TOP 15 best sharpeners for kitchen knives: 2021 rating and which electric sharpener is best to buy for your home

Rating of the TOP 15 best knife sharpeners for 2021

This rating includes the best knife sharpeners according to experts and users. Here you will find sharpeners that can be used not only at home, but also outdoors, as well as for professional needs.

How to sharpen a knife with your own hands

If you want to sharpen a knife yourself at home, then instead of buying a device, you can resort to a more economical method - a whetstone. With its help, the cutting surface can be sharpened no worse than with an electric knife. To do this, first of all, select a suitable bar with a small number of grains. Place it in a stable horizontal position. The blade should be positioned within 25 degrees relative to the whetstone. The knife must be moved back and forth so that the cutting edge is in contact with the abrasive layer of the stone.

How to choose a knife sharpener and what to look for?

First of all, experts recommend deciding on the type of sharpener. There are two of them: mechanical and electrical.

Mechanical models do not depend on the availability of electricity, so they are convenient to take with you, for example, while relaxing outdoors. It is compact, easy to use and reliable. It’s good if such a sharpener has several levels of grit, this will allow you to bring the sharpness and appearance of the blade to perfection.

Electric sharpeners connect to a 220 W network, are larger in size, but are capable of restoring the blades of even the oldest and dullest knives. Such devices are often used in the professional field. An electric sharpener is more expensive, but the sharpening procedure requires less time and effort.

Also pay attention to the following parameters:

• abrasive - diamond is the hardest and most durable; corundum and silicon are inferior in few respects. Ceramics has the properties of natural stone and is more gentle on the blade;
• grain size - fine for polishing, medium and coarse for finishing and sharpening. If the sharpener has several grit options, you can be sure of the quality of sharpening;
• purpose - some sharpeners can only work with small steel blades, others are suitable for kitchen utensils and scissors, some varieties will help in caring for ceramic knives.

A high-quality knife sharpener can be purchased from both domestic and foreign manufacturers. The following brands are considered the best: Victorinox, Zigmund & Shtain, Chef's Choice, Ganzo, Tojiro, Caliber, ZUBR, Vikhr, Samura. Their products will last a long time and provide high-quality care for your devices and tools.

TOP 4 best knife sharpeners by price/quality for 2021

Zigmund & Shtain ZKS-911

Electric sharpener from a German company, which is famous for the quality and reliability of household appliances and a wide range

for every taste.

This model is rightfully included in the list of the best sharpeners in terms of price and quality ratio; it makes it possible to quickly sharpen household and kitchen knives without any specific skills. The discs rotate at a speed of 2800 revolutions per minute, this leads to high sharpening results on soft alloy or hard carbon steel.

The abrasive has three levels of grit, they quickly return the blade to its original sharpness, and also help with polishing and finishing. The blades do not crumble and no nicks form. Adjustable guides allow you to set the correct angle of the knife. Compact dimensions and a rubber sole complete this device, making it comfortable and suitable for regular use.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: electric.
• Can be used for ceramic knives.
• The abrasive material is corundum.
• Grain size - medium, coarse, fine.
• Features: anti-slip sole.

pros

• duration of operation;
• three levels of sharpening;
• build quality;
• good power.

Minuses

• There is slight vibration during operation.

VICTORINOX 4.3323

Lightweight and convenient double-sided sharpener for pocket and multifunctional knives. Due to its compact size, it can be taken

take with you on a trip or hike. The sharpener can also be used to sharpen scissors and similar cutting tools. Presented as a tool with a cap, it quickly sharpens hard steel and does not damage the cutting edge.

Thanks to the specially designed handle, the sharpener is comfortable to hold in your hand. Ceramic is used here as an abrasive; medium grit quickly brings the blade to a sharp edge, and with proper movements, it additionally polishes the working surface. It has an affordable price and can last a long time without abrasive wear or clogging. Often also used for sharpening fish hooks.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used to sharpen scissors.
• The abrasive material is ceramic.
• Grain size - Medium.
• Features - no.

pros

• compact, does not take up much space in the drawer;
• lightweight, comfortable to hold;
• Great for sharpening pocket knives.

