Hello friends! Happy holidays everyone!
As I see it, many bloggers sum up the results, set goals for the next year. And this is probably correct. Well, I don't know... public goals are certainly motivating, but I'll be fine with that for now. I didn’t set any special goals for myself a year ago, except for one thing - to be useful to people, with my blog and my knowledge.
So, for now, without global goals, I decided to end this year with a knife fast. If you, dear readers, have not forgotten, knives are one of my many hobbies. Therefore, in the continuation of the rubric, we will talk about sharpeners. More precisely, about devices for holding the angle when sharpening knives.
So, an overview of tools for sharpening knives and their features. I must say that if you distribute sharpeners according to, let's say, functionality, then you get a list of several items (purely my classification):
- classic sharpeners are, in a simple way, two small bars set at a certain angle to each other and placed in a single case
- sharpeners with fixation of the blade in the clamp
- sharpeners with fixation of stones and free movement of the knife when sharpening
- sharpeners completely without fixation, an interesting and best option
I'll start with the simplest and most common option.
Classic knife sharpener.
I think there are such sharpeners in every kitchen. Or a little different, this is my slightly advanced version.
There are two types of stones in it, for sharpening (carbide plates are installed instead of stones) and for finishing, but this does not make it more convenient to sharpen.
Price: from 100 rubles
Convenience: no, you can only sharpen knives with a certain sharpening angle.
Sharpener with blade lock
The next item, common sharpeners.
The principle is simple, a knife is fixed in the clamp, and then sharpening is carried out with a special bar. In the photo above, multi-colored ones are just bars, and above the bars there is a special device for attaching them.
And this is how sharpening happens ...
Everything is pretty simple, but there is a minus in such sharpeners. It is very inconvenient to sharpen knives with a long blade and wide knives, such as a chef's knife.
The most famous sharpeners from DMT (photo above) and from Lancky
Price: from 1500 rubles (depending on the number of stones and the stones themselves)
Convenience: any knives with a blade of medium length are well sharpened, you can sharpen the knife into a razor.
Video from the official DMT website. Overview of the Aligner™ Pro Kit sharpening system.
The only thing is that I sharpen a little differently ... All manufacturers advise holding a knife and driving a bar along it. But I'm embarrassed to sharpen like that. Therefore, I do the opposite - while holding the bar, I drive along it with a knife.
Knife sharpeners with stone fixation
Cool sharpeners, but I did not like the result of sharpening. Such sharpeners are well suited for straightening knives, but sharpening a knife ... I don’t know, I didn’t succeed. Yes, and two fixed angles do not really allow sharpening somehow in a special way.
There are also similar sharpeners with a higher class, the manufacturer is cooler - Spyderco (a very famous manufacturer of knives).
Here is a video, in English, of course, but a friend who talks about the Spyderco Tr-iangle Sharpmaker has such expressive gestures that everything is clear.
Price: from 1500 rubles (depending on the manufacturer)
Convenience: not really, you can fix the knife well, but sharpen ...
Sharpeners without fixation. Sharpening systems
This is the most normal sharpener, the knife is not fixed, and you can set any angle. But I can’t say anything in more detail, I don’t have this device yet and therefore I can’t say anything. Although many praise.
Price: from 4000 rubles (a Chinese clone costs half as much)
Convenience: from sharpening systems the best option, although I manage DMT
Watch a video review of the Edge Pro Apex Knife Sharping System. Everything is clearly visible and it is clear why I classified it as a sharpener without fixation
My friends! This concludes the article, after all, in a few hours the new year, there is still a lot to do.
Good luck in all your endeavors!
Updated: 09/18/2019 23:59:41
Judge: Laila Weiss
*Overview of the best in the opinion of the editors of the site. About selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
The Japanese say: "The heart and soul of the chef are enclosed in the knife." To prepare delicious dishes, you need not only skill, but also a good toolkit - a sharp knife. With it, you can cut any products with high quality, saving time. A dull one will only crumple, forcing the user to make great efforts to cut meat, poultry, vegetables, fruits, etc. There are knives on sale that do not require sharpening, but most often this is a marketing ploy. As time passes, the person who bought such an instrument notices that he, like the usual one, begins to get dull. We advise you not to succumb to advertising tricks, but to purchase a good sharpener. It will allow you to always have a sharp knife in the kitchen. There are different types of sharpeners, and each has its own advantages. Since there are not a lot of knives in the home kitchen, you can choose any type of knife sharpener.
