- Recipes
- Breakfast Brunch
- Appetizers Snacks
- Lunch /Dinner
- Side Dishes
- Desserts
- Drinks
- Sauces & Stuff
- Collections
Learn & WatchSubmitWe independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products-learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.Keep Those Blades Sharp With the Best Kitchen Knife Sharpeners
Published: 19 May 2023Knives are an essential tool in any kitchen. They’re used to cut meat, chop vegetables, split open fruit, and more. While many types of knives are available today, they all rely on the same concept — a sharp blade to cut through a solid mass. While they’re somewhat simple compared to other kitchen tools these days, knives are still a part of every kitchen, but they don’t last forever. They need to be kept sharp in order for them to stay effective for as long as possible.
Sharpening a knife may sound like a difficult and almost dangerous task, but with modern technology, it’s actually not that difficult. In fact, depending on what type of kitchen knife sharpener you’re using, you don’t even have to do anything on your own. From manual devices to automatic machines, these most useful kitchen knife sharpeners of 2023 will ensure your knives last for years.
Show contentsBest Kitchen Knife Sharpeners Buying Guide
No matter how expensive the knife, it will eventually become dull. This guide will teach you how to use kitchen knife sharpeners to prevent that from happening.
What Is a Kitchen Knife Sharpener?
A kitchen knife sharpener is a device used to sharpen and hone the edge of a kitchen knife. Depending on the design of the sharpener, it may have one, two, or three stages in sharpening knives. This can affect how precise and how sharp the knife can be after the process.
2-Stage Sharpener vs. 3-Stage Sharpener
2-stage sharpeners are very common in kitchens. As the name suggests, it consists of two stages, with one handling the general sharpening and the second stage being used for fine honing. It’s a straightforward process and delivers decent results, but they’re not as reliable as 3-stage sharpeners.
3-stage sharpeners result in sharper and more accurately sharpened knives since the process is split into three stages, not two. Since three stages are involved, it takes a bit longer to sharpen the actual knife, but this also means that the knife gets sharpened more reliably as a result. It’s a tradeoff that you’ll have to make, but one that you’ll likely value if you care about the effectiveness and consistency of your sharpener.
Types of Kitchen Knife Sharpeners
Manual sharpeners
Manual sharpeners work by running the blade across a block of sharpening martial. They are very easy to use but also have the potential to be dangerous if not used properly. Since you’re moving the entire knife through the sharpener with many passes at each stage, there’s quite a lot of room for error if you don’t do it properly.
Because of this, many manual sharpeners often come with a handle to better hold the sharpener in place. It minimizes room for error and prevents the sharpener from moving as you move the knife across it.
Electric sharpeners
Electric sharpeners are sort of an upgrade to manual sharpeners. Like manual sharpeners, you run the knife through a small opening, but instead of making multiple passes and letting friction do its thing, you rely on the power of electricity. The device sharpens the knife at a faster rate than doing it manually, and this can make the process take much less time. There are 2-stage and 3-stage options for electric sharpeners, too, so you’re not missing out on the quality of sharpening.
Knife Whetstone
Knife whetstones are a more traditional way to sharpen your knife. You use a solid block to sharpen and hone the edge of a blade, and this process usually involves quite a bit of time. It’s a slow and methodical process, but many chefs prefer this method as they have full control over every stroke and every detail of the knife as they sharpen it.
Tips When Using Kitchen Knife Sharpeners
Do not sharpen haphazardly
This is especially true when it comes to manual sharpeners. Do not sharpen with the goal of finishing as quickly as possible. While it may be relatively dull, it’s still a knife with the potential of injuring you or someone else.
Follow the stages correctly
Don’t just skip stages and use the knife on the final stage of a sharpener immediately. Follow the steps and begin with the first stage. This will result in more consistent and sharper blades.
Comparing the Best Kitchen Knife Sharpeners for 2023
1KitchenIQ 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
– Best OverallFirst up is this kitchen knife sharpener by KitchenIQ. It’s a 2-stage sharpener, which means that the process takes two steps to sharpen your blade fully. The design of the sharpener makes it small and compact, allowing you to carry it if need be. It’s also got a non-slip grip to ensure the sharpener doesn’t move an inch as you sharpen the blade. With an edge grip design that is patented and guaranteed to keep your hands safely held to the sharpener, you can easily finely sharpen your knives. It’s the best overall pick for those who may want to bring a sharpener wherever they go.
