Work Sharp MK2 Professional Electric Knife and Tool Sharpener, Adjustable Tool and Knife Sharpening System

Product Information

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. How sharp the knives turned out: We analyzed sharpness using a scientific tool called the Edge-on-Up, which measures the force needed to cut a standard reference material.

Finish with a honing steel for best results. Rinse and dry the knife. You may also need to clean up the area around the whetstone.

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. Design: We highlighted sharpeners that featured multiple stages for maximum efficiency or different slots for different blade sizes. Knife sharpeners can be bulky, so we also focused on compact sizes that you could store easily in your kitchen. 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. 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. When the sharpener has more than one setting, the coarse setting is the sharpener and the fine one is normally similar to a honing steel.

The flexible belt helps accommodate knives of all different sizes, though we found that it also leaves a lot of wiggle room for the blade, making it somewhat difficult to keep knives at the exact correct angle through the entire sharpening process. The Easy Edge theoretically can sharpen a serrated knife, but it only sharpens the flat edge and not the serrations themselves, so we recommend against it. This knife sharpener is simple to use and sharpens very well, but with its high price, it's probably best for someone who spends a lot of time in the kitchen or is a professional chef. Tool size: Some sharpeners are designed for larger tools like spades, while others are better suited for smaller tools like secateurs. Instead, we simply rotated it to our desired sharpening surface and got to work. We also appreciated the Pivot Response feature, which allows the stone to tilt with our strokes. Effectiveness: The Edge-on-Up tool helped give us an idea of each sharpener's efficiency, but we also tested our knives immediately before and after sharpening to gauge any noticeable differences.The Draper Multi-Sharpener features tungsten carbide blades that are durable and long-lasting, making it ideal for regular use. The sharpener is designed for use on shears, secateurs, loppers, and knives. Its compact size makes it easy to use in the garden, and its ergonomic handle provides a comfortable grip. To use it, simply hold the tool in your hand and apply gentle pressure to the blades. The carbide will sharpen your tool in just a few strokes, restoring its cutting edge. Place the heel of the blade (where it connects to the handle) against the steel, with the knifepoint angled slightly upwards. Portable sharpeners: Handheld sharpeners are engineered for convenience, taking sharpening on the go. They’re lightweight, compact, and best used for sharpening smaller tools like trowels and pruning shears.