Knife Sharpeners You'll Actually Use: Our Top Picks for 2025

The Wusthof Universal Knife Sharpener scored 7.5/10 and in our testing proved to be a reliable, user-friendly option for everyday home cooks who want consistency without fuss. We found the ergonomic handle and compact, portable design make it comfortable to use and easy to store, while its adjustable settings accommodate both standard and Asian-style blades. During our review it required manual effort and won’t handle serrated knives, and you’re limited to two stages per blade type, but for straightforward maintenance this manual sharpener delivers good value. If you want a simple, durable tool for routine touch-ups, it’s hard to beat at this price.

For cooks who want quick, compact sharpening without electricity, the Chef'sChoice Manual Knife Sharpener is worth considering — we found it gets knives to a razor-sharp edge fast and its small size tucks away easily. In our testing results were straightforward and user-friendly, though our experience shows there are trade-offs: some users report it doesn’t always leave the smoothest, keenest finish, it’s not ideal for left-handed folks, and it won’t match the versatility of pricier electric systems. If you want a simple drawer-ready tool for regular touch-ups, it’s a practical, affordable option.

The ZWILLING Edge Sharpener aims for versatility and ease, and in our testing its pull-through design with fine and coarse ceramic rods handled both Western and Japanese blade styles well. We found it’s simple to use for most home cooks, but our experience shows mixed results: some users report it doesn’t reach the sharpness they expect even after multiple passes and worry it removes too much material. During our review we also noticed it can take longer than other sharpeners to get there, so if you value speed and conservative material removal, consider alternatives.

The Miyabi Knife Sharpener is a budget-friendly pick that, in our testing, produced noticeable improvement with just a few passes and suits light, occasional use. We found it’s easy to operate for basic touch-ups, but our experience shows the construction materials aren’t the most robust, which limits long-term durability and overall value — reflected in its 5.5/10 score. During our review it’s a fine stopgap for less-frequent sharpening, but if you want something built to last, upgrading will pay off in the long run.

The Professional Kitchen Electric Knife Sharpener earned a top score of 9.5/10 and in our testing it justified that rating with advanced features that make precision sharpening almost effortless. We found One Touch Programming and Flexible Belt Technology incredibly convenient for shaping, sharpening, and refining with consistent 17° leather-lined guides that protect finishes and keep edges cool. During our review there was a slight learning curve to align blades properly and you’ll need to budget for replacement abrasive belts, but the overall performance and repeatability make this a standout for anyone serious about knife care. If convenience, professional results, and versatility across all knife types matter to you, this is our top-rated choice.

During our review the Homly Professional Electric Knife Sharpener was impressively quick — we sharpened a very dull blade in under a minute — and its lightweight, compact design makes it friendly for everyday kitchen use. Priced affordably at $81.99 and easy to operate, it scored 7/10 for delivering fast results for home cooks, but our experience shows durability is a concern: some users reported motor issues and the unit can over-sharpen softer steels. Also, it’s not suitable for serrated blades, so consider this as a fast, budget-focused option rather than a heavy-duty workhorse.

If speed is your priority, the Presto Professional Electric Knife Sharpener delivers — in our testing it sharpened dull blades in just a couple of minutes and is very beginner-friendly. We found the unit is easy to operate, which makes it appealing for quick kitchen touch-ups, but our experience shows the bulky footprint (12 x 5 x 4 inches) can dominate a counter or storage space. During our review another downside was its inability to handle thicker blades because the slots are too narrow, so it’s best for everyday standard knives rather than heavy-duty or wide blades.

The Chef'sChoice Professional Electric Sharpener earned its high 8.5/10 rating in our testing by marrying precision and durability — its angle guides and diamond abrasives make consistent, high-quality edges across knife types. We found the three-stage process covers everything from shaping to refining, which is why it’s a favorite for serious home cooks seeking pro-level results. During our review the downsides were minor but real: it needs a power outlet, there’s a short learning curve to perfect technique, and it can be noisy during operation. Overall, it’s a top pick for comprehensive, repeatable sharpening.

The WÜSTHOF Honing Steel (score 6/10) felt very solid in-hand during our testing thanks to its precision-forged high-carbon stainless construction, and it reliably straightens edges between sharpenings. Our experience shows it holds up well over time, but the handle design undermines practicality — it’s hard and prone to cuts and not great around hot surfaces. In use it’s an effective, low-maintenance honing tool for all knife types, though anyone who values comfort and safety in the handle might prefer a different model.

We found the Messermeister Black Ceramic Sharpening Rod (score 6.5/10) does an excellent job polishing and aligning edges thanks to its ultra-fine 2200 grit ceramic surface and comfortable ergonomic handle with a handy hang ring. In our testing the ceramic gives a refined finish that cooks will appreciate, but our experience shows the coating can wear and the rod is fragile — drop it once and it may break or expose the metal core. For those who prioritize a polished edge and careful handling, it’s a solid honing option, but it lacks the ruggedness some kitchens need.

The ZWILLING Edge Sharpening Steel earned a 7/10 in our testing and impressed us with its oval rod design that increases surface contact and often achieves results with fewer strokes. We found the ergonomic handle comfortable for larger hands and durable enough for regular use, but our experience shows the rod’s smooth texture can feel less aggressive than traditional steels, and its larger size might be unwieldy in cramped kitchens. For everyday honing where comfort and efficient contact matter, this is a professional-leaning choice that balances performance and ease of use.

