A sharp knife is not just a tool, it’s a game changer in the kitchen or for any task that requires cutting. It can make the difference between a job well done and a disaster.
But knives don’t stay sharp forever, they dull with use and time. That’s why having a reliable knife sharpener is essential.
In this article, we will delve into the world of knife sharpeners, and present you with nine of the best ones available today.
Top Picks Of The Best Knife Sharpeners in 2024
Best Overall
What is a Knife Sharpener
A knife sharpener is a device designed to restore the sharp edge on the blade of a knife.
They come in various designs and operate on different principles, from simple handheld models that require manual effort, to sophisticated electric models that do all the work for you.
The goal is the same – to ensure your knives are always at their best, ready to slice, dice, and chop efficiently and safely.
The Best Knife Sharpeners: Reviews and Recommendations
Best Overall: Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener – Elite
Product Description
The Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener from Elite is our top choice due to its versatility and precision.
This sharpener is designed to give you control over the sharpening process, allowing you to adjust the angle to suit the specific needs of each knife.
It’s built to last, with durable materials that will stand up to regular use without losing effectiveness.
Key Features
- Adjustable sharpening angle for precision
- Durable construction for long-lasting use
- User-friendly design for easy operation
Best Electric: Work Sharp Ken Onion
Product Description
The Work Sharp Ken Onion is an electric knife sharpener that offers quick and efficient sharpening.
It stands out for its speed, turning dull blades into sharp ones in no time. The sharpener features a variable speed motor and adjustable sharpening guide, giving you full control over the process and results.
Key Features
- Fast and efficient electric sharpening
- Variable speed motor for control
- Adjustable sharpening guide for precision
Best for Pocket Knives: Wicked Edge Pro Pack 1
Product Description
The Wicked Edge Pro Pack 1 is specifically designed for pocket knives. It offers a high level of precision, enabling you to get the perfect edge on your pocket knives every time.
The sharpener is easy to use and comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, making it an all-in-one solution for maintaining your pocket knives.
Key Features
- Designed specifically for pocket knives
- High level of precision for the perfect edge
- Comprehensive set of accessories included
Best Sharpening Stone: Smith’s Arkansas Stone
Product Description
Smith’s Arkansas Stone is a top-rated sharpening stone known for its incredible durability and effectiveness.
Made from natural Novaculite, the stone provides an ultra-fine grit, perfect for putting a razor-sharp edge on your knives.
It’s also easy to use and maintain, making it a favorite among both beginners and professionals.
Key Features
- Natural Novaculite stone for exceptional sharpening
- Ultra-fine grit for a razor-sharp edge
- Easy to use and maintain
Best for Kitchen Knives: Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker
Product Description
The Spyderco Tri-Angle Sharpmaker is specifically designed to keep kitchen knives in peak condition.
It features a two-stage sharpening process with high alumina ceramic stones, ensuring your knives get a sharp and durable edge.
Its triangular shape allows for versatile sharpening styles, accommodating a wide range of knife designs.
Key Features
- Two-stage sharpening process for optimal results
- High alumina ceramic stones for a durable edge
- Versatile design to accommodate various knife types
Best Whetstone: Keenbest Sharpening Stone
Product Description
The Keenbest Sharpening Stone stands out for its dual-sided design, offering two levels of coarseness to cater to different sharpening needs.
This whetstone is made from professional-grade white corundum and provides a high-quality sharpening experience.
It’s also easy to use and comes with a non-slip bamboo base for stability during sharpening.
Key Features
- Dual-sided with two levels of coarseness
- Made from professional-grade white corundum
- Non-slip bamboo base for stability
Best Strop: Bacher
Product Description
The Bacher Strop is an excellent tool for the final honing and polishing of your blades. Made from premium quality leather, this strop provides a smooth surface for your knives, helping to remove any remaining burr and align the blade for a razor-sharp finish.
It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and a great addition to any sharpening setup.
Key Features
- Premium quality leather for a smooth surface
- Excellent for final honing and polishing
- Lightweight and easy to handle
Best Honing Rod: Noble Home & Chef
Product Description
The Noble Home & Chef Honing Rod is an essential tool for maintaining the sharpness of your knives between sharpenings.
Made from high-quality stainless steel, this rod is designed to realign the edges of your blades without removing too much material.