Do not confuse sharpening with editing. The first option involves cutting metal from the web to form a sharp edge. The second - without cutting, changes the angle of the cutting part, as a result of which even dents and other defects that are invisible to the eye are leveled. Editing is done with the help of musat, ceramic discs.
How to choose a knife sharpener
- Varieties. There are three main categories: fully manual, mechanical and electrical. Manual ones include whetstones that only a professional can handle, because you need to choose the right stone grain size, angle of inclination and be extremely careful in the process so as not to get hurt, and sharpeners with fixed rods located at an angle of 20 and 25 degrees, where you need to be vertical to drive with a knife, which simplifies the work. Mechanical sharpeners include classic tabletop sharpeners, which are compact, easy to use and safe; vacuum, with one or two grinding zones and a special suction cup, with which it is fixed on the table; sharpeners in the form factor of brass knuckles - put on the hand, and despite the fact that sharpening does not last long, due to the convenience and low cost, they are great for use in the country. Electric knife sharpeners are portable and compact devices that allow you to quickly and effortlessly sharpen a knife of any length and thickness. After the procedure, the tool remains sharp for a long time, if this is a priority for you, then choose an electric sharpener. Musat is not a sharpener, it is used to straighten the cutting edge. Used at the final stage of sharpening to achieve greater sharpness and increase the period during which the knife will remain sharp. Musat can be used when the tool is slightly dull to trim the blade. Since the musat does not remove metal from the blade, the service life of the knife increases significantly. In restaurants, chefs use musat dozens of times a day, because the process takes a matter of seconds.
- knife material. For steel knives, you need to purchase sharpeners with abrasives that are harder than the steel of the tool. It can be ceramics, diamond grit, carbides or Arkansas stone. For ceramic knives (made of black and white zirconium ceramics), only diamond-coated abrasives are suitable, since ceramics are a rather fragile material that can break if mishandled.
- price segment. Manual sharpeners with metal discs, as well as coarse-grained bars, will cost the cheapest - 300-500 r. For natural and synthetic stones, the simplest electric and manual models, you will have to pay 500-3 thousand rubles. Fine-grained and two-layer combined bars, two-stage, three-stage, electric with the possibility of mechanical polishing cost between 3-10 thousand rubles. Professional devices belonging to the group of grinding stations with diamond-coated abrasives and having a three-stage sharpening will cost 10 thousand rubles or more.
Rating of the best knife sharpeners
| Nomination | a place | Name of product | price |
| The best manual knife sharpeners | 1 | 1 750 ₽ | |
| 2 | 891 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 850 ₽ | ||
| 4 | 590 ₽ | ||
| The best electric knife sharpeners | 1 | 15 590 ₽ | |
| 2 | 3 671 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 2 790 ₽ | ||
| The best knife sharpeners from Aliexpress | 1 | 4 870 ₽ | |
| 2 | 1 350 ₽ | ||
| 3 | 680 ₽ | ||
| 4 | 270 ₽ | ||
| 5 | 150 ₽ |
The best manual knife sharpeners
In first place in the rating category is a desktop manual sharpener with an abrasive from a diamond grinding stone. Effectively and quickly cope with sharpening, you just need to put the blade in the slot with the tip down, swiping a few times on yourself. The angle of sharpening is optimal, prevents damage to the metal blade and prevents the formation of scratches. There are three slots for different stages: preliminary, fine and rough sharpening. This approach allows you to process even very dull knives. The case of laconic design is made of stainless steel. It takes up very little space, so you can store the sharpener in a drawer where spoons, forks, knives lie, then the product will always be at hand.
Advantages
- ergonomic shape;
- acceptable cost - 1650 rubles.
disadvantages
- not found.
The second position goes to the manual sharpener model with natural diamond-coated abrasive plates and profiled ceramic plates. The product not only perfectly sharpens knives, but also fixes the result so that sharpening is maintained for a long time. To restore sharpness, it is enough to draw the blade 10-15 times, first in the first slot, then in the second. The user does not have to make great efforts by pressing hard on the knife. On the bottom of the case there are six legs with rubberized pads that provide a secure fit. The case itself has a Soft Touch coating, so when holding the sharpener with your hand, the risk of slipping is minimized.
