Razor Sharp: The Best Knife Sharpeners In 2022

Sharp knives make the culinary world go round but finding the best knife sharpener isn’t as simple as walking into the store (do people still walk into stores?) and grabbing the first sharpener that presents itself. There are different types of electric sharpeners, some that are straightforward and some whose sharpening process involves as many as 3 or 4 stages. If you’re looking to keep things simple by using a sharpening stone well, there are different types of them as well – oil, water and diamond – and they each have their pros and cons.
Fortunately, our product review experts (aka me) have put their noses to the grindstone for you and come up with a comprehensive list of the best knife sharpeners on the market today. We’ve cast a wide net that includes everything from the most elaborate mechanical devices to the simplest sharpening sticks and stones so we’re bound to have one that fits your needs, preferences, and budget. Without further ado, let’s dive into the best knife sharpeners available.
- Best Choice: Chef’s Choice 4643 ProntoPro Knife Sharpener
- Safety First: Kitchellence Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- Most Budget-Friendly: KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
- Best Electric Sharpener: Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
- Chef’s Pick: Sunrise Pro Knife Sharpener
- Most Compact: Chef’s Choice 2 Knife Sharpener
- Best for Japanese Knives: Chef’s Choice 463 Pronto Santoku Sharpener
- Best Ceramic Honing Rod: DMT CS2 12 Inch Ceramic Sharpener
- Best Diamond Sharpener: Chef’s Choice 316 Diamond Sharpener
- Best Whetstone: Whetstone 2 Sided Sharpening Stone Set
- Most Ergonomic: AccuSharp 001 Sharpening Tool
The Best Knife Sharpener
1Chef’s Choice 4643 ProntoPro Knife Sharpener
With the Chef’s Choice 4643, your knives can be sharpened down to the tiniest detail. Once sharpened, the knife can then be honed and lastly polished with no rough or jagged edges left behind. The handle offers stability and extra grip for safety.
Both domestic kitchen knives and pen knives can be sharpened with ease in the three sharpening slots. With its high-speed performance, this top-notch sharpener has been designed to enhance the edge of any type of knife with a smooth cut. This kitchen knife sharpener works very well with Asian, European, and Western knives with 15 and 20 degrees knife edges. For more useful kitchen gadgets like this, check out our selection of the top electric can opener.
3-stage sharpener for 15 and 20-degree class knives
100% diamond abrasives
With a soft and large handle
- BrandChef’s Choice
- Model4643009
- Weight8 Ounces
Great for a variety of knives
Superior sharpening qualities
Honing and sharpening slots
Reading the instructions first is a must
Only suitable for 15 and 20-degree edges
2Kitchellence Kitchen Knife Sharpener
A well-sharpened knife’s edge is not as dangerous a dull edge, contrary to popular belief. Keep your knives safe to use and give them a smooth edge with the incredible Kitchellence 3-Stage Knife Sharpening Tool. This tool sharpens almost any type of knife you might have in your kitchen and comes fairly priced. It works wonders on dull knives and sharpening either right-handed or left-handed is easy with a non-directional handle.
Kitchellence, the manufacturer, cares about its user’s safety with the addition of a pair of protective gloves that can be worn throughout the sharpening process. This ensures a steady grip offering you total control and leaving no room for the sharpener to slip. All in all, this is a great tool that will bring your war with dull unworkable knives to an end. You are assured of nothing but the best and if you are not satisfied within 30 days of purchase, there is a money-back guarantee.
3-stem system repairs, straightens and sharpens
Diamond sharpening rod
Ergonomic handle
Safety glove included
- BrandKitchellence
- Weight9.6 Ounces
Works for both left-handed and right-handed
Great for Japanese and American knives
Rubber non-slip base and glove for maximum safety
Slow to sharpen
3KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
Sharpen your favorite straight edge and serrated knife using the Smith’s Consumer KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener. This sharpener comes with two slots; one coarse sharpener for working on damaged and dull surfaces, and a fine honing slot for honing and polishing the knife’s edges. With a few pulls through the slot, you are left with a brand new knife, ready for work. Although perfect for most types of knives, it’s important to note that this sharpener works best with straight-edged and double-beveled models. You can sharpen your good-steel serrated blades too, but do make sure you’re gentle.
Designed to give users a smooth finish, this knife sharpener boasts a firm base for sturdy and safe use leaving no marks on your sharpening surface. It also promises smooth results with no uneven edges in sight after sharpening. This is due to the fact that it can lay flat on any surface to prevent the dragging of the knife in the sharpening process. As for storage, the sharpener can be easily stacked away in any available space such as the kitchen cabinets thanks to its compact size.
