The Best Manual Knife Sharpeners
The last thing you need when preparing the perfect meal is having your knife dull.
Instead of buying new knives every now and then, why wouldn’t you try sharping the ones you already have?
Here are top 10 best manual knife sharpeners on the market that you can make mistake with!
Highest Rated Manual Knife Sharpeners (by Customer Reviews)
- 1KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
- 2Chef’sChoice 4643 ProntoPro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener
- 3Youngmer 3 Stage Professional Manual Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Storage Bag
- 4Yvonne Tsai Spring-X27 Kitchen Knife Sharpner
- 5Smith's 50264 Adjustable Manual Knife Sharpener
- 6MABOLON 3-Stage Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- 7Zulay Kitchen Premium Quality Knife Sharpener
- 8Vremi 4-Stage Manual Knife Sharpener
- 9Kangever Multi-Functional Kitchen Knife Sharpener
- 10Love This Kitchen Premium Knife Sharpening Stone with Dual Whetstone
1
KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener
KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener is a knife sharpener that has it all – it is both small, so it doesn’t take too much space, and it is rather functional.
This model comes with two slots – the one with the carbide blaze – for sharpening, and the one with ceramic blaze, – for finishing touch.
It also has the patented Edge Grip system that allows you to use it on the edges of your table of counter, with no fear of bigger knives getting dragged on it.
Even though it is rather small, this particular model is suitable for both smaller and bigger knives.
KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener comes in 3 colors: black, blue, and red.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Easy to use
- Carbide and ceramic razors
- Edge Grid feature
- Suitable for small and big knives
- Non-slip base
- Small product
Cons
- Razors can tear after a while
Jake's TakeKitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener seems to have it all – great size and even better function.
It has a non-slip and edge grip feature, that makes the whole sharpening process easier.
Still, you need to pay attention when using it at the beginning, since there is a chance of damaging razors if not using the knife sharpener properly.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Chef’sChoice 4643 ProntoPro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener
Chef’sChoice is the USA based company that is on the market long enough to be recognized on every store rack accross the world.
What makes this model special is that it comes with three slots – with 15- and 20- degree knives, and the third slot is for final polish.
This means that you can use it for knives made by all standards in the world.
All of these three slots have diamont abrasive wheels that will, along with other features, provide the sharpest edgest of your knives and prolong their existance.
The soft touch handle allows you to easily control it during the whole process.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
⦁ Both 15- and 20- degree angles
⦁ Uses diamont abrasive wheels
⦁ Has soft-touch handle
⦁ Durable
⦁ Suitable for almost all models
Cons
- Takes too long to sharpen
- Expensive
Jake's TakeIf you are looking for a higher quality knife sharpener, Chef’sChoice 4643 ProntoPro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener is a great choice for you.
Since it has slots for both 15- and 20-degree angled knives, it can be used for knives made by European, American, and Asian standards.
But you need to know that, even though it has diamont abrasive wheels, it takes some time to get results.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Youngmer 3 Stage Professional Manual Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Storage Bag
Youngmer 3 Stage Professional Manual Kitchen Knife Sharpener with Storage Bag is a very classy-looking knife sharpener that sharpens the knives to surgical sharpness.
This model comes with 3 slots – ceramic, coarse, and fine.
Ceramic slot comes with diamond wheels that makes even dullest knives sharp.
Coarse slot is the one with tungsten steel wheels that improves the rough sharpening of the previous, ceramic, slot.
And the last, but not least important, fine slot, is used for polishing the edges.
This model is great for both ceramic and steel knives and it is supposed to prolong their longevity as well.
It has a non-slip base that makes the whole process easier, but more importantly – safer.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
⦁ For both ceramic and steel knives
⦁ 3 stage slots
⦁ Non-slip base
⦁ Safe to use
Cons
⦁ Can dull knives even more if not used properly
Jake's TakeThis model used both diamond and tungsten steel wheels and it also has the polishing slot, which makes it perfect for maintaining your knives sharp all the time.
