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

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

July 17, 2025

Overview

Keep your knives performing at their best with our guide to the best knife sharpeners of 2025! Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, maintaining a sharp blade is crucial for precision and safety in the kitchen. We've curated a selection of top-rated sharpeners, from manual and electric models to honing steels and sharpening stones, ensuring you find the perfect tool to suit your needs and budget. Discover the ideal sharpener to revitalize your kitchen knives and elevate your culinary experience with our expert recommendations.

Sam Beckstein

In this guide

Best Manual Knife Sharpeners for Home CooksTop Electric Knife Sharpeners for EfficiencyBest Honing Steels to Maintain Knife EdgesTop Sharpening Stone Sets for Professional ResultsBest Budget-Friendly Knife SharpenersPremium Knife Sharpeners for Serious Chefs

Our picks

The Best Manual Sharpener for Home Cooks: Wusthof Universal Knife Sharpener, $35.00

The Best Honing Steel for Daily Knife Care: WÜSTHOF Honing Steel, $25.00

The Best Sharpening Stone Set for Professionals: Sharp Pebble Whetstone Knife Sharpening Kit, $32.39

The Premium Sharpener for Serious Chefs: VG2 Knife Sharpener, $129.00

Best Manual Knife Sharpeners for Home Cooks

Easy-to-use manual sharpeners, perfect for maintaining your knives at home.

7.5

Listful
Score

Wusthof Universal Knife Sharpener

$35.00

The Wusthof Universal Knife Sharpener scored a solid 7.5/10, offering impressive versatility for just $35. We found it excels with standard and Asian-style blades, thanks to its adjustable settings and ergonomic handle. However, it's limited when it comes to serrated knives and requires manual effort. Its compact design makes storage a breeze, and if you're a home cook wanting a reliable tool, this one delivers great value despite the few limitations observed during our review.

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$35.00

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The Good

Adjustable to sharpen both standard and Asian-style blades.

Easy to use with a comfortable, ergonomic handle.

Compact and portable design for convenient storage.

The Bad

Not suitable for serrated knives.

Requires manual effort compared to electric sharpeners.

Limited to two sharpening stages per blade type.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


6.5

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Score

Chef'sChoice Manual Knife Sharpener

$55.49

Meeting your knife sharpening needs, the Chef'sChoice Manual Knife Sharpener offers practical, quick, and sharp results. Earning a score of 6.5/10, its compact design is perfect for storage in any kitchen. However, some users noted that it might not produce the smoothest edge, and left-handed users might face challenges. Priced at $55.49, it's still a reliable tool for maintaining your knife's sharpness at home.

The Good

Effectively sharpens knives to a razor-sharp edge.

Easy to use with quick results.

Compact design fits easily in kitchen drawers.

The Bad

Some users report it does not provide a smooth, keen edge.

May not be suitable for left-handed users.

Not as versatile as some more expensive electric options.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


6

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Score

ZWILLING Edge Sharpener

$99.99

For those desiring versatility, the ZWILLING Edge Sharpener features both fine and coarse ceramic rods to handle various blade styles. Users praised its user-friendly pull-through mechanism, despite its lower score of 6/10 due to some inefficacies and material removal issues. At $99.99, it's a good option for home cooks seeking a straightforward sharpening solution, provided they don't mind multiple passes for the desired sharpness.

The Good

Accommodates both Western and Japanese blade styles.

Features both fine and coarse ceramic rods for versatile sharpening.

Designed for ease of use with a pull-through mechanism.

The Bad

Some users report it doesn't achieve desired sharpness even after multiple passes.

Some users find it removes excessive material from the knife edge.

Some users find it takes longer than expected to sharpen knives.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


5.5

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Score

Miyabi Knife Sharpener

$52.20

Offering a straightforward sharpening experience, the Miyabi Knife Sharpener excels with its diamond and ceramic rods for swift edge revitalization. Despite earning a modest 5.5/10 due to construction quality concerns, its ergonomic design and non-slip base make it a solid option for light home use. At $52.20, it provides a budget-friendly solution to maintaining sharp blades without extensive maintenance.

