Last Updated on November 8, 2025 by Susanna Zuyeva
Our Top Picks
After weeks of testing in my kitchen, here are my top picks:
Best Overall: Presto 08800 EverSharp – Perfect balance of price and performance
Best Professional: Presto 08810 Professional – Three-stage system for serious cooks
Best Budget: Secura 2-Stage – Amazing value with diamond abrasives
Why You Need an Electric Knife Sharpener
A dull knife is a dangerous knife. It slips. It requires more force. It makes cooking harder.
I used to struggle with dull knives. Cutting tomatoes was a nightmare. Slicing meat took forever.
Then I got my first electric knife sharpener. It changed everything.
Electric sharpeners are fast. They’re consistent. They give you the same angle every time.
You don’t need special skills. You just pull the knife through. The guides do the work.
Within seconds, your knife is sharp again. You can feel the difference right away.
How I Tested These Sharpeners
I created a fair test for all three models. Here’s what I did:
I gathered five old knives. All were very dull. Some hadn’t been sharpened in years.
I used the paper test. A sharp knife cuts paper cleanly. A dull knife tears it.
Before sharpening, none of my knives could cut paper. They all failed the test.
I sharpened each knife with each sharpener. I followed the instructions exactly. I counted the number of passes needed.
After sharpening, I tested each knife again. I cut paper. I sliced tomatoes. I diced onions.
I also checked for consistency. Did the sharpener work the same way each time? Did it maintain the edge?
I used each sharpener for three weeks. I sharpened knives multiple times. I wanted to see long-term performance.
1. Presto 08800 EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener
This is my top pick for most people. It’s the one I use most often in my kitchen.
Product Features
The Presto 08800 has a two-stage system. Stage one grinds the edge. Stage two hones and polishes.
It uses Sapphirite wheels. These are the same material professional shops use. They’re extremely hard and durable.
The blade guides hold your knife at the perfect angle. You don’t have to guess. Just pull the knife through.
It’s made in the USA. The build quality is solid. Mine has lasted for months without issues.
The dimensions are 9.9 inches long, 7.2 inches wide, and 4.8 inches high. It fits easily on my counter.
It weighs just under 3 pounds. Light enough to move but heavy enough to stay stable.
What I Like
The speed amazed me. I could sharpen a knife in 30 seconds. Just a few pulls through each stage.
The guides make it foolproof. I never worried about the angle. The sharpener handled that.
It works on most knives. I’ve used it on chef’s knives, paring knives, and utility knives. All came out sharp.
The price is fair. At under $50, it’s affordable for most home cooks.
It’s quiet compared to other electric sharpeners. My old sharpener was loud. This one runs smoothly.
Why It’s Better
This sharpener beats manual sharpeners in every way. It’s faster. It’s more consistent. It requires less skill.
Compared to whetstones, there’s no contest. Whetstones take practice. They take time. This takes seconds.
The two-stage system is perfect for home use. You get professional results without paying professional prices.
The Sapphirite wheels last a long time. Some cheap sharpeners wear out quickly. These wheels keep working.
How It Performed
I tested this on a very dull chef’s knife first. The knife couldn’t cut a tomato. It just squished it.
I ran the knife through stage one five times. Then through stage two five times.
The transformation was incredible. The knife sliced through paper like butter. It cut tomatoes with ease.
I tested it on a paring knife next. Same results. Sharp edge in seconds.
I even tried it on an old hunting knife. The blade was thick and damaged. The Presto handled it well.
After three weeks of use, it still sharpens just as well. The wheels haven’t worn down. The motor runs smoothly.
How I Clean It
Cleaning is simple. I unplug it first. Safety first, always.
I use a damp cloth to wipe the outside. The plastic body doesn’t scratch easily.
For the slots, I use a small brush. I brush out any metal dust. This keeps the wheels clean.
I do this after every few uses. It takes less than a minute.
The manual says not to submerge it in water. I never have. The damp cloth method works perfectly.
Testing Results
Sharpness: Excellent. All knives passed the paper test after sharpening.
Speed: 30-45 seconds per knife for full sharpening.
Ease of Use: Very easy. My wife used it with no issues.
Consistency: Every knife came out equally sharp.
Durability: Still working perfectly after three weeks of daily use.