Minuses

• not suitable for large knives.

BISON 47502

A mechanical universal sharpener from a popular brand that has captivated many users with its quality of workmanship and

its functionality. Quickly sharpens knives of various types with a metal blade; it is also used for sharpening kitchen, household or professional scissors.

Diamond-coated rods quickly restore the edge of heavily damaged knives, so the device can handle even old and very dull tools.

The model has an ergonomic handle with a rubber coating, thanks to which it will not slip in the palm. And the rubber sole allows you to securely place the sharpener on a smooth surface and protect it from slipping during use. There is a ceramic rod with which the blades are polished and polished. The model is convenient, safe and easy to use.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used to sharpen scissors.
• The abrasive material is ceramic and carbide.
• Grain size - Medium.
• Features: anti-slip sole.

pros

• firmly installed, does not slip;
• quality of execution;
• low cost;
• high-quality sharpening of even very dull knives.

Minuses

• No sharpening instructions included.

Tojiro FK-407/408

Another model of a universal mechanical knife sharpener that does an excellent job of sharpening and correcting

serious flaws and flaws on the knife blade.

The groove of the equipment contains abrasive elements (zirconium ceramics, characterized by strength and durability), which are located at a certain angle and can independently monitor the accuracy and fidelity of the user’s movements. The correct sharpening angle when editing the blade allows you to quickly obtain the desired result.

The shape of the sharpener is extremely simple, it is light and small in size, and will not take up much space in a drawer or on a cabinet shelf. Can also be used for sharpening thin blades of professional scissors. But it’s not always possible to handle large knives. But buyers praise this sharpener model for its durability; the abrasive surface does not wear off for a long time and is capable of sharpening knives regularly for several years. The plastic handle, with a comfortable grip, allows you to securely fix the sharpener while working.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for - sharpening knives.
• The abrasive material is ceramic.
• Grain size - Medium.
• Features - no.

pros

• compactness, lightness;
• durability, does not wear off;
• no need to think about the sharpening angle.

Minuses

• Due to its small size, it is not suitable for large palms and large knives.

TOP 3 best mechanical knife sharpeners

Lansky Blademedic PS-MED01

This is one of the smallest knife sharpeners in the brand's range. Belongs to the mechanical type, is universal, weighs

only 142 grams. Due to its length of 14 cm, the sharpener can easily be put in a backpack or pocket and taken with you fishing or hiking.

There are four working surfaces for sharpening different blades. Two of them are V-shaped inserts, consisting of two plates at an angle of 22.5 degrees. They allow you to sharpen both kitchen and travel knives as quickly as possible, without much effort.

One abrasive insert is made of carbide, and the second is made of ceramic. There is also a ceramic block used to sharpen a serrated knife. And the diamond rod located on the reverse side will quickly sharpen any blade without chips or nicks. The diameter of this rod decreases from the base to the edge, so it can be used to sharpen serrated teeth of a wide variety of sizes.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for serrated blades.
• Abrasive material: carbide and ceramic.
• The grain size is fine and very fine.
• Features: Diamond coating.

pros

• wide possibilities for adjusting the sharpening angle;
• convenient use;
• two types of grain.

Minuses

• Due to the small size it is not suitable for everyone.

matrix 79105

A reliable and very popular model of a mechanical sharpener with a rubber sole for secure fixation on a flat surface.

The main body is made of high-quality plastic; a carbide rod is used as an abrasive.
Suitable for different types of knives, capable of sharpening scissors for household, kitchen or professional use.
Weighs only 115 grams, compact in size and with the simplest principle of use. It pleases customers with an adequate price and can last for several years even with regular use, several times a week. It does not slip, there is a small comfortable handle for more comfortable work, therefore it is often found in various ratings of 2020-2021.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for scissors.
• The abrasive material is carbide.
• Grain size is medium.
• Features - no.

pros

• There is a rubber suction cup for reliable fixation to a flat surface;
• quality of execution;
• compactness;
• quickly sharpens even the dullest knives.

Minuses

• not detected.