The Good

Effectively sharpens knives with just a few passes.

The Bad

Materials used in construction are of low quality.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: false

Top Electric Knife Sharpeners for Efficiency

Electric sharpeners that deliver quick and effective sharpening for busy kitchens.

9.5

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Score

Professional Kitchen Electric Knife Sharpener

$169.95

If high performance and convenience are your key criteria, the Professional Kitchen Electric Knife Sharpener should be on your shortlist. With a stellar rating of 9.5/10, it features One Touch Programming and Flexible Belt Technology, making edge care effortless. During testing, we noted a small learning curve, but it’s worth it for its versatility on all knife types. Although priced at $169.95, the built-in features and consistent results justify the cost for serious cooks.

The Good

One Touch Programming allows users to shape, sharpen, or refine with a single press, making precision sharpening effortless.

Flexible Belt Technology adapts to any blade shape, keeping edges cool and smooth for longer-lasting sharpness.

Leather-lined 17° angle guides hold the blade steady and protect the finish for clean, consistent sharpening results.

The Bad

Some users may experience a learning curve to ensure proper alignment and consistent results during sharpening.

The sharpener is priced at $169.95, which may be considered high for budget-conscious consumers.

The device requires periodic replacement of abrasive belts to maintain optimal performance.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


7

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Score

Homly Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

$81.99

Great for quick results, the Homly Professional Electric Knife Sharpener promises speed at an affordable $81.99. It scores a fair 7/10, with the efficient operation earning top marks in our review. However, potential users should note durability issues and concerns with softer steels. Despite this, its lightweight, compact design makes it a perfect match for home cooks wanting efficiency without breaking the bank, though the buzzing motor might need some attention during initialization.

The Good

Very quick sharpening time (under 1 minute).

Lightweight and compact design.

Easy to operate for everyday kitchen use.

The Bad

May over-sharpen softer steels.

Not suitable for serrated blades.

Some users reported motor issues during initial use.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: false


6.5

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Score

Presto Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

$60.72

We found the Presto Professional Electric Knife Sharpener nearly instant in delivering sharp edges, though its bulky size could be a downside for smaller kitchens. It efficiently sharpens dull knives in a matter of minutes, earning it a score of 6.5/10. At $60.72, it's a good choice for those prioritizing speed over compactness, though it struggles with thicker blades due to slot sizing.

The Good

The Presto 08810 sharpens a dull knife in a couple of minutes.

The Presto 08810 is easy to use, even for beginners.

The Bad

The Presto 08810 is quite bulky, measuring 12 x 5 x 4 inches.

The Presto 08810 is not suited to work on thicker blades, as the slots are too thin for them to fit.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


8.5

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Score

Chef'sChoice Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

$169.99

The Chef'sChoice Professional Electric Knife Sharpener impressed us with its 8.5/10 rating, thanks to its three-stage sharpening system that handles all knife types. At $169.99, its precision angle guides remove any guesswork for consistently sharp edges, though it requires practice for optimal results. We've seen it excel in transforming dull blades into culinary powerhouses, reinforcing its place as a top choice among electric sharpeners.

The Good

Precision angle guides ensure accurate sharpening and eliminate any guesswork.

Utilizes diamond abrasives for exceptional durability and sharpening efficiency.

Three-stage sharpening process provides a complete sharpening solution.

The Bad

Requires access to an electrical outlet for operation.

Some users may find it takes a bit of practice to achieve optimal results.

The sharpening process can be noisy, which might be bothersome for some users.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true

Best Honing Steels to Maintain Knife Edges

Essential honing steels for daily knife maintenance and edge alignment.

