A dull knife isn’t just annoying to work with – it’s also dangerous.
Cut your food with a knife that hasn’t been sharpened in a while, and you’re going to be at a higher risk of a deep, painful cut. Not only will you have to exert more force as you’re cutting your food, but you’re not going to love the results of all your hard work, either.
Knife sharpeners are simple tools that use abrasive materials to hone your blades. Not all knife sharpeners are built alike, though. While it can be overwhelming to choose from the hundreds of options out there, this isn’t a purchase that you should take lightly.
No matter how often you cook, you are going to need a knife sharpener to keep your knife sharp – remember, a dull knife is a dangerous knife, and it’s also ineffective.
Here’s what you should be looking for – along with our top recommendations.
Table of Contents
Best Knife Sharpeners – Comparison
| Picture | Product Name | Weight | Stage | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Presto 8800 08800 | 2.95 pounds | 1 | Check Latest Price |
 | Chef’sChoice 463 Pronto | 0.16 ounces | 2 | Check Latest Price |
 | Kitchellence Kitchen Knife | 8.8 ounces | 3 | Check Latest Price |
 | Fallkniven DC3 Whetstone | 1.6 ounces | – | Check Latest Price |
 | KitchenIQ 50009 Edge> | 0.48 ounces | 2 | Check Latest Price |
 | DMT CS2 12-Inch Ceramic | 8.2 ounces | – | Check Latest Price |
 | Lansky 4-Rod Turn Box LCD5D | 1 pound | 1 | Check Latest Price |
 | Warthog V-Sharp Classic | 7 ounces | – | Check Latest Price |
 | SunrisePro Supreme | 3.36 ounces | 2 | Check Latest Price |
 | Chef’s Choice 4643 | 8 ounces | 3 | Check Latest Price |
10 Best Knife Sharpener Reviews
1. Presto 8800 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
One of the best knife sharpeners you will find is this electric sharpener by Presto. An easy to use device, it offers a two-stage sharpening approach that can hone just about any type of non-serrated blade. It produces professional results without requiring you to ever leave your home.
In the first stage, your knives will be precisely ground to begin the process of sharpening with the creation of a perfectly angled edge. In the second stage, the knife’s edge will be refined and polished for a long-lasting finish.
At 120 volts, it has enough power to sharpen your most difficult knives – but doesn’t draw so much power that you’ll notice a difference in your electric bill. It positions your knife at the perfect sharpening angle for guaranteed results each and every time, so there’s no guesswork required. You’ll get a razor-sharp edge in a matter of seconds – not hours.
The knife sharpener has three separate suction cups affixed to the bottom. This help holds the sharpener securely in place on your table or countertop. There is also a storage receptacle on the bottom of the sharpener that can catch all of the discarded metal filings, instead of getting them all of your counters.
This knife sharpener has sapphite sharpening wheels – this is the same material used by professional knife sharpening shops. Built to North American Electrical Standards, it is easy to use and the perfect choice for any home chef.
What We Liked:
- Eliminates the need for manual labor
- Sharpens knives in just seconds
- Provides sharpening at all angles
What We Didn’t Like:
- Wheels can become imbalanced
2. Chef’sChoice 463 Pronto Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener
Chef’s Choice is a leading brand when it comes to the best knife sharpeners. This manual unit utilizes stainless steel components and diamond abrasive blades for sharpening, honing, and polishing.
You can maintain your knives in two separate stages with this knife sharpener. In the first stage, you will sharpen and in the second you will hone and polish. This will result in a knife blade that is arch-shaped and not only stronger, but more durable, too. The Chef’s Choice 463 has CrissCross technology that offers a sharp edge with plenty of bite. You’ll also benefit from a Soft Touch handle that will give you a secure, comfortable grip.
The fastest manual, 15-degree knife sharpener available, this knife sharpener offers a flawless factory edge each and every time. The diamond abrasive is the strongest material known to man, yet it won’t damage your knives because the CrissCross technology ensures a perfect fit. The diamond wheels hold their shape indefinitely, unlike wheels made out of other materials which have a tendency to lose shape and effectiveness over time.