Advantages
- the ability to sharpen serrated knives;
- plexiglass protective cover included;
- easy to disassemble for cleaning;
- plastic ergonomic handle;
- budget cost - 870 rubles.
disadvantages
- not found.
The third line is occupied by a manual sharpener for knives and kitchen hatchets. If you like to cook and use not only knives, but also hatchets for cutting, then you should pay attention to this device. The body is made of durable plastic. The user has one slot equipped with ceramic discs. Thanks to the ergonomic design, it is easy to hold the sharpener in your hand during the process. Users note that the sharpener makes the blade so sharp that after the procedure, the knife is able to produce very thin slices. It has become much easier to cut veins, cartilage, cut raw beetroot, which was also expressed in the reviews of the hostess.
Advantages
- fast sharpening in half a minute;
- removable cover for easy cleaning;
- budget cost - 850 rubles.
disadvantages
- not found.
The fourth is a manual sharpener with metal and ceramic cutters. The design, like all analogues, is simple. The case has a convenient ergonomic handle, and rubberized inserts are located below, which do not allow the device to slide on the surface on which the sharpener is installed. The upper part with a silicone insert guarantees a comfortable grip without slipping. The device is equipped with two slots: for the main (coarse) and final (fine) sharpening. A two-stage approach to blade processing allows you to extend the life of the sharpness of the blade. Only steel knives can be sharpened; for ceramic knives, it is better to purchase a different model. The set comes with an additional block with cutters.
Advantages
- fast sharpening;
- the ability to replace the blocks with the necessary ones;
- fixed angle;
- budget cost - 600 rubles.
disadvantages
- not found.
The best electric knife sharpeners
Chef's Choice 120
In the first place is an American-made electric sharpener, suitable for sharpening conventional and serrated (serrated) knives. It processes the blade in three stages: at the first stage, rough sharpening occurs with diamond-coated abrasive discs, the first bevel is formed; on the second - with a fine-grained abrasive, a second bevel is formed; on the third, even finer ceramic abrasives grind and polish the blade, creating a third final bevel that is sharp. The user can independently choose a combination of stages to obtain different results. The sharpener can also be used for processing folding, hunting, tourist, sports, fishing and other knives.
Advantages
- power - 75 W;
- instant sharpening;
- sharpening angle control - 20 degrees.
disadvantages
- high cost - 16 thousand rubles.
The second position is occupied by an electric device for sharpening knives, recognized as the best in terms of quality and price. The model is much cheaper than the leading one in the category, but it is not inferior in quality and practicality. The case with a metal insert looks massive, so it initially seems that the device will weigh a lot, but it is not. The sharpener is lightweight and has a neutral design. There are rubberized inserts on the bottom so that the device does not slip on the surface of the table. Only knives made of stainless, alloy or carbon steel can be sharpened. Serrated tools can only be machined in the polishing slot. Simple and clear instructions included.
Advantages
- synthetic and ceramic abrasives;
- suitable for sharpening knives of various sizes;
- sharpening angle adjustment;
- ergonomic handle.
disadvantages
- low power - 6 W;
- relatively expensive - 4600 r.
The third line is given to an electric knife sharpener, which is characterized by high power. The device works in two stages, first sharpening, and then grinding the canvas. The device is equipped with professional discs made of corundum and ceramics, thanks to which the device sharpens even very dull knives in a matter of minutes. Using guides, you can create the correct sharpening angle. The case is equipped with legs with suction cups, firmly fixing the sharpener on the surface.
Advantages
- power - 40 W;
- easy cleaning;
- suitable for sharpening ceramic knives;
- acceptable cost - 2800 r.
disadvantages
- not found.
The best knife sharpeners from Aliexpress
In the first place is an electric sharpener, characterized by versatility. The model is suitable not only for sharpening a variety of knives, but also for processing screwdrivers, scissors and other tools. The device has six grooves with various abrasives that provide sharpness to the blade. High power reduces processing time, allowing the canvas to return to working condition in 1-2 minutes. For protection, the manufacturer has provided an automatic shutdown that works during overheating. This saves the motor from failure. The body is made of high quality plastic. Users note that the device does not emit foreign odors. Among the majority of similar sharpeners, this model stands out due to its excellent results.
Advantages
- power - 60 W;
- ergonomic design.
disadvantages
- relatively expensive - 4 thousand rubles.
