Despite the high quality of modern knives, sooner or later they will need sharpening. KP will tell you how to choose the best sharpener in 2022
The best sharpeners for kitchen knives. Photo: globallookpress
To sharpen knives, some people turn to professionals. But this is not always convenient, because it is necessary to think over the time in advance, wait until several tools need to sharpen. To make life easier, it is better to have a sharpener at home.
There are many options for mechanical or electrical models on the modern market. Such a device will not take up much space, but it will help to always keep the knives in working order.
Expert’s Choice
FISKARS Xsharp
FISKARS Xsharp. Photo: market.yandex.ru
A sharpener from a well-known brand, which is made in its inherent colors. This model is designed not only for knives, but also for axes. “Mode” can be changed by pressing the sides. To prevent slipping, the underside of the tool has a special coating.
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Safety bar protects fingers when sharpening. The sharpening element is a hard ceramic disc with grooves, which allows you to quickly reanimate a dull blade. Also, the design features make it easy to create the optimal sharpening angle.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
ceramics
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Length
17 cm
The weight
90 g
Pros and cons
The presence of two sharpening modes that are easy to switch, small size and anti-slip coating
Users note that the sharpening process is quite lengthy and you need to adapt to the sharpener
Top 10 best kitchen knife sharpeners in 2022 according to KP
1. BAUM ZINDECH
BAUM ZINDECH. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The sharpener for knives and scissors will help you quickly and easily restore sharpness to your tools. The body of the tool is made of aircraft-grade stainless steel. The sharpener has three connectors: the first (COARSE) with cutters from Pobedit, which allows you to eliminate damage to the blades. The second (MEDIUM) with diamond abrasive Diamant Fräser will provide a medium sharpening if cardinal edits are not needed. The FINE connector is designed for polishing with ceramic rods. There is also a separate connector with Diamant Fräser for scissors. The non-slip base ensures maximum safety when working.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
a natural stone
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Size (LxWxH)
22.5xx5x22.5 cm
The weight
200 g
Usability
for serrated blades, for scissors
Pros and cons
High-quality materials and workmanship, the sharpener has several connectors for different operations
Kitchen knife sets
A set of knives will not only help in cooking, but also become an interior decoration.
2. HOTTER HX-1099
HOTTER HX-1099. Photo: market.yandex.ru
Consider an electric model with a replaceable sharpening block. The first slot is for rough sharpening to eliminate damage to the blades and their flaws. The second slot is a polishing slot for tools that need minor sharpening or finishing.
Due to the fact that the grinding block has a diamond coating, durability and strength are ensured. Also, this material is easy to use, it is enough to rinse the tool with water for cleaning. Great for sharpening even ceramic knives.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
ceramics
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Size (LxH)
23.5x9 cm
The weight
900 g
Usability
polishing and grinding, sharpening
Pros and cons
Electric type allows you to quickly and easily sharpen tools
Users note that the blade is not completely sharpened and there is an unfinished area next to the handle
3. Knife sharpener
Knife sharpener. Photo: market.yandex.ru
A fairly budget option for a three-stage mechanical sharpener. The first slot is for coarse sharpening, the second slot is for medium sharpening, and the last slot is for finishing the blades. Each connector uses different materials: tungsten coating, ceramic and diamond.
The sharpening block is removable, so the tool is easy to clean, and if necessary, you can replace the old block. The sharpener has a comfortable non-slip handle and thanks to its shape and compact size it can easily fit into a dish drawer.
Main characteristics
Size (LxWxH)
20x20x5 cm
The weight
200 g
Usability
three sharpening options for different types of steel
Pros and cons
Convenient shape, compact size and three sharpening options
Some users report that the sharpener’s plastic body scratches quickly.
4. BergHOFF 1100033
BergHOFF 1100033. Photo: market.yandex.ru
This model has three sharpening elements. The first slot with a diamond surface prepares the blade for sharpening. The second connector with a metal abrasive element sharpens the blade, giving it the right angle. The third connector polishes the blade and evens out any possible irregularities thanks to the ceramic insert.
The sharpener is made of high quality materials, has a non-slip coating and a comfortable handle, ensuring safety when using it. Such a device is suitable both for maintaining knives in working condition and for straightening damaged blades.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
ceramics
Size (LxWxH)
20.5x5x7.5 cm
Pros and cons
Ergonomic shape and three sharpening slots make it easy to keep knives sharp at home
Using the first slot requires physical effort, so sharpening several knives in a row can be inconvenient
The tool has a convenient shape and an optimal size for both ease of sharpening and storage. The handle of the product is made of durable polypropylene, which is resistant to external influences. The sharpening block is removable and can be easily replaced if necessary.
This model is great for keeping the blades sharp, but if the blade is severely damaged, pre-treatment is required. The peculiarity is that when sharpening the knife is located on the table with the tip up, and manipulations should be done with a sharpener.
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Main characteristics
Abrasive material
carbide
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Size (LxWxH)
13.5x8.7x2.4 cm
The weight
72 g
Pros and cons
The sharpener has optimal dimensions, and thanks to the quality of materials and workmanship, it will last for many years.
Sharpening requires some effort, so processing several knives in a row can be inconvenient.
