Nothing is more dangerous in a kitchen than a dull knife. It might seem counterintuitive - after all, how can a tool that's not sharp be hazardous? But a dull knife is more likely to slip and cause an accident, forcing you to use more pressure than necessary. The real danger lies in the lack of control. While a sharp knife allows for smooth, controlled cuts, a dull one can turn a simple task into a potential injury. This is why, for commercial chefs who rely on their tools daily, maintaining razor-sharp knives is imperative for quick food prep and kitchen safety. For those looking to keep their knives in top shape, we've compiled a list of the best professional knife sharpeners, from electric to manual options, that make it easy to extend their lives.
Our Top Choices for Knife Sharpeners
Based on feedback from our team of industry experts, we compiled our top choices for different styles of knife sharpeners at various price points and skill levels.
Check out our list of the best knife sharpeners based on type:
Best knife sharpening system: Dexter-Russell 07946 Tri-Stone Knife Sharpener System
Best electric knife sharpener: Waring WKS800 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
Best manual knife sharpener: Wusthof 3169730101 Universal Handheld Knife Sharpener
Best pocket knife sharpener: Accusharp® 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener
Best sharpening stone: Mercer Culinary M15951 Combination Sharpening Stone
Best sharpening steel: Mercer Culinary M21010 Genesis® Forged Sharpening Steel
Note: All prices are current to the time of publication. See the product page for updated pricing.
The Dexter Russell 07946 tri-stone sharpener system is a higher-end sharpening solution offering a more professional approach to sharpening knives and tools. The system includes three different grit stones - coarse, medium, and fine - giving you the flexibility to handle various levels of dullness and achieve a sharp, polished edge. The system allows for more precise, controlled sharpening than handheld or electric sharpeners. While it is a more expensive option, you get what you pay for in terms of precision and durability.
Shop Dexter-Russell 07946 Tri-Stone Knife Sharpener System | $256.49View our customer reviews for the Dexter Russell 07946 tri-stone sharpener system.
Runner Up: Victorinox multi-oilstone honing system
- Includes three different grit stones to sharpen any knife of any dullness level
- Stones are 12" in length to allow for elongated strokes
- Heavy-duty base and non-skid bottom to promote safety while in use
- Comes with a finger guard and a pint of lubricant
- Learning curve associated with effectively using sharpening stones
- Investment piece
- Not as compact as other sharpeners
- Requires the added step of lubrication to the stone before sharpening
The Waring WKS800 professional electric knife sharpener is a great option for those who want a fast, reliable, and efficient way to maintain their knives. It features two grinding wheels, one fine and one coarse, as well as one stropping wheel to remove burrs and polish the blade. Its user-friendly design grinds at 18-22 degree angles to provide consistent results, making it ideal for busy kitchens or people who don't want to spend a lot of time sharpening their knives or have little experience with manual sharpeners. It works with many knives, including most Western-style, utility, and some serrated knives.
Shop Waring WKS800 Electric Knife Sharpener | $339.00View our customer reviews for the Waring WKS800 electric knife sharpener.
Runner Up: Garde XL KS3STGSS 3-stage heavy-duty electric knife sharpener
- Sharpens straight and serrated edges
- Includes two grinding wheels and a stropping wheel
- Grinds at 18-22 degree angles
- Magnetized shaving drawer captures metal shavings
- Quiet operation compared to other electric knife sharpeners
- Suction cup feet
- Limited control over the angle
- Not ideal for most Japanese knives due to fixed grind angles
- Investment piece
The Wusthof 3169730101 universal handheld knife sharpener is a compact, user-friendly tool designed to help maintain a sharp edge on your knives with minimal effort. Its ability to sharpen most Western- or Asian-style blades makes it one of the most versatile manual sharpeners on the market, combining performance with exceptional value. Each setting has a coarse and fine sharpening stage that grinds knives at the optimal angle. The coarse carbide notch restores the blade, while the fine ceramic notch hones to a polished, razor-sharp edge.
Shop Wusthof 3169730101 Manual Knife Sharpener | $35.00View our customer reviews for the Wusthof 3169730101 manual knife sharpener.
Runner Up: Schraf 2-stage handheld knife sharpener
- Features two designated coarse and fine notches to sharpen both Western- and Asian-style knives
- Quickly sharpens knives with minimal effort
- Large, soft-grip handle makes it easy to keep steady while in use
- Limited precision and angle control associated with manual sharpeners
- Slight learning curve associated with effectively using pull-through sharpeners
- Not intended for use with serrated- or scalloped-edge knives
The compact size of the Accusharp® 4-in-1 knife and tool sharpener makes it easy to carry with you wherever you go. It fits in pockets, aprons, or knife bags, making it ideal for on-the-go or off-site use. The sharpener features a coarse tungsten carbide and fine ceramic v-notch to quickly and easily sharpen blades, leaving them with a smooth finish. For users who prefer a continuous surface, its retractable flat diamond stone helps achieve a finely honed edge. Its retractable diamond-tapered rod can be used to sharpen serrated knives, providing incredible versatility in a small package. The sharpener also features rubber feet to keep the unit steady while in use, ensuring a safe and efficient sharpening experience every time.