2-stage system can sharpen serrated knives and straight blades
Small edge grip feature
Non-slip base
- BrandKitchenIQ
- Model50009
- Weight0.48 Ounces
Budget-friendly price
Great for a variety of knives
Compact for easy storage
Not quite enough space for stabilizing with your other hand, could be a safety issue
You need to be quite gentle with knives when sharpening on this little guy
4Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
Sharpening dull knives at home using manually operated knife sharpeners can be tiring for your arms. With the Presto 08800 Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener, running electricity is all that is needed and in under one minute, a shiny and sharp knife is revealed. This electric knife sharpener comes with sharpening wheels that create a polished blade that won’t dull easily and will sharpen your favorite paring knives quickly.
All you need to do is place the knife blade in the correct sharpening position, you don’t have to worry about the required angles for optimum results. All in all, a fantastic electric sharpener is that’s probably one of the best of its kind, offering quick and effective results, justifying its price in every respect.
2-stage system for non-serrated knives
Sapphirite sharpening wheels
Non-slipping base
- BrandPresto
- Model8800
- Weight2.95 Pounds
Super-fast sharpening
Easier than using a manual sharpener
Ideal for a variety of non-serrated blades
Not as controlled
5Sunrise Pro Knife Sharpener
The Sunrise Pro Sharpener is not the most glamorous or expensive sharpener on our list but it does one thing extremely well: it sharpens just about any kind of knife to whatever level of precision you’re after. It’s easy to use and mounts securely on your countertop or table to help eliminate slip-related accidents. Versatility is what makes this sharpener shine.
The Sunrise Pro doesn’t have the pedigree of some other knife sharpeners on our list but it performs as advertised and that’s all that matters. For a relatively cheap price, you get to restore all the knives in your kitchen, steak knives and meat cleavers included, to near pristine condition. On top of that, you can also sharpen your pocket knives, paring knife, fillet knife, chef’s knife, and more! It’s easy to use and the nice strong suction cup on the bottom means you can put the band-aids away and sharpen knives quickly.
3-step sharpener
Suction cup for stability
Unique locking system
- BrandSunrisePro
- ModelJHCL-1
- Weight3.2 Ounces
It’s small, cheap and effective
Doesn’t discriminate between types of knives; good for Asian knives, steak knives, cleavers
100% money back+ satisfaction guarantee
Can be a bit aggressive so you may want to start with a soft touch
Can be noisy, depending on the knife
6Chef’s Choice 2 Knife Sharpener
The Chef’s Choice 476 2-Stage Sharpener transforms your weary kitchen, pocket and hunting knives into razor-sharp cutting instruments with dependable ease. The sharpener is simple in concept, solid in its fabrication, and reliable in the way it goes about its business. The design is also free of right-hand bias which is good news for the lefty chefs out there.
The kind of tech we love: compact, reliable, durable, attractive, and cheap. Purists may feel that other sharpeners will produce a more perfect result but for 99% of the human race this sharpener will be everything the doctor ordered. Your blades stay sharp for a good long time thanks to the 2-stage sharpening process and if you’re a left-handed chef, you’ll love the fact that it works just as effectively for you as for anyone else.
2- slot sharpener
Tungsten carbide and ceramic sharpening elements
Soft touch handle reduces slippage
- BrandChef’s Choice
- Model4761200
- Weight1.59 Ounces
A no-nonsense sharpener that can handle just about any blade you present it
Provides razor sharp results
Easy to use for righties or lefties
Be mindful that your thumb may get close to the blade during the sharpening process
7Chef’s Choice 463 Pronto Santoku Sharpener
Our second entry from Chef’s Choice is the 463 Pronto Santoku. This manual sharpener is super simple to use and delivers fast, sharp results every time. While this is a “2-stage” system there’s nothing complicated about it. One slot is for coarse sharpening and the other for honing. Both stages utilize diamond abrasive surfaces so your blades will retain their edge for a long time.
For this type of handheld manual sharpener the 463 does an extraordinary job thanks mostly to the diamond abrasive wheels. You get an edge that’s both razor sharp and burr-free as if you spent an hour working the edge on an oil stone. If people make a mistake with the 463 it’s that they assume more pressure is needed than actually is. Keep in mind though that it really shines on serrated and straight-edged, double bevel Asian-style knives.
2-stage system for sharpening and honing
100% diamond abrasives
CrissCross technology for ultra-sharp results
- BrandChef’s Choice
- Model4630100
- Weight0.16 Ounces
A true no-nonsense human-powered sharpener that gets the job done
The ergonomic design keeps your hand out of harm’s way and allows you to hold the sharpener firm
Ideal for Asian-style knives with serrated santoku edges
Truly ambidextrous; doesn’t ignore the left-handed chef
It can take some practice to find the ideal pressure that should be applied on this sharpener, but that’s small potatoes really
8DMT CS2 12 Inch Ceramic Sharpener
DMT has a long history of creating industry-leading knife sharpeners and associated products that are known for their quality and reliability. The DMT CS2 12-inch Ceramic Stick is another fine example of their ability to create simple, affordable and dependable products that are easy to use and get the job done with minimal fanfare.
