The 10 Best Knife Sharpeners of 2019

A knife is a vital tool in the kitchen. If you have invested in a quality set of kitchen knives, then it becomes crucial to care for them appropriately. Sharpening them becomes mandatory if you want them to deliver the service that you purchased them for.

Why pay money for professional services when you can sharpen them easily from the convenience of home anytime you wish to? Gone are the days when knife sharpening trucks used to roam on the streets. This is because easier and newer methods of sharpening knives have developed over time. 

You no longer need to be a master of special techniques for sharpening your knife. Sharpeners have made the entire process easy and quick. 

Best Pick

Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener

If you want to transform traditional knives into a high performance tool, then you must consider adding Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener to your collection.

Budget Pick

Sunrise Pro Supreme Knife Sharpener

If you want to transform a dull knife in just three swipes and do not want to make a huge investment in a knife sharpener, then Sunrise Pro Supreme Sharpener would not disappoint you.  

Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Knife Sharpener


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1. Chef’s Choice 15 Trizor EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Produces polished and professional quality honed edge
  • Creates a 15 degree triple-bevel arch shaped edge
  • Resistant dulling when compared to traditional sharpeners
  • Flexible stropping discs and 3-stage process ensure minimal metal removal
  • Produces micro-grooves on the edge facets

The 15 Trizor EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener is ideal for serrate knives. This sharpener can produce a hyper-sharp 15 degree blade in no time. All you need to do it to go through the proper use that has been outlined in the manual provided.

Trizor electronic knife sharpener is capable of transforming any traditional 20 degree factory edge of a household knife into a 15 degree blade. 100 percent diamond abrasives are utilized for sharpening serrated and straight edge blades.

The 15 degree angled edge in this knife sharpener provides maximum performance and cuts easily in comparison to the traditional 20 degree angled edge. When the edge is thinner you do not have to put a lot of effort in controlling the knife.

The patented and advanced spring ensures automatic adjustment. Accurate control is offered over the sharpening angle in this tool. The 3-stage sharpening system provides optimum versatility in offering the perfect edge during any cutting task.

You will have to wait for just a minute for sharpening your knife for the first time. The resharpening process would just consume 10 seconds. Effortless cutting and ultimate sharpness of this sharpener made us place this at the top of the list. Backed by 3-year limited warranty, the Trizor EdgeSelect Electric Knife Sharpener truly deserves a place in every kitchen.

Pros

  • Ideal for contemporary Asian knives
  • Plus Circle
    The 3-stage systems permits you to choose a stage appropriate for the kind of knife being used by you
  • Plus Circle
    100% diamond abrasives sharpen both serrated and straight edge blades

Cons

  • It takes some time to figure out how to use this sharpener on in which mode

2. Sunrise Pro Supreme Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Promises precision edge every time upon usage
  • Sharpening blades ensure that your knives get optimal sharpening with just minimal effort
  • Holds advanced patent on its design
  • Uses a suction pad to fasten the unit to the countertop surface 
  • Utilizes tungsten carbide technology for sharpening knife blades of all materials

Although the Sunrise Pro Sharpener does not happen to be of the expensive or glamorous offering in the knife sharpening segment, it is capable of sharpening any knife to the extent and precision you are after. The best thing we found about the Sunrise Pro Sharpener is that it is easy to use and mounts securely on a table or a countertop for eliminating slip accidents. It lives up to the claims of the manufacturer as advertised. It is quite easy to use.

It just takes three swipes to turn dull knives into as good as new. If you have numerous blunt knives in your kitchen, then it is time to add Sunrise Pro Sharpener to your kitchen collection today. Just three swipes can transform blunt kitchen knives into highly efficient ones to assist you in your daily kitchen chores.

The Sunrise Pro Sharpener is ideal for sharpening pocket knife, hunting knife, butcher knife, chef’s knife and a lot more. It can be used for sharpening any knife apart from fine toothed knives and scissors. What is the best thing about this sharpener is that you need not have any prior experience to use it. It promises precision edge in two seconds.

This multi-functional sharpening tool just needs to be calibrated to add precision to your dull kitchen knife. The non-slip suction base renders it safe to use. The sleek ergonomic safety handle provides superior sharpening power and stability. There is no risk of jabbing, slipping or sliding while using the Sunrise Pro Sharpener.

This sharpening tool is convenient and ultra durable. It fits easily in small spaces. Do not be fool by its compact size. It makes the task of sharpening all kinds of blades much easier than you can imagine. This practical household sharpener helps you save a lot of money that you would otherwise spend in purchasing a new knife for your kitchen.

