiple & adjustable angles (6)
• Low-cost
• Works with good serrated blades
• Varieties of materials for abrasives

Cons

Weird stage placement

My Verdict: If you’re a cook who also relishes camping and survival outings in the wilderness, you better accompany the Smiths’ Pull-Thru 50264 with you. There aren’t many manual knife sharpeners that provide this level of versatility.

Though manual knife sharpeners aren’t known for their versatility, we have collated some great options for you that match this one in adaptability. There are several deals, so visit the given link to know more.

#6. Cubikook Sharpener CS-T01 3-Stage Work Sharp Knife

As per the photo, a fashionable appearance is only half of the equation; substance has importance too. This knife sharpener kitchen stands out from the crowd due to its clever blend of several materials for the abrasives.

In the coarse step, diamond dust rods straighten the edge, forge a new cutting angle, and remove burrs. Next, tungsten carbide is used in the medium stage to deburr and correct the blade, while ceramic rods are used in the fine-honing stage to refine and give the blade a mirror-like shine. Skip the first two processes and run the blade through the final stages eight to ten times for a simple polish job before and after each usage without over-grinding the blades. Without surrendering too much metal from the edge, each cut should feel lighter and smoother.

The first step, which is the roughest and harshest of the three, is often saved for yearly maintenance, so proceed cautiously and at your own risk. Meanwhile, the latter two processes should serve for minor nicks, chips, and scars. Except for micro-toothed serrated knives, the machine performs admirably with a bevy of knives. Rubber pods at the bottom of the base keep the unit from sliding or falling off the tabletop, therefore, preventing accidents and injury.

Users Experience

While most users appreciate its versatility, others admired its capabilities. Most users, in particular, have praised its ability to save space. On the other hand, some users wished it could work with serrated knives. However, I would ignore the above problem for the various function it boasts of.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Sturdy build
• Stress-free cleaning
• Works with specialty blades
• Overall, a fantastic performance

Cons

• Not suitable for micro-toothed serrated blades
• Incapable of repairing severely damaged knives

My Verdict: In my view, it is the best product since it combines performance and sleek capabilities with a beautiful aesthetic. Shop now!

7. Smith's Pocket Pal PP1 Manual Knife Sharpener

Living up to the expectation, the Pocket Pal PP1 fits perfectly inside your pocket, or it can be set as a great addition to your keychain, thanks to its lanyard hole.

You wouldn’t ordinarily expect much from a pocket-sized knife sharpener unless you tried this one. The abrasives, which include a diamond rod, carbide, and ceramic, are nothing short of spectacular. You can use the tapered diamond rod to sharpen gut hooks also pocket knives and, multipurpose hunting knives. Follow Smith’s directions and use it as a standard diamond rod.

After you’ve finished sharpening, wipe the PP1 down with a moist cloth and dry completely with paper towels. Under no circumstances should the unit be rinsed with water. As a result, it could void its three-year warranty.

Users Experience

Most users adore it for its adaptability, but they love it even more for its diamond rod. So whether they use it for hunting or camping, this knife sharpener has always won their applauds. Moreover, since it’s just 3.5 x 1 x 0.01 inches, it can fit in your pocket as a keychain. So no more storage problem! At the same time, I didn’t find any serious complaints from users about this gadget.

Pros

• Cost-effective
• Contain diamonds rod
• Chef choice
• Works with serrated knives
• Ideal for hunting, camping, and fishing trips
• Replaceable and reversible elements (ceramic stones & carbide blades)
• Components that are reversible and replaceable (carbide blades & ceramic stones)

Cons

• Fixed sharpening angle

My Verdict: In my personal opinion, its performance is only ordinary at best when camping, hunting, or fishing. This is the best you can hope for and anticipate. Shop now!

For more such budget-friendly devices, do visit our website for more information and get some expert guidance!

Types of Sharpening Stone for knife

There are four essential types of sharpening stones: water, oil, ceramic, diamond, and whetstone. Read on to know more about each kind and how to choose the best sharpening stone for you.

Water Stone

Water stones, along with some oil stones, are comprised of aluminum oxide. They are softer than other stones, allowing for faster cutting. And, this kind of stone utilizes water to separate the ground bits of metal through the stone. However, because this stone is softer, it will wear out more quickly than other stones, necessitating you to restore the periodic flattening.