You can use this attractive manual sharpener on all kinds of knives, including those that are straight edge, serrated, and double-beveled.
What We Liked:
- Has an ergonomic, safe design
- Can be used on Asian-style knives with serrated edges
- Ambidextrous use
What We Didn’t Like:
- Difficult to figure out how much pressure to use
3. Kitchellence Kitchen Knife Sharpener-3 Stage
The Kitchellence Kitchen Knife Sharpener is sold with two different purchasing options – a three-slot and a four-slot unit. With the three-slot system, you’ll enjoy professional-grade sharpening.
Not only will the diamond sharpening rod straighten and repair any damaged blades, but it will then move on to the second slot where it will sharpen to restore the ideal shape of the knife. The third slot will finely tune for the perfect polish.
This knife sharpener is easy to use regardless of whether you are left- or right-handed. It has an ergonomic design that allows for quick sharpening in mere minutes. Made out of solid ABS plastic, this device is durable and easy to clean up in case it gets dirty, too.
It comes with a cut-resistant glove along with a non-slip base, adding to its safety and offering you comfortable control at all times. If you’ve ever cut your hand while sharpening your knives because the knife accidentally slid too far out of the sharpener, you will appreciate the glove for sure.
It also has a bottom slot for scissors. This is a helpful feature if you have struggled to find a sharpener that works on scissors in the past – in fact, it’s worth mentioning that most knife sharpener manufacturers recommend not using their products on scissors because it can cause damage. This sharpener takes care of the problem and lets you take care of all your kitchen gear at once.
What We Liked:
- Perfect for both right-and left-handed people
- Comes with a safety glove
- Made out of high-quality materials
What We Didn’t Like:
- Cannot be used on Asian-style knives
4. Fallkniven DC3 Whetstone Diamond Ceramic Knife Sharpener
If you’re looking for a basic diamond whetstone knife sharpener, look no further than this option by Fallkniven. With dimensions of just 7 x 25 x 25mm, it fits easily in a drawer and is easy to store if you have limited space. It comes with a leather slip pouch for easy storage too.
Made out of diamond and ceramic, this two-sided whetstone is easy to use by beginners. All you need to do is engage in circular scrubbing motions with minimal amounts of pressure – you won’t have to worry about mastering any sophisticated knife sharpening techniques with this unit.
A classic knife sharpener, the Fallkniven Whetstone is a perfect gift for the hold-out in your family who is not quite ready to switch to an electric knife sharpener yet. It’s attractive, easy to use, and traditional. It is also portable, meaning you can take it with you wherever you go.
What We Liked:
- Can be used in the kitchen or even in the woods
- Does not need lubrication or maintenance
- Has twin sharpening surfaces
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be too coarse for some knives the first time you use it
5. KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
An affordable device for any household, this entry-level knife sharpener is both small and portable. It comes in several different colors so it can easily complement the decor in your kitchen. Plus, it’s perfect for dull, damaged knives that need some serious TLC.
It has a patented edge grip that allows you to sharpen anywhere- including on the edge of a countertop or table – is that you don’t have to drag the tip of large knives across your delicate surfaces. It can be used to polish and quickly touch-up any kind of knife you have, and is compact for easy storage.
It is designed with coarse carbide blades along with fine ceramic rods. It has a non-slip base for stability and a soft-grip rubber handle that lends you maximum comfort while you are using this sharpener. It can be used on just about any type of knife (including serrated blades!) but is not meant to be used on scissors.
This knife sharpener comes with a blade guide that will tell you what type of knife to use and where. You won’t have to worry about damaging your blades due to improper sharpening techniques – which is not the case with all knife sharpeners. With its small size and safe design, it can easily be stored in a drawer in your kitchen and taken out whenever you need to use it.