Noise Level: Moderate. Not silent but not loud.
Value: Outstanding for the price.
2. Presto 08810 Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
This is the premium option. It’s for serious home cooks who want the best.
Product Features
The Presto 08810 has three stages instead of two. Stage one grinds. Stage two hones. Stage three polishes with ceramic.
It has a blade thickness selector. You can adjust for thick hunting knives, medium chef’s knives, or thin fillet knives.
The ceramic wheel in stage three is extra-fine grit. It creates an incredibly sharp edge.
It’s larger than the 08800. The dimensions are 18.43 inches long, 11.25 inches wide, and 2.18 inches high.
It weighs over 5 pounds. This makes it very stable during use.
What I Like
The three-stage system produces amazing results. My knives have never been sharper.
The blade thickness selector is genius. I can optimize the angle for each knife type.
The ceramic stage three creates a mirror polish. The edge looks professional.
It works on Santoku knives. My Japanese knives needed special care. This handled them perfectly.
The extra weight keeps it stable. It never slides around during use.
Why It’s Better
This is a step above the 08800. The third stage makes a real difference.
The adjustable guides give you more control. You can fine-tune the angle.
Professional shops use similar three-stage systems. You’re getting commercial quality at home.
The ceramic wheel creates a finer edge than Sapphirite alone. The sharpness lasts longer.
How It Performed
I tested this on my best chef’s knife. It’s a Japanese blade that cost over $100.
I was nervous at first. But the thin setting worked perfectly.
I ran it through all three stages. Five passes each.
The result was stunning. The knife was sharper than when I bought it. It sliced paper with almost no pressure.
I tested it on a thick hunting knife next. I switched to the thick setting. Same great results.
The ceramic stage really shines. It adds a level of sharpness the 08800 can’t match.
After three weeks, it’s still my go-to for my best knives.
How I Clean It
Same process as the 08800. Unplug first.
Wipe with a damp cloth. The body stays clean easily.
Brush out the slots. Three slots mean a bit more work, but not much.
The ceramic wheel needs gentle cleaning. I’m careful not to damage it.
Total cleaning time is under two minutes.
Testing Results
Sharpness: Superior. The sharpest edges I’ve achieved at home.
Speed: 45-60 seconds per knife for full three-stage sharpening.
Ease of Use: Easy, but requires learning the thickness settings.
Consistency: Excellent. The adjustable guides ensure perfect angles.
Durability: Built like a tank. Very solid construction.
Noise Level: Similar to the 08800. Moderate volume.
Value: Worth the extra cost if you cook seriously.
3. Secura 2-Stage Electric Knife Sharpener
This is the budget pick. Don’t let the price fool you. It works great.
Product Features
The Secura has a two-stage system. Stage one reshapes. Stage two polishes.
It uses diamond abrasives. Diamond is the hardest natural material. It cuts through metal easily.
The precision guides convert 20-degree angles to 15-degree angles. This creates a sharper edge.
It has non-slip suction cup feet. The sharpener stays in place during use.
The dimensions are 7.87 inches long, 5.31 inches wide, and 3.54 inches high. Very compact.
It weighs only 2.3 pounds. Easy to store when not in use.
What I Like
The price is incredible. Under $25 with current discounts. That’s a steal.
Diamond abrasives work fast. They cut through dull edges quickly.
The suction cups really work. I was surprised how stable it was.
It’s compact. I can store it in a drawer. The Presto models need counter space.
It comes with a two-year warranty. Good support for a budget product.
Why It’s Better
For the price, nothing beats it. You get diamond abrasives at a fraction of the cost.
It’s perfect for casual cooks. If you sharpen knives once a month, this is plenty.
The compact size is a real advantage. Not everyone has counter space.
The 15-degree angle creates a sharper edge than many manual sharpeners.
How It Performed
I tested this last because I had low expectations. I was wrong.
I sharpened a medium-quality chef’s knife. It was dull but not destroyed.
Five passes through stage one. Five through stage two.
The knife came out sharp. Not quite as sharp as the Presto models, but very usable.
I cut tomatoes easily. I sliced onions with no issues. The edge was good.
I noticed the diamond abrasives cut faster than Sapphirite. Fewer passes needed.
The suction cups held firm. No sliding at all.
After three weeks, it’s still working well. The diamond abrasives haven’t worn down.
