The best kitchen knives can make such a huge difference in the kitchen, whether you prefer a sleek santoku knife or a more traditional chef’s knife. However, without the best knife sharpeners at your disposal, these instruments will soon be dull. Even the best kitchen knives are just a few roast chickens away from dullness.
That’s why the best knife sharpeners are a must-have for any chef. Whether your idea of a hot meal includes the toaster, or if your nightly spread looks like it could be part of a magazine shoot, a knife sharpener is something every kitchen should include. Easy to use, affordable, and the best way to prolong the life and usefulness of your knives, a knife sharpener is not only a great way to get the best out of your knives, but it’s also a huge money saver.
One of the most common reasons people replace their knives is because they’ve become dull after months or years of use. Buying a new set of knives or knife block can be pricey, but a knife sharpener can breathe new, sharp life back into your knives. Even the most expensive knife set needs to be sharpened after repeated use. Knife sharpeners can also give you the extra push you need to buy a high-end knife set that you’ve been eyeing, with a knife sharpener being the promise you need to know the set will last for years.
What To Consider When Buying A Knife Sharpener
- Do you need a sharpener that works only for kitchen knives or can be used for garden tools, pocket knives, and other blades?
- Not all sharpeners work with scissors, which is important to keep in mind if you often use scissors to cut meat and vegetables.
- Most sharpeners are designed for left and right-handed users, but not all of them. Lefties, take note!
- Some sharpeners cannot be used for serrated blades, so if you want to sharpen all the knives in your kitchen, you’ll want a sharpener that can do both.
How We Chose The Best Knife Sharpener
Working with dull knives in the kitchen is a pain for both your hands and your food. For those who suffer from arthritis or have tremors, a dull knife can make the difficult job of cutting food even more trying. Dull knives also ruin food, making it a chore to cut meat and destroying vegetables. If you’ve ever tried to slice a tomato with a dull knife, you know what we’re talking about.
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Knives are designed to be sharpened, with everyday kitchen tasks like using a knife to cut on a plastic or wooden cutting board often shifting the alignment of a knife out of place. A quality knife sharpener can help realign your kitchen tools, making for a much more pleasant cooking and eating process. Knives should be sharpened regularly, so we looked for sharpeners that are easy to use, take up minimal counter space, and can be used for a wide variety of blades. While we included professional options in our list, we focused mainly on sharpeners the average cook could use.
These are the best knife sharpeners we found.
1. Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener
A pocket-sized sharpener that packs a big punch, Smith’s PP1 Pocket Pal Multifunction Sharpener has a diamond-coated rod for sharpening serrated blades and a carbide blade for smooth knives. The sharpeners’ stones can be replaced, giving the sharpener a longer life. Measuring 3.5 x 1 inches and weighing only 0.32 ounces, the biggest pro of the Smiths is its small size, with many customers using the sharpener while on the go, taking it from the kitchen to the campsite and on fishing trips. Smiths is designed specifically for serrated knives, with customers noting that it won’t give smooth knives the sharpest edge but is still a good option for smaller paring knives.
Pros: Small size, lightweight, very portable.
Cons: The size of the Smith’s can make it difficult to maneuver and it may change the angle of a blade.
2. Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
Boasting a professional-like sharpening quality, the Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener is a must-have for chefs and those who like to do projects around the house. The robust sharpener comes with a variety of belts to sharpen any kitchen knife or item in your toolbox, including Coarse (P80), Medium (P220) and Fine (6000) belts, all of which can be replaced to extend the life of the sharpener. A kitchen knife guide is included, which can sharpen kitchen knives at a 40-degree angle. The Work Sharp Knife & Tool Sharpener is ideal for anyone looking for a sharpener to tackle any edge around the house, including kitchen knives, lawn and garden tools, outdoor knives, and even lawnmower blades.
Pros: Can be used for a variety of knives and blades, includes several belts for added longevity.
Cons: The Work Sharp has a big price tag and is heavy.
3. KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
If you need an affordable sharpener that can handle jobs big and small, we like the KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener. The compact sharpener has two clearly labeled sections, including one coarse side for damaged blades and a fine side for polish and touch-up jobs. Made with a patented edge grip, the KitchenIQ is designed to be used on the edge of a counter or table in order to keep the blade from damaging the tabletop when being run through the sharpener. A non-slip base and rubber grip make the sharpener easy to handle and users can sharpener both serrated and non-serrated blades.
Pros: Works for damaged knives and gentle touch-up jobs, takes up minimal counter space, affordable.
