KNIFE SHARPENERS & STEELS

Buy knife sharpeners for optimal kitchen knife care

Even the best knives lose their sharpness with everyday use. Instead of replacing a dull knife, simply restore its edge with a quality knife sharpener. There are various sharpening techniques and tools available, which we will introduce below. All models can be conveniently purchased online.

How can you tell that your knife needs sharpening?

A simple way to test the sharpness of a knife is to take a sheet of paper and hold it up in front of you. Try cutting the paper in half with the knife. If the cut is clean and precise, your knife is sharp. However, if the edges of the paper are torn or frayed, it's a clear sign that your knife needs sharpening. With regular use, knives naturally become dull over time, so keeping an eye on their sharpness is important for optimal performance.

What type of knife sharpener is best?

There are different techniques for sharpening your knife. In the following overview, we have summarized the options and advantages to different sharpener types.

1. The classic knife sharpener

This kitchen tool is found in many households because it is easy and safe to use. It has a handle where you can hold the pull-through knife sharpener. Thanks to a pre-set cutting angle, it is easier to manage than freehand sharpening and helps you get a good result every time. Many pull-through models are two-stage sharpeners that handle basic sharpening and hone the blade to help maintain its edge. The counter top version also has a suction feature, and its suction base supports safe one-handed operation on a flat surface.

2. Sharpening steel

The sharpening steel - or sharpening rod - restores the sharpness of the knife. To ensure that your good knives do not lose their sharpness you should regularly work them across a sharpening steel after use. This will prevent your knife from wearing out as quickly. A sharpening steel is made from high carbonized and hard chrome-plated steel. Whether meat, tomatoes, or pumpkins; your knife will be razor-sharp the next time you use it.

3. Whetstone

With a simple V-cut you can sharpen all knives with a whetstone. It is important that you find the right angle and use a whetstone with a fine grain. For a very sharp result, use a whetstone with a grain of 3000. Due to its very fine structure, all grooves, edges, and other damage are completely sanded off. The whetstone's high grain size also ensures that wear and tear to the blade during manual sharpening is protected as much as possible.

4. Knife sharpener with ceramic rollers

In particular, Japanese knives with a smooth blade get their original sharpness back with this knife sharpener. The sharpening angle is pre-set, so that the right position is already defined when the knife is sharpened. The integrated diamond roller is intended for basic grinding and the ceramic roller is used for regrinding.

Can every knife be sharpened with a knife sharpener?

In theory, you can sharpen all types of knife with a knife sharpener. The exception are knives with a serrated blade, which cannot be worked on a whetstone. Specialized manual tapered rods or professional services are needed for serrated blades.

How do you use the different kinds of knife sharpeners?

Using the different types of knife sharpeners requires specific techniques to achieve the best results while preserving your blades. Here's how to use the main kinds:

• Pull-through sharpeners: These are very easy to use and ideal for quick sharpening. Simply place the knife blade in the designated slot, usually with a guided angle to ensure consistent sharpening. Some countertop knife sharpeners can suction to flat surfaces for added stability. Pull the knife through the sharpener 15-20 times with gentle, even pressure. This method removes metal to create a new edge and is suitable for most kitchen knives.
• Sharpening steels (honing rods): Unlike sharpeners that remove metal, honing rods realign the knife's existing edge by straightening rolled micro-teeth. Use regularly between sharpenings to maintain sharpness. Hold the steel vertically and draw the blade down the rod at a 15-20 degree angle on each side, repeating several strokes. Some sharpening setups include cut-resistant gloves for extra safety and security during use.
• Whetstones: Preferred by enthusiasts and professionals, whetstones allow custom angles for sharpening and provide high-performance edges. Soak the stone if required, then hold the knife at the correct angle (typically 15 degrees for Japanese knives and 20 degrees for Western knives). Glide the blade across the stone with moderate pressure, maintaining the angle, and repeat 15-20 times on each side. This method removes metal carefully to reshape the edge.
• Sharpeners with ceramic rollers: Ideal for Japanese knives with smooth blades, these sharpeners have preset angles. Use the diamond roller for basic grinding and the ceramic roller for fine honing.

Proper use of these tools helps maintain a stable, razor-sharp edge and prolongs the life of your knives. Always match the sharpener to your knife's geometry and use the appropriate technique to avoid damage.

Buy knife sharpeners from the ZWILLING online shop or in store.

With the right knife care, you can enjoy your kitchen knives for a long time while choosing the right product for your routine. Using a knife sharpener, sharpening steel or whetstone helps to ensure that your knives are always just the right sharpness you need for preparing your food.

Price-conscious shoppers can compare the right sharpener before purchase.

Browse online now and buy the right knife sharpener.