Shop Accusharp® 4-in-1 Knife and Tool Sharpener | $21.08View our customer reviews for the Accusharp® 4-in-1 knife and tool sharpener.
Runner Up: Mercer Culinary pocket knife sharpener
- Sharpens a wide variety of blades quickly and easily
- Small and light weight makes it easy to transport
- User-friendly design is great for novice and skilled chefs alike
- Limited precision and angle control
- Retractable sharpeners are short compared to most sharpening rods
The Mercer Culinary M15951 400/1000 grit sharpening stone quickly restores dull knives and damaged edges into functional kitchen tools. The course 400-grit side is for repairing and reshaping a dull edge, while the 1000-grit side allows the user to refine and hone the edge. This two-in-one functionality makes it versatile for different sharpening needs. Its straightforward design, affordable price, and long-lasting construction make it a great option for sharpening stone novices and experts alike.
Shop Mercer Culinary M15951 Combination Sharpening Stone | $26.99View our customer reviews for the for the Mercer Culinary M15951 combination sharpening stone.
Runner Up: Shraf combination sharpening stone
- Professional-grade corundum construction
- Two grit levels allow for gradual refinement of the blade edge
- Comes with a rubberized base to keep it steady in use
- Compact and easy to store
- May need a finer stone (3000+ grit) to achieve an ultra-fine edge
- Learning curve associated with effectively using sharpening stones
- Requires soaking before use
Made with high-carbon German stainless steel, the Mercer Culinary M21010 Genesis® forged 10" sharpening steel works well to maintain the sharpness of your knives between more significant sharpening sessions. The handle is made from comfortable, slip-resistant Santoprene to provide a safe grip even when your hands are wet or oily. Compared to other professional honing steels, the Mercer Culinary Genesis® sharpening steel offers great value for the price, providing high performance at an accessible price.
It's important to note that while a honing steel helps maintain sharpness, it doesn't sharpen dull knives. If your knives become too dull, you'll need to use a sharpening knife or stone.
Shop Mercer Culinary M21010 Genesis® Forged Sharpening Steel | $17.49Read our customer reviews for the Mercer Culinary M21010 Genesis® forged sharpening steel.
Runner Up: Dexter-Russell Sani-Safe 12" knife sharpening steel
- Durable German stainless steel rod
- 10" blade for optimal, elongated strokes
- Ergonomic, easy-to-grip, soft Santoprene handle
- One-piece, fully-forged design
- Thick bolster for optimum balance
- Learning curve associated with effectively using sharpening steels
- Does not replace the need for a knife sharpener or sharpening stone if knives become too dull
How to Choose a Knife Sharpener
With a variety of knife sharpeners available on the market, choosing the right one can be a daunting task. To ensure you make an informed decision, consider the following factors: the type of knife sharpener, the surface material, the grit level, and the ease of use.
1. Type
The type of knife sharpener you choose depends on your preferences and skill level. Electric knife sharpeners are convenient and quick, ideal for beginners or those looking for efficiency. Manual sharpeners offer more control and are great for intermediate users, providing a hands-on approach without the complexity of a stone. Sharpening stones (whetstones) are best for those seeking precision and a professional-level edge, but they require practice to master and typically take the most time to sharpen. Sharpening steels maintain an already sharp blade, realigning its edge, but they won't restore a dull knife.
2. Surface Material
The surface material of a sharpener plays a crucial role in its effectiveness. Common materials include diamond, ceramic, and tungsten carbide. Diamond surfaces are durable and aggressive, ideal for sharpening dull knives quickly. Ceramic surfaces are gentler, making them perfect for maintaining a fine edge without removing too much metal. Tungsten carbide is often used in manual sharpeners for quick sharpening but can be less precise compared to other materials.
3. Grit
Grit refers to an abrasive surface's coarseness and affects the sharpness of the blade. Coarse grit stones or sharpeners repair dull or damaged edges, whereas finer grit stones or sharpeners are best for refining and polishing a blade to a smooth, sharp finish. Many sharpeners come with coarse and fine grits to achieve a perfectly honed edge.
4. Ease of Use
Ease of use is an important consideration, especially for those new to knife sharpening. Electric sharpeners are the simplest option, requiring minimal effort from the user. Manual sharpeners can be more challenging, but many feature guides or slots to help maintain the correct angle. Whetstones require the most skill and practice, as you need to maintain the right angle and apply consistent pressure. Choose a sharpener that matches your comfort level and willingness to learn.
Back to TopOne of the most common kitchen injuries is cuts caused by using dull knives, as they require more force and can easily slip off ingredients, leading to accidents. By routinely sharpening your knives, you're not only saving money by prolonging the lifespan of your blades, but you're also investing in a safer and more efficient cooking environment. A sharp knife allows for more precise and controlled cuts, reducing the likelihood of accidents and improving your overall cooking experience. Whether you choose a manual sharpening stone, an electric sharpener, or a sharpening stone, the best tool is the one you'll use regularly to keep your blades in top condition.
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