Best Knife Sharpeners

best knife sharpeners

Our editors independently research the best products online to produce this list. We may receive commission on purchases made from the links below but this will never affect our product choices.


Dull blades in the kitchen make slicing and dicing more difficult. They also decrease efficiency and increase the risk of injury, which is something we all want to avoid. Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to replace your cutting utensils when they lose their razor-sharp edge. Even if you are not a professional chef, you can easily keep your tools in top form with a knife sharpener. This article explores top-quality selections and their essential traits to help you choose the perfect option for your home. With the ideal pick, you can bring your chopping accessories back to their original performance level quickly and efficiently.

How We Compared Knife Sharpeners

To find the right knife sharpeners, we considered multiple factors, including:

  • Size
  • Versatility
  • Quality
  • Ease of Use
  • Stability

Our team planned comparison points and specifically looked for products that would cater to all kinds of needs. We spent countless hours researching, consulting customer reviews and comparing features to come up with this list.

Knife Sharpener Reviews

SHARPAL 156N (Editor’s Choice)

This style of whetstone has a superior design that allows you to sharpen dry without the need for water or oil, unlike an oil or water stone. Its heavy-duty structure can be used on any type of hard metal. 

The SHARPAL 156N Knife Sharpener is built with two sides of top-quality monocrystalline diamond grit and a steel bottom. One portion is coarse and suited for a quick edge. The other is extra fine and ideal for honing. The base of this product is non-slip for added stability and also serves as a storage compartment. 

The surface of this pick features dia-uniform, diamond-duo, and mirror flat surface technology. Altogether, these characteristics establish even contact, better consistency and improve the integrity of the double-sided diamond coating. An angle pyramid sharpening guide also helps ensure you achieve ideal results with all of your blades. 

Pros:

  • Two coarseness levels for sharp edges and honing
  • Ability to sharpen all hard metals
  • A non-slip storage base adds versatility
  • Built-in sharpening guide for perfect edges
  • Easy-to-use monocrystalline diamond grit

Cons:

  • The surface could discolour over time
  • It may be less durable than other options
  • The more delicate side might not perform as well as expected

ZWILLING 1001799 (Luxury Choice)

The elevated performance of this product makes it an outstanding selection for most homes. Its intuitive style is simple and reliable, even if you are not an experienced chef.

The ZWILLING 1001799 provides you with excellent sharpening ability. It comes with an angle adapter that can be switched out for versatile use. One mechanism is suitable for European blades and the other Japanese. 

This knife sharpener has a stand-up, pull-through design. It comes with both coarse and fine rods, so you can easily create an edge and hone your cutting tools. The V-shaped ceramic sharpening stones ensure high quality and even results.

Pros:

  • Simple and convenient pull-through design style
  • Two angle adapters for Japanese and European blades
  • Reliable and even results 
  • It comes with coarse and medium-fine sharpening rods
  • High-calibre construction adds durability 

Cons:

  • It might not be suitable for serrated knives
  • Changing out the pieces could be less straightforward 
  • This pick may not be ideal for seriously blunt blades

AnySharp (Best Value)

Dubbed “the world’s best sharpener,“ this pick is designed to give any hardened knife a diamond precision edge. Its simple style requires no skill to operate, making it highly convenient and suitable for any skill level. 

This AnySharp Knife Sharpener brings you advanced versatility. It can accommodate any kind of blade, even large tooth serrated models. Thanks to tungsten carbide technology, this selection can help extend the life of your tools. Additionally, the polymer guiding top is soft, so it won’t damage the metal as it exits the pull-through guide. 

This unit’s base features PowerGrip suction that attaches to any flat surface in your kitchen. When secure, it can increase the downward force by up to 200 times, giving you a stable surface and enhanced security while you work. It is safe to operate with one hand using easy, light strokes. The compact body of this unit is also perfect for convenient storage in a drawer.

Pros:

  • Compact for convenient storage
  • Highly versatile design
  • PowerGrip helps to increase downward pressure
  • Easy one-handed operation 
  • Tungsten carbide technology preserves the integrity of blades

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for scissors or fine tooth serrated blades
  • This pick may have a shorter lifespan than other models
  • The suction could be less secure than anticipated

Pro Sharpener A Professionals Choice (Best Easy to Use)

The top-quality materials used to make this product create industrial-level durability. When utilised correctly, it is perfect for adding longevity to your home’s cutting tools and provides rapid results. 

The Pro Sharpener A Professionals Choice is constructed from stainless steel and ABS plastic. It has a superior pull system with two stages for coarse and fine grinding of both straight and serrated edges. A tungsten carbide steel slot efficiently sharpens while ceramic rods finish and hone the blade. To operate, hold the knife and pull it through the unit repeatedly for quick action. 

This knife sharpener has a super grip bottom that enhances your experience and makes it more stable, leading to better safety. It is also ergonomically designed to enhance comfort and ease overall. 

Pros:

  • Two-stage system for coarse and fine grinding
  • Super grip bottom adds stability
  • Top-quality material construction
  • Fast and efficient operation
  • Easy to hold and use

Cons:

  • It may not create a super sharp blade
  • This pick’s housing might be less durable than other options
  • It could perform poorly on some tools

Lantana Smart Sharp (Best Easy to Hold)

This product’s three-stage manual style prepares, sharpens and hones blades. It is ideal for straight-edged steel kitchen knives or broader serrated bread knives.