It also features an ergonomic handle for comfortable use and a hanging loop for convenient storage.
Key Features
- High-quality stainless steel for durability
- Designed to realign blade edges
- Ergonomic handle for comfort and ease of use
Best for Your Pack: Work Sharp Pivot
Product Description
The Work Sharp Pivot Knife Sharpener is a compact and portable option, perfect for those on the go.
Despite its small size, it delivers excellent results thanks to its convex-carbide sharpening system that quickly restores knife edges.
The sharpener also includes a built-in ceramic honing edge for fine tuning your blades, making it a versatile addition to your pack.
Key Features
- Compact and portable design
- Convex-carbide sharpening system for quick restoration
- Built-in ceramic honing edge for fine tuning
How to Choose the Best Knife Sharpener
Choosing the right knife sharpener can be a daunting task given the variety of options available.
However, understanding the different types of knife sharpeners, the distinction between honing and sharpening a knife, and the type of edge you want on your blade can guide you towards the right choice.
Types of Knife Sharpeners
There are several types of knife sharpeners including whetstones, honing rods, electric sharpeners, and handheld sharpeners.
Whetstones require some skill but offer great control over the sharpening process. Honing rods are ideal for regular maintenance of your knives.
Electric sharpeners are easy to use and efficient, while handheld sharpeners are portable and convenient for quick touch-ups.
Honing a Knife versus Sharpening a Knife
Honing and sharpening are two different processes. Honing involves realigning the edge of the knife without removing any material, keeping the blade straight and extending its life. Sharpening, on the other hand, grinds away metal to create a new, sharp edge. It’s essential to understand the difference to ensure proper care and maintenance of your knives.
Type of Edge
The type of edge you want on your knife will influence your choice of sharpener. Some sharpeners are designed to create a very sharp, fine edge, perfect for precision tasks. Others might produce a more durable edge that won’t require frequent sharpening. Understanding your needs will help you choose the best knife sharpener for you.
FAQs
Q: Are pull-through sharpeners bad for knives?
Pull-through sharpeners are not inherently bad for knives. They are convenient, easy to use, and can effectively sharpen a dull blade. However, they do have some drawbacks. These types of sharpeners tend to remove more material from the blade than other methods, potentially shortening the lifespan of your knife if used excessively. Also, they may not provide the level of precision that other sharpening methods like whetstones or honing rods offer.
Q: What is the best way to sharpen knives at home?
The best way to sharpen knives at home depends largely on your specific needs and skills. For beginners, a handheld or pull-through sharpener might be easiest as they require little skill to use effectively. If you’re more experienced, a whetstone can provide a high level of control over the sharpening process, allowing you to achieve a finely honed edge. Electric sharpeners are another option, offering ease of use and speed, but they can be more expensive.
Q: Do knife sharpeners really work?
Yes, knife sharpeners do work. They restore the sharpness of a blade by grinding away a small amount of metal to form a new edge. The effectiveness of a knife sharpener can depend on several factors including the type of sharpener, the quality of your knives, and the technique used. With the right sharpener and technique, you can maintain your knives in top-notch condition, ensuring they’re always ready for use.
Q: How often should I sharpen my knives?
The frequency of knife sharpening depends on how often you use your knives and what you use them for. If you use your knives daily for tasks like preparing meals, you may need to sharpen them every few weeks. However, if you use your knives less frequently or for lighter tasks, they may only need sharpening every few months. Remember, it’s better to sharpen your knives little and often rather than waiting until they become very dull.
Q: Can all types of knives be sharpened?
Most types of knives can be sharpened, but the method and sharpener used may vary depending on the knife. For example, straight-edged knives can be sharpened with a whetstone, honing rod, pull-through or electric sharpener. Serrated knives, on the other hand, require a special serrated knife sharpener or a sharpening rod that fits into the serrations.
Q: What angle should I sharpen my knives at?
The angle at which you should sharpen your knives depends on the type of knife and its specific use. Most Western-style kitchen knives are sharpened at an angle of 20-22 degrees per side, while Asian style knives are typically sharpened at a 15-degree angle per side. Pocket knives and hunting knives are often sharpened at an angle of 25-30 degrees for durability. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended sharpening angle for your specific knife.
