Rating of the best knife sharpeners in 2020

The knife is one of the most used tools both in the home and professional kitchen, and in other areas of human life. The myth about self-sharpening blades has long been dispelled and is only a gimmick of marketing companies. A metal knife, even if it is made of the finest steel, dulls over time, and the speed at which the working essence of the knife is lost depends on the quality of the steel.

A quality sharpener is an indispensable desktop tool that provides a sharp knife blade. A rating of the most popular models of 2020 with a full description can help you make an unmistakable choice of the perfect kitchen knife sharpener.

A sharp knife is a safe knife

A well-sharpened knife is a guarantee of a convenient, high-quality and non-hazardous performance of any work where his participation is required.

Some citizens are seriously mistaken, believing that the knife does not need special care, and even more so does not require any expenses for the purchase of sharpeners.

This is not so: any object that, by definition, must be sharp, poses a threat to human health if it does not meet the requirements of its purpose.

A dull knife takes effort to cut even a small piece, and the cut leaves a lot to be desired. A dull, serrated blade can rip or break rather than cut straight through.

So that in the process of work the cutting part of the knife does not slide off the object of cutting, nor cause irritation and does not spoil the shape of the cut piece, it must be periodically edited and sharpened.

Grinding tool selection criteria

Such devices are selected taking into account the area of ​​its application, the intensity of use of the knife, as well as the material from which the blade is made.

For example: for professional objects for the preparation of food or the production of meat products, grinding machines with an electric motor of increased power are purchased.

In the household, mechanical and manual sharpening tools used to be preferred.But after compact knife sharpeners appeared on the electrical appliance market, many housewives make a choice in favor of these particular models.

The alternative of the optimal choice of sharpening means is due to the abundance of models, brands and types of tools from different manufacturers that are presented on the modern market.

Types of knife sharpeners

Hand sharpening stones

The classic type of natural abrasive has been used for sharpening knives since ancient times. The updated version of the grindstone has a more modern interior: a comfortable handle and a rubber backing. They are made of sharpening stones with abrasives of different grain sizes.

Diamond sharpeners

Hand-held diamond sharpeners are durable. For manufacturing, a special technology is used for the uniform deposition of homogeneous diamond grit on a strong steel bar.

Water stones

Unusual appearance of fast and gentle sharpening of cutting tools. The peculiarity of the stone lies in its use: be sure to wet the sharpener with water before sharpening. Do not wet with oily liquid.

In the process of processing, the top layer of abrasive grit turns into a suspension, while a new layer of abrasive appears. Thus, the sharpness of the blade is quickly restored.

Water bars have different abrasive grain sizes. To obtain a razor sharp cutting edge, you need to change the coarse block to a fine grain sharpener.

Mechanical sharpeners

In essence, these are two parallel steel or stone abrasive wheels in a plastic case with an already set optimal sharpening angle of 20-30 degrees.

Produced in several versions:

Well-known grinding stones of fine or coarse grain, equipped with a table stop.

Vacuum cutter

This model of a knife grinder has several sharpening zones and is firmly held on the table thanks to the suction cup mount. Metal construction with the ability to set the angle of sharpening and abrasives of different roughness and hardness.

Brass knuckles

Sharpening device in the form of knuckle dusters, with two turning stages. To sharpen the knife, she puts on her hand. Cheap, but fragile, dangerous and inconvenient to use.

Sharpening system

It is a persistent machine with a touchstone or abrasive paper. The convenience of the system lies in the ability to maintain the sharpening angle. An effective version of mechanical sharpeners for professionals and home use.

Electric scissors

Very simple and easy-to-use devices. They are a small plastic housing with clearances for abrasive wheels.

The correct sharpening angle is set by the manufacturer. Models for professional use, equipped with high-strength abrasive stones - natural: corundum and artificial metal discs with diamond dust.

Musat

This is a ceramic, diamond or steel object, not intended for sharpening knives, but only as an additional straightening of the edge.

Outwardly, it resembles a file with a round section and a handle. The metal rods have frequent notches to align the blade.

The finer structure of ceramic and diamond moulants, they perfectly bring the edge to a razor sharpness.

The optimum rod length for domestic use is about 25 cm.

Which sharpener to choose

Having the skill of sharpening by means of a whetstone, there is no need for unnecessary expenses for the purchase of expensive devices.

Consideration should be given to the scope of application - home or production.

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

Personal budget opportunities.