How I Clean It
Same cleaning method. Unplug first.
Wipe the body with a damp cloth.
Brush out the slots to remove metal dust.
The compact size makes cleaning even easier. Takes less than a minute.
Testing Results
Sharpness: Good. Not quite as sharp as the Presto models, but impressive for the price.
Speed: 30-40 seconds per knife. Very fast.
Ease of Use: Very easy. The guides are simple to use.
Consistency: Good. Results were consistent across multiple sharpenings.
Durability: Good so far. Time will tell long-term, but no issues yet.
Noise Level: Slightly louder than the Presto models.
Value: Unbeatable. Best value in this test.
Which One Should You Buy?
Here’s my honest recommendation based on testing:
Buy the Presto 08800 if: You want the best balance of performance and price. This is the one I recommend to most people. It works great. It costs less than $50. It’ll handle all your home sharpening needs.
Buy the Presto 08810 if: You cook seriously. You have expensive knives. You want the absolute sharpest edges. The three-stage system and adjustable guides make a real difference. Worth the extra cost for serious cooks.
Buy the Secura if: You’re on a tight budget. You sharpen knives occasionally. You need something compact. It won’t match the Presto models, but it’s amazing for the price.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I made some mistakes during testing. Learn from my errors.
Don’t press down hard. I did this at first. It doesn’t help. Let the sharpener do the work. Just guide the knife through with light pressure.
Don’t sharpen too often. I got excited and over-sharpened. You don’t need to sharpen after every use. Once a month is plenty for most home cooks.
Don’t skip stage one. I tried to save time by using only stage two. Bad idea. The knife didn’t get sharp. Use both stages in order.
Don’t use on serrated knives. These sharpeners are for straight edges only. Serrated knives need special tools.
Don’t forget to clean. Metal dust builds up. Clean the slots regularly. This keeps the sharpener working well.
How to Use an Electric Knife Sharpener
Here’s the method I use. It works every time.
Step 1: Place the sharpener on a flat surface. Make sure it’s stable.
Step 2: Plug it in. Turn it on if it has a switch.
Step 3: Start with stage one. Hold the knife by the handle.
Step 4: Place the heel of the blade in the slot. Near where the blade meets the handle.
Step 5: Pull the knife through slowly. Use light pressure. Let the sharpener do the work.
Step 6: Pull all the way to the tip. Keep the motion smooth.
Step 7: Repeat 3-5 times. Alternate sides if the instructions say to.
Step 8: Move to stage two. Repeat the same process.
Step 9: Test the knife. Try the paper test. If it cuts cleanly, you’re done.
Step 10: Clean the sharpener. Unplug it. Wipe it down. Brush out the slots.
Maintenance Tips
Keep your sharpener working well with these tips:
Clean after every use. Just a quick wipe-down. Brush out the slots.
Store in a dry place. Don’t let it get wet. Keep it away from sinks.
Check the cord. Look for damage regularly. Replace if frayed.
Don’t overload it. If the motor starts to strain, stop. Let it cool down.
Follow the manual. Each model has specific care instructions.
Signs Your Knife Is Sharp
How do you know when your knife is sharp enough? Here are the tests I use:
Paper test: The knife should slice paper cleanly. No tearing. Just a smooth cut.
Tomato test: A sharp knife cuts tomato skin easily. No squishing. No sawing motion needed.
Onion test: You should slice through an onion with almost no pressure.
Hair test: Some people test on arm hair. A sharp knife will shave hair cleanly. I don’t do this test, but it works.
Feel test: Carefully feel the edge with your finger. Move across the edge, not along it. A sharp edge feels keen and crisp.
Safety Tips
Electric knife sharpeners are safe when used correctly. Follow these rules:
Never put your fingers in the slots. This seems obvious, but people do it. Don’t.
Keep the cord away from water. These are electric devices. Water and electricity don’t mix.
Unplug when cleaning. Always unplug before cleaning. No exceptions.
Use on a stable surface. Don’t use it on an unstable table or near the edge of a counter.
Keep away from children. Store in a safe place. Kids shouldn’t use these.
Don’t force the knife. If the knife doesn’t fit, don’t force it. Check the manual.
Wear eye protection if grinding heavily damaged knives. Metal particles can fly out.