A great sharpener and honing device for all your kitchen knives, the CS2 also makes a smart addition to a family camping trip. It will also do a bang-up job on your hunting, pocket, boning knife, and more. As mentioned, it does require just a bit of getting used to in order to achieve optimal results but nothing too involved. A simple, effective, no-frills sharpener that sharpens knives quickly and rid you of that dull blade.
12″ honing rod
Plastic handle with large guard
Indents in handle for extra grip
- BrandDMT
- ModelCS2
- Weight8.2 Ounces
Large comfortable handle makes it easy to hold the stick firmly
With just a bit of practice, you’ll achieve professional-grade sharpness
No oil or other liquid of any kind needed
Lightweight with an effective safety flange to protect your hand
Not ideal for complete beginners in sharpening
Not going to win any style awards but it does the job it’s designed to do
9Chef’s Choice 316 Diamond Sharpener
The final Chef’s Choice sharpener on our list is the 316 Diamond Sharpener. This one is at its best when used to sharpen Asian-style knives and it does so with unflinching effectiveness and speed. This is a compact, 2-stage electric sharpener that produces the 15-degree edge so favored in Asian cutlery. Ideal for the preparation of sashimi or sushi.
The Chef’s Choice 316 sharpener will restore your dull knives to professional sharpness. It’s a great, reliable, well-built kitchen appliance that requires no special knowledge or setup. The precision guides of the 2-stage system make sure the blade is firmly held at the correct angle so that optimal sharpening is realized with minimal fuss. Great for your Asian-style knives, like Santoku knives and sushi knives, or those you’d like to endow with an Asian-type edge for some precision cutting.
2-stage sharpening system
100% diamond abrasive in both stages
Knife angle 15 degree
- BrandChef’sChoice
- Model0316000
- Weight4.18 Pounds
15 degree angle of attack produces a blade that’s perfect for precision work
High build quality down to the rubber feet that stay firmly in place
1-year warranty on materials and craftsmanship
Great for most Asian style knives
Not the fastest sharpener on the market
10Whetstone 2 Sided Sharpening Stone Set
The Whetstone 2-Sided Sharpening Stone is made from professional grade corundum and will sharpen everything from a razor blade to a cleaver and even a machete, should you happen to have a machete lying about that needs sharpening. I have one, don’t you? This knife block is the simplest type of sharpener but there is obviously a great deal of thought put into the product.
This may not be the easiest-to-use sharpener, but once you get up to speed, you’ll likely enjoy the process and achieve professional quality results time and again. Sure, it’s not fancy and doesn’t have a sleek, chrome plated design but it works. A well-cared-for Whetstone can last you for years, if not decades.
Dual-sided Whetstone
Made of durable white corundum
Silicone non-slip on the bottom
Angle-guide
- BrandMASSUGAR
- Weight2.46 Pounds
Ideal for a wide variety of knives
The non-slip base is nice and thick and holds the stone fast while working
1 year limited warranty against defects in material or workmanship
More labor-intensive than a mechanical or electrical sharpener
Has a learning curve so not recommended for complete beginners or folks looking for ultra-simple sharpeners
11AccuSharp 001 Sharpening Tool
The AccuSharp Sharpener is proof that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. While it looks like something used to attach buttons to shirts it’s actually one of the most cost-effective means around for restoring a professional edge to your dull knives. It’s compact, screwed together rather than glued so it’s sturdy, and its diamond coated tungsten carbide wheels create an edge that will last.
This is a great sharpener for budget conscious cooks. You can use it with equal facility whether you’re right or left handed, it has a convenient finger guard to cut down on accidents and most important, it only takes a few swipes on a regular basis to keep your knives in tip-top condition. It’s not glamorous. It won’t add anything substantive to your kitchen decor. But it will ensure your knives are always ready for whatever dish you have in mind.
Tungsten carbide blades
Handheld operation
Curved handle
Left-handed or right-handed operation
- BrandAccu Sharp
- ModelACCU-001C
- Weight2 Ounces
Handles everything from your Swiss Army knife to your cleaver and axe
Ambidextrous design keeps left-handed chefs in mind
The handgrip on this sharpener is designed to eliminate accidents while sharpening knives
Less than $10
Yes, it has a plasticky feel but for less than a sawbuck it does the job
Why Trust Us
There are few things that frustrate me more than going to slice some salmon or tuna and realizing my blade is dull. A dull knife creates more work for you, increasing fatigue. They don't produce clean cuts and can leave burrs and problematic shards in your food. The sharpening process is crucial to a frustration-free kitchen experience. I love to cook and make about 95% of my meals at home, meaning I like my knives sharp as they are my best friend in the kitchen.
