Buying guide for best knife sharpeners
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For years, I've struggled with my knife skills. Even basic prep tasks like chopping an onion took me way too long, and I'd end up with uneven pieces, too. That's because I never realized I needed to sharpen my knives.
A terrible rookie mistake, I know, since the sharper the knife, the easier it cuts and the safer it is to use. Instead of slicing and dicing effortlessly, a dull knife requires more force, which can lead to a carving mishap. Keeping a high-quality knife sharpener on hand is the best way to ensure your knives are in optimal working condition.
Since I'd started sharpening my knives regularly, my slicing, dicing and chopping game has drastically improved.
Most homes have a variety of knives, so a versatile sharpener is best—serrated knives, for instance, require a different type of sharpening. IF you're new to sharpening, a device with guards and guides designed to protect fingers is your best bet. An electric model is the easiest to operate, but you should also look for a sharpener made with tough materials, such as tungsten or diamond.
At BestReviews, we've researched and evaluated dozens of knife sharpeners to identify the best models. Our favorite, the Chef'sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener, checks all the boxes, making it the perfect option for most home cooks' needs. It is also backed by a 3-year warranty, so you can trust that you do plenty of sharpening without it breaking down.
Editors’ picks
Chef's Choice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Editors’ Favorite
Dimensions: 10" L x 4.25" W x 4.25" H | Weight: 4.2 lb | Grit Type: Fine | Material: Diamond
Whether you want to sharpen old knives or turn typical knife blades into precision cutting tools, the Chef’s Choice 15XV EdgeSelect is the model to choose. Powered by electricity, it has three stages with a patented abrasive system that produces sharp 15-degree edges and polishes them to perfection. It uses diamond abrasives with fine grit that make precise edges on even the dullest blades.
We also like that this knife sharpener works fast and efficiently. For dull knives and first-time sharpening, you can expect it to take about a minute to get pro-quality results. Maintenance sharpening only takes about 10 seconds. What’s more, it can be used to sharpen both straight-edge and serrated knives. These features make the EdgeSelect an excellent choice for chefs who need razor-sharp knives to prepare perfect dishes.
In addition to being easy to use, this model has a sleek design with stainless steel accents. At just 4.2 pounds, it’s lightweight enough to move from place to place with ease.
AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
Great Value
Dimensions: 4" L x 1" W x 9" H | Weight: 1.76 oz | Grit Type: Coarse | Material: Diamond-honed tungsten carbide, plastic
If you want a model that’s affordable, effective and easy to use, the AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener is one of the best knife sharpeners available. This simple, manual tool features reversible diamond-honed tungsten with coarse grit that sharpens straight and serrated blades. Lightweight and comfortable to hold, it requires careful use to avoid cuts. However, it’s extremely easy to use.
In addition to its low price that fits tight budgets, you’ll also appreciate that the AccuSharp has a compact design that fits most storage areas. This makes it effortless to store in a drawer or cabinet without taking up a lot of space.
This knife sharpener is also a snap to clean. Although you can wash it by hand in minutes with warm water and mild soap, you can also put it on the top shelf of a dishwasher for hassle-free cleaning.
Presto Professional EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
Best Budget Electric Sharpener
Dimensions: 18.43" L x 11.25" W x 2.18" H | Weight: 5.07 lb | Grit Type: Extra fine, medium, coarse | Material: Plastic, Sapphirite wheels
Ideal for small to midsized blades, the Presto EverSharp is an affordable electric knife sharpener that gets the job done thanks to the sharpening wheels that are made of proprietary Sapphirite. They offer three stages, including extra fine, medium and coarse, to sharpen a variety of blades.
This sharpener is easy to use. Simply power it on, place a knife in the sharpening slot, set the blade-thickness selector and gently pull the knife blade through the faces until you achieve optimal sharpness.
Weighing just over 5 pounds, this sharpener is simple to maneuver. The housing is made of durable plastic with suction cup feet to keep it secure while you are sharpening blades. Cleaning it is also simple — just unplug it from an electrical outlet, remove the plugs on the bottom and brush away metal particles that accumulate during sharpening.
