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The Best Knife Sharpener in Australia [2024 Reviews]

The Best Knife Sharpener in Australia [2024 Reviews]

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Knife Sharpeners can be the best way to keep your knives razor-sharp and make preparing food a breeze. 

However, with so many varied options on the market, it’s easy to get confused about which products are great and which are not so great.

To help with your selection process, we’ve rounded up the best knife sharpeners on the market in Australia.

After our knife sharpener reviews, we discuss the key things you’ll want to watch out for when choosing one to ensure you end up with the best product for your needs.


1. Global Ceramic Water Knife Sharpener (Top Pick)

Global 550/GB Ceramic Water Sharpener Knife Sharpener, Multicolored

If you have high-end kitchen knives then the Global ceramic water knife sharpener should be part of your collection too.

This sharpener offers three stages of sharpening and is recommended for Global knives as well as other brands.

This sharpener is very user-friendly. It has three ceramic wheels; coarse, medium and fine which work to sharpen a dull knife. The wheel compartment needs to be filled with water so your blade stays cool while it is being sharpened.

The plastic handle of the sharpener lets you easily grip it firmly and the rubber-like insert ensures it is comfortable to hold.


What We Like:

  • Safe and effective
  • User friendly
  • Uses water to keep the blade cool

What We Don’t Like:

  • Cannot be used without adding water

2. Chef’s Choice TRIZOR XV 15 Electric Knife Sharpener


This Trizor XV electric knife sharpener makes it incredibly easy to sharpen and improve the performance of your household knives.

For ultimate convenience in one package, this sharpener can be used for both straight and serrated blades.

The Chef ‘s Choice Trizor XV 15 is best for converting traditional 20 degree edges into high performance 15 degree edges.

The advanced spring guides make it easier to accurately control the sharpening angle.

This Chef ‘s Choice sharpener can be used on single bevel and double bevel knives and can sharpen all blade widths.

The 3-Stage EdgeSelect system provides versatility so you can create the perfect blade edge for every cutting task.


What We Like:

  • Versatile
  • Creates sharp 15-degree edges
  • Electric

What We Don’t Like:

  • High price

3. Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Sharpening Stone

Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 400/1000-Whetstone Knife Sharpener with Flattening Stone & NonSlip Rubber Base

This Sharp Pebble combines at Waterstone with a non slip base, a flattening stone and an ebook so you have everything you need to sharpen your knives in one useful kit.

The whetstone is dual sided, one side is Grit 400 for returning edges to their original shape and the other is Grit 1000 for sharpening and smoothing the blade edge. The flattening stone is perfect for levelling uneven surfaces.

This is a multipurpose sharpener that can be used on any dull blade whether it’s a chef knife, a pocket knife or a chisel this sharp pebble can handle it.

You don’t need to use honing oil when sharpening your blades as this is a waterstone.

If you’re unsure, the set comes with a knife sharpening guide to help you get started.


What We Like:

  • 3 sharpening tools in 1
  • 2 sided grit
  • Ideal for beginners

What We Don’t Like:

  • May be less effective on high end knives

4. Tromso Diamond Knife Sharpener


The Tromso Diamond Knife Sharpener is an inexpensive piece of kit perfect for sharpening the blades of steel knives. Blades can be honed weekly to keep them sharp and aligned.

The sharpening steel honing rod has an ergonomic handle to provide a comfortable grip that is easy to hold.

The stainless steel sharpening is studded with microscopic diamonds splinters and is suitable for honing stainless steel knives and cutlery.

This sharpener is 21cm long and is a must-have for the kitchen. It offers great value for money and is perfect for regular use.


What We Like:

  • Low cost
  • Suitable for honing stainless steel knives
  • Portable

What We Don’t Like:

  • Requires more care and skill to use safely

5. Adoric Knife Sharpener

Toplus Knife Sharpener - Professional Kitchen 3 Stage Knife Sharpener for Straight and Main Kitchen Knives, Diamond, Tungsten Steel and Ceramic Rod Helps Repair, Restore and Polish Blades

The Adoric knife sharpener is one of the best knife sharpeners you can get in terms of price and ease of use.