Pros

  • Plus Circle
    The suction seal removes the risk of injury
  • Plus Circle
    A few strokes helps you sharpen your knife as new
  • Plus Circle
    Sharpens expensive knives with strong steel blades with much ease
  • Plus Circle
    Works effortlessly on hunting knives and bread knives  
  • Plus Circle
    Fits conveniently in kitchen drawers because of its compact shape

Cons

  • Not recommended on knives with fine toothed serrated blades

3. Lansky 4-rod Turn Box Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Hardwood turn box with internal rod storage
  • 25 degree sharpening angle for durable and sharp edge
  • 20 degree sharpening angle offers very sharp edge
  • Comes with four 5-inch long ceramic rods made of alumina

If unsharpened blades have turned your kitchen activities such as cutting fruits and vegetables less efficient, then you can rely on a quality knife sharpener to restore its sharpness. A dull knife only makes every task in the kitchen frustrating and time consuming. Use Lansky 4-rod sharpener to keep your knives sharpened all the times.

Lansky 4-rod sharpener features generously sharp blades and is easy to use. This revolutionary kitchen tool is safe to use and ideal for sharpening bread knives, paring knives, butcher knives, cheese knives, tomato knives, fillet knives, chef and boning knives.

You do not have to fret if you do not have time to master the skills required for sharpening kitchen knives. The Lansky 4-rod sharpener has been designed to create the perfect edge without any practice or experience. This sharpener is quite stable is a compact system.

The two stage sharpening system comprises of 4 5-inch alumina ceramic rods. Two rods are of medium grit and two of fine grit. This makes the entire system suitable for different types of blades. It also features a hardwood wood block base that can store the rods when not in use.

The wood block offers two present knife angles of 20 and 25 degrees that help in maintaining kitchen knives in proper condition. The turn box system is quite simple to use and just requires you to make a few swipes for maintaining your kitchen knives in working condition.

The Lansky 4-rod sharpener is great for outdoorsmen as well as it is light in weight and can be stored easily in a backpack. The 25 degree block in this sharpener can be utilized for most kitchen knives that require a durable, sharp edge. The 20 degree black can be used for knives that demand a very sharp edge. This can be ideal for filet knives.

How to use Lansky 4-rod sharpener? 

Lansky Turn Box Sharpeners can be utilized for 1-stage or 2-stage sharpening. The grey ceramic rods help with sharpening and the white rods help in polishing the surface. It is vital to place the turn box on a flat and stable surface. It should also be positioned to a comfortable working height.

Steps to follow for 1-stage sharpening 

Step 1: Choose the prefer rod type and the angle in which you wish to sharpen. You can choose from 20º or 25º angle by placing the rods in appropriate guide holes.

Step 2: Hold the base firmly and make sure to keep your fingers far away from the rods

Step 3: Place the heel of the blade an inch or more below the top of one of the rods

Step 4: Hold the blade straight up and down. Draw the blade down the rod and then towards you. The motion should be more or less similar to slicing the bread.

Step 5: Repeat the same action on the other rod

Step 6: Repeat the steps from rod to rod until the desired sharpness is achieved

Pros

  • Feature two pre-set sharpening angles
  • Plus Circle
    Easy to store in kitchen drawers

Cons

4. Chef’s Choice Pronto 463 Diamond Hone for Santoku 15-degree Knives

Highlighted Features

  • Fastest manual sharpener available in the market
  • First stage is for honing and polishing
  • Diamond abrasives are used for both stages
  • Precise bevel angle ensures ultra sharp 15-degree Asian style edge
  • Ideal for Asian-style knives with serrated Santoku edges

Chef’s Choice 463 is one of the fastest manual sharpeners available in the market today. This knife sharpener comprises of two stages. One stage is used for sharpening and the other one for polishing. The result is an arch-shaped edge and a razor sharp knife.

100% diamond abrasives are employed during the two stages. The diamond abrasive wheels do not lose their shape over time unlike ceramic wheels. The crisscross sharpening technology results in an extremely sharp edge. We found nothing complicated about this 2-stage Chef’s Choice 463 knife sharpener. One slot in this system is for sharpening and the other slot is for honing.

Both these stages employ diamond abrasive surfaces so that the blades retain the edge for a long time. Chef’s Choice 463 knife sharpener does an extraordinary job owing to its diamond wheels. Ultimately, you get an edge that is burr free and razor sharp.