Cons: Cannot be used for scissor blades.
4. KITCHELLENCE Kitchen Knife Sharpener
For a sharpener that will take your knife from dull to brand new, there’s the KITCHELLENCE Kitchen Knife Sharpener. Designed for both left and right-handed users, the Kitchellence features a three-step system that starts with a sharpening diamond rod that repairs and straightens blades. The second slot sharpens and restores the shape of the blade, while the third slot finishes the job by leaving the blade with a clean polish. Customers can hold the durable ABS plastic sharpener, which features a non-slip base, in place using the cut-resistant glove included.
Pros: Three-step system to repair and restore, non-slip base, includes cut-resistant glove.
Cons: Users may have to make several passes through each step to achieve their desired finish.
5. Gorilla Grip Original Premium Knife Sharpener
Gorilla Grip knows how to make products that stay put and that includes their Original Premium Knife Sharpener. Like the Kitchellence, the Gorilla Grip is also a three-step sharpener that polishes, restores, repairs and sharpens kitchen knives, including paring knives, utility knives, slicer, and chef knives. The solid unit is made from durable TPU and features a non-slip base that ensures the sharpener stays put while in use. Made with high-quality ceramic rod metal, tungsten steel, and a diamond rod, the Gorilla Grip sharpener is available in several colors, making it easy to find one that will match your kitchen décor.
Pros: Available in a variety of colors, non-slip base, uses high-quality sharpening tools.
Cons: The Gorilla Grip should not be used on any serrated blades or scissors.
6. Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Sharpening Stone
For a sharpener that allows users to get a high-quality sharpening job every time, there’s the Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Sharpening Stone. The Waterstone grit has a 400 (reshaping edges) and 1000 (sharpening and smoothing the edge) side as well as a non-slip rubber base, a flattening stone to act as a leveler for the stone, and an E-book to help guide users through exactly how to get the best results out of their stone. The Whetstone can restore damaged and dull blades, including kitchen knives as well as straight razors, pocket knives, hunting knives, scissors and gardening tools. No sharpening oil is needed for the stone.
Pros: Can be used on a wide variety of blades, high-quality sharpening results, long-lasting design.
Cons: The Sharp Pebble requires the most hands-on involvement from users and some may be uncomfortable holding their hand over the blade while sharpening.
7. Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod
Sharpen your kitchen knives like a pro with the Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod. The chef-favorite design is made from high-quality alumina ceramic and has a grit rating of approximately 1200-1500. Boasting a near-diamond hardness, the rod delivers an expert honing result for sharp blades. Available in 10” and 12” options, the rod is finished with a hard rock maple handle and a hanging rope for easy storage.
Pros: Can be used on a variety of blades, high-quality ceramic, won’t take up much room in kitchen drawers.
Cons: Customers have to purchase a cleaning sponge for the rod separately.
8. AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener
Sharpener just about any blade in your home, garden or garage with the AccuSharp Knife & Tool Sharpener. The user-friendly design of the AccuSharp makes it easy for customers to sharpen kitchen knives, scissors, serrated and non-serrated blades, tools, axes, machetes and other items found in the home or workplace. A diamond-honed tungsten carbide quickly and efficiently sharpens blades while a full-length finger guard keeps users’ hands safe from the blade they are sharpening. Users can go from kitchen to outdoor blades by sanitizing the AccuSharp in the dishwasher. We also like that AccuSharp sells replacement blades that can be purchased after excessive use.
Pros: Works on a huge variety of blades, easy to use, excellent price point, dishwasher safe.
Cons: May not deliver a razor-sharp edge.
9. PriorityChef Knife Sharpener
Easy to use and effective, the PriorityChef Knife Sharpener is designed specifically for kitchen knives, with a sleek finish that will look at home on any kitchen counter. Pros of the PriorityChef Knife Sharpener are its ease of use, with users instructed to pull their knife through the diamond-coated wheel 10 times to sharpen the knife, then pull through the ceramic honing wheel 10 times for a finishing polish. Working on both smooth and serrated knives, the PriorityChef Knife Sharpener has a non-slip bottom and easy to grip handle. The sharpener also comes with an instructional video to ensure customers are getting the sharpest knives possible. Measuring 7.5 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches, the sharpener won’t take up much room on your counter or in a cabinet and is at a price point that makes it affordable for any budget.
Pros: Can be used on any kitchen knife, excellent price, includes an instructional video.
Cons: Can be difficult for left-handed users.