Manual vs. electric knife sharpeners

There are many knife sharpeners on the market today. Experts say that manual models -- such as the rod systems, slot styles and water stones reviewed in this report -- are well worth considering, particularly if you want to exercise a great deal of control over the process and want to sharpen a wide variety of blades. That said, they can be more difficult to use than electric sharpeners.

One type of manual sharpener, rod systems, fit ceramic rods into a base at preset angles to guide the sharpening process. Users pull the knife in strokes against one rod and then the other. Some rod-type manual sharpening systems, such as the Spyderco 204MF Tri-Angle Sharpmaker System (*Est. $50), are designed for both straight and serrated blades. Rod systems are also good for sharpening shorter knives that might have a hard time fitting into other sharpeners. Like all manual sharpeners, there's a learning curve.

Slotted sharpening systems, another manual option, use "fingers" (interlaced metal strips) or wheels that come together at the proper sharpening angle to create a V. Users then draw the knife through the slot to sharpen it. While this style is very easy to use, it has limited control and often can be used only on straight blades.

Lastly, flat water stones must be kept wet and they can be a bit messy. Although experts such as Pete Thibodeau of the Los Angeles Times and Chad Ward of eGullet.org say acquiring the skill to use a flat water stone takes practice -- especially learning how to maintain a constant angle -- they add that the process is rewarding and produces unusually fine edges. Water stones are recommended for enthusiasts with highly prized knives, particularly sushi-style or other thin-bladed Japanese knives.

Electric knife sharpeners, on the other hand, may offer less control, but they're quick and easy to use. The best of these products remove metal gently while delivering razor-sharp edges. Most electric knife sharpeners have two or three slots, each of which cuts the knife edge at a different angle to gradually refine the edge. Some electric knife sharpeners can handle both straight and serrated blades.

Other things to know:

  • Consider your needs. Although serrated (scalloped-edge) knives degrade more slowly than straight-edge ones, they will eventually need to be sharpened. If your serrated knife sees heavy use, buy a sharpener that can handle these blades.
  • Manual or electric? Manual sharpeners are a good choice for those who want to sharpen more than just kitchen knives, or for those who enjoy the ability to really fine-tune the sharpening process. Electric sharpeners are much faster and a good choice if your main need is keeping your kitchen knives sharp.
  • Manual sharpeners are compact; electric models are bulkier. Compact designs can be handy since they can easily sit on a kitchen counter or fit in a drawer. Electric models are larger.
  • Consider time and control. Think about how much time you want to put into sharpening, and ponder your desired level of control. For instance, many reviews rave that water stones deliver beautifully polished edges, but using them takes a steady hand and plenty of practice.

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