Work Sharp Professional Precision Adjust Elite Knife Sharpener Kit
Best Guided Sharpening System
Dimensions: 19.26"L x 14.92"W x 8.82"H
| Weight: 12.2 lb | Grit Type: Fine, medium, coarse | Material: Diamond, ceramic, metal
Perfect for professionals, the Work Sharp Precision Elite is a feature-packed model that can sharpen almost any type of knife and other blades to perfection. That’s because it works with an angle-guided system that allows you to set it for precise angles.
This pro-level sharpener offers seven different grits and is powered by electricity. For smaller blades, it has a table attachment to keep them steady while you work. A protective, foam-infused carrying case is included for storage or for taking it on the go.
Keep in mind that this knife sharpener may be unnecessary for occasional or novice use. Additionally, its price falls on the high end of the spectrum. However, for knife users who need a professional model, it’s an outstanding option that comes with a three-year warranty to protect the investment.
HORL 3 Cruise Rolling Knife Sharpener
Best Rolling Sharpener
Dimensions: 5.2" L x 4.7" W x 2.6" H | Weight: 1.47 lb | Grit Type: Medium | Material: Diamond, plastic, stainless steel
There is no need for electricity when you have the unique HORL 3 Cruise Rolling Knife Sharpener. Designed with a diamond disc roller and stainless steel honing disc block, it sharpens knives in minutes with a few movements of the roller along the blade. A strong magnetic support on the block provides stability during use.
Lightweight and easy to use, this manual sharpener weighs just 1.47 pounds and doesn’t take up a lot of storage space in a kitchen cabinet or drawer. You can keep it clean hassle-free by simply wiping away metal shavings after each knife-sharpening session.
While a worthwhile purchase for standard knives, this sharpener only has a medium grit. It’s also somewhat awkward to use on curved blades. However, for consumers who want a manual model for sharpening straight blades, it’s a solid choice.
How we analyzed
In our research of knife sharpeners, we began with 54 models to find the best picks for our readers to consider. We took into account key features such as build and materials and explained the differences of serrated, manual, electric and sharpening steel options. Because grit is what sharpens, refines and polishes blades, we factored that into our analysis. Consumers also want to know about safety features, ease of use and prices, so we included these key points in our research. Customer feedback also helped us choose the top knife sharpeners in our list of top picks.
Types of knife sharpeners
There are various types of knife sharpeners available on the market. Handheld knife sharpeners are the simplest to store and are often quite versatile. Electric knife sharpeners make the task of sharpening quick and efficient. Honing tools are another important part of the blade-care process, and some sharpening units are made especially for specific blade types.
Serrated knife sharpener
A serrated knife sharpener is a particular type of knife sharpener that allows users to sharpen serrated knives. Because of their oddly shaped edges, serrated knives are more difficult to sharpen with other tools and could incur damage if improperly sharpened.
Handheld/manual knife sharpeners
A handheld knife sharpener is compatible with most knives. It may look like a simple tool, but handheld knife sharpeners are actually difficult to master and may take some practice. They are a good option for traveling cooks, those with limited storage space, and experienced sharpeners.
Some handheld knife sharpeners require you to use a swift pulling motion as you pass the knife through the device. Often, these types of sharpeners will have handy guides to help you sharpen correctly.
Others are more basic and do not have any kind of guide. These are best for more experienced knife owners.
Electric knife sharpeners
When powered on, the sharpening stones in an electric knife sharpener spin, allowing the user to get the job done.
Electric knife sharpeners are easier to use than other types of sharpeners, but they are usually more expensive and produce a fair bit of noise.
An electric sharpener is a good option for an inexperienced knife owner.
Expert Tip
When sharpening using a steel, switch the sides with every stroke for an even edge.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Butcher's steel/sharpening steel
A butcher’s steel, also known as a sharpening steel, is actually intended to hone blades. It can sharpen somewhat, but it’s less effective at sharpening than other tools.
A butcher’s steel is often sold as part of a knife set to be used with specific knives. They are easy to procure, simple to use, and easy to store since they usually just slide into your knife block.
They are inexpensive but won’t help you if your knife is very dull.
Elements to consider when choosing a knife sharpener
When browsing for a knife sharpener to add to your arsenal of kitchen tools, look for one that suits your unique needs. Are you an experienced chef with a large knife collection? Or are you a beginner with a few basic kitchen knives? Either way, you’ll need to consider the material, ease of use, and safety features of the models you are looking at.
