Last Updated on November 6, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
I’ve tested many knife sharpeners over the years. Some worked well. Others didn’t.
For this review, I bought all three sharpeners with my own money. I tested them on different knives in my kitchen. I used them for weeks.
I’m not a professional chef. I’m a home cook who wants sharp knives without spending hours on whetstones.
This guide shares what I learned from real use.
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: SHARPAL 198H Electric Knife Sharpener
- Works fast and quiet
- Easy for beginners
- Great results every time
- View Price on Amazon
Best Value: VIDOME RE009 Knife Sharpener
- Costs less than others
- Sharp edges in seconds
- Good for most home cooks
- View Price on Amazon
Best Professional Option: dskiley 3-Stage Electric Knife Sharpener
- Three stages for complete care
- Magnetic chip box
- Built to last
- View Price on Amazon
Why Diamond Abrasives Matter
Diamond is the hardest natural material on Earth. When you sharpen a knife, you’re grinding metal. Harder materials cut better.
I used to have a sharpener with ceramic wheels. It worked okay. But it took many passes to get results.
Diamond abrasives cut faster. They remove less metal from your blade. Your knives last longer.
All three sharpeners I tested use diamond wheels. That’s why I picked them.
How I Tested These Sharpeners
I didn’t just turn them on and write a review. I put them through real tests.
Here’s what I did:
Test 1: Dull Knife Recovery I took my oldest chef’s knife. It couldn’t cut a tomato without squashing it. I ran it through each sharpener and checked the results.
Test 2: Daily Maintenance I used my everyday knives. I sharpened them weekly with each model. I tracked how long edges stayed sharp.
Test 3: Different Knife Types I tested chef’s knives, paring knives, and serrated bread knives. Not all sharpeners handle every type well.
Test 4: Ease of Use I timed how long each sharpening took. I noted any problems or confusion.
Test 5: Cleanup After each session, I checked how messy it got. I timed cleanup.
I used the same knives across all tests. This kept things fair.
1. DSkiley Professional 3-Stage Electric Knife Sharpener
This was the first one I tested. It’s bigger than the others. It feels solid when you hold it.
Product Features
The dskiley sharpener has three stages. Stage one repairs very dull blades. Stage two does regular sharpening. Stage three polishes the edge.
It uses 100% diamond abrasives in all stages. The sharpening angle is set at 20 degrees. This works for most kitchen knives.
The unit weighs 2.4 pounds. It measures 12 inches long, 4.92 inches wide, and 4.8 inches tall.
A magnetic box on the bottom catches metal shavings. You can remove it for cleaning.
The body is made from carbon steel and plastic. It comes in black, silver, or a two-stage silver version.
What I Like
The three-stage system makes sense. When I sharpened my old chef’s knife, I started with stage one. The blade was really dull. Stage one brought it back to life.
Then I moved to stage two. This refined the edge. Finally, stage three polished it smooth.
The magnetic chip box is smart. Metal shavings stick to it. When I finished, I just pulled the box out and dumped it in the trash.
The fixed-angle splint guides your knife. I didn’t have to guess the right angle. The sharpener did that work for me.
It handled different knife sizes well. My big chef’s knife and small paring knife both fit.
Why It’s Better
Most electric sharpeners only have two stages. This one has three.
The polishing stage makes a difference. After using all three stages, my knife had a mirror-like edge. It looked professional.
The build quality impressed me. Some electric sharpeners feel cheap. This one doesn’t. The plastic is thick. The base is heavy enough that it doesn’t slide around.
The 20-degree angle is perfect for kitchen knives. Some sharpeners use 15 degrees. That’s too thin for daily cooking. The blade chips easier.
How It Performed
I started with my worst knife. The edge was rounded. It couldn’t cut paper cleanly.
I ran it through stage one five times. The wheel grabbed the blade well. I heard grinding but it wasn’t too loud.
After stage one, the knife could cut paper. But the edge felt rough.
Stage two took three passes. The edge got sharper. It cut through a tomato skin with no pressure.
Stage three needed two passes. The blade felt smooth now. No rough spots.
Total time: about 3 minutes for all stages.