Japanese knives
Japanese knives for chefs around the world adapted to European standards
Compact functional mechanical sharpener. It has 4 working surfaces for different types of knives. Two V‑shaped slots make it easy to sharpen knives at angles. One is suitable for rough machining and is made of ceramic, while the other is made of tungsten carbide for grinding.
Additionally, on the side surface there is a ceramic stone for sharpening serrated knives, as well as a folding diamond rod for all types of blades. The small size makes it easy to store the tool and even take it with you.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
carbide, ceramic
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Pros and cons
Despite its compact size, the tool includes four sharpening elements
Due to the small size of the sharpener, it is uncomfortable for some users to hold in their hand during use, so there is a risk of injury
7. Samura KSS-3000
Samura KSS-3000. Photo: market.yandex.ru
The design of the structure is due to the peculiarity of fixing this model. When in use, the sharpener attaches securely to the surface with a suction cup lever for convenience and maximum safety. The tool has three sharpening elements. The first and second slots are designed for processing knives: rough sharpening and grinding.
With the help of the third slot, you can sharpen scissors. The correct position of the elements allows you to sharpen knives at the desired angle without effort. Thanks to its stylish design and compact size, this sharpener will fit perfectly into any kitchen.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
carbide
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Size (LxWxH)
13.5x8x4 cm
Pros and cons
Vacuum mount for convenience and safety
Users note that the plastic case scratches quickly
8. Xiaomi Huo Hou Mini Sharpener
Xiaomi Huo Hou Mini Sharpener. Photo: market.yandex.ru
This is a compact sharpener with three slots. The first is for rough sharpening, the second is for straightening the blade, and the third is for grinding. Thanks to the sharpening element made of solid pobedit plates, the tool is suitable for sharpening all types of knives, as well as scissors. For safety reasons, the manufacturer has provided special suction cups for attaching to the table.
The sharpener has a small size and modern design, thanks to which it will perfectly fit into any interior and will not cause problems with storage.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
ceramics, steel
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Size (LxWxH)
7.3x7.3x6.1 cm
The weight
105 g
Pros and cons
Well suited for dressing knives with compact dimensions, the presence of suction cups
Users note that fastener reliability is not always good
Inexpensive kitchen knives
The main criteria for choosing a knife — the quality of the blade and handle
9.BLACKHORN 00541
BLACK HORN 00541. Photo: market.yandex.ru
It is worth paying attention to this budget model:it is a bright tool with one slot for sharpening. The main element consists of silicon carbide carbide inserts. The case is made in such a way that when sharpening the hands are in special rings that perform a protective function.
To achieve a good result, you need a light touch. This manual knife sharpener fits most standard blades.
Main characteristics
Abrasive material
carbide
Grain
small, extra small, medium, large
Pros and cons
The sharpener is easy to use and doesn’t take up much space.
Some users note that the tool is uncomfortable to hold when sharpening knives
10.URM
URM. Photo: market.yandex.ru
One of the most budget options, which is in almost every home. This is a fish sharpener. Due to the shape, the tool is comfortable to hold in your hand without fear of slipping. It can be used as a device not only for sharpening knives, but also scissors, braids, shovels and other tools.
It has two connectors: the first passes for rough sharpening, and the second for grinding and finishing the blade. The sharpening element is made of a durable alloy, and the body is made of plastic.
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Main characteristics
Abrasive material
VK‑8
Size (LxWxH)
14.5x2x5 cm
Pros and cons
The sharpener is easy to use, yet does a good job of sharpening a variety of tools.
The quality of the materials from which the sharpener is made is of poor quality.
How to choose a sharpener for kitchen knives
There are knife sharpeners on the market not only different in cost, but also in shape, sharpening method, number of slots, etc. To choose a suitable tool, you need to consider the following parameters:
The sharpener should lie comfortably in the hand, or have a special attachment to the surface, this primarily affects safety, and also affects the result of sharpening.
It is better to choose products from reputable manufacturers, since their quality control is generally higher than that of non-names, and you will be sure of the reliability and durability of the purchased tool.
You can also choose a sharpener that is suitable not only for knives, but also for other tools.
Many sharpeners have several slots for different types of knife sharpening — decide in advance how relevant this is for you.
Popular questions and answers
In order not to make a mistake with the choice of such a device and pay attention to the necessary characteristics, the KP turned to Maxim Sokolov, an expert at the VseInstrumenty.ru online hypermarket.
Do all knives need to be sharpened?
Do not sharpen the following types of knives at home:
— ceramic - undergo a special sharpening in the factory, which cannot be done in everyday life;
— jagged - unlike straight blades, they cannot be sharpened in the usual household way because of the risk of spoiling the working part;
— with a magnetic layer or sputtering — one of the sharpest knives that do not need sharpening, since when you try to process such a blade by hand, you can, on the contrary, blunt it.
Is it possible to make a knife sharpener with your own hands?
You can paste over a wooden block with sandpaper and get a sharpening block. There are several other folk ways of sharpening with improvised means: on a ceramic plate, stone or brick. But it is worth noting that these things are only suitable in a hopeless situation when there is no sharpener at hand. One-time sharpening with such devices is not terrible. But you shouldn’t use them all the time. It is better to buy a tool specially designed for this.