The second line gets a professional manual sharpener. The body of the device has a vacuum suction cup at the base, with the help of which the device is securely attached to the surface so as not to slip off during the sharpening procedure. Users note the high speed of sharpening. Abrasive bars of different grain sizes (120, 320, 600, 1500 units) attached to plastic strips make it possible to sharpen the blade conveniently. Color marking of sharpening of corners (10, 15, 20, 25 30 degrees) helps to orient in the course of work. The device is also suitable for scissors, screwdrivers and other tools.
Advantages
- choice of sharpening angle;
- organizer bag and microfiber cloth included;
- knife fixation system;
- fixed stand;
- acceptable cost - 1300 r.
disadvantages
- requires some skill;
- it is necessary to wet the bars during sharpening.
The third position goes to a manual knife sharpener with a large base that has a rubberized insert to prevent slipping. Thanks to the ergonomic body, it fits perfectly in the palm of your hand, does not slip out during the sharpening process. There are four grooves on the body: two for regular sharpening and two for Japanese asymmetric sharpening. The model is capable of processing knives of any length. Users also note that the metal sheet can be of any thickness. For perfect sharpening, it is necessary to hold the cutting edge only 6-7 times.
Advantages
- metal and ceramic abrasives;
- fast sharpening;
- budget cost - 700 rubles.
disadvantages
- not found.
The fourth is a manual sharpener, which processes the canvas in two stages (coarse and fine sharpening). The body is made of high quality plastic. The base has anti-slip feet for a secure fit. Due to its small size (10 x 4.5 x 5.5 cm), the device fits comfortably in the hand, adding convenience when working. Two recesses under the fingers are responsible for ergonomics. Suitable for processing metal knives, and for ceramic knives it is better to find another model, since this one can lead to tool breakage if used carelessly. Most user reviews have a positive rating for this product - people received a product of better quality than expected.
Advantages
- abrasive discs made of stainless steel;
- budget cost - 300 r.
disadvantages
- not found.
In fifth place in the budget manual sharpener category. You can buy it online for only Rs 150. There is a vacuum suction cup at the base of the case, providing an anti-slip effect. You can mount the device not only to the table, but also to the tile. A special arrow clearly shows how to place the knives in the grooves in order to sharpen at the right angle. Users complain that sharpening does not last long, only for 2-3 days. Given the low cost and short time required for sharpening, we recommend the product for purchase, because the device can sharpen knives at least every day.
Advantages
- fast sharpening speed;
- strong fixation.
disadvantages
- chemical smell.
Attention! This rating is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.
All sharp cutting objects need care and sooner or later require sharpening. Most often, we encounter this problem in the kitchen, when knives begin to do a poor job of cutting meat, vegetables and other foods. However, there are camping, hunting or penknives, which may also require updating the sharpness of the blade. In any case, you will definitely need a knife sharpener. Some sharpeners require some skill to get good results, while others are fairly easy to use. In order for the knives to serve you for a long time and faithfully, you just need to choose the right sharpening tool. But which sharpener is best for you, you will understand after reading our review.
Also in the kitchen, a wide variety of devices can come in handy, some of them are kitchen scales and an electric can opener.
Characteristics for comparison
Type of sharpener
First of all, you should pay attention to the types of sharpeners and, in accordance with this, to their features, which is implied by their design and purpose. There are several varieties of these devices. For everyday use, electric, mechanical sharpeners and whetstones are great. Electric sharpeners are often trapezoidal or rectangular in shape with several grooves or notches at the top, through which the sharpening knife must be passed. Inside each groove are discs with different abrasive coatings. They rotate at an angle to the blade and thus sharpen or polish the knife. These sharpeners are very fast and easy to use. Such devices must stand firmly on the table during operation. It will also not be superfluous to have the possibility of their internal cleaning from the remnants of metal chips, which can be formed during the sharpening of knives. Mechanical (manual) devices, as a rule, have a wide range of possibilities: the choice of different abrasive stones, the angle when sharpening, and the like. They take up little space and can be used in field conditions. However, it takes a little getting used to in order to sharpen the knife with their help. Thanks to the ergonomic handle and rubber feet, the mechanical sharpener will not slip out at the most inopportune moment and you will not get hurt. Whetstones have been used by humans to sharpen blades for centuries. Naturally, they have undergone some changes, which mainly affected their form. They may look like an ordinary bar or disk, however, this completely depends only on the manufacturer's imagination. There are also systems of whetstones with different abrasive properties, some of them will be suitable for sharpening very dull blades, others will sharpen or refresh your knife. Here, the quality of sharpening depends entirely on your ability to handle the sharpener, however, they are still considered the most unpretentious. Special marks that allow you to identify whetstones and other auxiliary attributes will make it easier for you to use sharpeners both during their development and throughout their entire service life. Whether you plan to only sharpen kitchen knives or are looking for a more versatile tool, deciding which items you need a sharpener to sharpen will make it even easier for you to choose the right tool.