The non-slip base makes it rather safe and easier to use, but you need to take it slow if you don’t know how to use it.
It is proven that it can dull knives even more if not being used properly.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Yvonne Tsai Spring-X27 Kitchen Knife Sharpner
Yvonne Tsai Spring-X27 Kitchen Knife Sharpner is featured with 3-stage diamond wheel system, that is supposed to give back the initial sharpness to the dullest knife in the world.
The first slot is the preparation slot with diamond rods that is supposed to prepare the surface of this knife for the sharpening by smoothing the nicks and imperfections on the razor.
The second slot is the sharpening slot with tungsten carbide plates that will sharp the blate do the V-shape.
The final touch is made in the third slot, that is designed with the ceramic stone rods and has the purpose to remove the possible burs and polish the blade.
This particular model is said to be very easy to use and it also has the handle and the non-slip base that make this product safer.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
⦁ Diamond wheels
⦁ Tungsted carbide plates
⦁ Non-slip base
⦁ Handle
Cons
⦁ Can discolor blade
⦁ Not for serrated knives or scissors
Jake's TakeYvonne Tsai Spring-X27 Kitchen Knife Sharpner is both safe and easy to use.
Having all the feature together, this particular model brings up full satisfaction and the perfect result.
Yet, don’t get upset if the blade changes color after sharpening – it doesn’t mean the knife won’t be functional anymore.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Smith's 50264 Adjustable Manual Knife Sharpener
Among the top knife sharpeners stands Smith’s 50264 Adjustable Manual Knife Sharpener.
This model has slots for regular knives – for sharpening and polishing, but also the slot for serrated knives.
What makes this model unique is that it has the adjust knob, that will allow you to adjust the angle from 14 to 28 degrees per side.
Also, the abrasive components can be replaced after a while.
This knife sharpener has the non-slip rubber feet installed, so you don’t need to worry about it sliding around.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
⦁ Wide angle range adjustment
⦁ For both standard and serrated knives
⦁ Non-slip base
Cons
⦁ Tricky to guess the right angle at the beginning
Jake's TakeThis particular knife sharpener by Smith’s is the prime knife sharpener in this area.
Even though it might come tricky to adjust the right angle, after you learn how to do it, you will be able to sharp every blade model on the Earth.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
MABOLON 3-Stage Kitchen Knife Sharpener
MABOLON 3-Stage Kitchen Knife Sharpener is a modern multi-functional knife sharpener that is a must-have in every kitchen.
It comes with three slots, that have either tungsten blade, ceramic, or diamond rods.
Thanks to these features, MABOLON 3-Stage Kitchen Knife Sharpener is a great sharpener for knives of all sizes and style, including kitchen, hunting, and even fishing knives.
It comes with a strong handle and non-slid base.
As bonus, you get the cleaning cloth that is not sticky oil and is very convenient for cleaning metal chips.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Durable handle
- Non-slip base
- 3 stages
- Easy to use
- Easy to clean
- Suitable for all knives
Cons
- Might be tricky to use in the beginning
Jake's TakeSpecially designed for all kinds of knives, MABOLON 3-Stage Kitchen Knife Sharpener is a great addition to your kitchen equipment.
It has all the feature needed – slots for sharpening and polishing, durable handle, and non-slip base, and it is said to be very easy to use.
Still, be careful at the beginning, until you learn how to use it properly.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Zulay Kitchen Premium Quality Knife Sharpener
Stainless steel knife sharpener by Zulay Kitchen is a great addition to your kitchen accessory.
Two slots for sharpening and polishing knives are perfectly suitable for all kinds of knives – stainless steel, ceramic, smaller, larger, and even hunting and fishing knives.
This model comes with non-slip base and ergonomic handle for easier sharpening process and increases safety.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Suited for different knife models
- Stainless steel
- Non-slip base
- Durable ergonomic handle
Cons
- Harder to use for serrated steak knife
Jake's TakeThis knife sharpener by Zulay Kitchen is very cozy and easy to use.
