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Best knife sharpeners 2024: manual and electric tools for sharpening and honing
An easy-to-use and effective knife sharpener will transform your cooking skills. From compact and budget-friendly tools to diamond-studded honing steels, here’s our pick of the best knife sharpeners.
By Gemma Lumley | Last updated Apr 17, 2024
A good knife sharpener will bring out the best in your knives and help you create delicious meals for your family effortlessly. It should be sturdy, offer excellent value for money and create a razor-sharp edge in moments.
Chopping root veg for roasting, carving a fragrant leg of lamb and cutting into a ripe tomato: all these culinary tasks require a super-sharp blade, and after just a few weeks, your knives won’t cut it without regular honing and sharpening. When a kitchen knife goes blunt, slicing and dicing becomes hard work, so using the right sharpener can help you quickly move on from food prep to cooking in your frying pan, wok or saucepan.
After extensively researching the views of domestic technology experts, professional chefs and verified consumer reviewers, plus seeking the recommendations of our trusty Mumsnet users, we have found the best knife sharpeners for longevity, simplicity of use and ease of storage.
We thought carefully about each sharpener’s ergonomics, durability and the variety of knives they could tackle. The best knife sharpener should become a trusted ally in the kitchen, and we think you’ll be thrilled by our tried-and-tested suggestions.
Best knife sharpener: our top picks
Best overall: AnySharp Knife Sharpener, £11
Best budget: Longzon Knife 4-Stage Manual Sharpener, £13
Best for ease of use: Robert Welch Hand-Held Knife Sharpener, £28
Best for kitchen knives: Global Shinkansen ‘Water’ Sharpener, £33
Best sharpening stone: KEENBEST Sharpening Stone Set, £38
Best electric: Chef’s Choice Twin Rotary Sharpener, £140
Best for space saving: Joseph Joseph Rota Sharpener, £17
Best for Japanese knives: MinoSharp Shinkansen Sharpener, £50
Best handheld: Wüsthof 2-Stage Hand-Held Knife Sharpener, £19
Best honing steel: Sharpal Diamond Knife Honing Steel, £20
1. Best overall knife sharpener: AnySharp Knife Sharpener
Price on writing: £11 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld and sticks to the counter | Type: Manual
What we like
Great value
Easy to use
Simple and effective sharpening
What we don’t like
The grip only holds in place on completely flat surfaces
Can’t be used with single-edged knives
What Mumsnet users say
“Spend £10 on an AnySharp and you can use your existing knives. It really is brilliant! Cheap, easy to use, a game changer!!” (Tried and tested by WhoNeedsSleepNotISaidMyBody)
Our verdict
For just £11, you really can’t beat The AnySharp Knife Sharpener. It’s praised time and time again on the Mumsnet forums and it boldly boasts the title of the ‘World's Best Knife Sharpener’. It’s brilliant value, is super easy to use and versatile; it even sharpens awkward serrated knives.
This clever gadget comes in various colours, so if you want to keep it conveniently out on your countertop, there’s one that will match your kitchen. It is also compact enough to tuck neatly away in a cupboard.
The AnySharp is a simple manual sharpener; however, it can also be operated one-handed as it has suction cups underneath, providing a solid grip on a flat surface. With this compact tool, your knives will soon be looking their finest, all ready for use on your best chopping board. Just be aware that it doesn’t work for single-edged knives, however.
2. Best budget knife sharpener: Longzon Knife 4-Stage Manual Sharpener
Price on writing: £13 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld and non-slip base | Type: Manual
What we like
Versatile
Excellent value
Easy to use
What we don’t like
The non-slip grip only works on a flat surface
Not suitable for serrated or butcher's knives
Our verdict
The Longzon Four-Stage Manual Knife and Scissor Sharpener is an excellent price considering its versatility. It is ergonomically designed for simple and comfortable use and has a protective glove for extra safety.
The sharpening wheels are high quality and durable, so they should last at least three years of regular use. With fine, medium and coarse textured wheels, this hard-working kitchen tool sharpens most kinds of knives, and there’s a separate wheel that will tackle the blades of your scissors.
We like the size and shape of this sharpener. It is small enough to pop in a drawer but big enough to get a proper hold of it as you sharpen. It also has a non-slip base, so it won’t slide around, leaving you free to get the perfect sharpening angle.