Oil Stone

Firstly, oil stones use oil to remove tiny bits of metal for sharpening and are composed of novaculite, aluminum oxide, or silicon carbide. This type of stone comes in several grades, from fine to coarse, and is acknowledged for generating fine edges on tools and knives due to its hardness. Secondly, they have the advantage of being affordable and low-maintenance. Since they are so hard, they also barely need flattening. On the downside, oilstones hold a lower cutting rate than other types of stones. Moreover, it means it will take you prolonged to sharpen a knife compared to a diamond or water stone sharpener. Finally, keep in mind that using oil stones comes with an additional cost—and mess—due to the need to purchase sharpening oil.

Diamond Stone

Diamond stone sharpeners comprise tiny little diamonds fixed to a metal plate. Because diamonds are stronger than other types of stones, and thus they sharpen blades faster.

Diamond sharpening stones also have polished surfaces or small holes for holding the metal filings and diverse degrees of coarseness. Smooth sharpeners are convenient for sharpening the edges of tools and blades with points or teeth that could get stuck in small holes. The most expensive sharpening stones are diamond stones.

Ceramic Stones

Ceramic stones are a bit expensive for their longevity and ability to sharpen knives to a fine edge. These stones offer remarkable accuracy with regards to grit levels it, hardly requires resurfacing. The finest quality of ceramic stone has a higher price than others. To take advantage of the features of such stones, many manufacturers have incorporated them in their sharpeners, and we have collated them for you. Hence, visit our site for more information!

My selection criteria for the best sharpener for knife

A series of few things to consider while choosing the best knife sharpener are outlined below. You can narrow down your options, enhance your chances of discovering the correct product, and make the best decision possible by consulting buying guide.

Price

Rarely does someone pay a substantial sum of money for something about which they have little to no knowledge? Best knife sharpeners, on the other hand, do not cost an arm and a leg. Their prices range from as little as $20 to as much as $200. Let’s divide things down into more manageable chunks.

From $130 to $200 in the top tier

The first thing you’ll notice about the sharpeners in this tier is that they’re all tri-stage sharpeners, meaning they sharpen, hone, and refine. The abrasive wheels are made of pure diamond, which explains the unit’s overall cost. Diamond is the hardest substance known to man. Therefore it’s a no-brainer for a high-end premium product. Because each step serves a different purpose, the diamond’s fineness or coarseness fluctuates proportionately. The grinding slots should also include changeable sharpening angles, allowing you to utilize the device with different blades, from straight to serrated, Western to Asian.

From $50 to $130 on the middle tier

The bulk of knife sharpeners on the market fall within this pricing range. A lot of variables contribute to the huge price disparity.

Diamonds are still utilized for the abrasive wheels in some units, although they are used less frequently than in the top tier and are only used for the final honing stage. In response to the discriminating use of abrasive materials, another notable modification is the grinding stages: the final two stages— honing and polishing— are integrated into one, reducing the overall stages from three to two.

Bottom Tier: $50 and under

The abrasive is the significantly lesser grade at this point, which is understandable. Ceramics, carbide tungsten, and synthetics are all possibilities. They also have two sharpening phases with angles that are set in stone.

Material of Abrasive

The most analytical component of the knife sharpener is the grinding wheels, commonly known as abrasives. The abrasive materials are as varied as the blades, with the following being the most popular:

• Diamond,
• Sapphirite,
• Ceramic,
• Carbide tungsten, and
• Synthetics.

Diamond is second to none regarding hardness and durability, designed for superior products from high-level brands. Diamond abrasives are not only high-end models; but also found on mid-tier models. But only in the fine-honing and polishing slots designed for delicate knives.

In terms of quality and performance, sapphire comes in second to diamond. Nevertheless, it’s a good option that many manufacturers like, which is why it’s included in so many low-cost knife sharpeners.

Polished ceramic, carbide tungsten, and bonded synthetics are some of the other abrasive materials employed. Unfortunately, they are inferior in terms of quality and performance to the other two.

