How to Sharpen a Knife: A Guide to Knife Sharpeners

In the kitchen, a knife is a chef's best friend. It's a tool of precision and a weapon of creation. But like any good friend, it needs care and attention. A dull knife is not just inefficient, it's dangerous. It requires more force to cut, increasing the chance of slipping and causing an accident. So, the question is not whether you should sharpen your knives, but how and with what tool. Let's dive into the world of knife sharpeners, where we'll explore the best options and learn how to keep your blades in tip-top shape.

The Electric Maestro: Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Knife Sharpener

• If you're looking for an electric sharpener that can handle your damaged knives and restore them to their former glory, the Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Knife Sharpener is a stellar choice. This sharpener is a champion in its category, capable of converting the standard 20-degree angle of your basic American or European factory knife into the 15-degree angle featured on coveted Japanese blades. This angle reduces friction when cutting, which is ideal for precision tasks like paring, peeling, and working with vegetables and fish.
• The Chef'sChoice Trizor XV has three sharpening slots: a honing slot, a sharpening slot, and a polishing slot. It employs 100-percent diamond abrasives on the sharpening and honing stages, while the polishing slot uses flexible abrasives that gently conform to grooves in order to sharpen serrated knives.
• However, this sharpener is not for the impatient or the reckless. It comes with an extensive manual that requires careful reading before use. But with repeat use, the steps required to expertly operate the Trizor can become ingrained.

The Budget-Friendly Whiz: Work Sharp Culinary E2 Kitchen Knife Sharpener

• For those on a budget, the Work Sharp Culinary E2 Kitchen Knife Sharpener is a wonderful option. Unlike the Trizor, the Work Sharp is dummy-proof, operating on a timer and offering an impressive variety of sharpening options. It can be used manually or electrically and accommodates a wide range of knives. It's not as fast, powerful, or sturdy as the Chef'sChoice Trizor XV, but it's easy to use and it produced a better edge than any other sharpener in its price range.

The Honing Hero: Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod 

• A honing rod is the best and easiest way to maintain a knife's edge between sharpenings. The Idahone Fine Ceramic Sharpening Rod stood out among the models tested. Its exceptionally smooth surface was gentler on the blades than the other rods, and it worked equally well on Japanese- and German-style knives. It's an excellent tool for keeping your knife sharp and ready for action.

The Stone of Skill: Whetstone 

• If you're looking for more control and are willing to put in a bit of effort, a whetstone is for you. Sharpening stones come in different sizes and grits, and some have two sides: a coarser side for removing dents and sharpening very dull blades, and a more refined side for polishing and edge refinement. The process is fast and fairly easy for beginners, but does require a bit more skill and patience.

Sharpening your knives is a crucial part of kitchen maintenance. Whether you prefer the speed and power of an electric sharpener like the Chef'sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional or the simplicity and control of a whetstone, the key is to choose a method that suits your needs and skills. Remember, a sharp knife is a safe knife. So, keep your blades in peak condition and they'll serve you well in all your culinary adventures.