If you own Shun knives, the Shun Classic 9 (7.5/10) is built to compliment them — in our testing the built-in 16° angle guide and dual surfaces gave very precise honing and a refined edge. We found the PakkaWood handle offers a comfortable, secure grip during use and the micro-ribbed side handles more aggressive realignment while the smooth face polishes. During our review the caveats were familiar: it’s pricier than many honing steels and is really optimized for Shun blades, so it takes practice to get the angle right on other brands. For loyal Shun users who want consistent maintenance, it’s a thoughtful choice.

Victorinox's 10-inch Sharpening Steel (score 7.5/10) is a straightforward honing tool we found very effective for small-to-medium blades. In our testing the ergonomic handle felt secure and the generous length gave good reach for kitchen and folding knives, while the looped end makes hanging storage trivial. During our review our experience shows it’s low-maintenance and durable, but remember it isn’t dishwasher safe and struggles with larger knives — and some buyers may note it’s made in China.

If you already know how to use a whetstone, the Shapton Professional #1000 (scoring 8.5/10) is a revelation — in our testing it cut quickly and required far less time to reprofile edges than many competitors. We found the hard composition gives exceptional durability and minimal wear, and the splash-and-go design is a real practical win since you don’t need to soak it. During our review the stone’s firmness meant less tactile feedback, so it isn’t ideal for beginners, and its higher price reflects that professional focus. For cooks who sharpen often and want a long-lasting, fast-cutting whetstone suitable for all knife types, this is a strong choice.

The Sharp Pebble Whetstone Kit scored 8/10 and in our testing it offered excellent value with a double-sided #1000/#6000 stone that covers both edge setting and polishing while the silicone base keeps things steady. We found the fine side is softer than we’d like, which could affect long-term durability, and the included angle guide takes some practice to use accurately. During our review the lack of a flattening stone was a downside for maintenance, but for cooks who want a versatile, affordable whetstone kit that sharpens all types of knives, this delivers strong real-world performance.

If you prefer stone sharpening, the Suehiro Cerax 1010 gives excellent tactile feedback — in our testing it communicates edge changes very clearly, which helps you learn the process. We found the Cerax cuts predictably and rewards careful technique, but our experience shows it requires pre-soaking before use and flattens relatively quickly, meaning higher maintenance than splash-and-go stones. During our review these upkeep needs and its moderate 6/10 score make it better suited to cooks who sharpen regularly and don’t mind the extra care involved.

The Lansky Sharpening System scored 6.5/10 and in our testing it shines for delivering consistently precise angles, which makes it great for edge maintenance and repeatable results. We found the clamp-and-guide approach is excellent for smaller blades, but our experience shows the clamp struggles with larger knives and some of the guide rods can bend if abused, so it’s not foolproof. During our review it required more setup and patience than a simple pull-through sharpener, but if you want control over angle and repeatability it’s a dependable manual system for careful home cooks.

The KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener scored 5.5/10 and in our testing it’s immediately attractive because of the tiny footprint and rock-bottom price, which make it easy to stash in a drawer. We found the two-stage system does restore dull knives reasonably well at first, but our experience shows durability and safety are real concerns: some units lose effectiveness after a few uses and the design can feel uncomfortable with your hand too close to the blade. If you need an occasional touch-up and are on a tight budget, it’s usable, but don’t expect long-term performance.

You don’t have to spend much to get a competent sharpener — the VIDOME (scoring 7/10) surprised us in testing with a three-stage system using diamond abrasives that quickly produces an ultra-sharp 15° edge and even converts 20° blades for better slicing. We found the German-imported, energy-efficient motor and full-length guides make results consistent and safe for home cooks. During our review the limitations showed: it’s not suitable for serrated knives, thick-handled blades can struggle in the slots, and the motor can feel underpowered on very dull or heavy steels. For the price it’s an excellent budget pick if you mainly sharpen standard kitchen knives.

If you want pro-level results at home, the Tormek T-1 is a serious option — in our testing it earned an 8/10 for how completely it sharpens the entire bevel rather than just the outer edge. We found the unit runs whisper-quiet with only a gentle hum, and its build feels durable and low-maintenance, which is great for routine upkeep. During our review the main trade-offs were clear: the $379 price tag and the recommended 30 minutes per hour operation limit make it a substantial investment for busy home cooks. For someone who values precision and quiet operation, it’s hard to beat, but budget-conscious users should consider lower-cost alternatives.

The Mk.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener is a handy all-around machine — during our review we appreciated its versatility for knives, scissors, and garden tools plus adjustable angles and a dual-speed motor for better control. We found the user-friendly design makes it approachable for home workshops and kitchens, and its 7/10 score reflects solid real-world performance at this price. Our experience shows the trade-offs: some users report uneven grinding and the angle options are limited to 20° and 25°, so beginners need care to avoid removing excess material. If you want a multi-use electric sharpener, the Mk.2 balances capability and simplicity.

VG2 Knife Sharpener (scoring 9/10) is one of our top picks for cooks who want precision without an electric unit — we found the patented spring-action bars make sharpening nearly foolproof and the auto-adjusting tungsten-carbide guides accommodate a wide range of blade angles. During our testing it handled both straight and serrated knives effectively, producing consistent results. Our experience shows the $129 price is higher than some rivals and it requires careful technique to avoid damage, but performance justifies the cost for serious home cooks.