Safety

Electric Knife Sharpener

Some versions will not operate when the blade is placed incorrectly, preventing you from cutting or scratching themselves as they would with manual sharpening equipment. To reduce buzzing and vibrations, choose versions with a handle that provides a secure hold, a sensation of control, and reassurance when using the device. Meanwhile, do look at some great electric knife sharpener options at our website and to avoid them from slipping or sliding off the counter, look for versions with rubber feet or a sturdy base.

Manual Knife Sharpener

Hardly there is a chance while you are moving the blade through each stage, the knife won’t move for even one millimeter once placed in the middle of slots. So you either apply more strength to pull back, which leads to problems. However, you risk giving yourself a cut if you’re not careful, which can range in severity from a minor scratch to a serious wound requiring medical attention and everything in between.

In other words, choose versions with a sturdy handle for a secure grasp. You can also go for models that are slip-proof, either because of the unit’s weight or because of rubber feet that keep the sharpener stationary and prevent it from slipping or sliding off the counter.

FAQs

How long do you soak a wet stone?

Immerse your sharpening stone in water for five minutes before using it for fine stone. Ten minutes should be sufficient for coarse stones to soak entirely.

How do you use a sharpening stone?

Begin by placing the blade at a 20- to 25-degree angle across the stone. Next, grab the knife’s handle with one hand and the dull part of the blade with another. After that, haul the blade towards you while creating a sweeping move across the block. Similarly, then flip the blade and repeat the process in the opposite manner across the block. Make ten strokes on each side, then cut the edge of a piece of paper to see if the blade is sharp. Repeat this technique until the edge is razor-sharp and readily slices through paper.

How do you clean a sharpening stone?

It is dependent on the sharpening stone. To clean an oil stone, rub a tiny amount of oil down the stone in a circular motion. For water stones, apply water. It will cause the stone to let go of the microscopic metal particles you’ve hone off your knife from its pores. Wash the stone with water and dry with a paper towel.

Should I sharpen a new knife?

A new knife typically comes considerately sharp. The factory sharpened it to a precise angle and gave it bevels appropriate for the jobs it will be used for before putting it on the shelf. You could perhaps adjust the bevel(s) and alternate the edge angle when sharpening the knife yourself. If you’ve never sharpened a knife before, the safest bet is to use a new knife until it’s dull before sharpening it. That is until your knife arrives damaged and you have no method of returning it.

A professional chef or a knife lover may have particular knife-edge preferences. However, just because a knife isn’t custom-made to your specifications doesn’t mean it won’t cut it. You might want to give a visual inspection and give it a few days to break in the new knife. That way, you’ll get a better feel for the blade and know what changes, if any, are required.

In other words, it’s not too late to go to the stones if you notice a variation in the edge angle or bevel, and it’s affecting your cutting experience. Sharpening usually entails reshaping the edge to a specific angle, changing the bevel, or adding/removing secondary edges.

Do You Push or Pull When Sharpening a Knife?

When you are sharpening on a stone, the push stroke is known as edge-leading stroke, and the pull stroke is known as edge-trailing stroke. Each of these approaches has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. For example, the edge leading stroke tightens the steel and separates the additional material. When you need to repair a damaged edge, this method is more successful, but it also creates chipping. Therefore, the trailing stroke produces a sharper edge, but it likely to generate a foil burr because it stretches the steel.

When sharpening a knife, you can use either a push or a pull stroke or a combination of the two. It is recommended the edge-leading stroke for edge rejuvenation on coarse (low-grit) stones. You can finish the sharpening process with the edge trailing stroke on a fine stone but stop after roughly 30-40 laps to avoid forming a foil burr.

What is the last thing to do after sharpening a knife?

After sharpening a knife, you can burnish it with stopping leather or fine sandpaper. It is an optional step. After you’ve finished sharpening and honing your blade, make sure to hand wash it in soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth right away. In addition, avoid leaving it wet or dry, as discoloration and rust can emerge very quickly. If you have a high-carbon knife, you should coat it with vegetable oil to keep it from rusting.

Conclusion

A dull knife is annoying to work with, tedious to look at, and straight out unsafe for certain kitchen activities like cutting and fine-slicing slippery things. Of all the knife sharpening tools, they aren’t always the most expensive or the fastest. However, they stand their own against other competitors while not being too expensive for purchasers. Above all, a powerful yet best knife sharpener is a natural companion to a high-quality knife set.