It has a non-slip base that makes it safer and easier to use.
The rods are great for sharpening all kinds of knives and it seems that with this model you won’t be needing any other.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
Vremi 4-Stage Manual Knife Sharpener
The Vremi 4-Stage Manual Knife Sharpener has 4 sharpening slots depending on your needs.
These 4 slots are separated in 2 groups and have plastic slide lid above it, that is covering 2 slots by 2 slots.
In both groups, one slot is or sharpening and the second one is for polishing.
This model fits for both standard and Asian models.
It is very easy to use and small enough not to get on your way when not using it.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- For both standard and Asian knives
- 2 groups with 2 slots each
- Non-slip base
Cons
- Not too sturdy
Jake's TakeThis simple, yet so flexible, knife sharpener is a great addition to your kitchen.
It is suitable for both standard and Asian knives and very easy to use.
However, there were some complaints of this model not being so sturdy.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Kangever Multi-Functional Kitchen Knife Sharpener
For dull knives Kangever produced a knife sharpener with 2-stage sharping system – coarse – with tungsten carbide rods, and fine – with ceramic rods.
This model is made of stainless steel, tungsten steel, and ABS plastic.
It is very easy and safe to use.
It can be used for scissors as well and has the hook for digging out potato eyes.
This knife sharpener also has non-slip base installed, so there is no chance of the knife slipping from it.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Non-slip base
- Tungsten and stainless steel
- Ceramic rods
- Can be used for scissors
- Has hook for potato eyes
Cons
- Might seem too complicated to use
Jake's TakeThis is one of the most functional knife sharpeners from this list.
It has high-quality stones for both sharpening and easy polish and also has additions for scissors and potato eye removal.
Just don’t get to scared once you open it – it is not as complicated to use as it seems.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Love This Kitchen Premium Knife Sharpening Stone with Dual Whetstone
This model is a high-quality double-sided knife sharpener that combines 800 grit stone for sharpening the edges with 3000 grit stone for polishing the blade.
The wet stones are installed on non-slip dual base.
This model is made for both 10-inches kitchen knives and smaller survival, buck, and pen knives.
It is extremely easy to use and it only uses water for sharpening.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Classic looks
- Easy to use
- Doesn’t use oil
- Dual base
- For both sharpening and polishing
Cons
- Might seem softer than needed
- Not that quick
Jake's TakeLove This Kitchen Premium Knife Sharpening Stone with Dual Whetstone is proven t be among the best knife sharpeners on the market.
Even though it takes a while to finish sharpening up, it is very handy and allows you to sharpen knives from different angles and with different intensity.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Manual Knife Sharpeners Buying Guide
The first thing every chef has to learn in the culinary school is how to sharpen the knife.
It is an essential tool for chefs, and a non-sharp knife is like having no knife at all.
That is why knife sharpeners are extremely important.
This buying guide will break things down to help you find the best manual sharpener for your needs.
The choice depends on several factors, and we are going to cover it all.
Razor-sharp knife saves time and allows you to be precise when cutting food.
On the other hand, a dull knife is dangerous and can cause food waste.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know about manual knife sharpeners.
Knife Sharpeners Types
There are several sharpeners types.
We are going to analyze each category to make it easier for you to pick the one that best suits your needs in the kitchen.
Electric Sharpeners
The electric sharpener is a simple way to get your knife sharp in a few moments.
The process includes two or three steps to create, sharpen, and hone the knife edge.
Despite being so simple to use, an average person who isn’t a chef in a busy restaurant may have the same results as some of the manual sharpeners.
Handheld Sharpeners
Similar, handheld sharpeners are easy to use but they have limited sharpening slots.
One of the benefits is that handheld sharpeners are compact and portable.
If you need a sharp knife while you are barbecuing with friends in nature, a handheld sharpener will come in handy.