Sharpening angle
It is important to know that it is recommended to maintain the bevel angle, which was determined during production, in accordance with the material and purpose of the knife, this will help you maintain and extend the life of the blade. It is believed that 15°-22° is an angle suitable for chef's, fillet knives, and 22°-30° is a sharpening angle for hunting and utility knives (tourist, camping). There are also sharpeners with a universal sharpening angle, which is often the average of these indicators. However, the ability to adjust the sharpening angle when choosing a sharpener is one of the determining factors. If you wish, you can change it, but it should be borne in mind that the smaller the sharpening angle, the sharper the blade, but at the same time its strength decreases. At the same time, a larger sharpening angle is suitable for knives that are made of high-strength steel and are designed to perform heavy work (butchering large pieces of meat, chopping bones).
Sharpening steps
Depending on the material of the blade and its condition, you may need different sharpening steps accordingly. For knives with a metal blade, the sharpening steps are basically the same. First of all, damages and defects are eliminated, the cutting edge is restored and the initial sharpening is performed, at this stage carbides are most often used as a grinding material. The final action will be grinding and polishing the blade, after which your knife will acquire a sharp, smooth cutting edge, this is done using ceramic abrasives or Arkansas stones, quartz rocks mined in the quarries of the state of Arkansas, from which they get their name. For simple maintenance, the last step may be sufficient. Abrasive materials can be either of natural origin, which have been known for a long time, or specially produced for this purpose, such are considered to be more durable. If you have knives with a serrated or ceramic blade in your kitchen, you will need a device with the ability to sharpen them.
The sharper the kitchen knives, the easier it is to work with them. In addition, a blunt tip of the device is much more traumatic than a sharpened one. Like any tool, cutters require careful care and timely processing. In our article, we will analyze which knife sharpener is better, how to choose this gadget, and which manufacturers produce the best models of blade sharpeners.
Types of knife sharpeners
There are several types of sharpeners that work great on the blade, but differ in material and efficiency of use. Consider the popular types of sharpeners and find out what their advantages and disadvantages are.
Electric knife sharpeners
Previously, electric sharpeners were used exclusively in catering places, or in industries. Such devices had rather large dimensions, but sharpened the knife blade as quickly as possible. Over time, more compact versions of electrical gadgets began to appear, which became popular in household use.
Grinder
The grinder is a stand with a motor, to which the flywheel itself is attached with a clamp. When connected to electricity, the grinding wheel starts to rotate at the set speed. It is enough to carefully attach the tip of the knife to the sharpener and in a matter of seconds the tool will acquire the finest edge. As a rule, the surface of the grinding wheel is made from a stone plate with diamond grit applied to the surface.
Despite the external simplicity, a certain skill is required to sharpen knives on this device. Otherwise, you can permanently spoil the tool and even get injured.
The advantage of the grinder is its versatility. The device can process not only kitchen knives, but also garden or construction tools.
Automatic sharpener
The automatic sharpener has the same principle of operation as the machine, but is much more compact in size and is designed exclusively for knives and scissors. Outwardly, the device resembles a metal bar with holes of different sizes, for all types of knives. Inside the sharpener there is an abrasive disc that rotates under the influence of electricity. This gadget is much safer to use and suitable for processing ceramic knives.
automatic sharpenerManual knife sharpeners
The most democratic and easy-to-use option is manual-type foot sharpeners. Using this device does not require special skills and additional efforts.
Musat
Musat is a metal rod with a barely noticeable scar, and equipped with a handle. The device does not require a certain skill and is quite simple to use. In addition, the sharpener is quite light and compact. Sharpening knives with such a device occurs as follows: the kitchen appliance is placed at an angle of 30 degrees across the metal plate and is turned on both sides. Please note that the translational movements of the tip must be performed in one direction. Otherwise, if you drive the knife along the rod "back and forth" - the blade will quickly become unusable, forming irreparable notches.