Pros

  • Can be used right or left handed
  • Plus Circle
    Soft touch handle ensures secure and easy grip
  • Plus Circle
    Ergonomic design allows you to hold the handle securely

Cons

  • It can consume some time to find the ideal pressure to be applied on the sharpener

5. Chef’s Choice 4643 Pronto Pro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Professional 3-stage sharpener for super sharp edges on 20 and 15-degree classic knives
  • 100 percent diamond abrasives have been used in all the stages
  • The initial stage sharpens and hones using the diamond abrasives
  • The third stage polishes the edge with its micron sizes abrasives
  • Serrated and straight edge knives can be sharpened along with pocket knives
  • Crisscross sharpening technology delivers extremely sharp edge

Affordable and durable, the Chef’s Choice 4643 Pronto Pro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener promises to deliver the best performance for years to come. The sharpening element in this manual knife sharpener is wheels impregnated with diamond abrasive.

Diamond abrasive is far more superior to ceramics in terms of lack of friction as well as sharpening speed. The Pronto Pro 4643 can transform a badly dulled knife to paper slicing sharp in no time. The separate sharpening slots in Pronto Pro 4643 sharpener are capable of sharpening both Japanese and European-style knives. The difference in the bevel angle is the key to the cutting edge offered by this pro sharpener.

Japanese knives have 15 degree bevels and traditional European knives have 20-degree bevels. If you own both, then you will appreciate the feature of this knife sharpening tool. The more accurate bevels cut better and hold their edges for quite long.

Pronto Pro 4643 sharpener fits easily in any kitchen drawer. The best thing about this knife sharpener is that is has been designed with few moving parts and has been sturdily built. It also comes with a limited one-year warranty.

Pros

  • Features diamond abrasive wheels
  • Plus Circle
    Based on crisscross sharpening technology
  • Plus Circle
    Precise bevel angles create ultra sharp edges
  • Plus Circle
    Features a comfortable handle for secure and easy grip

Cons

  • Cannot sharpen serrated blades as it sharpens both sides of a blade at a given time. Serrated knives require sharpening of just one edge 
  • Cannot be operated left handed

6. Brod & Taylor Professional Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Safe to use with the finest knives in your kitchen
  • Ideal for Damascus and Japanese knives
  • Keeps the knives razor sharp without removing any metal
  • Best knife sharpener for serrated and smooth knives
  • Sharpens dull edges within seconds
  • Patented spring-action bars adjust the angle of the blade automatically
  • Technique borrowed from high-tech CNC machining

If you are looking for a foolproof manual sharpener that seems nothing less than modern art, then you should consider adding Brod & Taylor professional knife sharpener to your collection. The angle at which a knife is inserted into a sharpener determines how fine the sharpening would be. You begin with sharpening a knife and hone it to fine finish. If the knife does not require sharpening, then you can use it for just honing. The peculiar thing about the Brod & Taylor professional knife sharpener is that it self-adjusts.

You do not have to bother about adjusting the knife accurately when you rely on Brod & Taylor professional knife sharpener. It always sharpens the knife edge to the original angle. The use of tungsten carbide ensures that this sharpener lasts for a long time.

If you are looking for an easiest and fastest way to sharpen any knife, then this professional knife sharpener would not disappoint you. This new sharpener is one of the best ways in which you can sharpen dull knives in your kitchen without having to remove any metallic part. You can get razor sharp knife in seconds regardless of being serrated or straight.

This tungsten carbide sharpener auto-adjusts to the blade angle in the range of 12º-20º. The triple action sharpeners help you in keeping your knives sharp. There is no wastage of metal involved in the sharpening process. You can sharpen, re-align as well as polish your knife blade by just varying the angle of the knife.

Pros

  • Polishes finest cutlery without causing any damage to the blades
  • Plus Circle
    Features rugged construction
  • Plus Circle
    Tungsten carbide sharpeners last for over 5 years 
  • Plus Circle
    Delivers high quality polishing and sharpening
  • Plus Circle
    Made from quality materials that can offer a lifetime of performance

Cons

  • It is little expensive when compared to others models offering similar features

7. Wusthof Pectec Electric Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Functions in three different stages
  • Instantly transforms all the dull knives in your kitchen
  • Comes with a loop for hanging this knife sharpener
  • The wheel features diamond abrasive

If you are looking to add elegant and effective electric sharpener to your kitchen essentials, then you must consider the Wusthof Pectec Electric Sharpener. This tool offers three different slots for sharpening your knife. Even the dull knives of your kitchen can be instantly transformed with this tool.

This Wusthof sharpener comes with an easy-to-hold handle and has a loop for hanging. It can easily fit into your knife block. As steel is magnetic, it collects the metal dust generated during the process of sharpening. This sharpener has three stages. The stage 1 is for sharpening, the second one is for honing and the third one is for polishing or stropping the edge. The wheel features diamond abrasive and renders your knife sharp and smooth.