Who This Is For
If you're looking for a top-rated knife sharpener, this is the one-stop shop. Whether you need to sharpen chef's knives, what feels like the dullest blades on earth, or your pocket knife needs a tune-up, we've got you covered. Professional chefs might have their tried true favorites and see less need for this guide. However, for the rest of us, it's likely you'll find an ideal product here.
How We Picked
Selecting the best knife sharpener is no easy feat and is often dependent on the knife angle, material, personal needs, and more. When curating this guide, we focused on having a wide variety of products for all needs. We first consulted our testing team, then looked at best sellers and read hundreds of reviews to bring you the best options to sharpen knives.
Features To Look For In A Knife Sharpener
Edge angle - Most kitchen knives are sharpened from 17 to 22 degrees on each side, creating a 40-degree angle total, give or take. Most kitchen knives and chef's knives sit at the 20-degree range, whereas Japanese knives should be 17 degrees on each side. Larger, durable blades like hunting knives are in the 22 degree to 30 degree range.
Durability - Most knife sharpeners should last you 5 to 15 years, and in some cases, a lifetime. You will want a durable product that does not quickly deteriorate or fall apart if dropped or bumped.
Functionality - When looking for the best knife sharpener, you will run into a couple of types of sharpeners. These include a manual knife sharpener, an electric knife sharpener, ceramic rods or honing rods. Honing rods and some honing devices reshape the existing material to give a sharp edge. Sharpening slots and other types of knife sharpeners remove a layer of material and reshape the sharp straight edge.
Size - Generally, for a longer blade you may need a longer manual or electric sharpener. However, most honing rods come in similar sizes.
Suitability - Your desired knife sharpener must be suitable for the job. For longer blades, you will need a correspondingly large knife sharpener, and for very sharp blades, a hard abrasive material is necessary. Generally, the sharpening material of the knife sharpener should always be harder than the blades of your knife.
Safety - To prevent mishaps with your sharpener or knife's blade, safety is key. Most of the listed manual sharpeners are encased which helps prevent direct harm to the body if the knife slips. When using sharpening steels or honing rods, make sure you always keep the knife pointed away from you so a little slip doesn't create a big ouch.
Power and wattage - Although many household appliances are known to consume a lot of energy, since the sharpening process is under a minute long, the electric knife sharpeners we have listed here use very little power to produce a very sharp edge and therefore won't run up your electricity bill.
Knife Sharpener FAQ
Q: How does a knife sharpener work?
A: The principle of a knife sharpener is very simple. There are different materials that are suitable for sharpening knives. Manual and electric sharpeners function similarly but one is well, you know, electric. The abrasive material on the sharpening slot or sharpening stones must always be harder than the dull blade in question to be ground. If the knife is then treated with a sharpening steel, grindstone, or an electric sharpener, the abrasive material will cause the burr to reposition and align.
Q: Can I sharpen scissors with a knife sharpener?
A: It is not advisable to sharpen craft scissors or any other type of scissors with a knife sharpener as you might end up with unwanted burrs and rough edges. It is better to purchase sharpeners made specifically for scissors and their particular blade edge.
Q: Do knife sharpeners cause damage to knives?
A: Damage can be prevented with the use of a quality knife sharpener. Additionally, it’s vital to avoid using knife sharpeners aggressively, especially those that are manually operated as some may cause the edges to chip off quickly. Creating a fine edge takes a gentle touch.
Q: How often can you use a knife sharpener?
A: Depending on the type of knife and how you use it, you can have your knives sharpened three to four times a year if you rarely use them. However, if used regularly, the right time to sharpen a knife is actually before each use. When sharpened regularly, you have a well-honed knife that never gets dull. But it's also enough if you sharpen your knife as soon as it gets dull. Knives made from stainless steel or carbon steel usually require sharpening after every use. If you need to cut raw meats or other tricky items where you need to cleanly slice and cut, sharpen your knife before laying into the fish or meat.
Q: How do you know when it's time to replace your knife sharpener?
A: The answer to this question depends on what kind of knife sharpener you own. A honing rod or honing steel should never need to be replaced, this type of device is moving the knife material to reshape it instead of removing material to create a sharp edge like a traditional manual sharpener. Knife sharpening stones or whetstones may need to be replaced more often as they hollow out and create cracks. When you see damage to your whetstone or sharpener, it's time to replaced it. A diamond or ceramic honing rod should be replaced every 5-15 years, a knife sharpening stone that lasts you a decade is an excellent deal.
Sources:
- Knife Sharpening - Wikipedia
- The Science Behind Knife Sharpening - Sushi Chef Knife
- Expert Tips On Knife Sharpening And More From Wüsthof's Executive Chef - Forbes

