Lantana Smart Sharp Knife Sharpeners use ceramic stone, tungsten carbide plates, and diamond rods to efficiently and effectively restore your cutting tools. They come in black, green, or red and are highly portable, thanks to their minimal size. 

An ergonomic handle provides you with a soft and safe grip while you work. Conveniently, the design is suitable for left or right-handed users. It is also accompanied by a heavy-duty non-slip rubber base for stability on any surface, even if it is not flat. Overall, this device is easy to use and has high versatility. 

Pros:

  • Simple operation for any skill level
  • A non-slip base enhances safety
  • Ergonomic handle for a soft grip
  • Compatible with left and right-handed users
  • Three-stage system for precise results

Cons:

  • It may not be suitable for scissors, micro-serrated, or ceramic knives
  • The handle could be narrower than expected
  • This pick might not perform as well on extra blunt blades

SHAN ZU (Best for Versatility)

This white corundum whetstone has a multipurpose design that is straightforward and doesn’t require any messy oil. Simply immerse in water for five minutes before use, grab your cutting tool, and you are all set. 

The SHAN ZU Knife Sharpener contains two levels of grit for polishing and sharpening your blades. The material is abrasion, corrosion, and heat resistant for longevity and advanced capability. 

This product sits atop a sleek bamboo base with a silicone portion to hold the stone in place. It also has a non-slip layer on the bottom to add stability and ensure safety. Finally, an angled guide helps you hold the knife and achieve the right edge. 

Pros:

  • A knife angle guide comes included 
  • Top quality design 
  • A safe silicone base adds stability
  • Two levels of grit for sharpness and polish
  • White corundum whetstone doesn’t require oil 

Cons:

  • This pick may not be as fast as other designs
  • The stone could wear irregularly
  • It could be trickier to use than other options

Joseph Joseph 10048 (Best Small)

If you are short on space, this could be the perfect solution to your sharpening needs. It is suitable for most stainless steel knives and is highly portable, so you can take it with you outside the home if you like. 

Joseph Joseph 10048 Knife Sharpeners feature a unique swivel style which allows them to compress into an ultra-compact size. They facilitate simple storage and can be placed in a drawer when folded. They also lock closed, providing you with a layer of added protection and safety. 

This pick contains two ceramic wheels allowing you to achieve both fine and coarse sharpening. This improves versatility and precision. Even with the unusual retractable design, it is easy to use and convenient.

Pros:

  • Ideal for stainless steel blades
  • Unique foldable style
  • Easy-to-use design
  • Ultra-compact for space-saving storage
  • Two ceramic wheels for coarse and fine grinding

Cons:

  • It may not be ideal for serrated or ceramic knives
  • Smaller blades could be more difficult
  • This pick may not produce the sharpest finish

How to Choose a Knife Sharpener

The following sections examine vital traits found in sharpening tools. Assessing and comparing important characteristics will help you choose the option that best suits your needs. When you select the right product, you can quickly restore your blades and achieve a sharper, safer edge. 

Size 

To start, determine how much room you have for a new kitchen tool. Knife sharpeners come in various shapes and sizes. Do you have space on a counter or island for the device? Or, would a smaller model that fits inside a drawer be more accommodating to your needs? Either way, most products remain relatively compact overall. Some options also feature storage space in the base as a bonus.

Versatility 

Multipurpose sharpening is another vital trait for sharpeners to possess. After all, most of us use numerous styles of cutting tools in our homes. The ability to restore different types of knives adds convenience and versatility, making for a more helpful tool in the end. Most units facilitate a certain level of variation with metals and edge angles. However, not all selections can accommodate serrated blades, particularly if they have a more delicate cut. If you enjoy slicing bread or other baked goods, choose one that accommodates jagged models.

Quality 

The materials used to construct a knife sharpener ultimately determine its durability and performance level. Heavy-duty products typically create sharper edges and are capable of longevity. If you plan on using your new tool on more than a couple of dull blades, high-calibre products ensure you don’t have to replace them more often than necessary. Select an option with quality grinding stones and components to get accurate and long-lasting results. 

Ease of Use 

The configuration of a product can either increase or decrease simplicity and comfort. Many models have an effortless pull-through style that allows for a straightforward application. If you are new to sharpening knives, this design can be less intimidating. Additionally, options that can be operated with one hand or feature an ergonomic grip can also improve the overall experience. Stones may be slightly more complicated, but even so, they can still be used by all skill levels with a bit of patience.

Stability 

Knife sharpeners need to be secure while in use to ensure safety and accuracy. Options with a stable base or non-slip handle increase stability and help you create better edges on your knives. Choose a product with a silicone base or suction cup on the bottom for added grip on a flat surface. If you don’t want to be limited to a countertop, select one with a firm place to grab and hold onto while you work. 

Summary

The SHARPAL 156N Knife Sharpener has a convenient design that is simple to use without the need for water or oil, unlike other similar models. Its dual-sided design features two coarseness levels for honing or quick edges. This pick can sharpen all hard metal knives giving you high versatility. This product is stable and dependable because it is made with quality monocrystalline diamond grit and a non-slip storage base. It also has a sharpening guide that helps you achieve the best possible results every time.

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