Pros

  • Plus Circle
    Priced appropriately
  • Plus Circle
    Renders the knife sharper in no time 
  • Plus Circle
    Comes with an easy to hold handle

Cons

  • Is not dishwasher safe

8. Fallkniven DC3 Wheatstone Diamond Ceramic Knife Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Offers great control over the process
  • Based on timeless technology
  • Combination of diamond and ceramic sharpening surfaces
  • Can be cleaned with warm water and liquid soap
  • Comes with a leather pouch for storage

Sharpening stones have been used for centuries for sharpening different tools being used by humankind. Despite being labor intensive, these stones offer unprecedented control to the user over electric sharpeners. If you are looking for a sharpener that offers you proper control and do not mind to invest a bit of time in the process, then you must consider trying Fallkniven DC3 Wheatstone Diamond Ceramic Knife Sharpener.

The greatest advantage of Fallkniven DC3 sharpener is that it can be taken anywhere and used anywhere. It produces amazing sharp edge to anything that requires sharpening.

Pros

  • Ideal for kitchens and for your hunting sojourn
  • Plus Circle
    Requires extremely low maintenance
  • Plus Circle
    Can be used without any lubrication
  • Plus Circle
    Features twin sharpening surfaces: one is diamond surface and the other one is ceramic

Cons

  • Demands patience as the surface seems coarse during first use

9. DMT SC2 12-inch Ceramic Steel Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Durable construction promises years of reliable service and consistent performance
  • Wear resistant and light in weight
  • Refined and polished edge for sharpening
  • Sanitary plastic handle
  • Superior diamond sharpening stones

DMT is renowned for offering sharpening products and diamond knife sharpeners. It has a diverse product line with focus on innovation and quality. The patented and award-winning products offered by the company are known for their versatility, ease of use and superior quality.

Sharpening can be accomplished in a fraction of time when compared to other means when you rely on sharpeners offered by DMT. The company offers full line of diamond knife sharpeners and other tools used in industrial applications, hunting, fishing, camping, gardening, culinary arts, winter sports and woodworking.

Who doesn’t want to rely on the patented offerings of DMT? DMT SC2 12-inch Ceramic Steel Sharpener truly deserves a place in your kitchen collection. DMT combines abrasive characteristics of aluminum base with ceramic for creating a water resistant, unbreakable knife sharpener.

DMT SC2 12-inch Ceramic Steel Sharpener is a classic example of dependable, affordable and simple knife sharpener that can simplify your everyday life. Micronized monocrystalline diamonds are used for creating a precisely uniform diamond surface for sharpening. You would seldom come across any diamond sharpeners offering this precision.

Pros

  • Large comfortable handles promise greater grip while sharpening
  • Plus Circle
    Professional grade sharpness with a little bit of practice
  • Plus Circle
    No liquid or oil of any kind needed during the process
  • Plus Circle
    Comes with a safety flange for protecting your hands during the process

Cons

  • Does not bear a stylish design

10. Warthog V-Sharp Classic II Gunmetal Sharpener

Highlighted Features

  • Slide-on diamond honers
  • 3 quick snap angles
  • Excellent thumb grip and adjustable blade guide
  • Features heavy duty metal frame

If you desire high quality finish every time you use your sharpeners to keep your kitchen knives up to date then you can rely on Warthog V-Sharp Classic II Gunmetal Sharpener for you needs. Despite the aesthetics which makes this sharpener looks nothing less than a complicated mess, it delivers consistent performance and appreciable results. The company has invested a lot of time in refining the appearance in its succeeding models.

Once you get accustomed to using Warthog V-Sharp Classic II Gunmetal Sharpener, you would not fail to appreciate the quality of service that it can offer. You can use this sharpener for sharpening utility knives, hunting knives, kitchen knives and others.

The gunmetal grey finish steel frame along with non-slip rubber base offers excellent grip to the users during the entire process. The quick snap angles help you to sharpen your knives appropriately based on the requirement. The best thing about this sharpener is that it can sharpen both sides of the blade at the same time. We find it to be an ideal sharpener for hunters, chefs, household use and for fishermen. It is also easy and quick to use.

Pros

  • Backed by 1-year warranty on craftsmanship and materials
  • Plus Circle
    Sticky rubber base ensures secure grip
  • Plus Circle
    Durable steel frame construction
  • Plus Circle
    325 grit diamond surface rods for utmost sharpening capacity
  • Plus Circle
    All popular sharpening angles

Cons

  • The complex exterior confuses the users

Things to Consider Before Purchasing a Knife Sharpener

With are numerous kinds of knife sharpeners available in the market. It can be quite a daunting task to pick just the appropriate model that could fit into to your kitchen. We have made the task easier for you by breaking down the entire process of knife sharpener selection.