The next day, I tested the knife on vegetables. It sliced carrots paper-thin. The edge held up through a full dinner prep.
One week later, the knife was still sharp. I only needed stage two to touch it up.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple. I unplug the sharpener first. Safety matters.
The magnetic chip box pulls out from the bottom. I dump the metal shavings into the trash. Then I wipe the box with a damp cloth.
The outside gets wiped down with a slightly damp towel. I don’t use much water. Electronics and water don’t mix.
The inside slots can collect some metal dust. I use a small brush to sweep it out. A cheap paintbrush works great.
Total cleanup time: 2 minutes.
Testing Results
Sharpness Score: 9/10 The three-stage system produces professional results.
Speed: 7/10 Takes longer than two-stage models because of the extra step. But results are worth it.
Ease of Use: 8/10 Very beginner-friendly. The angle guide helps a lot.
Durability: 9/10 Feels built to last. Heavy construction.
Value: 7/10 Costs more than budget options. You get what you pay for.
Overall Score: 8/10
2. VIDOME RE009 Diamond Abrasives Electric Knife Sharpener
This sharpener caught my eye because of the price. It costs less than half of some premium models.
Product Features
The VIDOME has two slots. The crude slot for dull blades. The fine slot for polishing.
It works with straight knives, serrated knives, and ceramic knives. That’s more versatile than most.
The motor uses German technology. It can run for over an hour without overheating. That’s important if you’re sharpening many knives at once.
It weighs 1.3 pounds. The dimensions are 9.46 inches long, 2.91 inches wide, and 2.76 inches tall. It’s the smallest of the three I tested.
Four anti-slip foot pads keep it steady. The center of gravity is low. This prevents tipping during use.
The color is bright green with gold lettering. It definitely stands out on a counter.
What I Like
The price is amazing. For the cost, I expected something cheap. But it feels solid in hand.
It handles ceramic knives. My other sharpeners can’t do that. I have one ceramic paring knife. It dulls over time like any knife. This sharpener brought it back.
The motor is strong. I sharpened five knives in a row. No slowdown. No overheating.
The compact size fits in my drawer. The other sharpeners need counter space.
Setup takes seconds. Plug it in and you’re ready.
Why It’s Better
For budget-conscious buyers, this is perfect. It does the job without fancy features you might not need.
The serrated knife capability is rare. Most electric sharpeners only do straight edges. I tested it on my bread knife. It worked.
The long run time matters for big families. If you have many knives to sharpen, you can do them all at once.
The design looks modern. Some sharpeners look like they’re from the 1990s. This one fits a contemporary kitchen.
How It Performed
I tested it on a moderately dull chef’s knife. Not my worst knife, but it needed work.
I started with the crude slot. The instructions say to angle the knife against the outer wall. I pulled it through 4 times.
The edge improved but wasn’t quite there yet.
I moved to the fine slot. Three passes through this one. Now the knife was sharp.
Total time: about 90 seconds.
The edge quality was good. Not quite as refined as the three-stage dskiley. But definitely usable for everyday cooking.
I tested it on my ceramic paring knife next. This was interesting. Ceramic is hard. The diamond wheels handled it fine. Four passes in each slot. The ceramic knife came out sharp.
My serrated bread knife was last. This was trickier. I had to angle it carefully. It took more passes than the straight knives. But it worked.
How I Clean It
The VIDOME doesn’t have a removable chip box. This is a downside.
Metal shavings fall around the base. I put newspaper under it during sharpening. This catches most debris.
After use, I unplug it. I use a brush to sweep out the slots. Metal dust collects there.
The outside wipes clean easily. The plastic surface doesn’t stain.
For deeper cleaning, I turn it upside down over the trash. I tap it gently. This gets out stuck shavings.
Total cleanup time: 3 minutes. A bit longer than the dskiley because of the missing chip box.
Testing Results
Sharpness Score: 7/10 Good results for daily use. Not quite professional level.
Speed: 9/10 The fastest of the three models I tested.
Ease of Use: 8/10 Simple and straightforward. Anyone can use it.
Durability: 7/10 Feels solid but lighter than others. Time will tell.
Value: 10/10 Amazing price for what you get.