It has three slots for sharpening: a diamond rod for coarse sharpening, a tungsten steel blade for fine honing, and a ceramic rod for finishing. 

The body of the sharpener is solid and durable, so it can take a beating. One nice feature is the non-slip rubber grip on the bottom of the sharpener so it won’t move when you rest it on a table while sharpening. 

This is suitable for all types of kitchen knives, except serrated blades. You can resurrect a blunt knife fairly quickly or maintain a razor edge on an already sharp knife.  

If you’re looking for a reliable knife sharpener that is quick and easy to use, then this is the one. 


What We Like:

  • Very effective
  • Easy to use
  • Non-slip base 

What We Don’t Like:

  • Not for scissors or serrated blades

6. Chef’s Choice 312 Electric Knife Sharpener



Chef’sChoice 312 Diamond UltraHone Electric Knife Sharpener for Straight and Serrated Knives Diamond Abrasives Precision Angle Control Made in USA, 2-Stage, White (Discontinued by Manufacturer)


This product from Chef ’s Choice is one of the best electric knife sharpeners in Australia.

A typical kitchen knife comes with a 20-degree edge from the factory, but this device puts a 15-degree edge on a knife, making it super sharp. It also puts a triple bevel on the blade, giving it optimal strength and cutting power. 

This is a little expensive for a knife sharpener, but it turns ordinary kitchen knives into razor-sharp instruments that cut with ease. There is a slight learning curve to using this, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy and fun to use. 

This Chef ‘s Choice sharpener works with both straight-edge and serrated knives; the diamond abrasives work the blade to a fine edge in stage one and two, then a flexible abrasive strop finishes off the blade to give it a perfect edge. 

If you’re willing to spend the money, and you want the best, then you should definitely check out this electric sharpener.


What We Like:

  • Gives a razor-sharp edge
  • Easy to use
  • Works on straight-edge and serrated knives

What We Don’t Like:

  • Expensive

7. AnySharp Knife Sharpener


AnySharp ANYSHARP Knife Sharpener, Blue

The AnySharp knife sharpener is simple to use and takes a lot of the hassle out of sharpening. 

It has a suction cup on the bottom and can be easily attached to any surface by pulling the lever down. Sharpening just requires dragging a knife across the tungsten carbide head.

A heavy pull will sharpen up blunt knives and a light pull will put a razor edge on them. 

This is a great tool to keep in the kitchen so you can touch up your knives whenever you do some cooking.

It won’t give a knife a super sharp edge, but it does a more than adequate job for home cooking and it’s very convenient. 

Overall, this is a great, inexpensive tool that will keep your knives in good shape. 


What We Like:

  • Convenient
  • Easy to use
  • Strong suction cup holds it in place

What We Don’t Like:

  • May not sharpen as well as 2-stage sharpeners

8. BYETOO Kitchen Knife Sharpener


BYETOO Kitchen Knife Sharpener, Manual 3-Stage Knife Sharpening Tool,With Anti Slip Bas, Geramic Rod, Diamond Rod, Tungsten Steel Blade, Restore and Polish Blades, Safe and Easy to Use, for Straight Blade Kitchen Knives

The Byetoo kitchen knife sharpener is pretty reliable and is a good choice for the price.

It has three sharpening heads; a tungsten steel edge for rough grinding, a diamond rod for medium grinding, and a ceramic rod for putting the finishing touch on a blade. 

It does a very good job of sharpening and doesn’t take long for you to notice the difference it makes.

The overall unit is pretty solid and the base is non-slip with a rubber lining so it stays in place while you use it. 

This works like most three-stage sharpeners, but it’s a good buy for the price. It’s easy to use, easy to clean, and it can take a beating. 