Sharpening knives is the first thing taught in a culinary school. It is more of an art rather than just a task of sharpening knife for your kitchen needs. It is vital to be aware of the basics required for knife sharpening depending on the kind of knife being used by you. A dull knife can after all spoil the entire experience.

With tons of sharpeners available in the market offering different features, it will take some time to understand which one would be the best for your kitchen. This buying guide will help you pick just the right sharpener for you. The first and foremost thing that you need to understand is identify the kind of knives you have in your kitchen. Almost all sharpeners can deal with straight edge blades but not all can be used for sharpening serrated knives.

As not all sharpeners can be used for sharpening Asian-style knives, scissors and sports knives, you need to look for specific sharpeners that are best for them. Another aspect to consider while purchasing sharpeners is how good you are at managing tools and equipment.

Electric sharpeners get your job done faster when compared to manual sharpeners. These are also easier to use. You may need some time to master using a manual sharpener. For instance, there are users who love water stone sharpeners for the beautifully polished edges they offer. However, using these requires plenty of practice and a steady hand.   

You cannot ignore the space that you can spare for saving your knife sharpener. Most manual sharpeners can fit easily in kitchen drawers. Electric sharpeners on the other hand consume a lot of space on your kitchen counter. These are usually as big as a regular toaster. 

If budget is your major constraint, then you can rely on manual sharpeners as these are cheaper than electric ones. Manual ones cost less as they do not have any moving parts and also tend to last longer. If even the slightest noise bothers you, then you will have to rethink about opting for electric sharpeners. These tend to be noisy because of the motor and the scraping sound of the blade against the stone.

If you are left-handed, then you need to understand that most manual sharpeners can be used either left or right handed. There are specific sharpeners suitable for right handers only. If you value your knives, then you must opt for a sharpener that is gentle on the metal and does not generate a lot of heat. Over-grind sharpeners can reduce the life of a blade considerably.  

Grit is yet another aspect that cannot be overlooked while on a hunt for a perfect knife sharpener. Regardless of the kind, all knife sharpeners possess some or the other kind of grit level. Electric and manual sharpeners come with at least two settings. The level of grit is dependent on the amount of metal being taken off the knife during sharpening.   

A coarse grit is best suited for use on a damaged knife that has chips or nicks. Medium grit is ideal for sharpening dull knives but without any damage. Fine grit sharpener helps in refining the edge of your knife. 

Inexperienced users can have a hard time in holding the blade at the right angle during the sharpening process. It may take a bit of practice to master the process. The best angle sharpeners accommodate multiple blade angles between 15 and 20 degrees which are the two most common angles for sharpening kitchen knives. 

Time factor can certainly not be ignored when it comes to purchasing a perfect knife sharpener for your kitchen. Almost all knife sharpeners would accomplish your task, but the pace at which each one would work would be different. There are some sharpeners that accomplish task quickly in comparison to others. 

If spending minutes or over for sharpening a knife does not make any sense to you, then you must opt for a sharpener that requires just a couple of passes.

Conclusions

Knife sharpeners can be categorized based on several aspects such as good performance, the kind of abrasive surface, adjustable angle guide, the number of sharpening stages and a lot more. You can go through our in-depth reviews for identifying the parameters that you should stress on while purchasing a knife sharpener.

The most important feature of a sharpener is its capacity to produce a smooth edge without any scratches or nicks. Surface is yet another aspect that makes a purchase a great one. As we have noticed that almost all sharpeners have diamond as the sharpening material. Tungsten carbide and polished ceramic come second.  

You should always go for knife sharpeners that promise multiple sharpening stages and adequate safety features. A coarse abrasive generally helps in reshaping the edges of damaged or dull knives. Finer abrasives on the other hand are great for polishing and touch ups. Opting for a knife sharpener offering both features can help you going for two different sharpeners. 

Manual sharpeners put a physical barrier between the knife blade and your fingers. Hence these are preferred by most of the users. Electric sharpeners on the other hand use slots for guiding the knife into the sharpening belts or discs.

It is entirely up to you to decide which knife sharpener would be the best fit for your kitchen. With numerous features in the offing and several factors to be considered based on your requirements, it can consume a lot of time in choosing a knife sharpener.

You should study the basics in details before making any move as this will help you take the right decision which you would not have to repent later on. Also look for a decent warranty and good customer service if you are purchasing an electric sharpener. It can come in handy any time in case something goes wrong.

No matter what the case is, you must analyze your requirements in order to understand which electric sharpener would make a best fit in your kitchen.
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