Pros- Very portable design
- 2-stage sharpener finely sharpens the knife
- Edge grip makes it easy to hold
Cons- Small size may make it uncomfortable for use if your hands are large
2AnySharp Kitchen Knife Sharpener
– Eco-Friendly DesignThe AnySharp Kitchen Knife Sharpener is the ideal kitchen tool for any chef or home cook looking to efficiently, quickly and safely sharpen their knives. Utilizing patented tungsten carbide technology, the AnySharp Pro allows you to extend the life of almost any knife. The hands-free suction cup base attaches securely to any surface, so you can be sure that it won’t move or slip during use. You can also have peace of mind in knowing that your knife will be sharpened at the perfect 20-degree angle every time, restoring a super sharp cutting edge to even your most blunt blades.
Another great feature of this knife sharpener is its eco-friendly design. Unlike electric knife sharpeners that require electricity and motors, the knife sharpener utilizes no electricity and no noise pollution, meaning you can save both money and the environment at the same time. Plus, your knives will last much longer too!
Pros- Quickly and easily sharpens knives
- Attaches securely to countertop
- Portable and compact
Cons- Loud when sharpening knives
3Kitchellence Knife Accessory Tool
– Best Multipurpose ToolIf you’re lacking tools in your kitchen for maintaining your knife, this device by Kitchellence has you covered. It’s a 4-in-1 accessory tool that doesn’t just sharpen your knives but also keeps them restored and polished. There are quite a few homeowners with fancy knives, and while they’re fun to use at first, they can quickly lose their sharpness and shine. With this sort of tool, you can maintain the look, form, and performance of your expensive knife without having to go to a professional for assistance.
Pros- 4-in-1 accessory tool
- Maintains your knife in good condition
- Large grip for easy and convenient handling
Cons- Rubber base might be too small
4Sharpal Kitchen Knife Sharpener
– Best for ScissorsKnives aren’t the only sharp tool in your kitchen. Scissors are also very common in kitchens, as they’re used to cut open packaging and even cut specific types of food. However, unlike knives, scissors have two blades that are situated adjacent to one another, making them difficult to sharpen with conventional sharpeners. The Sharpal kitchen knife sharpener, however, is the exception — it can sharpen knives, scissors, and even serrated knives with no issue. It’s even got a 3-year warranty period to ensure your device works for years to come.
Pros- Can sharpen scissors
- Works on serrated knives
- 3-year warranty period
Cons- Lack of a convenient handle for stability
5Chef’sChoice Electric Knife Sharpener
– Best Electric SharpenerUp until this point, the products showcased were manual sharpeners, tools that you’d use with a bit of force in order to sharpen the knife. While not extremely inconvenient, it did mean that you’d have to move the knife yourself, which would make you prone to accidents if you weren’t careful enough. However, there’s no need to worry with an electric sharpener such as this device by Chef’sChoice. The sharpening process is much faster, resulting in much sharper blades in a shorter time. This particular sharpener can also be bought with a manual sharpener if you prefer handling things yourself every now and then for some light upkeep.
Pros- 3-stage sharpener
- Electrically powered for efficiency and accuracy
- Can be bought with a manual sharpener
Cons- Requires a bit of space to set up
6Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
– Affordable ChoiceWhile the last electric sharpener was convenient and powerful, it was also expensive — costing well over $100, you’d need to save quite a bit of money to afford it. Presto’s EverSharp sharpener, on the other hand, is much cheaper — costing only $44 at the time of writing. This nifty device works like any 2-stage sharpener, only with the added benefit of electric power. It’s also got this easy-access power button that you can turn on and off as necessary. While it may not be as precise as a 3-stage sharpener, this is a good option if you’d rather be reasonable with your budget while still getting your hands on an electric sharpener.
Pros- Affordable option for an electric sharpener
- Easy to operate with one button
- Curved design is easy on the eyes
Cons- Not as accurate as other electric sharpeners
People Also Asked
Q: Are kitchen knife sharpeners easy to use?A: Kitchen knife sharpeners don’t rely on mechanical skills to sharpen your knife, and you don’t need a lot of expertise to be able to sharpen your knife effectively with one.
Q: When should I use a kitchen knife sharpener?A: Since sharpening a knife too much can shorten its lifespan, it’s generally recommended to use a knife until you are no longer satisfied with its sharpness instead of a fixed rate.
Q: Can you sharpen any knife with a kitchen knife sharpener?A: This depends on the device and the knife you intend to sharpen. Many modern knife sharpeners currently support serrated knives, for example, but not all of them might.
The Cuisine Review Team’s in-depth guides and product reviews are designed to help you pick the best products for a beautiful and professional-grade kitchen and dining room. The Cuisine Review Team curates this content, and Cuisine’s editorial staff is not involved. Cuisine at Home is reader-supported: When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Please contact aimperiapt@gmail.com for all inquiries regarding articles or product testing.Related Reviews