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The best knife sharpener every cook needs

A reliable knife sharpener will keep your blades in top condition, so you can prep your food with ease.

Published Jan 22, 2024
5 min. reading time
Image of four types of knife sharpener

Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, a sharp knife is a crucial tool in any kitchen. But even the best knives will dull over time and that's where a knife sharpener comes in. 

This guide will introduce you to some of the best knife sharpeners on the market, each with its unique features and benefits. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions about knife sharpening. So, let's dive in and find the perfect sharpener for your kitchen.

Read more: Save time prepping with these top vegetable choppers

White square Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener
Top electric sharpener
Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener
$62.96 at Wayfair
silver Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener
Best for different tools
Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener + 4 Whetstones Set
$119 at Wasabi Knives
silver cylinder-shaped knife sharpener
Most compact
BergHOFF 19" Diamond Stainless Steel Knife Sharpener
$39.99 at Target
Black and orange knife sharpener
Multipurpose option
Orange Ninja 4-Stage Knife Sharpener - Premium Kitchen Knife Sharpeners
$20.79 at Amazon

Top electric sharpener

White square Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener
Photo: Wayfair

Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener

You save $7.03 (10.04%)
$62.96$69.99
Pros & Cons
  • Blade guides hold the knife at the correct sharpening angle

  • Rubber soles  keep sharpener in place

  • Needs to be close to a power point

Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener is your go-to solution for achieving a precise cut.

This diamond knife sharpener guarantees the correct sharpening angle, which is essential in maintaining and extending the life of your fine knives. It’s equipped with preset synthetic abrasive sharpening wheels and blade guides, ensuring your knives are always at the perfect angle for optimal sharpening.

The Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener also has rubber feet for stability and safety, making it an ideal choice for every homeowner. Upgrade your kitchen tools with this electric knife sharpener and see the difference it makes in your food preparation process.

Best for different tools

silver Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener
Photo: Wasabi Knives
Pros & Cons
  • Can be clamped to table

  • Adjustable sharpening angle

  • Suitable for different types of knives and scissors

  • Comes with travel bag and different whetstones

  • Learning curve to use it

The Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener is a top contender for one of the best knife sharpeners on the market. This set, which includes four high-quality whetstones, provides professional sharpness with almost no practice required. Its adjustable and fixable angle, ranging from 10 to 50 degrees, makes it a versatile choice for sharpening a range of tools. 

This isn't just a kitchen knife sharpener it's also great for hunting knives, pocket knives and even scissors.

What sets this knife sharpener apart is its ergonomic design. It can be clamped to the table for stability. It also features an easy blade-flipping system and an adjustable premium handle for comfort and precision. 

If you’re looking to sharpen more than just your kitchen knife, the Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener is your best option.

Most compact

silver cylinder-shaped knife sharpener
Photo: Target
Pros & Cons
  • Lifetime limited warranty

  • Handhold for security

  • Not suitable for hunting or outdoor knives

The BergHOFF 19" Diamond Stainless Steel Knife Sharpener isn't your ordinary kitchen knife sharpener - its advantage lies in its utilization of a diamond plate to smooth and sharpen blades, which makes it stand out as a supreme diamond knife sharpener.

Considering safety and consistency in your slicing needs, this knife sharpener is designed to keep blades at their keenest.

For stability while in use, it has an adaptive design that rests on the countertop with a handhold for security purposes. Given these unique attributes, the BergHOFF 19" Diamond Stainless Steel Knife Sharpener is undeniably one of the best home knife sharpener tools you can invest in.

Multipurpose option

Pros & Cons
  • Four different sharpening stages

  • Sturdy construction

  • Doesn’t support angle changes

This state-of-the-art knife sharpener from Orange Ninja is nothing short of a game-changer in the realm of knife maintenance. Built to deliver precise and fine sharpness control, this gadget eliminates the guesswork associated with blade sharpening. 

You'll also find it quick and effortless when sharpening a wide variety of knives, no matter their age or brand. Its four-stage system integrates coarse, medium, and fine steps, along with a special slot for serrated blades. 

With this knife sharpener on your countertop, you won’t need to discard those old blunt knives. After just a few simple pulls through, your dull knives will regain razor-sharpness. 

Furthermore, it has a sturdy ABS plastic construction that promises outstanding durability, making it an excellent investment piece if you’re looking to optimize your knife’s performance for the long haul.

For quick sharpening

Pros & Cons
  • Sharpens in 10 seconds

  • Durable material

  • Only suitable for kitchen use

Meet the AccuSharp® Knife and Tool Sharpener 070C, an affordable and reliable knife sharpener..  r It can handle a variety of kitchen knives, from paring knives, serrated knives and filet knives to cleavers. 

Its diamond-honed tungsten carbide blade offers years of reliable use and provides consistent results in about just 10 seconds, thanks to its blades that are preset at a 21-degree angle. 

It won't rust either, adding to its durability. It's an investment for your kitchen tools, whether you're a professional chef or a home cook.

A budget option

Red knife sharpeners with different knives
Photo: Amazon
Pros & Cons
  • Comes with cut-resistant gloves

  • 3-step sharpening system

  • Requires extra effort to pull through knives and scissors

The Sync Living Knife and Scissor Sharpener is a must-have for your kitchen. It boasts a three-step sharpening system and a fourth slot for scissors. The first step diamond sharpening rod repairs and straightens damaged blades while the second slot sharpens to restore shape. Finally, the third slot fine-tunes your blades for a clean polish.

It has a non-slip rubber base that keeps the tool in place while the ergonomic handles keep it sturdy to hold whether you’re right or left-handed. To ensure your safety, this knife sharpener also comes with a cut-resistant glove. Plus, with its durable ABS plastic construction, you won’t need to buy a new tool for a long time.

What is the best thing to sharpen a knife with?

Use a knife sharpener specifically designed for the task. These tools come in various forms, including electric sharpeners, whetstone sets and handheld sharpeners. Each type has its advantages, but the key is to choose a sharpener that suits your specific needs and knife types.

For instance, an electric sharpener like Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener is great for quick and precise sharpening, while a whetstone set like the Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener offers more control and versatility.

Is it better to sharpen a knife wet or dry?

It depends on the type of sharpener you're using. Whetstones, for example, are often used wet. The water helps to lubricate the stone, reducing friction and making the sharpening process smoother. On the other hand, electric and handheld sharpeners are typically used dry. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.

Which knife sharpeners get our stamp of approval?

If we had to choose, two products stand out from the rest: the Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener and the Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener. 

The Smith's Electric Knife Sharpener offers a quick and precise sharpening experience, making it a great choice for those who value efficiency.

The Iki Ruixin Pro Sharpener, on the other hand, comes with four high-quality whetstones and an adjustable angle, making it a versatile choice for various types of knives.

A good knife sharpener is a worthwhile investment for any kitchen. It not only extends the life of your knives but also makes food preparation safer and more enjoyable.

Choose the best knife sharpener for your kitchen today and experience the difference a sharp knife can make!


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Prices updated on 01/22/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.

Afina Najib Professional Headshot
Written by
Afina Najib

A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.

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