Related: For more budget-friendly kitchen tools, we’ve also rounded up the best can openers
3. Best easy-to-use knife sharpener: Robert Welch Hand-Held Knife Sharpener
Price on writing: £28 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Both | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
10-year guarantee
Easy to use
Stylish design
What we don’t like
Expensive
Our verdict
The Robert Welsh Hand-Held Knife Sharpener is a joy to use. It has a simple design that can tackle a wide range of knives, the rubber base makes it feel super sturdy on the worktop, and the clever design means your knife is automatically at the correct angle.
We love the look of this stylish sharpener; it would look great on display in a modern kitchen. However, if you prefer the minimalist look, it’s small and sleek enough to sit in the drawer next to your cutlery set. It also has a gentle sharpening action, so you won’t accidentally damage your knives.
It is at the pricier end of the scale for a manual sharpener; however, the quality and simplicity make it worth the investment. You can buy replacement sharpening wheels, but consumers report that the originals last over two years of frequent use.
4. Best kitchen knife sharpener: Global Shinkansen ‘Water’ Sharpener
Price on writing: £33 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
Quick and easy to use
Ergonomic handle
Replacement sharpening wheels available
What we don’t like
Expensive
Not suitable for serrated knives
What Mumsnet users say
“I have various Global knives and this sharpener. I lost my first sharpener like this when I moved house. Tried the other cheaper options mentioned, then eventually bought another water sharpener.” (Recommended by MirandaMarple)
Our verdict
The Global Shinkansen Water Sharpener is perfect for keeping Japanese knives sharp and polished. The optimum angle for Asian knife ware is achieved simply by placing them against the rugged ceramic sharpening wheels.
Before use, the Shinkansen must be soaked in water for a few minutes. This ensures a fast yet gentle sharpening process. There are two grades of coarseness, medium and coarse, so it will work magic on even the bluntest of knives.
We're also impressed with the sharply curved handle, which feels comfortable to hold, feels sturdy and provides maximum control. While it may be pricey, so too are Japanese knives, so paying for their maintenance to keep them in tip-top condition is essential.
5. Best knife sharpening stone: KEENBEST Sharpening Stone Set
Price on writing: £38 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
Traditional method of sharpening
Versatile - work with tools as well as knives
Would make a great gift
What we don’t like
Takes time and effort to learn how to use it
Pricey
What Mumsnet users say
“As for sharpening, a whetstone is the best way. It only needs to be done once or twice a year.” (Type of sharpening method suggested by toastofthetown)
Our verdict
Whetstones are the best knife sharpening system for people who love traditional craftsmanship and have the patience to learn new skills. The KEENBEST Sharpening Stone Set is an excellent option for those new to whetstones. It would also make a fantastic gift for foodies.
This great value set includes a sharpening stone, a polishing stone, a sturdy bamboo stand, an angle guide and a leather strop — basically, everything you need to learn this ancient process. Reviewers report that using these stones is complicated but deeply satisfying.
In addition to Asian and Western-style knives, the KEENBEST whetstones will sharpen garden tools and scissors. This high-quality set will last for many years and comes in a compact and easy-to-store package.
Related: The best kitchen scales for ultimate precision
6. Best electric knife sharpener: Chef’s Choice Twin Rotary Sharpener
Price on writing: £140 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Both | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Electric
What we like
Quick and easy to use
Works well with serrated knives
Sharpens as well as polishes
What we don’t like
Expensive
Our verdict
The Chef’s Choice Twin Rotary Electric Knife Sharpener is a multi-tasking marvel. It sharpens straight, serrated knives and then polishes them for a pristine edge. With this clever machine in your kitchen, all your knives will easily pass the tomato test.
There’s no doubt that this is an expensive machine, but it’s worth the extra spend. Consumer reviewers report that it will sharpen blunt knives in less than five minutes; you have to listen for the change in tone to know the process is complete.
The Chef’s Choice has a powerful motor and diamond grinding wheels, so sharpening is effortless. It is also remarkably gentle with more delicate knives. So your whole collection, from the cheap supermarket paring knife to your Japanese chef’s knife, will be looked after.