Processing the device with musat is a fast process, but the “sharpness” effect does not last long. This tool is ideal only for maintaining the knife in a "working" condition.
whetstone
The whetstone is the oldest method of sharpening not only knives, but also scythes, sickles and other tools. For maximum efficiency, this device was soaked in water a day before the tool was processed. A simple device is a stone with a diamond or silicon coating of varying degrees of graininess. A pre-wetted knife must be applied at an angle of 20 degrees and sharpened on each side 7-8 times. Proper handling of blades requires a certain skill and skill. Please note that a whetstone is a rather traumatic tool. The lack of a handle and a protective frame is definitely a minus, but the effectiveness of this device is no worse than that of more "complex" sharpeners.
How to choose a sharpener for kitchen knives?
Having considered the types of kitchen sharpeners, we draw your attention to the types of abrasive coating. When choosing a tool for blades, this is the most important point. The “wrong” coating can not only leave the knife not sharpened, but also ruin the cutlery.
Coarse abrasive
Coarse-grained spraying on the sharpener is used to restore "spoiled" knives. Often, a strong mechanical impact negatively affects the texture of the blade, forming serrated edges. For example, when opening a tin can with a knife or cutting bones while cooking. In this case, a large abrasive grinds all the irregularities. Unfortunately, this coating is not suitable for systematic sharpening of the device - it quickly wears down the metal and changes the relief of the blade.
Medium abrasive
The medium grit finish is the most versatile. Such a device can not only effectively sharpen the tool, but also smooth out small irregularities, slightly increasing the sharpening time. Diamond grit of medium caliber does not leave deep scratches and does not spoil the aesthetic appearance of products. This type of spraying is ideal for sharpening blades no more than 0.5 millimeters, since the edges of the point of wider products will not only not be processed, but will also damage the sharpener itself.
Fine abrasive
At home, a fine-grained abrasive is practically not used - a coating of this type is intended only for grinding and polishing small scratches, or sharpening a small manicure tool. Most manufacturers use a fine abrasive as an additional attachment on the whetstone.
How to sharpen knives with a knife sharpener?
To learn how to properly sharpen instruments with a knife, you need to know the degree of "unsuitability" of the tool. If the knife is slightly dull, you can walk several times on the surface of the tip with a medium abrasive bar. Please note that the blade should be at the most acute angle to the surface of the sharpener. Otherwise, you can ruin the knife by dulling the main edge of the metal.
Heavily blunt instruments require more careful restoration. As a rule, in most cases, the edge of the tip is no longer visible and you have to sharpen everything again. First you need to walk along the edge of the knife with a coarse-grained abrasive, setting the desired shape. Then we grind with medium or fine sharpening.
Rating of knife sharpeners for kitchen knives
Knife sharpeners are as much in demand today as cutlery itself. The cost and quality of the steel used in knives has increased markedly, and therefore the requirements for processing tools have increased. We present you a rating of the most effective and high-quality knife sharpeners.
Sharpener "Swifty Sharp"
Manufacturers of the Swifty Sharp electric knife sharpener are betting on consumer demand among housewives. The compact device has not only a bright design, but also detailed instructions for use, which anyone can figure out. This model has 5 holes for different blade widths, as well as a “bonus” attachment for scissors. The price of the Sweet Shape foot sharpener is quite affordable - from 800 rubles.
Sharpener «Ruixin»
The Chinese manufacturer of knife sharpeners Ruixin (Riksin) has created a device for processing blades using abrasive plates that looks like a carpenter's vise. The tool is attached to the countertop and is fixed with a seal. This is done so that you can freely sharpen knives without injuring your other hand or picking up the wrong angle of inclination. But, despite this advantage, "Riksin" is not in high consumer demand. It's all about the long assembly of the sharpener before processing the knife. All elements of the fixture are removable and require a certain time to be installed on the kitchen surface. The cost of the Chinese sharpener "Riksin" - from 1200 rubles.
Sharpener Fiskars
The Fiskars automatic sharpener is a ceramic stone enclosed in a modern design. The tool is a bar with a plastic body with a hole for the blade. The upper part of the sharpening is covered with a special fiber to prevent hands from slipping during operation. This model of sharpener is universal and suitable for processing garden or construction tools. To use, just insert the tip of the blade into the hole and press the button. 1-2 minutes is enough to restore the cutting properties of a kitchen knife. The sharpener of this manufacturer is completely collapsible, which greatly facilitates the cleaning process. The price of the automatic gadget "Fiskas" - from 750 rubles.
