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The Best Kitchen Knife Sharpener for Every Chef

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A great knife sharpener is a valuable but often overlooked kitchen tool — until you really need it. A sharp knife is critical when you need to slice, dice, chop and carve vegetables, meats, breads and other ingredients, and it doesn't take long to feel the strain and frustration when your knife is too dull to get the job done. Even more importantly, dull knives aren't just less efficient; they are also significantly more dangerous to use.

Knife sharpeners come in several different types for different blades and sharpening needs. Whether you want an electric knife sharpener for maximum convenience, a sharpening stone for smooth precision, a specialty knife sharpener for serrated blades, or a handheld knife sharpener to easily whip out of the drawer for quick sharpening jobs, we've compiled a list of some of the top options to consider for your kitchen.

As you get ready to explore the sharpening options in greater detail, don't forget to pick up the appropriate safety gear for the task. Some sharpeners are safer than others to use, but it's always a good idea to slip on cut-resistant gloves to protect your fingers and hands as you work to make your blades wickedly sharp.

Best Overall: Chef's Choice Trizor XV Knife Sharpener

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Easy to use and compatible with a variety of blades, the Chef's Choice Trizor XV knife sharpener makes it one of the best options for every chef, particularly beginners. It has three sharpening guides that range from coarse to fine to polishing and a strong motor that provides reliable performance.

Best Value: KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage Knife Sharpener

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Don't let the bargain price tag fool you, the KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip 2-Stage knife sharpener boasts more than 7,500 five-star reviews from users that praise its effectiveness and durability. This small, portable sharpener has two slots. One is for polishing and honing knives. The other is for improving dull and damaged blades. The nonslip base adds stability that enhances its ease of use.

Best Handheld: Kitchellence 3-Stage Knife Sharpener

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Easy to use right-handed or left-handed, the Kitchellence 3-Stage knife sharpener is lightweight and user-friendly. It comes with cut-resistant safety gloves for a steady grip that minimizes the risk of slippage. It has three slots: one for making repairs and straightening blades, the second for restoring the V-shape of the blade, and a third for polishing the knife for a fine finish.

Best for Beginners: SunrisePro Supreme Knife Sharpener

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Do you lack any experience sharpening knives? No problem. The SunrisePro Supreme knife sharpener is designed to position your blades at the perfect 20-degree angle for precision and efficiency with minimal effort on your part. It takes up minimal storage space and is designed to use on most knives, including bread and hunting knives. It has a locking system that holds it securely to your countertop.

Best Affordable Electric: Linkyo Electric Knife Sharpener

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With an integrated receptacle to catch metal filings, the Linkyo electric knife sharpener, makes cleaning up after sharpening your cutlery a breeze. It provides two-stage sharpening to reshape, sharpen, and polish blades. Although it delivers reliable performance on most straight-edge knives, it doesn't work with serrated blades or scissors.

Best Stainless Steel: Brod & Taylor Professional Knife Sharpener

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If you're looking for a knife sharpener that will look sleek and stylish on your counter while providing precision, reliable results, consider the Brod & Taylor professional knife sharpener. This sharp looking option features a V-notch system made of tungsten carbide with a spring-loaded configuration that ensures you apply the perfect amount of pressure.

Best Versatility: Work Sharp Knife and Tool Sharpener

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Looking more like a power tool than a traditional knife sharpener, the Work Sharp knife and tool sharpener is an ideal choice for anyone with an edgy style and more than just kitchen knives to sharpen. It works on If features angle guides and belts to guide you as you sharpen any knife in your kitchen. It also works on scissors, pruners, garden shovels and shears.

Best Honing Rod: Wiitek Honing Rod and Professional Knife Sharpener

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Low-tech but effective, the Wiitek honing rod and professional knife sharpener is a good option if you're looking for simplicity. This honing rod has a diamond particle coating to sharpen knives efficiently. It features an ergonomic grip with a slip-resistant handle and chromium plating for rust and corrosion resistance.

Best Stone Sharpening Kit: Lansky Deluxe Stone Sharpening System

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Everything you need in one easy to grab and go kit, the Lansky Deluxe Stone Sharpening System is lightweight and user-friendly. This five-stone kit includes a knife clamp to keep knives steady while you sharpen them and maintain the ideal angle to achieving optimal results. It has extra coarse, coarse, medium, fine and ultra-fine hones along with honing oil to meet all sharpening needs.

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