What We Like:

  • Easy to use
  • Reliable
  • Inexpensive

What We Don’t Like:

  • Doesn’t work with serrated edges

9. CARVER MARVEL Kitchen Knife Sharpener

CARVER MARVEL Kitchen Knife Sharpener - Professional 3 Stage Kitchen Sharpener for Premium Knives, Sharpens and Polishes Knives in 30 Seconds

Here’s another three-stage sharpener that is very fast and easy to use. You just drag a knife through each sharpening head a few times and it’s done.

It may take longer for very blunt knives but it will still put a good edge on them in a relatively short time. 

The grip design is quite comfortable to use, and the base has rubber feet to prevent slipping. It has three sharpening heads: tungsten steel, diamond rod, and ceramic.

This does a great job, but it’s a little more expensive than other, similar sharpeners. It’s more comfortable to use, but you must decide if that’s worth the extra cost. 

Overall, this is a great sharpener that works fast and feels good in the hand.


What We Like:

  • Fast sharpening
  • Easy to use
  • Comfortable

What We Don’t Like:

  • Costs more than similar sharpeners

Knife Sharpener Buyer’s Guide


Sharp knives are one of the most useful tools in the kitchen. A good knife makes all the difference to meal prep but knives can become dull and blunt.

Rather than getting rid of your favourite knife and trying to find a replacement that will do the job just as well, invest in a knife sharpener that will restore your existing knife to its former glory.

There are lots of knife sharpeners on the market and this buying guide will help you find the best knife sharpener for your kitchen.

What Types Of Knives Are You Using?

When selecting a knife sharpener, first take a look at the knives you plan to sharpen.

The best knife sharpeners can handle a range of different knife types but some other sharpeners are very limited in their capabilities.

The sharpener should state what kind of knives it can be used with so take a look at the product description if you’re not sure.

An important example of this is serrated knives. Most sharpeners won’t work with serrated knives.

In fact, if you try to sharpen knives with serrated edges in an unsuitable sharpener you can actually damage the blade.

It is important to choose a knife sharpener that is designed specifically for serrated knives if this is the type of knife you will be sharpening.

Remember that manufacturers will clearly state whether the knife sharpener can be used with serrated blades so make sure you check before testing it on a dull knife.

Another example is ceramic blades. Some knife sharpeners will work with ceramic blades and some won’t, so always check the packaging. 

For very fine edged knives, like Japanese sushi knives, a standard knife sharpener won’t be suitable. In that case, a very fine whetstone is required, or they can be sharpened by a professional.

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Types of Knife Sharpeners

There is a range of knife sharpeners available including electric knife sharpeners, manual knife sharpeners, sharpening stones and honing steel rods.

Each type of sharpener has its own pros and cons.

Below we have summarised the main knife sharpening types so you can more easily find the best kitchen knife sharpener for you.

Manual Knife Sharpener

A manual sharpening system requires a lot more effort than an electric option. With a manual sharpener, you need to run the knife across the abrasive surface so that the blade edge sharpens.

This can be difficult and tiring, especially if you are not familiar with the sharpening process.

Despite the effort that goes into sharpening a knife with a manual sharpener, they are still incredibly easy to use and produce sharp knives every time.

A manual sharpener is often the best option for a household kitchen knife sharpener as it is low cost and lets you control exactly how sharp you want the knives to be.

Electric Sharpener

An electric sharpening system takes away most of the effort as the sharpener will provide the speed and movement needed to sharpening the knife edge.

This allows you to sharpen knives more quickly and all you need to do is hold the knife in the right position.

The best electric knife sharpener will be able to sharpen a kitchen knife in half the time of the other options making it ideal if you have lots of knives to sharpen on a regular basis.

Although highly efficient, the downside to an electric sharpener is the high price tag.

Due to the price, an electric knife sharpener is simply not an economical option for people who only occasionally need to sharpen their knives.

Manual knife sharpeners are considerably cheaper to buy and are just as effective.

