If you don’t have the knack for sharpening a knife by hand, an electric sharpener could be just what you need. (Chef’s Choice/)
Like swift feet, keen vision, and the gift of gab, some people are just born with the fine touch required to sharpen a knife by hand. Most others are not. It’s an art that requires a certain feel for developing the bevel, knocking off the burr, and honing to a razor edge. If knife sharpening just isn’t your thing, an electric sharpener offers instant blade repair, restoration, and maintenance than anyone can master. Here are a few types of electric sharpeners to consider, one of which will meet just about any sharpening need from knives to scissors and axes.
Kitchen Knives
A three-stage sharpener will give you the most control while repairing the edge of your knives. (Chef's Choice/)
Kitchen knife sharpeners are sort of in their own category, requiring enough horsepower to straighten neglected edges, remove chips and dings, and hone the edge without grinding away the entire blade. Multi-stage sharpeners are perfect for that high-dollar knife set, including both straight and serrated edges. A two-stage sharpener is adequate for most tasks, but a three-stage sharpener will give you even more control over the level of sharpening required for any given blade.
Sporting Knives and Tools
A belt-sharpener makes it easier to sharpen an edge at specific angles. (Work Sharp/)
Whether you are sharpening a pocketknife, a hatchet, or a two-bladed broadhead, a belt sharpener offers the greatest versatility. They'll handle the big tasks without overwhelming more delicate blades and have the added advantage of functioning either as a tabletop sharpener or being wielded like a hand tool.
Hybrid Sharpeners
A hybrid electric sharpener makes it easier to finesse a polished edge. (Chef's Choice/)
A hybrid electric-knife sharpener offers the best of both worlds, with one or more electric stages and a manual final stage. This allows you to easily remove material under power while finessing the polished edge in a fine-grit manual stage.