Handheld sharpeners work in two ways.
You either glide the device over the knife, or you move the knife back and forth through the sharpening slots.
There is no difference in the result, it is a design matter.
Sharpening Stones
Sharpening stones are the most common knife sharpener.
The process is simple, easy, and effective.
Three stones are being used for knife sharpening -Novaculite, aluminum oxide, and silicon carbide.
You can also find them by the names Arkansas, India, and Crystolon respectively.
Arkansas stone is a natural stone and differs from fine to coarse in grit type.
India, as artificial stone, is better for fine sharpening.
Crystolon, also artificial, works best for coarse sharpening.
Honing Rods
Steel is the most common choice, but it doesn’t actually sharpen the knife.
What it does is honing the blade of a knife, so the cuts make the knife sharper.
The use is simple as well.
While holding a steel rod, you should move the knife on either side of the rod.
Honing steel is useful to have around if you have high-end knives because it can help keep the knives straight and maintain the blade.
There are three types of honing rods – ceramic, diamond, and steel.
Steel is the most common type and quite affordable.
Because steel is softer than a knife, it makes a great and safe tool to use even with delicate knives.
Ceramic rods are a bit more aggressive.
They are more expensive and they cut the steel pieces each time you use it and actually sharpen the knife.
If you are somewhat lazy and you sharpen your knives irregularly, the ceramic rod is a way to go.
Diamond rods are the most effective.
The price is also moderate, but these things can last a lifetime.
Things to Consider Before Getting a Manual Knife Sharpener
Now when you are aware of all sharpeners types, let’s go briefly through a few more elements that will determine the choice.
Grit
You can pick any type of a knife sharpener you want, but you should still pay attention to the grit.
For example, stones are double-sided, while handheld sharpeners and electric models have at least two settings modes.
How much metal is stripped from a knife while sharpening determines the grit.
Therefore, there is coarse, medium, and fine grit.
Coarse grit or sometimes referred to as less than 1000 for Japanese stones, is suitable for chipped knives or damaged models.
So, if you own some old knife that you don’t want to get rid of, find the sharpener with coarse grit.
Medium grit, from 1000 to 3000 grit, is suitable for dull knives.
Lastly, fine grit – 4000 – 8000 grit, is your choice if you don’t need to sharpen, just refine the edge of the knife.
It has a similar performance like the honing steel.
Size
The size of a manual sharpener doesn’t affect the performance but is significant for storing.
For example, if you have a small kitchen, do you have a place to store a large stone or large electrical sharpener?
On the other hand, the handheld units and some stones are quite compact and can be placed into any drawer.
Time
Each sharpener is effective and will sharpen your knife if you know how to use it.
However, the time in which the sharpener will sharpen your knife is a distinctive factor.
If you can get great results with only a few passes, better.
On the other hand, some people don’t rush the sharpening process and take five or more minutes per knife to sharpen it.
Understanding Bevels and Blade Angles
Before you buy a knife sharpener, you should learn to differentiate your knives based on the bevel or blade angle.
Bevel or grind is the end of your knife.
You can find knives with V bevel, flat bevel, hollow bevel, convex, chisel…
On the other hand, the blade angle determines sharpness.
For example, knives with a blade angle from 12 to 18 are extremely sharp, such as fillet knives or paring.
The angle makes it more delicate, and you should be careful while sharpening it on any model of knife sharpeners.
Chopping knives have a 30 to 35 blade angle, and these are quite durable and sturdy.
Because cutting can require lots of force, these are strong blades, safe to use with any knife sharpener.
Also, bevels and blade angles naturally go together.
So, before you start sharpening your knife inspect if for the bevel type and then start sharpening.
Conclusion
Knife sharpener is a kitchen accessory that every house needs.
Even though they are rather cheap, it doesn’t mean that you should take picking the perfect one for granted.
Read carefully all the features and reviews and pick the right model for you today!
What's your take on Manual Knife Sharpeners? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