Whetstone

Whetstones are rectangular stones that need water or oil to activate the sharpening surface.

Rather than carving out a new edge, a whetstone sharpens the existing blade edge.

A whetstone is a manual sharpener and you need to run the knife edge down the stone at the correct angle for it to be effective.

Sharpening with this manual sharpener can take several passes before the blade edge it has the desired effect.

A sharpening stone does not have any grooves or guides, it is literally a flat stone. This means it is not the best option for people who are not experienced with knives and knife sharpening.

Safely using a sharpening stone takes practice and patience.

Sharpening stones are often made from either Aluminium Oxide, Silicon Carbide or Novaculite.

The abrasive material grinds against the steel of the blade to remove any bluntness from dull knives. These stones are low cost, widely available and very effective.

However, they are not the best option for large knives or inexperienced users.

Honing Steel

Another option is honing steel. Honing steel is a long rod that helps keep a blade straight without chipping the metal. It is often used by professional chefs as it keeps the blade straight between sharpening.

It is important to note this rod does not actually sharpen the blade, it simply straightens it. A straight blade produces better slicing so makes it easier to cut with the knife.

When choosing between the types of knife sharpeners, consider how often you will be using the sharpener and whether your priority is ease of use or price.

Electric knife sharpeners are appealing but if you rarely sharpen knives and don’t want to spend too much money on a sharpener a manual knife sharpener will be the best option for you.

A whetstone is a good option, particularly for fine sharpening but it takes time and practice to master.

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Sharpening Systems

In addition to sharpening a knife by simply rubbing it against a sharpening stone or pulling it through a knife sharpener, there are other sharpening systems you will come across during your search.

2 – 3 stage knife sharpener

A 2 stage knife sharpener and 3 stage knife sharpener are both very similar, they are pull through sharpeners where you slot the knife in and pull it through.

A 3 stage sharpener has three different grit levels for fully sharpening a dull blade. The three different stage includes a polishing stone so you can get a high quality finish on the blade.

Ceramic wheel water sharpener

This is a sharpener that has a reservoir of water to help clean and cool the blade during sharpening.

The knife is manually pulled backwards and forwards through a ceramic wheel to sharpen. This is the best sharpening system for Japanese knives.

Grit

All knife sharpeners use grit, different types will use different levels of grit. Many manual and electric sharpeners have at least 2 grit options (coarse and fine).

You can usually expect a sharpening stone to be double-sided to give you the choice of 2 grit options too. The level of grit will impact how much metal is taken off when you sharpen a knife.

Different sharpening heads remove different amounts of metal from the knife’s edge, unlike honing where metal is reshaped instead of removed:

  • A coarse grit (a grit that is less than 1000) should be used on a damaged knife blade that has chips. A coarse grind removes the most metal and is good for dull knives to give them the right shape.
  • A medium grit (a grit that is 1000 – 3000) is best for use on dull knives that are undamaged. This grit level will help sharpen them. Medium grinding puts a sharp edge on the blade.
  • A fine grit (a grit that is 4000 – 8000) is best for refining a knife’s edge. It can be used in a similar way to a honing rod. Fine grinding brings the edge to razor sharpness.

Blade Angles

As a general rule, the greater the blade angle the more durable the blade is but the more you increase the angle the more sharpness you will lose. As you increase the sharpness you reduce the strength of the blade.

It is about finding that balance between strength and sharpness. Many kitchen knives are 20 degrees but some are 15 degrees. The degrees represents the angle on each side of the blade edge.

This degree angle guide will help you understand the most common degree angle edges so you can give your knives the best angle for your needs.

  • 12-18 degree – this edge angle creates an incredibly sharp but weaker blade that is good for fine slicing.
  • 18-25 degree – this is the most common edge angle range found on kitchen or chef’s knives. This small angle offers a balance between durability and sharpness.
  • 25-30 degrees – this is commonly found on utility knives and pocket knives. These types of blades are strong and capable of cutting in tough conditions.
  • 30-35 degrees – a 30 – 35 degree angle range is commonly found on blades used for chopping such as cleavers. They offer a lot of strength which can handle the force needed when chopping.

