Each knife sharpener will have its own specific directions, and you should always follow those, but in general, you insert the blade into the slot and pull it through with even pressure several times. It's important to make sure the full blade passes over the abrasive, all the way from heel to tip. Then, you repeat the process on the other side of the blade (though some sharpeners work on both sides at once), first using the coarsest slot and then each of the finer ones. A whetstone combined with a honing steel gives the best results (better than knife sharpeners). But (and it's a big but) only use this method if you know what you're doing. Otherwise, you risk damaging the cutting edge of your knife. Pull the knife blade along the sharpening steel towards you, with enough gentle force that you can hear a grinding noise. Just as there are many types of knives, there are quite a few ways to sharpen them. Here, learn how different knife sharpeners work and compare their pros and cons. Some of these methods are ancient, while others represent a new wave of precision sharpening. Whetstones We rate each knife sharpener on how easy it is to set up and use, plus how easy the instructions are to follow. Things we learnt testing knife sharpeners

When working with sharp blades, safety is a top priority. Some sharpening methods, such as electric and pull-through countertop models, are inherently safer options. They typically have a nonslip bottom that helps keep the tool in place while sharpening a knife. The KitchenIQ Edge Grip manual knife sharpener has two sharpening slots with preset angles to make consistent, repetitive sharpening a breeze. The coarse side will reshape a damaged edge, while the fine side can handle regular smoothing of the rough edge as well as maintenance. This knife sharpener features a handle section to keep the user’s hand safe from the blades while also allowing a sure grip on the device.To discover the best knife sharpeners on the market, we collected an array of dull knives—plus several boxes of Band-Aids—and tested their performance slicing through paper, carrots, and tomatoes (and a baguette, for serrated blades), both before and after sharpening. We also measured each knife's sharpness scientifically, using an Edge-on-Up tool to record the exact amount of force needed to cut through a standard material. The KnifePlanet Premium Knife Sharpening Stone Set offers a great tool to give favorite knives an ideal edge. It comes with a set of two sharpening stones, a bamboo base, a flattening stone, and two rubber nonslip bases. The two stones each have two grits: 400/1000 and 3000/8000. This four-stage grinding process adds up to a near-perfect grind when used properly. Electric knife sharpeners are typically the fastest way to put an accurate grind on a knife’s edge. Designed to sit on a countertop, electric knife sharpeners feature a succession of grinding wheels and angled grooves through which the user pulls the knife. The knife becomes sharper as it works its way through the stages. Choosing a manual or electric sharpener depends on personal preference and budget. Higher-end electric sharpeners can be pricey, while cost-effective manual sharpeners can produce excellent results. Consider how likely you are to use the sharpener, and don’t be afraid to spring for a more costly model if it means you’re more likely to maintain your knives!

We choose the most popular manual and electric knife sharpeners available at UK retailers to test. We buy all the products we test and rate them on the two factors below. Sharpening ability Before buying a knife sharpener, bone up on the difference between sharpening and honing as well as various key factors and features—including material, suitability, and safety—of these precision tools. Sharpening vs. Honing Most knife sharpeners require users to pull the blade through the device, but with whetstones, circular motions that include both pulling and pushing are necessary. This guide on how to sharpen a knife should help. Q. At what angle should a knife be held when sharpening? German company Wüsthof has been making world-famous knives for more than 200 years, so it makes sense that its sharpening tools are also high-quality. The Easy Edge features a spinning belt that runs at three separate speeds for coarse honing up to final polishing, along with a one-touch program with indicator lights for each stage. An integrated suction fan also keeps dust out of the way. It doesn’t matter which knives you buy—they'll all need to be sharpened periodically. Besides making it easier to cut and chop, keeping knives sharp is also safer for your fingers: Dull knives can drag or skip while cutting, which can increase your chance of injury. How often you need to use a knife sharpener depends on exactly how often you use the knife, what you cut, and what surface you cut on, but professionals typically recommend sharpening once or twice a year.The Mueller cut through produce easily, for the most part, but its edge wasn't clean enough to finish off carrots without them splitting. We found it did a better job of sharpening the middle of the knives than the tips. It's also not compatible with serrated blades. How easy or difficult the sharpeners were to operate: We tested both manual and electric sharpeners, noting their learning curve and ease of control. We also appreciated the models that came with easy-to-follow directions and video instructions. Sharpening a knife blade removes tiny bits of metal, and those will need to be removed from the sharpener once in a while. Many models have a compartment in the bottom to collect metal filings, which you can simply dump into the trash and wipe clean with a wet cloth. (If there's no compartment, turn the unit over and lightly tap to get the filings out.) You can also clean the abrasive parts with a cloth or a soft brush dampened with water; make sure to let everything dry completely before using again. Unless the directions say otherwise, it's not a good idea to use soap or any kind of oil to clean a knife sharpener, as you can damage the abrasive. Work Sharp Electric Culinary E2 Kitchen Knife Sharpener: This sharpener is easy to use and has an excellent price for an electric model, but you get what you pay for. We found that it did just an OK job at sharpening, while its feet let it slide around on the countertop, which is a definite safety hazard. The Wüsthof Easy Edge Electric Sharpener edged out the competition thanks to its effectiveness and ease of use. It is capable of standing up to professional environments as well as home kitchens. For sharpening on a budget, the Longzon 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener offers an impressive price-to-performance ratio.