7. Best space-saving knife sharpener: Joseph Joseph Rota Sharpener
Price on writing: £17 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
Great value
Compact
Easy to use
What we don’t like
Not suitable for large knives
Our verdict
The Joseph Joseph Rota Sharpener is a super compact knife sharpener that will tuck neatly into the smallest corner of a packed cutlery drawer along with your knives and spatulas, so it’s ideal if space is at a premium or it’s only for occasional use.
Despite its size, it does its job very well; the coarse and fine sharpening wheels tackle kitchen knives effortlessly. It also sharpens quickly and has non-slip feet for maximum control.
Joseph Joseph has developed a stylish and simple-to-use fold-away sharpener for an excellent price, which can tackle most knives apart from large ones. We think it would make a fantastic gift for the enthusiastic chef in your life.
8. Best knife sharpener for Japanese knives: MinoSharp Shinkansen Sharpener
Price on writing: £50 | Buy now from John Lewis
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Sharpening | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
Simple to use
High-quality construction
Stylish design
What we don’t like
Expensive
What Mumsnet users say
“You don't really need a set of knives, just one or two. Maybe a chef’s knife and a utility knife. I have three Global knives, and sharpen them after every use [using this].” (Tried and tested by SheSaysShush)
Our verdict
The MinoSharp Shinkansen Knife Sharpener was designed specifically to work with high-end Global knives. The water sharpener method is effective and powerful without the risk of cutlery damage, which is especially important when you're working with pricey knives.
This stylish sharpener is small, so it is easy to store, and it looks and feels as though it has been expertly constructed and will last for years.
The MinoSharp is expensive; however, it is worth the cost. Reviewers were also delighted with the transformation they saw and felt in their knives after using it.
Related: Discover the best baking trays according to Mumsnetters
9. Best handheld knife sharpener: Wüsthof 2-Stage Hand-Held Knife Sharpener
Price on writing: £19 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Both | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
Versatile - coarse and fine wheels
Large handle for a sturdy grip
Lifetime guarantee
What we don’t like
Chunky design
Our verdict
The Wüsthof Two-Stage Hand-Held Sharpener has two ceramic wheels, a coarse one that sharpens blades and a fine one for honing. This is all you will need to keep your knives pristine.
Reviewers were impressed with the ease of use and ergonomic design. The large handle and anti-slip base mean complete control and stability can be achieved, essential features for safety. In addition, the V-shaped grooves make placing your knife at the perfect sharpening angle effortless.
This fantastic sharpener is robust and durable, but as with most knife sharpeners, the ceramic wheels may need replacing every few years. Luckily, they are easy to purchase directly from Wüsthof.
10. Best honing steel: Sharpal Diamond Knife Honing Steel
Price on writing: £20 | Buy now from Amazon
Key specs
Sharpening or honing?: Honing | Holding method: Handheld | Type: Manual
What we like
A traditional method of honing
Sturdy and ergonomic handle
A hanging hook, so it is always in reach
What we don’t like
It takes practice to get the honing angle right
Our verdict
The Sharpal Diamond Honing Steel is a traditional method of maintaining a knife blade; steels can be found in most professional kitchens. Honing is a skill that takes a little time and patience, but once mastered, it will transform the effectiveness of your knives.
This affordable steel is brilliant value; it is beautifully made, effective and has a handy hanging hook so it can be neatly stored close to your kitchen workspace. It also comes with a three-year guarantee.
If you have ceramic knives, you’ll know they are difficult to hone and will be thrilled with this product. The diamond-studded steel rod will tackle the edges of even the hardest of knives, too, so they'll always be ready to take on any meat or veg you prep for your roasting tin.
What’s the difference between honing a knife and sharpening it?
A sharp knife blade is achieved and maintained by combining two different processes, honing and sharpening.
Honing is what you will do most often; it maintains a blade that is already sharp by polishing the rough edge. If you do this regularly, the need to sharpen will be minimised to once or twice a year.
Sharpening is needed when the blade is blunt. You grind the blade against a coarse surface to remove some of the edge; this makes it sharp again. Sharpening can be done using a rough stone, wheel or plates.
How often should you sharpen your knives?
This depends on how often you use them and the style of cooking you’re doing. Ideally, it would be best if you honed the blade of your knife after every use, as this will mean you won’t have to sharpen it more than once or twice a year.
What are the different types of knife sharpener?