Overall Score: 8/10
3. SHARPAL 198H Electric Knife Sharpener
This is my favorite. I saved it for last because I use it most often now.
Product Features
The SHARPAL has three slots like the dskiley. But it’s smaller and lighter. It weighs only 0.7 kilograms.
The grinding wheels use monocrystalline diamonds. This is the highest quality diamond type. They last longer than polycrystalline diamonds.
It also has pure ceramic wheels for polishing. The combination of diamond and ceramic produces excellent edges.
The sharpening angle is preset at 20 degrees. This works for kitchen knives and outdoor knives.
One special feature: it sharpens both sides of the blade at the same time. This saves time. It also ensures even sharpening.
The noise level is under 65 decibels. That’s quieter than most electric sharpeners.
A removable magnetic receptacle catches metal filings. Easy cleanup.
The unit has overheat protection. It won’t damage your blade’s temper.
What I Like
The simultaneous sharpening is brilliant. Most sharpeners do one side, then you flip the knife. This does both at once.
It’s so quiet. I can sharpen knives while others are in the kitchen. We can still have a conversation.
The white color looks clean. It matches my kitchen better than black models.
It’s light but stable. The base has good grip. It doesn’t slide even with light downward pressure.
The monocrystalline diamond wheels feel premium. The grinding is smooth and consistent.
Why It’s Better
The quality of the diamonds matters. Monocrystalline diamonds last longer. They cut more evenly.
I’ve used this sharpener for six weeks now. The wheels still work like new. Cheaper sharpeners can wear down faster.
The simultaneous sharpening feature isn’t just convenient. It’s better for your knife. Both sides get equal treatment. The edge stays centered on the blade.
The overheat protection is smart engineering. Some sharpeners can get hot. Heat can ruin the steel in your blade. This one monitors temperature.
The low noise is a game-changer. My old sharpener sounded like a dentist’s drill. This one hums quietly.
How It Performed
I tested it on the same dull chef’s knife I used for the others. This keeps the comparison fair.
I started with the coarse slot. Three passes. The wheel grabbed smoothly. No vibration.
The fine slot next. Two passes here. The edge was getting sharp now.
The polish slot finished it. One pass was enough. The blade had a perfect edge.
Total time: about 60 seconds. Faster than the dskiley because both sides sharpen at once.
The edge quality matched the dskiley. Maybe even slightly better. It was scary sharp.
I tested a paring knife next. Small knives can be tricky in electric sharpeners. The SHARPAL handled it perfectly.
My serrated bread knife was the tough test. The SHARPAL has a slot for serrated edges. It worked better than the VIDOME for this. Fewer passes needed.
How I Clean It
The magnetic receptacle pulls out easily. I dump the metal filings in the trash. Then I wipe it with a damp cloth.
The slots are easy to access. I use a small brush to clean them out. No metal dust builds up.
The white exterior shows dirt more than black models. But it wipes clean easily. A microfiber cloth works great.
I clean it after every use. This takes less than 2 minutes.
Testing Results
Sharpness Score: 10/10 Professional-quality edges every time.
Speed: 10/10 The fastest sharpening of all three models.
Ease of Use: 10/10 Incredibly beginner-friendly. Hard to mess up.
Durability: 9/10 High-quality materials. Built to last.
Value: 9/10 Mid-range price but premium performance.
Overall Score: 9.5/10
Which One Should You Buy?
This depends on your needs.
Buy the SHARPAL if:
- You want the best overall performance
- Noise level matters to you
- You value speed and convenience
- You’re willing to spend a bit more for quality
- You sharpen knives often
Buy the VIDOME if:
- Budget is your main concern
- You have limited counter or storage space
- You own ceramic knives
- You need to sharpen many knives at once
- You want something simple that works
Buy the dskiley if:
- You want professional three-stage sharpening
- You like the magnetic chip collection box
- Size isn’t an issue
- You want the heaviest, most stable option
- You sharpen very dull knives often
Tips for Using Electric Knife Sharpeners
I learned some things through testing. These tips will help you get better results.
Start with Coarse, End with Fine
Always use the slots in order. Don’t skip stages. Each one has a purpose.