6

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Score

WÜSTHOF Honing Steel

$25.00

Crafted with high carbon stainless steel, the WÜSTHOF Honing Steel offers durability and quality, but with a score of 6/10, it's not without flaws. During our review, we noticed that the handle design could be problematic, especially near hot surfaces. However, its precision-forged design ensures long-lasting performance, making it a staple for maintaining sharp knife edges. It's a pragmatic addition if you value a resilient, though slightly compromised, sharpening accessory.

The Good

The honing steel is precision-forged from high carbon stainless steel, ensuring durability and longevity.

The Bad

The handle is hard but easily cut, not recommended for hot surfaces.

Sharpener Type: Honing Steel / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


6.5

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Score

Messermeister Black Ceramic Sharpening Rod

$65.00

The Messermeister Black Ceramic Sharpening Rod, at $65, offers practical polishing with its ultra-fine 2200 grit surface, scoring 6.5/10 in our evaluations. Its comfortable handle and hang ring make everyday use a delight. However, users have noted that the ceramic coating can wear off, affecting long-term reliability, especially if dropped. Despite these drawbacks, its superior alignment makes it a sound choice if used with care, especially where delicate fineness is essential.

The Good

The ultra-fine 2200 grit ceramic effectively aligns and polishes knife edges.

The ergonomic handle with a hang ring provides comfortable use and convenient storage.

The Bad

Some users report the ceramic coating wears off quickly, exposing the metal core.

The ceramic rod is fragile and can break if dropped.

Sharpener Type: Honing Steel / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: false


7

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Score

ZWILLING Edge Sharpening Steel

$59.99

For home cooks and professionals alike, the ZWILLING Edge Sharpening Steel provides quality maintenance with ease, earning a well-deserved 7/10 rating. Its oval rod design makes sharpening efficient, though some users find its lack of deep grooves unsatisfactory. At $59.99, it's an ergonomic tool favored by those with larger hands and spacious kitchens. While its size might not fit every setup, its effectiveness in maintaining knife sharpness ensures it remains a top pick.

The Good

The oval rod design provides more surface contact, achieving results with fewer strokes.

The handle is ergonomic and comfortable, suitable for larger hands.

The Bad

Some users find the texture too smooth, lacking the deep grooves of traditional sharpening steels.

The sharpening steel is relatively large, which might be cumbersome for those with limited kitchen space.

Sharpener Type: Honing Steel / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


7.5

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Score

Shun Classic 9

$49.95

In our experience, the Shun Classic 9 is a must-have for those who already own Shun knives, excelling with its built-in 16° angle guide for precise honing. Although it demands some practice, this honing steel's quality and comfort justify its $49.95 price tag. With a score of 7.5/10, its dual surfaces cater to different needs, making it a perfect companion for enhancing Shun's exceptional blades.

The Good

Built-in 16° angle guide facilitates precise honing.

Dual surfaces (smooth and micro-ribbed) cater to different honing needs.

Premium PakkaWood handle offers a comfortable and secure grip.

The Bad

Higher price point compared to other honing steels.

Designed specifically for Shun knives, may not suit other brands.

Requires practice to maintain the correct honing angle.

Sharpener Type: Honing Steel / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


7.5

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Score

Sharpening Steel

$42.00

The Victorinox Sharpening Steel scored a 7.5/10 in our review, reflecting its quality and effectiveness in maintaining sharp knife edges. Its 10-inch length is perfect for small to medium-sized blades, paired with an ergonomic handle for a secure grip. Although not ideal for larger knives, and requiring manual cleaning, it remains a solid choice for everyday kitchen use. Our experience shows its looped end for convenient storage is a small yet thoughtful addition.

The Good

The 10-inch length is ideal for small to medium-sized blades, enhancing versatility.

The ergonomic handle provides a comfortable and secure grip during use.

The looped end allows for convenient hanging storage.

The Bad

Not dishwasher safe, requiring manual cleaning.

Designed primarily for small to medium-sized blades, limiting use with larger knives.

The product is manufactured in China, which may concern some buyers.