If you are deciding on the blade angle you want, remember that it is important to strike a balance between durability and sharpness.

Bevel Types

The bevel is the shape of the blade edge and this varies depending on the intended use of the knife.

Different types of knives have different bevels. Below are some of the most common bevel types to help you figure out what is best for your knives.

Chisel bevel – this is when one side of the blade is ground down and the other side remains flat. This is common in Asian knives and produces a very sharp edge. There are left handed and right handed varieties of the chisel bevel depending on what side the blade is worn down.

Convex bevel – this has an outwardly curving taper that is commonly seen on cleavers. To achieve this bevel requires a sharpening stone and a lot of skill.

Double bevel – this is the most popular bevel on western kitchen knives. This is strong, resilient and having a second bevel helps to improve cutting ability. A double bevel is not as sharp as other options but has its benefits.

Hollow bevel – this is a common shape for straight razors. It is when the bevel tapers inward to create a sharp blade edge. A hollow bevel tends to be very sharp but quite weak.

V bevel – this is similar to a flat bevel but it tapers around the middle of the blade. It is often found on kitchen knives as a V bevel is a lasting edge that is not quite as sharp as other options.

Size

A sharpening stone and a manual knife sharpener are usually small enough to fit inside a drawer. Electric sharpeners tend to be larger so if you have limited storage space be sure to check the dimensions before you buy the sharpener.

Convenience

Knife sharpeners are more convenient than a sharpening kit because the heads are set at the correct angle to give the knife a 20-degree edge. There is no guessing and very little skill required when using a knife sharpener. On the other hand, sharpening stones require water and room to work. There is also a lot of skill required.

Comfort

No matter which of the different types of sharpener you choose to use, it is important the sharpener is comfortable and safe to use.

If it has a handle, the handle should be ergonomic with a firm but comfortable grip so it is easy to hold. With a good grip you can keep the sharpener in position while you carefully sharpen a knife.

Remember that a sharpener works by the rubbing of the blade edge against an abrasive surface and it is often more effective if this is carried out at speed. You do not want to slip or make a mistake when you are sharpening a knife so make sure the sharpener comes with an appropriate grip and handle.

Price

A knife sharpener can cost anywhere from $10 to over $400 depending on the type and model chosen. The best knife sharpener doesn’t mean the most expensive knife sharpener.

Consider your use, requirements and budget and then find the best rated sharpener within your price range. If you are going to be using the sharpener frequently (e.g. weekly), it is best to choose a higher-end model as this will last longer and give you more use for your money.

Warranty

If you choose a more expensive sharpener such as an electric knife sharpener or a 3 stage knife sharpener, keep a look out for a 1 – 3 year warranty. The sharpener should be durable, long lasting and made from quality materials.

If the knife sharpener is covered by a warranty this can give you peace of mind that if something breaks or does not work as it should you can get the sharpener fixed or replaced at no additional cost. A 1 year warranty is common for knife sharpeners but you may also find longer periods of around 3 years.

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Knife Sharpener FAQs


Is An Electric or Manual Knife Sharpener Better?

Electric knife sharpeners are significantly more expensive than manual ones, but they give a perfect sharpening every time. They are easy to use as you just press a knife into it and let it do its thing. They work on both straight edge and serrated edge knives.
Manual sharpeners are simple to use but they can be a lot of effort to use if you have a lot of knives that need sharpening. They are not as fast as electric, but they are more than adequate if you only use one or two knives regularly.

How often do knives need to be sharpened?

This depends on the type of knife, how often it is used and what it is used for. As a general guideline, a stainless steel knife blade should be lightly sharpened every 3-4 uses. A softer blade should be honed after each use to keep it in good condition.




This article was written by Jennifer Blair

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