V-sharpeners
A basic handheld tool that will usually stick or grip to the work surface for ease of use. The 'V' refers to the shape created by a pair of plates or wheels that you manually pull the knife blade through. They are simple to operate and are usually quite cheap like the AnySharp, but you must only draw the blade one way and be gentle. It’s the type of sharpener you’re most likely to find in a standard family kitchen.
Electric sharpeners
These clever but pricey machines automatically spin the sharpening wheels, which you draw your knife blade through. It’s still important to get the angle right, but it should help you get the correct placement with markings. It might be a little nerve-wracking to use for the first time if you’re sharpening high-end Japanese knives though!
Whetstones
A stone block that needs to be wet to be effective. This is the most traditional and complicated way to sharpen knives, even very blunt ones. It's definitely worth brushing up on the technique before you dive in - this video is a good place to start.
Sharpening steel
A long stick of steel with a handle to grip. The method is quite tricky to pick up, so you may find a V-style better if you’re a sharpening novice. They're also not the best for expensive knives.
Honing steel
These look very similar to sharpening rods, but they are less coarse and reshape and polish the blade rather than sharpen it. A good quality honing steel should only remove a tiny amount of steel; however, getting the angle right is essential.
Can you sharpen ceramic knives?
Ceramic knives are crafted from zirconium oxide, which makes them lighter, sharper and more durable than their stainless steel counterparts. In addition, they don’t soak up food smells and won’t rust.
Ceramic blades are, however, difficult to sharpen; to do it effectively, you’ll need diamonds. The Sharpal Diamond Knife-Honing Steel is a great option for regular honing, but DIY sharpening can be tricky, so you may want to look into a professional sharpening service near you.
How to choose the best knife sharpener for you
Ease of use: Manual V and electric knife sharpeners are the easiest to use; they have guides to help you achieve the correct angle for optimum sharpening. Whetstones give you the most control; some find the process meditative and satisfying. However, it does take practice!
Versatility: Most home cooks will have a chef’s knife, a boning knife, a carving knife and a paring knife. The ideal knife sharpener should work well on all of them. Some sharpeners are also suitable for scissors and garden tools.
Effective sharpening: A genuinely sharp blade will easily glide through a ripe tomato. There should be no need for gentle pressure and a single knife stroke should so the trick. The entire blade must be equally sharp; depending on what you are cutting, you will use either the base, tip or the entire blade.
Budget: Our recommended knife sharpeners cost between £10 and £139. If you’re the proud owner of a set of elite Japanese blades, investing in the best knife sharpening you can afford will protect and maintain them for a lifetime of use.
How we chose our recommendations
Recommendations from real Mumsnet users
Mumsnet users love cooking for their families and friends and have lots of opinions on the best tools for the job. So, the first stop on our journey to find the best knife sharpeners was the Mumsnet user forums.
We sought out their trusted opinions, looked for feedback and sought out their recommendations. It was important for us to know what they rated and used in their own homes. We also took note of the products they felt could have been better value, were badly made and ineffective.
Expert opinions
Next, we scrutinised the reviews and feedback from trusted food technology industry experts. We want to be completely sure that the products we recommend are fit for purpose, so we focused on award-winning knife sharpeners and those that were well thought of by home economists, chefs and food writers.
Authentic consumer reviews
Finally, in our definitive list of the best knife sharpeners available in the UK, we investigated comprehensive customer reviews on retailer websites such as Amazon, John Lewis and Partners and Argos. We wanted to take into account a wide range of consumer experiences.
About the author
Gemma Lumley is a Content Writer on Mumsnet; she writes consumer, home and lifestyle articles and specialises in product round-ups and reviews.
With many years of experience as a content and copywriter for her family business Urban Media Publishing, Gemma has written articles and blogs on travel, the outdoor industry, parenting and finance.
Finding the products that will make the lives of parents easier is important to Gemma. She loves the research and detective work that goes into our best buy lists.
Gemma is a mum of two grown-up children, has two dogs and a tortoise. Alongside her writing, she spent many years as a home and travel expert and breastfeeding counsellor at a leading nursery retailer. Gemma is also a sensory analyst (chocolate taster!).
When she isn’t writing in-depth product reviews, Gemma loves to hike and enjoy the great outdoors.
Why you should trust us
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust, and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is really important to us, and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our recommendations. We write about products we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones our users recommend to their friends and family.
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