Sharpener "Nakatomi"
The Japanese knife sharpener "Nakatomi" (Nakatomi) has an electric drive and a two-stage sharpening of the blade. One hole of the device is intended for "rough" shaping of edges, the second - for grinding the surface. The machine works almost silently, but, thanks to its high power, sharpens the knife as quickly as possible. "Nakatomi" is in particular demand in catering industries where fast processing of blades is required in a short time. For home use, this device is also convenient, but due to the high cost, it is not in demand. The minimum price for a Japanese knife sharpener is from 2500 rubles, which is much higher than the Chinese counterpart "Riksin".
Sharpener "Apollo"
Apollo knife sharpeners are the most budget-friendly option for kitchen accessories. The device consists of diamond-silicon discs mounted in a plastic handle. Sharpening is suitable for any blade width and household scissors. To process the knife, it is necessary to place the tip between the plates and, with slight pressure, draw it in one direction several times. Of the advantages of Apollo, it is worth noting the low injury risk and ease of use. But, unfortunately, this gadget is only suitable for maintaining the sharpness of knives, since diamond blades are not able to perform more effective sharpening. Sharpener for kitchen tools "Apollo" can be purchased for only 150-250 rubles.
Knife "Smile"
Another representative of the electric cutlery company "Smile" (Smile) is especially popular in the Russian market of household appliances. The device has two types of holes for different models of knives, each of which contains 4 medium-grained diamond plates. The device, when sharpening the point, automatically determines the angle of inclination of the abrasive and perfectly sharpens the blade.
Despite these advantages, "Smile" has minor disadvantages. The device is quite voluminous in size, so in small kitchens it will be quite out of place. Please note that this knife sharpener is quite noisy, although it processes the blade in a short time. The cost of the device is from 2200 rubles.
Knife "Mistress"
The Russian sharpener for knives "Hostess", according to technical characteristics, is not much different from the previous representative of the company "Smile". But there are much more additional “gadgets” in this tool. For example, the noise level when working with a sharpener is much lower. The "hostess" is also equipped with containers for collecting metal shavings, which can be easily removed and washed even in hot water. Suction cups located on the bottom of the device allow you to securely fix the device on any surface. The price for foot sharpening of this brand is from 3000 rubles.
If you do not have the proper skill in sharpening knives with manual sharpeners, we recommend using only automatic ones. Or go to a workshop that specializes in cutting blades. Otherwise, you may damage the knife by leaving irreparable nicks on the edge.
A knife sharpener is one of the essential items in any kitchen. If you do not need to sharpen centuries-old samurai cliques, and there is no need to sharpen the edge to the level of a scalpel. And all that is required is a device that can quickly bring ordinary kitchen knives to an acceptable state. Then you need to choose the sharpener correctly, because each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be discussed.
The difference between sharpening and straightening
All sharpeners are divided into two categories, for sharpening, and for straightening a knife blade. All of them are designed for different applications.
Sharpening means by itself, cutting off the metal on the blade of the knife, to create the edge of the blade, due to which, its general shape is given. Editing (musat, abrasive and ceramic stones, sharpeners with additional ruling plates) does not cut off the metal on the blade, editing only changes the angle of the cutting edge, simultaneously leveling everything, even irregularities that are invisible to the eye, chips, dents and other micro defects.
This process can be compared to the processing of a wooden block with sandpaper. First, a large grain comes into play (sharpening), we give the desired shape and cut off excess bulges, but the bar turns out to be covered in scratches and roughness, and then, we process it with fine grain (we correct), due to which, the bar becomes smooth and absolutely even. Therefore, both devices have the maximum effect, working in tandem.
Types of sharpeners
Mechanical sharpeners
Classic with table stop- the best option for any kitchen, small size, blade guide groove and factory-set optimal sharpening angle, allowing you to quickly bring any kitchen knife to working condition, without any skills and tricks! It can have up to three sharpening zones - coarse, dressing and one-sided for scissors. The safety of such a device is also at the proper level, the handle is located at a sufficient distance from the gutter, due to which there is practically no risk of injury. The price range will certainly please the eye, they are very inexpensive.