Selection of sharpeners by type of blade material

Knife blades made of soft and stainless steel are recommended to be sharpened with medium grit abrasive discs. With the subsequent finishing with a fine-grained bar.

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

Ceramic knives sharpen better when using only diamond discs.

By price

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

Mechanical simple knife-cutters for beginners, estimated at 400 - 3000 rubles. More functional ones with two or three zones of high-quality sharpening 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, secateurs, and others). 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 the additional equipment of the knife: the presence of backlight.

Important! Not always the phrase "high cost" is synonymous with the word - "quality".

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

The best knife sharpeners of 2020

Best hand sharpeners

Knife knife NADOBA Borga

Lightweight (less than 200 g) and compact (18/5/6 cm) sharpener from the Czech manufacturer NADOBA. The black body is made of high-strength ABC plastic.
Two levels for perfect sharpening of steel knives, provided by hard discs made of chrome vanadium steel and ceramic.

• does not slip during sharpening thanks to rubber pads on the handle and base of the tool;
• sharpens knives quickly and well;
• Can be washed in the dishwasher;
• good combination of price and quality.

• there are no manufacturer's recommendations for correct sharpening;
• short service life - 6 months on average.

Smith's Edgeware Knife Sharpener SM50044

An inexpensive and convenient sharpener with an original modern design.
Two V "-shaped slots are equipped with carbide stones for rough cutting of the blade, ceramic discs make the final polishing of the knife edge.
Has fixed sharpening angles (15-20 degrees). Suitable for sharpening regular and serrated knives. Made in USA

• perfectly sharpens blades of three types - wavy, double-sided and serrated (serrated) knives;
• the set angles allow you to use the tool without the experience of competent sharpening;
• convenient and safe to use - the handle of the machine and the bottom are covered with a soft rubberized material;
• the small size of the tool (9.5 / 5 / 4.5 cm.), allows you to take it to the country and on travel.
• manufacturer's warranty for more than 5 years.

• not found, only positive feedback.

Chef's Choice CC-4623 three-zone manual sharpener

One of the best models of hand sharpeners from the popular US brand Chef's Choice in gray. The small knife body is made of durable plastic. Mounting of diamond discs of different grain sizes, made using CrissCross technology (crosswise) and setting sharpening angles. Its purpose is to process both domestic and Japanese knives. Each of the three slots has a specific function:

1. connector - double-sided sharpening of Asian knives with an angle of 15 degrees.
2. connector - for European knives with an angle of 20 degrees.
3. connector - creating a microscopic angle and teeth.

• sharpens domestic and Japanese knives with high quality over 1300 times, without replacing discs;
• spring system of sharpening angle direction, forms equally sharp sharpening on both sides;
• high-strength diamond wheels significantly extend the life of the sharpener.

• Price 3 290 rubles.

Best Electric Knife Sharpeners

Swifty Sharp Electric Sharpener

A cheap model for high-quality sharpening of kitchen knives from a Chinese manufacturer. Beautiful light green body made of durable polymer material. The inside is equipped with overheating protection.

A wireless universal device used to create a razor sharpness for a knife blade, both at home and in a professional kitchen. Battery operated: AA size, 4 pcs.

• along with kitchen knives, it can be used to sharpen scissors, screwdrivers, knives for any purpose and type of edge;
• 2 holes for sharpening smooth tools and 1 groove, located diagonally, sharpens curly knives;
• portability, compactness, weight of the structure and the principle of operation allow you to take this model to a dacha and a picnic, on a hike and a business trip;
• high efficiency of perfect sharpening is provided by a powerful engine;
• special plastic nozzle with cuts for abrasive discs, contributes to the correct sharpening of the knife;
• The sharpener is equipped with a plastic tray for collecting metal dust.

• you cannot sharpen the blade of a pruner or a hatchet. The engine speed drops, and as a result, the abrasive disc completely stops rotating;
• the packaging of the goods and the font of the instructions do not meet the requirements of the Customs Union.

Knife sharpener Hotter HX-28D-4

Electric device of a beautiful green color for sharpening knives, screwdrivers and scissors from a manufacturer from the USA. Powered by 200 volts. The design consists of 2 blocks: the first contains 4 diamond-coated metal discs of different grain sizes. The two left slots are designed for double-sided coarse sharpening, and the grinding and finishing of the blade is performed in the slots on the right side. The second block contains a 60 W motor. The power cord has the function of automatically folding into a special storage compartment.

