Knife sharpener - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2023
The sharper the knife, the easier it is to cut and the safer it is to use. Instead of cutting and dicing effortlessly, a dull knife requires more force, which could lead to a carving accident. Having a high-quality knife sharpener on hand is the best way to ensure your knives are in top working condition.
Most households have a variety of knives, so a knife sharpener that is versatile is best – serrated knives require a different type of sharpening, for example. Novices should choose a device with guards and guides designed to protect fingers. An electric sharpener is the easiest to handle, but you should always look for a sharpener that uses the strongest materials like tungsten or diamond.
Any of our knife sharpeners would be a good buy. If you are ready, choose the one that best suits your needs. For more information and tips on sharpening and polishing, read on.
Types of Knife Sharpeners
There are various types of knife sharpeners available in the market. Handheld knife sharpeners are the simplest to store and are often quite versatile. Electric knife sharpeners make sharpening quick and efficient. Sharpening tools are another important part of the blade care process, and some sharpening units are made especially for specific types of blades.
- Serrated Knife Sharpener
A serrated knife sharpener is a particular type of knife sharpener that allows users to sharpen serrated knives. Due to their oddly shaped edges, serrated knives are more difficult to sharpen with other tools and could be damaged if sharpened incorrectly.
- Hand/Manual Knife Sharpeners
A handheld knife sharpener is compatible with most knives. It may seem like a simple tool, but handheld knife sharpeners are difficult to master and may take some practice. They are a good choice for traveling cooks, those with limited storage space, and experienced sharpeners.
Some handheld knife sharpeners require a quick dragging motion as the knife passes through the device. Often these types of sharpeners 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 turned on, an electric knife sharpener's whetstones spin, allowing the user to get the job done.
Electric knife sharpeners are easier to use than other types of sharpeners, but they tend to be more expensive and make quite a bit of noise.
An electric sharpener is a good option for an inexperienced knife owner.
- Butcher Steel/Sharp Steel
A butcher's steel, also known as whetstone, is intended for sharpening blades. It can sharpen something, but it is 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're easy to get to, easy to use, and easy to store, since they usually just slide into the knife block.
They are cheap, but they won't help you if your knife is very dull.
Items to Consider when Choosing a Knife Sharpener
When looking for a knife sharpener to add to your arsenal of kitchen tools, look for one that suits your needs. Are you an experienced chef with a large collection of knives? 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're looking at.
- Easy to Use
For the inexperienced knife handler, it can be helpful to have a knife sharpener that takes the guesswork out of sharpening. Some sharpeners have blade guides to help even the newest knife hobbyist sharpen properly. These guides will help you properly angle the blade as you sharpen it. Units with adjustable guides are best if you plan to sharpen different types of knives.
- Material
The harder the material, the better your knife sharpener will perform. Sharpeners made from harder materials like diamond or tungsten tend to cost more, but are also more effective when it comes to sharpening.
- Security
If you are new to knife sharpening and are afraid of injuring yourself during the process, choose a knife sharpener that offers some kind of barrier for your fingers. This reduces the risk of injury. Manual sharpeners that lack barriers and guides are more suitable for more experienced users.
A knife sharpener with a stable base ensures that nothing is thrown out of place due to wobbling. We urge potential buyers to avoid knife sharpeners with poor quality bases.
- Electric Knife Sharpeners
In general, electric knife sharpeners cost more than manual ones. Electric knife sharpeners work faster and are easier to use than manual ones. However, they are also bulkier, require a power source, and can be more of a hassle 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 certainly be more expensive than sharpeners made from softer materials.
In general, manual knife sharpeners are less effective at sharpening, though they still get the job done. These devices are a good choice for the occasional cook with a small collection of knives.
Knife Care Tips
While sharpening is an important part of keeping your knives in shape, you should also do the following to keep your knives working and looking like new.
Store your knives properly. A knife block or magnetic holder are the best options to protect your knives, as the blade will not be bumped unnecessarily and damaged.
Use a proper cutting board to prevent the edge of your knife from slipping. Avoid cutting on hard surfaces, as that can dull your blades. Having a cutting board will keep your countertops knife-free, too.
- Dry knives well after cleaning to prevent corrosion.
- Don't put your knives in the dishwasher. Hand wash them instead.
- Sharpen your knives frequently between sharpenings.
- Sharpen your knives when they are dull, and use a quality knife sharpener to do so.