Joseph Joseph Rota 10048

A universal mechanical sharpener for various types of knives, equipped with a convenient rotating lid that

used for additional fixation of the device on a table or other work surface. Also used for sharpening scissors, including professional tools.

The main body contains two slots with different grain sizes, thanks to which knives of various formats can be sharpened accurately and finely, without damaging the cutting edge.

After completing the procedure, the lid returns to its original position and the instrument can be conveniently stored in a drawer or on a shelf. There is a thin rubber gasket at the bottom of the body that will prevent the sharpener from sliding while the knife is moving. Ceramic is used as an abrasive, which does not wear off for a long time and is not clogged with small fractions and dust.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for scissors.
• The abrasive material is ceramic.
• Grain size is medium.
• Features: anti-slip base.

pros

• capable of polishing, grinding and sharpening;
• comfortable to hold in hand;
• can be placed on the table, the sharpener will not slip;
• compact sizes.

Minuses

• not detected.

Sharpening set Taidea T0931D

Budget set for sharpening knives with diamond stones. The set includes all the necessary tools, including 4 diamond stones of different grits, guides for them and a clamp for fastening. Among other things, the kit includes a holder, a screwdriver and oil. Everything comes in a durable plastic case. The system is easy to assemble and disassemble; it can be mounted on a table using a special stand.

The sharpener has as many as seven sharpening angles: 33, 28, 23, 20, 17, 14 and 10 degrees! Among the advantages, we should also note the fairly large area of ​​the bar and the versatility of the lock - suitable for most modern knives. Deluxe Diamond Taidea T0931D is a good budget option from the famous Chinese brand, perfect for beginners as a first “serious” knife sharpening kit.

TOP 3 best electric knife sharpeners

SITITEK Mistress 40M

Bright red professional electric sharpener for household and kitchen knives with a power of 60 W. Connects to a regular outlet

with voltage 220 W. Quickly sharpens not only steel knives to razor sharpness, but also screwdrivers or scissors. For the latter, the manufacturer has provided special slots.

Reliable assembly and compact dimensions often make this model a leader in popular ratings; the device does not take up much space when stored.

The lower part of the body has a thin rubber gasket that serves as protection against slipping of the sharpener during startup and work with tools. The device does not irritate with loud noise and does not require special care. The abrasive used is artificial corundum, which is durable and strong; it does not crumble under load and quickly brings the blade to the desired sharpness.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: electric.
• Can be used for scissors.
• The abrasive material is artificial corundum.
• Grain size - coarse and fine.
• Features: anti-slip base.

pros

• simultaneous sharpening of the knife on both sides;
• power 60 W;
• simple principle of use;
• quickly sharpens the blades of scissors, including professional ones.

Minuses

• Due to power surges, it may not always turn on.

Chef's Choice Trizor CC15XV

An electric sharpener with a 75 W motor, which was created for sharpening Japanese (Asian) knives that

processed at an angle of 15 degrees.

Sharpening here is gradual, three-level, the user does not need to adjust the tilt of the blade, the device copes with this independently. The first step uses cone-shaped diamond blades to create tiny grooves along the sides of each blade. Then an even finer diamond coating makes a second bevel, slightly more inclined than the first stage.

Very fine abrasive discs create a third bevel, polish and grind the blade. Razor sharpness is achieved, with the help of which any product is cut in one easy and quick movement. An American-made model, an official guarantee is provided, and can withstand power surges well.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: electric.
• Can be used for serrated blades.
• The abrasive material is corundum.
• Grain size - three types: fine, medium, coarse.
• Features: Diamond coating.

pros

• quick sharpening and polishing of knives;
• three types of grain;
• strength, durability of the abrasive;
• simple principle of use.

Minuses

• not detected.

Chef's Choice CC1520

Another model of electric sharpener from this brand, designed for sharpening tourist, hunting and kitchen

knives of different types.
Two types of sharpening angle are available: 20 and 15 degrees. Excellent for working with expensive and high-quality blades, it does not chip or nick, and perfectly polishes and grinds steel.
It also uses a three-level sharpening principle using abrasive (diamond-coated corundum) of three types of grit. At all stages, the bevel angle varies in size, the third, smallest stage brings the sharpness and appearance of the blade to ideal.