What We Liked:
- The small, portable device
- Flexible in a variety of settings
- Has a firm base that prevents damage to your kitchen counters
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires some technique to use the flat ceramic blades
6. DMT CS2 12-Inch Ceramic Steel Knife Sharpener
Made from the highest-quality materials, the DMT CS2 Knife Sharpener is designed for durability. It’s made in the United States and is a simple knife sharpener that is easy to use.
It comes with a plastic handle that can easily be sanitized between uses. This is perfect for busy chefs who don’t want to dedicate separate times to cooking and sharpening but instead, want to get everything done at once (even if the kitchen happens to be a mess!).
It has a large guard for safety and is not only lightweight, but it’s also wear-resistant. You aren’t likely to break this unit any time soon! Although the fast sharpening action of the DMT knife sharpener is not recommended for very small or pointed tools, it nonetheless has a unique design that you will come to cherish. It utilities micronized monocrystalline diamonds – in other words, miniature diamonds – to help sharpen your knives.
This polka-dot surface is something that DMT is famous for and uses in almost all of its products. The surface has recessed holes that collect metal swarf that is removed during the sharpening process. That way, your unit won’t get clogged and you won’t make a mess out of your counter.
Give your knives the most polished, sleek look with this ceramic sharpener – there’s very little maintenance required. You won’t need to use any oil to sharpen your knives but can instead sharpen all of our lives when they are dry. The DMT knife sharpener is durably built and is sure to last quite some time.
What We Liked:
- Has a comfortable, ergonomic handle
- Allows for professional-grade sharpening
- Lightweight and easy to use and store
What We Didn’t Like:
- Relatively basic device
7. Lansky 4-Rod Turn Box LCD5D
A two-stage sharpener, this Crock Stick sharpener has two sets of sharpening – fine and medium grit. Both rods are five inches and ceramic. They attach to a hardwood base that offers internal rod storage, making this knife sharpener easy to store anywhere. It breaks down into multiple pieces so it can be stored anywhere. You can even slide it into a kitchen drawer, hiking backpack, or toolbox!
It looks like an old-fashioned child’s toy at first glance, but really, the Lansky knife sharpener is one of the best. All you have to do is start by selecting the angle you want to sharpen at and then insert your rods into the guide holes). Hold the base away from yourself, keeping your fingers away from the rods, and draw the blade of your knife up and down the rod toward you, just like you were slicing a loaf of bread.
The Lansky knife sharpener comes with two preset sharpening angles and is backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty. It offers both one- and two-stage sharpening and can sharpen at 25 and 20 degrees. You’ll love the hardwood design of this knife sharpener because it adds durability. Plus, this device can sharpen all kinds of kitchen knives, including filet knives.
Since this knife sharpener has such a simple design, it is easy to maintain and even easier to use. You won’t have to worry about complicated maintenance or confusing user manuals. It is truly a set-and-go device.
What We Liked:
- Low maintenance device
- Offers both fine- and medium-grit
- Sharpening rods attach to the base for a clean sharpening
What We Didn’t Like:
- Has an odd, somewhat unattractive design
8. Warthog V-Sharp Classic II
Offered in a sleek gunmetal gray color, the Warthog knife sharpener has a somewhat untraditional look – it would appear to fit better in a laboratory than in someone’s kitchen!
Despite its odd appearance, however, the Warthog is remarkably easy to use. It comes in several colors in addition to gunmetal gray and can be hand washed for easy maintenance. It has a heavy-duty steel frame along with a thumb grip and a rubber non-slip base.
You’ll enjoy the adjustable blade guide that helps you easily adapt the unit to any kind of knife. It has three quick-snap angles along with lightweight aluminum sliders, and 325 grit double-sided finished steels and diamond rods. You’ll be able to sharpen both sides of your knife blades at once with this sharpener, saving you both time and energy.
New to knife sharpening? Don’t worry. This product even comes with a helpful instructional DVD so you don’t have to worry about damaging your knives while you are learning the ropes.
