Basic Guide to Types of Knife Sharpeners

Sharpening Steel / Honing Steel

Despite the name, most sharpening steels on the market do not actually sharpen knives, they simply hone the knife blade. They come in a variety of cuts & styles to suit different purposes.

Sharpening Stone/Whetstone

Sharpening stones are most commonly used by professional chefs as they require certain skills to sharpen at the correct angle. The stones can made from a variety of materials, with some added with diamond abrasives for increased sharpening effect.

Handheld/portable Sharpener

The tiny size is one of the main advantages of handheld sharpener. For those cooking professionals on the road, this may be the right choice for you.

Electric Sharpeners

Thanks to technological advancement, now even a novice can sharpen knives without any knowledge. Electrical sharpeners can be battery powered or plugged into outlets to begin spinning the sharpening stone inside the device. User simply slides the knife into the slot and back out for perfect sharpening. They are becoming increasingly popular because they are simple to use.