Sharpener Type: Honing Steel / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true

Top Sharpening Stone Sets for Professional Results

Sharpening stones to help you achieve razor-sharp edges for your knives.

8.5

Listful
Score

Shapton Professional #1000 Whetstone

$42.50

For experienced sharpeners, the Shapton Professional #1000 Whetstone is a high-quality choice, despite its higher price of $42.50. In our tests, it impressed with its quick cutting speed and durability. Its hard composition means minimal wear, but may offer less tactile feedback for beginners. Nevertheless, its splash-and-go design is a major convenience, allowing you to jump straight into sharpening without soaking, making it a top contender for advanced users seeking efficiency.

The Good

Cuts quickly, allowing for efficient sharpening sessions.

Hard composition results in minimal wear over time.

Splash-and-go design eliminates the need for soaking before use.

The Bad

Hardness may provide less tactile feedback compared to softer stones.

Higher price point compared to some other 1000 grit stones.

May not be ideal for beginners due to its hardness and feedback.

Sharpener Type: Whetstone / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


8

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Score

Sharp Pebble Whetstone Knife Sharpening Kit

$32.39

The Sharp Pebble Whetstone Kit is a dual-grit sharpening marvel, earning an 8/10 for its exceptional value at just $32.39. Our experience shows that its versatile #1000/#6000 stone delivers precise results, supported by a steady silicone base. However, beginners may find the angle guide challenging, and it lacks a flattening stone for maintenance. Despite these minor drawbacks, it's a robust option for those seeking a complete sharpening solution at home.

The Good

Comes with a double-sided, high-quality whetstone (#1000/ #6000) for versatile sharpening.

Includes a silicone base that holds the stone in place for safe sharpening.

The Bad

The fine side of the sharpener is very soft, which may affect durability.

Angle guide is a bit tricky to use, especially for beginners.

Does not come with a flattening stone to maintain surface levels.

Sharpener Type: Whetstone / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


6

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Score

Suehiro Cerax 1010 Sharpening Stone

$31.41

We found the Suehiro Cerax 1010 Sharpening Stone to be a precision tool offering excellent feedback, though it requires soaking before use, which could deter casual users. At $31.41, it scored 6/10 due to its maintenance needs; however, its sharpening effectiveness ensures it's a great option for those committed to consistent edge refinement for their knives.

The Good

Provides excellent feedback during sharpening.

The Bad

Requires soaking before use, which may be inconvenient for some users.

Wears down relatively quickly, necessitating frequent flattening.

Sharpener Type: Sharpening Stone / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: false

Best Knife Sharpener for Beginners

A user-friendly sharpener that's easy to learn and use for new cooks.

6.5

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Score

Lansky Sharpening System

$48.99

In our review, the Lansky Sharpening System scored a 6.5/10 for its ability to provide razor-sharp precision. While it excels for smaller knives, the clamp struggles with larger blades and the guide rods may bend, affecting durability. Priced at $48.99, it's a valuable manual tool for achieving consistent angles and results, perfect for dedicated users who prioritize precision and aren't afraid of a bit of a challenge with setup and usability.

The Good

Provides consistent sharpening angles for precise edge maintenance.

The Bad

Clamp may not accommodate larger knives effectively.

Some users report the guide rods can bend easily.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true

Best Budget-Friendly Knife Sharpeners

Affordable sharpeners that offer great value without breaking the bank.

5.5

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Score

KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener

$8.64

While affordable at $8.64, the KitchenIQ Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener scored 5.5/10 in our trials, highlighting some durability and safety concerns. However, it’s a handy tool for quick at-home sharpening, thanks to its compact size and two-stage sharpening system. It's ideal for budget-conscious users needing an immediate fix for dull knives, though its longevity may vary with frequent use. Safety caution is advised due to hand proximity during operation.

The Good

Compact size allows for easy storage in kitchen drawers.

Affordable price point makes it accessible for most budgets.

Two-stage sharpening system effectively restores dull knives.