What We Liked:
- Offers all necessary sharpening angles
- Has diamond surface rods for maximum sharpening
- Has a rubber base that sticks to whatever surface you apply it to
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be tricky to operate the first time you use it
9. SunrisePro Supreme Knife Sharpener for all Blade Types
Another great knife sharpener for budget-conscious cooks is the SunrisePro Supreme Knife Sharpener. This product is easy and safe to use. It’s also quick to calibrate so you don’t have to spend hours figuring out how to use it before you can sharpen your knives.
With just three simple swipes, you’ll be able to sharpen your knives. It is highly efficient and can be used to sharpen everything except fine-toothed knives and scissors. It’s perfect for butcher knives, pocket knives, hunting knives, and more. Two seconds is all you need to sharpen your knives!
All you have to do is calibrate the point and the tip. Then you can add the perfect edge to your knife. It is well-supported and doesn’t slide around while in use, reducing the likelihood of accidental cuts.
It is safe to use, with a non-slip suction cup base and an ergonomic handle. It has a patented top side suction pad, too, for extra stability and sharpening power. Not only will you not have to worry about cutting yourself, but you won’t have to worry about damaging or making a mess of your counters, either.
A small, portable knife sharpener, it is compact and fits into just about any space. You can easily tuck it away into a kitchen drawer if necessary. It comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee in case you find that it does not work well for you, too – but it’s not likely that will be the case.
What We Liked:
- Can be used on all styles of knives
- Comes with a manufacturers guarantee
- Mounts securely to the kitchen counter
What We Didn’t Like:
- Can be a bit too aggressive at first
10. Chef’s Choice 4643 ProntoPro Diamond
Need to get your knives sharpened – pronto? Look no further than the Chef’s Choice 4643 Pronto Sharpener. This knife sharpener will help you sharpen your knives with extensive attention to detail. You’ll get a burr-free edge in a matter of minutes instead of hours.
The Chef’s Choice 4643 is a three-stage sharpener that works well on knives with blades of both 15 and 20 degrees. It utilizes 100% diamond abrasives to sharpen your knives at all three stages. In the first stages, your knives will be honed using these abrasives, while the last stage polishes a gorgeous final edge by using minute diamond abrasives.
Diamond is a world-class material that is not only exceptionally hard, but it’s also durable. The wheels will hold their shape over time and you won’t have to worry about having to replace them, even after several years of heavy, intensive use.
This is one of the few knife sharpeners on the market that can be used for regular, straight-edge knives along with both sports and pocket knives. It has CrissCross sharpening technology that will allow you to enjoy a super-sharp edge for a burr-free finish.
With a comfortable, ergonomic handle, you won’t find that your hands tire out easily while using this knife sharpener. Instead, you’ll enjoy using this compact, convenient device each and every time.
What We Liked:
- Easy to grip handle
- Knives stay sharp longer after using this product
- Can handle a wide variety of knife types
What We Didn’t Like:
- Requires more pressure to be applied to the knives over time
Deciding Which Product Is the Best Knife Sharpener for You
Finding the right knife sharpener can be a challenge, especially if you are new to sharpening knives or worse, are looking for a gift for someone else!
To decide which knife sharpener will work best, think first about the type of knife you are using. A western knife will be best for dealing with tough vegetables or animal products, while an Asian knife is generally used on fish and soft vegetables. The angles of these knives vary – a western knife usually contains a blade angled at 20 degrees, while an Asian knife is only angled at 13 to 15 degrees.
Your knees will also vary slightly depending on their blade grinds, or blade shapes. You can have knives with hollow, flat, convex, chisel, and tapered edge.
If you have a wide assortment of knives, you may find that a knife sharpening kit works best for you. Otherwise, learning how to work with a manual system (like a whetstone or a rod) will be best for you, as you can change your technique depending on the type of knife you are sharpening.
Consider our comprehensive list of the best knife sharpeners as you make your final decision. With a little bit of luck and some practice in mastering the technique of sharpening your knives, you’ll have dinner on the stove in no time.