Equipment Review: Best Electric / Manual Knife Sharpeners & Our Testing Winners

Equipment Review: Best Electric / Manual Knife Sharpeners & Our Testing Winners

Buy our Winning Electric Sharpener: http://amzn.to/1HIPFjT
Buy our Winning Manual Sharpener: http://amzn.to/1F8HcQ5
Buy our Winning Chef’s Knife: http://amzn.to/1F8HlmC
Full testing details and ranking chart: http://cooks.io/1cY4py0

What if you could buy a knife sharpener that not only repaired the new breed of ultrathin chef’s knives but also honed the wider cutting edge of more traditional blades?

We tested 9 knife sharpeners (5 manual knife sharpeners, 4 electric knife sharpeners) to find the best one:
Chef’sChoice Trizor XV Knife Sharpener
Chef’sChoice Diamond Sharpener for Asian Knives
Kitchen IQ Angle Adjust Adjustable Electric Knife Sharpener
Shun Electric Sharpener
Chef’sChoice Pronto Manual Diamond Hone Asian Knife Sharpener
Victorinox SwissSharp
Miyabi 2-Stage Diamond/Ceramic Handheld Knife Sharpener
Wusthof Two Stage Hand-Held Sharpener

Are Carbon-Steel Knives Worth It? Watch now: https://youtu.be/e50gujs4l-I

Are You Using the Best Cutting Board? Watch now:

Japanese bladesmiths have long favored chef’s-style knives with blades that are ultraslim—that is, sharpened to about 15 degrees on either side of the blade—and for good reason: In addition to being thin and lightweight, these blades have a supernarrow cutting edge, which helps make them razor-sharp. We’ve also come to favor a thinner edge. After years of testing dozens of knives, our repeat favorite is from Victorinox, a Swiss-made knife that is sharpened to 15 degrees on either side of the edge, allowing it to push and slide through food more easily than do more traditional European blades sharpened to at least 20 degrees.

To maintain that narrow edge, we use a tool specifically designed to sharpen a blade to 15 degrees. Our favorite models, both from Chef’sChoice, are a manual and an electric sharpener that each do a fine job of restoring an ultrakeen edge to an Asian-style knife. But in recent years the trend toward slimmer knives—and slimmer knife sharpeners—has spread west, as European manufacturers including Wüsthof, Henckels, Messermeister, and Mercer have launched their own 15-degree knives and sharpeners. (In fact, Wüsthof and Henckels have discontinued their 20-degree knives.) We were curious to see what these new sharpeners had to offer—and were especially eager to test the claim of one that it can even hone a 20-degree knife to 15 degrees.

So we rounded up nine models (including our previous favorites), five manual and four electric, from both Western and Asian manufacturers and priced from roughly $20 to $200. To evaluate them, we bought nine of our favorite Victorinox chef’s knives and assigned one to each sharpener; we then dulled the knives identically and sharpened them according to manufacturer instructions. To assess sharpness, we slashed sheets of copy paper and sliced delicate tomatoes, repeating the dulling, sharpening, and slicing process four more times with multiple testers.

Each week, the cast of America’s Test Kitchen brings the recipes, testings, and tastings from Cook’s Illustrated magazine to life on our public television series. With more than 2 million viewers per episode, we are the most-watched cooking show on public television.
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50 Comments

  1. john petty on October 25, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    No wet stones were tested?

  2. Anthony Gainsford on October 25, 2019 at 7:06 pm

    When you see this sort of crap you can understand why sharpness are so expensive, people are taken in. Firstly, you never need to see saw the blade back and forth. My Victoria Knox Sheboygan, the chefs work knife, and Bergonne French market knives, are razor sharp after 20 yrs of use. To re edge, I simply draw ( never push) my knife through, no pressure, no back and forth, just once, or twice, ( if someone has dared used my knives!) . My knives are kept well away from the help as if you touch the blade, you will get cut! Tomatoes they slip through. Cost of my Fiskar sharpeners when new £7. And if you can get an old model ( white wheel type) just slip the wheel out and wash in hot soapy water, dry and restore, it will probably work great, as household chefs don’t understand putting a dirty knife through a sharpener clogs it up. $146 dollars%*&#!

  3. Freethinking Влади́мир on October 25, 2019 at 7:07 pm

    My Chef’sChoice CC120, has arrived. So now I have the Chef’sChoice CC120, which is basically the same as your winner. It takes a lot of metal off for medium sharpness. It’s perfect for the housewife / househusband without manual sharpening skills. To claim the resharpened blade won, is a nonsensical statement. It depends – for starters – on how the knife comes from the factory. It’s brand-dependent! The Wüsthof’s I have come dangerously sharp, but the Zwilling & Henkels come out poorly sharpness-wise. So winning from a Zwilling or possibly a Victorynox like you showed, doesn’t mean much.