The Bad

Durability concerns as some users report it becomes ineffective after a few uses.

Design may be uncomfortable to hold during prolonged use.

Potential safety issues due to hand proximity to blades during sharpening.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: false


7

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Score

VIDOME Knife Sharpener

$6.89

During our review, the VIDOME Knife Sharpener stood out for its value, offering a 3-stage system with diamond abrasives for a jaw-dropping $6.89. Although it isn't suitable for serrated blades, its ability to adjust a 20-degree blade to an ultra-sharp 15-degree edge was a pleasant surprise. With a score of 7/10 in our tests, it's a practical choice for everyday home cooks seeking precision without breaking the bank.

The Good

Utilizes a 3-stage system with diamond abrasives for quick and effective sharpening and honing.

Applies an ultra-sharp 15-degree edge, with the ability to convert 20-degree blades for enhanced cutting performance.

Built with a German-imported energy-efficient motor and full-length guides for safety and consistent results.

The Bad

Not suitable for serrated blades.

Thick knife handles may have slight trouble fitting into slots.

Motor power may be considered weak by some users when dealing with extremely dull or thick blades.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true

Premium Knife Sharpeners for Serious Chefs

High-end sharpeners delivering precision and performance for the culinary enthusiast.

8

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Score

Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener

$379.00

The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener brings professional-grade sharpening to your home kitchen, operating quietly and with impressive precision. In our testing, its ability to sharpen the entire bevel impressed us, though it's a significant investment at $379.00 and limits use to 30 minutes per hour. Ideal for a dedicated home cook, it scored an 8/10, making it a worthy contender despite its price and operational constraints.

The Good

The Tormek T-1 sharpens the entire bevel of the knife, not just the outer edge.

The machine operates very quietly, producing only a gentle hum during use.

The Bad

The T-1 is quite expensive, making it a significant investment for home chefs.

The sharpener has a recommended operation time of 30 minutes per hour, limiting prolonged use.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: Home Cook / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


7

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Score

Mk.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener

$109.95

The Mk.2 Knife & Tool Sharpener from Work Sharp is a versatile powerhouse for your kitchen and beyond, adept at sharpening everything from kitchen knives to garden tools. In our testing, its adjustable sharpening angles and dual-speed motor delivered user-friendly control. However, we noted some quality control issues, such as uneven grinding, which slightly impacted its reliability, earning it a 7/10 score. While it's not without flaws, its reasonably priced versatility could be a fit for careful users.

The Good

Versatile tool capable of sharpening various blades including kitchen knives, scissors, and garden tools.

User-friendly design with adjustable sharpening angles and dual-speed motor for enhanced control.

The Bad

Some users report uneven grinding, potentially leading to inconsistent blade edges.

Limited to 20° and 25° angle guides, which may not suit all blade types.

Potential for removing excessive material if not used carefully, especially by beginners.

Sharpener Type: Electric / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true


9

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Score

VG2 Knife Sharpener

$129.00

Elevating your culinary precision, the VG2 Knife Sharpener from Brod & Taylor impresses with its 9/10 score, excelling in ease of use and performance. Its patented spring action bars and auto-adjusting tungsten-carbide sharpeners handle various blade angles, making it a premium option. During testing, it quickly sharpened straight and serrated knives alike, although we advise careful use to prevent blade damage. While its higher price may deter some, its durability justifies the investment for serious chefs.

The Good

Patented spring action bars make sharpening easy and foolproof.

Auto-adjusting precision tungsten-carbide sharpeners accommodate various blade angles.

Effective on both straight and serrated knives.

The Bad

Higher price compared to similar sharpeners.

Requires careful use to avoid damaging blades.

Not entirely foolproof; some skill needed.

Sharpener Type: Manual / Suitable For: All Types of Knives / Ease of Use: true / Durability: true

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Topics

knife sharpeners
best knife sharpeners
knife sharpening
kitchen knives
chef's knives
knife care
sharpening stones
electric knife sharpeners
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