Knife sharpener

[LMichaels]

It has the markings mine has from 2019, yet the photos on Amazon are different. I would be left wondering if there could be a possibility of improvements on the newer-built ones, but it could go either way I suppose.

It may depend on whether you would be okay buying it without a return option, or would rather pay another $53 from Amazon and be able to return it. Though I'm not very familiar with Ebay - perhaps they have return options too.

Yeah no return options. There seem to be a few just like this one claiming "unused open box" Kinda torn

 

[Mark_E]

There are a number of threads on this topic.

Google Search

Here is the thread from two and a half years ago. I suggest reading through and paying close attention to Ed P's posts.

Thread 'Rehash on knife sharpener'

Dec 28, 2022

So oldest daughter has indicated she wants a knife sharpener for Christmas (don't ask about late request it's the way it works with us sometimes). I know we hashed a lot of this out before. I know a Worksharp KO would be the "ticket" but I can't afford that for her (spoiled the younger one too much lately (another don't ask but let's just say it's gone WELL into the many hundreds with that one), anyway I thought someone had posted about a reasonable one from Presto (about $60) that did a great job. But all the searching on forums I did could not find it. So I need to know if anyone has...

• LMichaels
• Replies: 60
• Forum: Kitchen Equipment & Gadgets

 

[Ed P]

Project Farm has reviews of knife sharpeners. This one is from 2023.

 

[LMichaels]

So I got a lead on this one (offer sent by seller) for $75+shipping. https://www.ebay.com/itm/405765014802 Not sure if it's worth jumping on. Gives me an opportunity to get into one for not too much skin in the game.
Oddly I did buy that Worksharp for my daughter and to this day it's still in the box as she got it. Neither her nor SIL have tried it out.
Going back to the Chefs Choice product I see another one I may be able to snag for about $40 but it's the older version with the colorful graphic on it. Was there much if any difference between the newest and that one? Both carry same model designation

 

[Mark_E]

I just made this amateur vid a few mins ago in an attempt to prove that honing is all you need to do the vast majority of the time when you find yourself with a dull knife. Includes the tomato test. Instead of using a steel to hone, I'm using a KAI device which is designed for 15 degrees.

 

[LMichaels]

I just made this amateur vid a few mins ago in an attempt to prove that honing is all you need to do the vast majority of the time when you find yourself with a dull knife. Includes the tomato test. Instead of using a steel to hone, I'm using a KAI device which is designed for 15 degrees.

I hone mine like every other time I use. But, the edges on mine are truly worn down and many of my knives are begging to be sharpened. I just put an offer in on a new Chefs Choice VI hopefully it can come together. I had a couple other sellers send me offers on them, but I offered on the one being sold in IL rather than all the way across the country.

 

[Ed P]

I hone mine like every other time I use. But, the edges on mine are truly worn down and many of my knives are begging to be sharpened. I just put an offer in on a new Chefs Choice VI hopefully it can come together. I had a couple other sellers send me offers on them, but I offered on the one being sold in IL rather than all the way across the country.

In my view, a guided sharpening system is the way to achieve an accurate baseline edge. I started with a Lansky, based on the Project Farm review and because it was a cheap system to get into. I found an open source 3D printed guided sharpening system that could make use of the Lansky stones, printed that out and the results have been superb. I sharpened all my scissors and knives in 2022 and have not used the sharpener since, merely honing the knives in the interim. I've had knives that had to be replaced after 20 years of grinding with the Chef's, but so it goes...nothing lasts forever.



Truth be told, we still use the knife, but less often than its replacement. Our Rada bread slicing knife is in worse shape because of the longer, straighter blade, but I don't have a picture handy. Electric grinders are good at creating a wavy edge over time (see above picture) and a guided system will likely struggle with that. It is better to start fresh if a guided system is the path you choose.

Going forward, I stay away from serrated blades because of the difficulty of sharpening them correctly. I have to be cautious with sharp blades for the sake of my loved ones, so I always strive for sharp enough. These have been an inexpensive yet very good and easily sharpened set of steak knives for us. I have no complaints.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GIBKCK8?tag=tvwb-20

Because of the gentle sweep of the blade, these knives are easily sharpened with a guided system (if or when needed) while new. Over time, with an electric grinder, maybe not so much. Unlike the Rada, there is no heel to deal with, which is my preference.

Always remember that a keener edge dulls faster, so you might be better off with a 15deg grind and a 20deg hone. That is what works for me.