  4. Alex B on October 25, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    And not a single good sharpener

  5. Someone Special on October 25, 2019 at 7:12 pm

    free hong kong from china

  6. David Cox on October 25, 2019 at 7:13 pm

    The victorinox has fallen off in quality

  7. Robert Greenhouse on October 25, 2019 at 7:14 pm

    Are there no other brands of knife sharpeners?

  8. D.E.B. B on October 25, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Choose better meat, and you don’t need a knife, you’ll be able to cut it with a spoon. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ilmd9qssKE

  9. Bill B on October 25, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    Didn’t even show how to sharpen using the Chef’s Choice…is the knife straight vertical or laid against the side of the sharpener? Even Chef’s Choice doesn’t show exactly how to hold and run the knife along the grinding stone. Have yet to see how to use a sharpener like Chef’s Choice. Another disappointment.

  10. GetOnYourKnees0 on October 25, 2019 at 7:18 pm

    "sponsored by Chefs Choice"..

  11. rico567 on October 25, 2019 at 7:19 pm

    I use a $10 Furi Ozitech Diamond Fingers. 30 seconds, a dozen swipes, and it knocks those tomatoes right out, the question about these reviews should be what the home cook can really benefit from, not chefs and food nerds, who already know what they need.

  12. IAWFilmWorks AndromedaReseach on October 25, 2019 at 7:21 pm

    This seems to be a paid advertisement. I’m back and forth between this and the Presto 08810. I’d like to convert my knifes to 15° but price is a factor. My knifes don’t cost $200 ea nor do I cook professionally. However…I do take pride in my kitchen and want great edges on my knifes. So do I spend $132 on Chef’s Choice or $53 on the Presto. Both seem to be great products. Bottom line…is Sapphirite(MOHS #9 hardness) good enough for sharpening knifes and will diamond(MOHS #10 hardness) give you any better results. No stones or old ways…takes to long for no better results. I live in the 21st century…give me the tech side any day.
    One other thing…do they use poly or mono crystalline diamonds and are they electro plated or clued to the wheel.

    UPDATE…
    After trying the $132 Chef’s Choice it was returned. Poor handling and cheaply made…nor did it do a good on knives.

  13. Scott M on October 25, 2019 at 7:24 pm

    America’s test kitchen does it again, another amazing and thorough video. Thanks!

  14. elclavito1950 on October 25, 2019 at 7:25 pm

    Ah. excuse me partner I forgot to say that I work for the Chefs Choice Company lol … lol … lol …

  15. Roy Baird on October 25, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    You folks need to try out the Worksharp sharpening system.The model I have is The Ken Onion edition.Amazing results!!

  16. Penr0se on October 25, 2019 at 7:28 pm

    how do I access the ranking chart without paying money, can someone post that info plz

  17. Michael Bell on October 25, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    No Chef should ever own one of these. Period

  18. Denzel James Lim on October 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    Nothing can beat a professional human sharpenner.

  19. S S on October 25, 2019 at 7:30 pm

    I bought a lesser model sharpener from costco, it was a piece of junk. I took it back and decided not to fool around so I got the Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener" as suggested, and am very pleased. I took 2 of my older knives that were 20 degrees and recut it to 15 and it works good. Spend the $$$ be happy with this. The Stropping wheel is great for maintaining the edge every dozen uses. I also use a steel to keep the edge nice after every use.

  20. Sidney Mathious on October 25, 2019 at 7:33 pm

    I have to remember Chef’s Choice knife sharpeners since I need one now to sharpen my kitchen knives and leave my manual sharpeners for my pocket knives. I thank you all for this information.

  21. Jerry Kong on October 25, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Hello.. would you guys do an electric knife review?? I can’t seem to find any good review on this. I make my own bacon and brisket.. but don’t want a big slicer. Thank you!

  22. Aakash PSS on October 25, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    Review could have explained the material of knife used (probably stainless steel) in relation to the sharpening modes. Also make content unviersal, like key features when identifying good sharpener. However, i find your reviews to be well presented, clear and comprehensive. Subscribed!

  23. Parker Racing on October 25, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Just received my 1520… was quite excited to receive it. Read over the instructions. Have tried sharpening about 10 knives. Some were already reasonably sharpened on stones. Everyone of the knives went noticeably backwards. I read a lot of reviews on Chefs Choice sharpeners and they seemed positive although the youtube reviews I watched were just advertisements, not tests, which is disappointing. Do you think there is something wrong with my sharpener?

  24. Dark Memes and Banter Facebook Search on October 25, 2019 at 7:35 pm

    Try AnySharp

  25. Claire Chapin on October 25, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    These are some of the best ways I have for comparing products. ATK always test several products. They explain why they chose a winner. Usually you get what you pay for. They also give a less expensive options. I have been very satisfied with their recommendations.