Ease of use
For the inexperienced knife wielder, having a knife sharpener that takes the guesswork out of sharpening may be useful. Some sharpeners feature blade guides to help even the newest knife aficionados sharpen correctly. These guides will help you to angle your blade correctly as you sharpen. Units with adjustable guides are best if you plan on sharpening different types of knives.
Material
The harder the material, the better your knife sharpener will perform. Sharpeners made of harder materials like diamond or tungsten usually cost more, but they are also more effective when it comes to sharpening.
Safety
If you’re new to knife sharpening and are apprehensive about getting injured during the process, choose a knife sharpener that offers some type of barrier for your digits. This reduces the risk of injury. Manual sharpeners that lack barriers and guides are better suited for more experienced users.
A knife sharpener with a stable base ensures that nothing will slip out of place due to wobbling. We urge potential buyers to avoid knife sharpeners with poor-quality bases.
Expert Tip
Keeping your knives sharp is critical not just for processing food, but for kitchen safety. A clean finger cut with a very sharp knife heals faster than a ripping cut made with a dull knife edge full of burrs and jags.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Knife sharpener prices
When it comes to cost, higher-end knife sharpeners made of harder materials can cost upwards of $150. You don’t necessarily have to spend this much money to get a good knife sharpener, though. It all depends on the type you choose.
Electric knife sharpeners
In general, electric knife sharpeners cost more than manual knife sharpeners. Electric knife sharpeners work faster and are easier to use than manual knife sharpeners. However, they are also bulkier, require a power source, and may be more troublesome to store.
Manual knife sharpeners
With manual knife sharpeners, the cost largely depends on the materials used.
Stone sharpeners that contain diamond or have a diamond coating will undoubtedly be pricier than sharpeners made of softer materials.
In general, manual knife sharpeners are less effective at sharpening, though they still do the job. These devices are a good option for the occasional cook with a small knife collection.
Expert Tip
When using a pull-through or steel-style rod to sharpen your knives, make sure you have a wide margin of space around you to allow your elbows and hands to move freely. Never sharpen a knife in close proximity to another person or animal, and always keep your feet planted. Walking around with a moving blade invites damage or injury.
BestReviews Cooking and Baking Expert
Knife care tips
While sharpening is an important part of keeping your knives in tip-top shape, you should also do the following to keep your knives working and looking like new.
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Store your knives properly. A knife block or magnetic holder are the best options to protect your blades since the blade won’t unnecessarily bump around and get damaged.
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Use an appropriate cutting board to avoid dulling the edge of your knife. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces, as that can dull your blades. Having a cutting board will keep your counters free of knicks, too.
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Dry your knives thoroughly after cleaning them to prevent corrosion.
- When sharpening using a steel, switch the sides with every stroke for an even edge.
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Do not place your knives in the dishwasher. Wash them by hand instead.
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Hone your knives frequently between sharpenings.
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Sharpen your knives when dull, and use a quality knife sharpener to do so.
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Keep in mind that a knife sharpener actually scrapes metal off your knife to create a newly sharpened edge. Pressing too hard may remove more material than desired.
FAQ
Q. Do I really need to sharpen my knives?
A. Yes! A well-sharpened knife is easier to use and less likely to slip and hurt you as you slice through something. It will cut through your meat or produce efficiently and make kitchen prep a piece of cake.
Q. How do I know if I need to sharpen my knife?
A. You'll run into resistance when you're cutting. If you notice your blade doesn't slice through produce and meat as it did before, it's likely time to sharpen it.
Q. What is honing? Is that the same as sharpening?
A. No. A butcher's steel works to hone knives, not sharpen them. What does this achieve? Honing helps to even out the edge of the blade so you can get the straightest possible knife edge. When honing, nothing is actually shaved off of your knife.
Q. How often should I sharpen my knives?
A. This really depends on how often you use your knives, what you cut, and how well you take care of them. Less-expensive knives will require more frequent sharpening.
Q. Is there a way to keep my knives sharp longer?
A. The more you use your knives, the more often they will need to be sharpened. Of course, limiting your knife use is out of the question. Use wood cutting boards to keep your blades from dulling quickly. Store your knives in such a way that the blades are protected. Dry them right away after washing, and keep them away from the dishwasher.