• step-by-step double-sided sharpening, polishing and final finishing, allow you to perfectly sharpen even the dullest blade;
• automatic control of the correct sharpening angle;
• easy use of the device, provides detailed instructions from the manufacturer;
• the sharpener is designed for sharpening scissors, ceramic blades and Damascus steel; there are also special holes for sharpening screwdrivers;
• convenient cleaning of the device from steel filings;
• The power cord located in the rear wall of the sharpener can be easily pulled out and autonomously pulled into the compartment. To do this, just press the button on the back of the case;
• aesthetic design of the Hotter HX-28D-4 electric point, will decorate the interior of any kitchen.

• according to customer reviews, this model meets all the requirements of users.

SITITEK knife "Mistress" 31M

Bestseller of 2020. Joint innovative invention of Russian and foreign designers.

High quality product and modern design. The elegant appearance of the SITITEK Hostess 31M electric sharpener with a golden body will harmoniously fit into any kitchen interior. Vacuum legs, securely fix the structure on the table surface.

Two levels of sharpening, the slots of which are located on the top panel of the case. Abrasive elements are made of corundum. Has a spring system of guides to fix the desired angle.

• high quality of sharpening and low cost of the device - the main advantage of the electric sharpener SITITEK "Hostess" 31M;
• the sharpening angle required to obtain sharpness of knives with any blade thickness is set by the manufacturer;
• built-in spring system, controls the accuracy of the sharpening angle, guiding the knife to the desired groove;
• corundum is a high-strength material, which is a guarantee of effective long-term use of the device;
• corundum discs, flawlessly sharpen knives from any type of metal;
• ease of care and cleaning of the tool from metal filings.

• low engine power prevents professionals from using it.

Chef'sChoice CH / 312 knife sharpening machine

According to chefs, in 2020, this US knife sharpener is considered the most popular among professionals.

A budget option for semi-professional electric knife models from this manufacturer. It is a compact household device that looks like a regular toaster.

The increased motor power (75W) and durable diamond grinding wheels make it suitable for both home and professional cooking. Two slots are located on the top of the sharpener - main sharpening and subsequent finishing of the edge. Suitable for sharpening the blades of cooking knives, hunting knives or folding knives.

• sharpening speed of a knife with a very dull blade no more than 5 minutes;
• abrasive wheels are evenly coated with the purest diamond grit, which is a guarantee of wear resistance of the discs
• heavy-duty diamond discs can also sharpen high-quality knives made of stainless or high-carbon metal and ceramics;
• two-stage sharpening of the blade, ensures long-term preservation of the edge sharpness;
• the presence of a rotary mechanism, controls a constant sharpening angle for knives of different types;
• easy to maintain, it is enough to wipe the case and empty the container from steel dust once a year.
• The plastic case in white with a black base will refresh the interior of the kitchen.

• according to user reviews, this design has no flaws.

The best sharpening stones (stones) for knives

Sharpening stone Victorinox

Manual device for sharpening knives with a straight cutting edge. The stone is made of medium-grain abrasive material. The parameters of the orange bar are 8 / 1.2 cm.

• sharpens and rules steel blades well;
• long service life;

• skill is required to sharpen knives competently

Sharpening stone LANSKY S1000

The highest quality abrasive stone based on ceramic stone. It is used to polish knives, and its grain size is 1000 grit. It can be used both in the manual grinding process and for installation on the grinding system. For this purpose, the stone has a plastic backing with side recesses for comfortable grip. The parameters of the bar are 12 / 1.5 cm. The country of the manufacturer is the USA.

• long term use of the bar;
• copes well with the final sharpening of the edge of the blade of straight knives, including ceramic;
• light - 40 g.

• skill of working with hand tools is required;
• the price is 1160 rubles.

Dan's Whetstone Arkansas Hard pocket knife sharpener

The material of the bar is natural Arkansas stone from the American state of Arkansas. This mineral is mined only here. The heterogeneity of the structure does not allow its classification by grain size. But this does not interfere with the high-quality sharpening of knives with any hardness and an even blade edge. The dimensions of the bar: thickness - 6 - 12 mm, total surface 7.5 / 2.5 cm or 10/4 cm, as well as the presence of a case, suggests its use in field conditions.

• Arkansas is great for sharpening ax blades, screwdrivers, garden pruners;
• durability of operation.

• oil is required for sharpening efficiency.

The best sharpening systems for professionals

Edge Pro Apex 4 Knife Sharpening System

A professional sharpener from an American manufacturer weighs 1355 g and is sold in a sturdy synthetic bag. The system can be used to sharpen knives of various sizes and configurations of cutting elements. Abrasive water elements are replaced in a special spring clip.