  26. Roger In FL on October 25, 2019 at 7:36 pm

    Accusharp knife and tool sharpener works great. 11 bucks. Lay it on edge of table, pull knife through it. Easy peazy.

  27. Will Fishing on October 25, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    They went to MIT to use a piece of equipment you can buy on amazon for 50 bucks!!??

  28. gilbert henri on October 25, 2019 at 7:38 pm

    Now what happens if I’m left handed? I avoid sharpening or have someone else do it for me? Preferably a right handed person?

  29. Matthew Bernard on October 25, 2019 at 7:39 pm

    When do you plan to update this list? There are some really great new sharpeners on the market that you should include. Couple different brands including worksharpculinary.com.

  30. TednTin on October 25, 2019 at 7:41 pm

    What the hell, am I missing something?
    Does not the instruction of sharpeners say to only slide the knife in one direction?

  31. Joseph NMN on October 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    Oh my fucking infomercial!!!

  32. Dianna A on October 25, 2019 at 7:42 pm

    what about a review on how to sharpen scissors and which sharpener works best

  33. Chris Thomson on October 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

    is it just me or are they sponsored by chefs choice lol

  34. Freethinking Влади́мир on October 25, 2019 at 7:43 pm

    Nothing wrong with a 20 degrees angle. This 15 degrees is a fab which won over the west for no reason whatsoever. After 25 years of manually sharpening with wet stones, I gave up on sharpening it to the point where you can shave yourself. After one time use that edge you worked on so hard is gone already. It’s more relevant whether sharpening can occur without heating the edge! Heat removes the hardness of the metal. It’s the #1 enemy.

    By extension, a re-sharpened knife which is sharper than factory-sharp doesn’t mean anything. Longevity is more relevant. And invest in a good and long honing-steel. That’s the secret to everyday ultra sharp use.

  35. Muhammad ShitBeUponHim on October 25, 2019 at 7:46 pm

    I am surprised these guys don’t mention the Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener. I have been using this for the past 7 years and have been able to sharpen the dullest of the knife to razor sharp edges. And it only costs $26.

  36. Robert on October 25, 2019 at 7:47 pm

    Where is your source for the revolution from 20 to 15 degrees knife edges amongst major European knife manufacturers ?
    You mention it from 00:46 into the video.

  37. Sidney Mathious on October 25, 2019 at 7:48 pm

    I purchased the Chef’s Choice 310 electric sharpener just to sharpen my kitchen knives primarily, but will use it to sharpen my hunting, and pocket knives also when not in the field.

  38. ubhu sunt on October 25, 2019 at 7:50 pm

    Does pull through sharpeners need to be used with water like whetstones or not?

  39. Mohamed Ismail on October 25, 2019 at 7:51 pm

    Total rubbish.

  40. GG MM on October 25, 2019 at 7:53 pm

    You are such a an honest person 😂😂😂😂

  41. Raechel Sykes on October 25, 2019 at 7:54 pm

    So excited! I’ve been wanting a great electric sharpener for years. Thank you so much!

  42. Maklarus Trinity on October 25, 2019 at 7:55 pm

    The best Knife Sharpener is your hand and skill you have to do it .

  43. Tom Foolery on October 25, 2019 at 7:59 pm

    I have 4 Victorinox knives, some are R,H. Forschner Victorinox over 25 years old and my newest is a 10" Chefs knife. I was concerned that my older Chef’s Choice 433 diamond hone (found out this is a 20º) might be putting the wrong edge on my knives so I contacted Victorinox (online chat) and they informed me that ALL of their knives are ground to 20º, however honing to 15º would not hurt and assured me that is is just a matter of preference.

  44. nowr2run on October 25, 2019 at 8:00 pm

    Electric knife sharpeners put ALOT OF METAL DUST IN THE AIR, YOU SHOULD WEAR A MASK AND NOT DO IT WHERE YOU ARE PREPARING FOOD. They also shorten the life of the knife quite a bit.

  45. Ernest Loyer on October 25, 2019 at 8:01 pm

    Cheater cheater…on the dull knife when cutting the tomato (@1:30), she just pushed down on the mator. Well yeah, that won’t cut anything. With the sharp knife, you did a slicing motion.

  46. D Jaquith on October 25, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    My son-in-law is a sushi chef .. free .. I give him our knives which I’m now afraid of. Wet Stone

  47. Ash Underwood on October 25, 2019 at 8:02 pm

    Chef’s Choice is Killin it! I just bought the newest version of your top recommendation. I hope it’s works as well as you say.

  48. MintyMilk on October 25, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    Typical paid review/adver

  49. Niftynorm1 on October 25, 2019 at 8:03 pm

    For all the negative commenter’s try reading all the information that is posted above regarding this test. Although for some ignorance and negativity are pure bliss. I have had good results with their reviews over the years.

  50. dlc1119 on October 25, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    Do they also make these sharpeners for older European knives? 22 degree?

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