Of the minuses, one can note the time that sharpening lasts, the knife becomes dull rather quickly, but due to the speed of the sharpening process, you can quickly sharpen a kitchen device at least every day. If you sharpen on the primary zone, and then process on the ruling one, sharpening will last much longer and the knife will be sharper. Also, a minor disadvantage will be the inability to achieve perfect sharpening - you will not be able to cut the hair on the fly (there are other sharpeners for this purpose), but for everyday kitchen needs, it is quite enough.
Sharpener brass knuckles- wears on hand, is very cheap. Sharpeners of this kind do not live long, it is very inconvenient and a little dangerous to use them, sharpening is not enough for a long time. According to its parameters, the brass knuckles sharpener loses on all counts, the classic sharpener with a desktop stop. However, the extremely low cost makes it appropriate to use it in places where there is a chance of loss - for example, in the country.
vacuum sharpener- a new trend of recent years, in most cases it has one (two in more expensive models) sharpening zones, which is inferior to a sharpener with a desktop stop. However, its peculiarity is in the vacuum suction cup at the bottom, which allows you to fix the sharpener on the table to always keep your hands safe at the time of sharpening. Sharpening with a vacuum sharpener for one zone does not last long, with two, an order of magnitude longer. A vacuum sharpener will also be a great option for any kitchen. Devices of this type have a low cost.
Sharpener with knife attachment- such sharpeners are a whole set of tools, and a kitchen option, you can call it a very big stretch. The knife is clamped between two special fastening strips, sharpening is performed through the hole at a certain angle. A stone with a large grain changes to a stone with a fine one, and then even finer, so sharpening is carried out strictly at a set angle, to a state of perfect sharpness. Naturally, you can stop at the middle stone and not bring the knife to a razor state. This method of sharpening requires a lot of time and some skill, besides, the price of the set is very high. But as a gift to a beloved man, under the promise of ever-sharp knives in the house, a great option. In addition to kitchen knives, he will be able to keep all his hunting and outdoor knives in perfect condition.
Electric sharpeners
Small portable electric sharpeners make sharpening a knife as easy as possible. No additional knowledge or skills are required if you follow the instructions. Sharpening with electric sharpeners is very simple, sharpening lasts quite a long time, but we must not lose sight of the high cost of the device. A significant drawback will be excessive grinding of the knife, compared with manual and mechanical options. Despite marketing beliefs, sharpening a samurai sword with an electric sharpener cannot be achieved, but such sharpness is not needed in the kitchen. Safety in use is very high, it is extremely difficult to injure your hand. An electric sharpener is a great option to get all the knives in your kitchen up and running in minutes.
Fully manual
whetstones- familiar to everyone whetstones, of various shapes and degrees of graininess. The stones do their job well, but they require considerable skill (after all, the angle at which it is necessary to sharpen will have to be determined by eye), as well as choosing the right grain size for the stone. Coarse grain is intended for knives with a high margin of safety or complete regrinding of the knife, and too fine grain is suitable only for regrinding, after processing with a primary sharpener. Therefore, you need to choose the stone correctly, and it will not work with all the knives in the house.
There is also no question of safety, you need to be extremely careful, since there is no protection for the hand. The cost varies from the price for a loaf of bread, the most common cheap stone, in any hardware store, to very expensive (akin to the price of an electric sharpener), for water, oil, diamond, etc. professional stones.
Sharpener with fixed rods- sharpening rods are located at an angle of twenty and twenty-five degrees. The knife must be driven vertically evenly, which makes the task somewhat easier than with stones. But still, according to experts, such sharpeners are suitable for straightening a knife. With a completely blunt, such a device copes very poorly.
Musat- is not a sharpener, it is an edge-cutting tool. That is, at first, the knife is sharpened, and then it is sharpened with musat to achieve greater sharpness and time that the sharpening will hold. Musat also has an appropriate application for the kitchen. When the knife is slightly dull, you can trim the edge with a musat, and it will become sharp again. And most importantly, musat does not cut metal from the knife, which significantly increases its service life. It will not be possible to use musat alone; from time to time, the knife still needs to be fully processed with a sharpener. In many restaurants, the chef sharpens his expensive branded knife with musat while cooking, up to a hundred times a day. Because the process takes a matter of seconds. It is enough to spend only 3-4 times, on each side of the blade.
That's all, I wish you pleasant shopping and sharp knives at home 🙂