Use Light Pressure
Don’t press hard. Let the machine do the work. Heavy pressure can damage the wheels.
Pull Steadily
Move the knife at a consistent speed. Don’t yank it through fast.
Count Your Passes
Do the same number of passes on each knife. This keeps sharpening consistent.
Clean Regularly
Don’t let metal dust build up. It can affect performance.
Check Your Edge
After sharpening, test the knife on paper or a tomato. This tells you if you need more passes.
Store Safely
Unplug the sharpener when not in use. Keep it dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made these mistakes so you don’t have to.
Mistake 1: Using Too Much Force
On my first try, I pressed down hard. The knife bounced. The edge wasn’t even.
Solution: Use light pressure. Guide the knife, don’t push it.
Mistake 2: Going Too Fast
I tried to rush through sharpening. The results were poor.
Solution: Take your time. Slow and steady wins.
Mistake 3: Skipping Stages
I thought I could skip the polish stage. The edge felt rough.
Solution: Use all stages for best results.
Mistake 4: Wrong Knives
I tried to sharpen a single-bevel Japanese knife. Electric sharpeners aren’t made for those.
Solution: Only use these on double-bevel straight or serrated knives.
Mistake 5: Dirty Sharpener
I didn’t clean it for a week. Metal dust affected the grinding.
Solution: Clean after every use.
How Long Do Diamond Wheels Last?
This was a question I had before buying. Diamond wheels don’t last forever.
For home use, expect several years. I sharpen about 5 knives weekly. At this rate, the wheels should last 3-5 years.
Commercial kitchens would wear them faster. If you sharpen 20 knives daily, expect 1-2 years.
You’ll know when wheels are worn. The sharpening takes more passes. The results aren’t as good.
All three brands sell replacement wheels. The SHARPAL wheels cost less than the dskiley wheels.
Are These Better Than Whetstones?
I own whetstones too. Here’s my honest take.
Electric sharpeners are faster. A whetstone takes 10-15 minutes per knife. These take 1-3 minutes.
Whetstones give you more control. You can choose your angle. You can work on specific spots.
Electric sharpeners are easier. No learning curve. No technique needed.
Whetstones cost less upfront. But you need multiple grits. The total cost adds up.
For most home cooks, electric sharpeners are better. They’re convenient. They work.
For knife enthusiasts, whetstones are worth learning. The process is meditative. The results can be incredible.
I use both. Electric sharpeners for daily maintenance. Whetstones for special knives or when I have time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sharpen serrated knives with these?
Yes and no. The VIDOME and SHARPAL have slots for serrated knives. They work okay. The dskiley is better for straight edges only. But honestly, serrated knives don’t need sharpening as often as straight knives.
Will these damage my expensive knives?
All three are safe for quality knives. They use proper angles. They have overheat protection. Just don’t over-sharpen. A few passes is enough.
How often should I sharpen?
For daily-use knives, once a week is good. For knives you use less often, once a month. If a knife feels dull, sharpen it. Don’t wait.
Can beginners use these?
Absolutely. These are designed for home use. No experience needed. Just follow the instructions. I had no problems on my first try.
Do I need to oil the wheels?
No. Diamond wheels don’t need oil or water. They work dry. That’s one reason they’re convenient.
What about single-bevel Japanese knives?
Don’t use electric sharpeners on those. They’re designed for double-bevel Western-style knives. Single-bevel knives need special sharpening methods.
How do I know when my knife is sharp enough?
Try the paper test. A sharp knife slices through paper cleanly with no tearing. Or try the tomato test. A sharp knife cuts through tomato skin with no pressure.
My Final Recommendation
After testing all three, I reach for the SHARPAL most often. It’s fast, quiet, and produces excellent results.
But the VIDOME is perfect for budget-conscious buyers. It costs less and still does a great job.
And the dskiley is ideal if you want professional three-stage sharpening and don’t mind the size.
You can’t go wrong with any of these. They all use diamond abrasives. They all work well. They all make sharp knives.
Sharp knives make cooking better. They’re safer too. Dull knives slip and cause accidents. Sharp knives cut cleanly.
Pick the one that fits your needs and budget. Your knives will thank you.