• effective sharpening quality within 2 minutes;
• the system package contains a full set of additional tools for sharpening;
• ease of tool installation;
• mobility

• high price 18,300 rubles;
• there are no fastening elements on the desktop.

Lansky Deluxe 5 knife sharpening system

The compact and versatile sharpening system from the USA is designed for efficient sharpening of straight knives of any type and profile. Used in a professional kitchen. The system has 4 fixed sharpening angles:

1. Angle 17 degrees - for sharpening thin blades (razor blade, scalpel);
2. Angle 20 degrees - fillet and kitchen knives;
3. Angle 25 degrees - profile kitchen knives, garden and hunting;
4. 30 Degree Angle - Provides razor sharpness to blades with thick cutting edges.

Construction weight (770 g) Dimensions - 215/110 / 40 mm. Comes on sale in a stylish plastic case. The package includes a complete set of abrasive ceramic stones with a grain size of 70 to 1000 grit, oil and a knife fixture.

• a large list of cutting tools for sharpening;
• the number of corners already set;
• mobility and compactness;
• low cost RUB 5 850

• the design has no flaws

Many buyers, due to the fact that they live in places at a considerable distance from large cities, do not always have the opportunity to buy the desired product in stores. Therefore, they use the services of online stores.

The table below provides an overview of the knife sharpeners that are sold in the virtual hypermarket - Aliexpress.

Best inexpensive sharpeners from Aliexpress

Name	feature	price
best mechanical sharpeners
KHT117	pocket version of the sharpener	247 p.
FISSMAN	parameters 7/6 / 2.5cm two sharpening zones	359 p.
TIMA T1005DC	roller 2 stage sharpening	670 p.
BAVARIAN Edge Knife Sharpener	three sharpening zones	1,050 RUB
The best grinders
OREGON		1 915 RUB
SMITH's EDGEWARE Edge Gourmet Compact 50073	electromechanical device with three sharpening zones	4 462 p.
RUIXIN PRO	fixed angle	1 344 p.
GANZO TOUCH PRO	with angle adjustment function	3 150 RUB
WARTHOG VSHFRP CLASSIC II RED	diamond sharpener with adjustable angle	5,190 p.
The best professional machines
VORTEX TS-200	universal backlit	1 850 RUB
CALIBER EZS-65MF	novelty	2269 p.
STURM BG6010S	multifunctional (knives, drills, planer and ax blades)	2 690 p.
Chef's Choice CC130W	diamond blades of 2 levels of sharpening	16,990 p.
Best electric scissors
ATLANTA ATH-4601 black	vacuum mount, two levels of sharpening	1,021 p.
MAYER & BOCH 27289	two sharpening zones, ceramic abrasive discs	1 341 p.
HOSTESS 22M	two levels of sharpening with a fixed angle	2820 RUB
HATAMOTO EDS-H198	steel diamond discs two levels of sharpening	5 833 p.

How to use and care for your knife

Why does the knife dull quickly

With the help of a knife, they cut, peel, chop, chop and cut food products of various hardness and chemical composition. It is intensively used for other purposes as well: cutting paper and peeling off the insulating layer from the wire, sharpening pencils and carving out wooden crafts, participating in cutting leather, and so on.

In the process of work, all these factors negatively affect the sharpness of the blade. It gradually wears off, jags form on the edge, which causes a deterioration in its functional properties. In addition, knives become dull due to improper use, care and storage.

Expert advice

1. When cutting food, the knife should be held strictly perpendicular to the shredding object;
2. You cannot use plastic and ceramic cutting boards - a wooden board can extend the time for a new knife sharpening;
3. It is recommended to wash the cutting tool exclusively in cold water. The salts in the water have a detrimental effect on the sharpness of the blade;
4. Use a knife only for its intended purpose - for cutting, cleaning, bones, frozen food products should not be crushed;
5. Store separately with other cutlery; the best option is a wooden knife holder.

The ideal way to keep the cutting edge sharp for a long time is to have multiple profile knives.

How to sharpen a knife competently

According to experts, only two main factors ensure high-quality sharpening - the correct choice of abrasive material and angle holding.But not everyone has such knowledge and a special desire to become a knife sharpener.

The only sure way to always use a perfectly sharpened knife is to purchase a multifunctional sharpener, with an already set angle and the type of abrasive discs specified in the instructions. Any housewife can easily handle such a knife.