The spring guide provides precise control of the blade angle, so no special knowledge or effort is required from the user to use this electric sharpener.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: electric.
• Can be used for serrated blades.
• The abrasive material is corundum.
• Grain size - three types: fine, medium and coarse.
• Features: Diamond coating.

pros

• suitable for knives of any size;
• abrasive resistance, does not wear off for a long time;
• there is no vibration during operation, the sharpener does not jump on the table.

Minuses

• no significant ones were found.

Which sharpener to choose

Having the skill of sharpening with a sharpening stone, you do not need to spend extra money on purchasing expensive equipment.

The scope of application – home or industrial – should be taken into account.

When purchasing a sharpener, you need to know the type of steel from which the cutting blades of the knives you plan to sharpen are made of.

Personal budget options.

Selection of sharpeners by type of blade material

It is recommended to sharpen knife blades made of soft and stainless metal with abrasive discs with medium grit. With subsequent finishing with a fine-grained stone.

Steel knives require abrasives that are much harder than the metal itself. For example: carbide, diamond or ceramic stone.

Ceramic knives are sharpened better when using only diamond blades.

By price

The cost of manual sharpeners with coarse stones or metal abrasives varies from 70 to 3000 rubles, depending on the size of the tool and its functional qualities.

The simplest mechanical knife for beginners is estimated at 400 – 3000 rubles. More functional ones with two or three high-quality sharpening zones are sold for an average of 5,000 rubles.

The cost of electric sharpeners also includes its equipment and the number of additional holes for sharpening other tools (scissors, kitchen hatchets, screwdrivers, pruning shears, etc.). Therefore, the price of electric sharpeners starts from 1,500 rubles.

Tools for professionals with a three-zone sharpening system cost from 10,000 rubles. Here, the main role in pricing is played by the power of the motor and additional equipment of the knife: the presence of backlight.

Important! The phrase “high cost” is not always synonymous with the word “quality”.

Before you go shopping for a product, it is recommended to pay attention to the ratings of popular models and read customer reviews.

TOP 3 best sharpening stones

Samura SWS-8000

The SAMURA brand is popular and beloved by many customers. The company produces not only

high-quality knives, but also all the necessary accessories to care for them.

This whetstone can be used not only for sharpening knives of various types, but also for processing household and professional scissors. The stone is a single-layer water stone; the abrasive fractions are declared by the manufacturer to be ultra-fine, so the stone not only sharpens, but also polishes steel without compromising its integrity.

This sharpening stone can be used at the very end of sharpening, eliminating the use of felt and additional polishing lubricants. The stone is sold in a convenient branded box, which is suitable for its further storage. The delivery set also includes a rubber platform that ensures the stone remains stationary during operation and movement of the knife.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: whetstone.
• Can be used for scissors.
• The abrasive material is water stone.
• The grain size is ultra-fine.
• Features: anti-slip base.

pros

• not only sharpens, but also polishes and polishes;
• does not scratch the blade, does not leave nicks;
• Due to the rubber platform, it does not slip on the table surface.

Minuses

• some users think that the price is too high.

GANZO D600

The manufacturer claims this model of whetstone as a portable diamond whetstone. It is light and compact, fits

in a pocket or compartment of a backpack, you can always take it with you on a hike, fishing or hunting.
Using this stone, you can sharpen to razor sharpness not only knives of different directions and different sizes, but also scissors and other tools with a cutting edge.
This whetstone is best used as a finishing sharpener to give the blade a final sharpness, shine and polish the surface. The medium grit will not damage the edge and is suitable for regular sharpening to keep the knife sharp at all times. The stone can also be installed in a universal sharpening machine from the same brand.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: whetstone.
• Can be used for scissors.
• Grain size is fine.
• Features: diamond coating.

pros

• plastic stand included;
• stone strength, durability;
• neat sharpening, without nicks;
• Suitable even for professional scissors.

Minuses

• under strong pressure it may crack due to its small thickness.

BISON 33397-150-50

A lightweight and compact sharpening stone from a well-known and respected brand that

can be used not only for sharpening knives and other tools with a cutting edge, but also for grinding various products made of granite or stone.
It has four sides with several types of grain, so it can be used to carry out both preparatory and final surface treatments.
All working surfaces are painted in different colors for convenience; the manufacturer includes detailed instructions with recommendations for working with this sharpening stone. To securely fasten the bar to the tabletop, a convenient plastic stand is offered that protects it from sliding and moving while the knife or tool is moving.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: whetstone.
• Can be used for scissors.
• Grain size - medium, fine, coarse.
• Features: Diamond coating.

pros

• three stages of sharpening;
• workmanship;
• wide platform for stability;
• reasonable price;
• does not wear off, the abrasive does not clog.

Minuses

• not detected.

Ruixin Apex Edge Pro III sharpening system

This system is essentially a cheaper analogue of the 3rd generation Apex Edge Pro sharpener. The sharpener has a full metal body and a rotating mechanism to hold the knife. The sharpening angle is adjustable from 15 to 30 degrees. The case has special holes that allow you to attach the system to a table.

The set also includes four water stones with different grits, but in general the system allows you to use any other compatible abrasives, such as diamond. Ruixin Apex Edge Pro III sharpener is easy to learn and operate, and can also be a great option for your first sharpening kit. The build quality is somewhat inferior to the original, but the price is not too expensive. Cheap and cheerful!

TOP 2 best sharpeners for ceramic knives

Work Sharp WSGPS

A compact mechanical sharpener for pocket-type knives, with which you can sharpen not only durable steel

blades, but also fragile ceramic knives that require special care. It can be used at home or at work, or taken with you fishing, hunting or hiking. The sharpener body is made of durable plastic, two types of abrasive are available - a diamond sharpening plate and a ceramic honing rod.

Thanks to the special shape, the sharpening angle is 20 degrees; the user does not need to control the tilt of the blade; the direction is set independently due to the guard. A fine-grain ceramic rod allows for high-quality finishing of the blade. It is also suitable for regularly maintaining sharpness, carefully caring for the surface and preventing its destruction.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for ceramic knives.
• The abrasive material is ceramic.
• Grain size - fine and coarse.
• Features: diamond coating.

pros

• sharpening angle 20 and 25 degrees;
• compactness, ease of use;
• durability;
• light weight, only 45 grams.

Minuses

• no significant ones were found.

Winner WR-7514

A mechanical knife sharpener, which, due to its design and the fine grain size of the ceramic abrasive, is suitable

for sharpening not only steel blades, but also ceramic knives.

The convenient handle and plastic stand make the sharpening process as simple and comfortable as possible. The diamond coating polishes the surface and does not cause harm, does not leave chips or nicks, even if the user overdoes it.

Available in two stages of sharpening, the main body is inserted into the stand compartment and in this form is ideal for compact storage or transportation. The sharpener is suitable for working with tourist or hunting knives, is capable of regularly maintaining razor sharpness and will last for many years, remaining a functional and useful assistant.

Main characteristics:

• Sharpener type: mechanical.
• Can be used for ceramic knives.
• The abrasive material is ceramic.
• Grain size is fine.
• Features: Diamond coating.

pros

• comfortable stand and handle;
• soft sharpening that does not destroy the material;
• low cost;
• compact, does not take up much space when stored.

Minuses

• not detected.

Lansky Tri-Stone BenchStone Sharpener

Another Lansky on our list, which is not surprising - Lansky is one of the leaders in the sharpening devices market and produces a wide variety of sharpeners in different price categories. Tri-Stone BenchStone is designed specifically for those who prefer to sharpen knives using whetstones. It is a three-sided block with an abrasive on each side, which is fixed on a special stand. The device includes a rough diamond-coated whetstone, an aluminum oxide whetstone, and a fine-grained ceramic honing whetstone.

Lansky Tri-Stone BenchStone sharpener is a fairly original and convenient sharpening tool that can be used to efficiently carry out the entire sharpening complex - from edge formation to final finishing.