Comparing Electric vs Manual Sharpeners
I’ve used both types. Here’s how they compare:
Speed: Electric wins easily. Seconds vs minutes.
Consistency: Electric wins. The guides ensure the same angle every time.
Skill required: Electric wins. Manual sharpening takes practice.
Portability: Manual wins. No power needed. Easier to carry.
Cost: Manual wins initially. But electric saves time long-term.
Edge quality: Tie. Both can produce sharp edges. Depends on the user.
Maintenance: Manual wins. No motor to break. No electronics.
For home use, I prefer electric. The speed and consistency matter more to me than portability.
Understanding Sharpening Angles
The angle matters. It affects sharpness and durability.
20-degree angle: Standard for most Western knives. Good balance of sharpness and strength.
15-degree angle: Sharper. Better for slicing. Common on Japanese knives. Less durable.
25-degree angle: Less sharp but very strong. Good for chopping and heavy use.
The sharpeners I tested use precision guides. They set the angle for you.
The Presto 08810 lets you adjust the angle. This is great for different knife types.
The Secura converts 20-degree to 15-degree. This creates a sharper edge.
Most home cooks don’t need to worry about angles. The guides handle it. Just pull the knife through.
When to Replace Your Sharpener
These sharpeners should last years. But nothing lasts forever.
Replace when: The motor sounds different. Grinding or squealing noises mean wear.
Replace when: The wheels wear down visibly. They should look consistent.
Replace when: Knives stop getting sharp. If it takes many passes and the knife is still dull, the wheels are worn.
Replace when: The guides break or crack. Damaged guides give wrong angles.
Replace when: The body cracks. Structural damage is unsafe.
I haven’t needed to replace mine yet. They’re all still working great after three weeks.
With proper care, these should last for years.
Cost Analysis
Let’s look at the real cost:
Professional sharpening: $5-10 per knife. If you have 5 knives, that’s $25-50 per visit. Visit twice a year, that’s $50-100 annually.
Presto 08800: $48 one-time cost. Pays for itself in one year.
Presto 08810: $77 one-time cost. Pays for itself in one year.
Secura: $22 one-time cost. Pays for itself in 6 months.
The math is clear. Electric sharpeners save money fast.
Plus, you can sharpen whenever you want. No trips to the shop. No waiting.
Environmental Impact
I care about sustainability. Here’s what I found:
Electric sharpeners reduce waste. Sharp knives last longer. You don’t replace them as often.
They use minimal electricity. Running time is measured in seconds. The power cost is negligible.
No disposable parts. The wheels last for years. No constant buying of replacements.
Made in the USA models (like Presto) have lower shipping emissions.
Compared to constantly buying new knives, sharpening is much better for the environment.
What Other Users Say
I’m not alone in loving these sharpeners. Here’s what other users report:
The Presto 08800 has over 18,000 reviews. Rating is 4.5 stars. People love the speed and ease of use.
The Presto 08810 has over 10,000 reviews. Also 4.5 stars. Users praise the three-stage system.
The Secura has nearly 3,000 reviews. Rating is 4.2 stars. The value is what people mention most.
Common praise across all three:
- Easy to use
- Fast results
- Sharp edges
- Good value
Common complaints:
- Some say they’re noisy (I found them moderate)
- A few report motor failures (rare based on percentages)
- Some want more angle options (only relevant for the 08800 and Secura)
Overall, users agree with my testing. These are solid sharpeners.
Final Thoughts
After three weeks of testing, I’m keeping the Presto 08800 on my counter. It’s the one I use most.
The Presto 08810 lives in my cabinet. I bring it out for my best knives.
The Secura is in my RV. Perfect for camping and travel.
All three work well. All three have their place.
Sharp knives make cooking better. They’re safer. They’re faster. They make the work enjoyable.
Invest in a good electric sharpener. Your knives will thank you. Your cooking will improve.
Don’t let dull knives slow you down. Pick one of these three. Start sharpening today.
Your kitchen deserves sharp knives. You deserve sharp knives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these on ceramic knives?
The Secura works on ceramic knives. The Presto models do not. Check your knife type before sharpening. Ceramic knives need special abrasives. The diamond abrasives in the Secura can handle them.
How often should I sharpen my knives?
For home use, once a month is plenty. If you cook daily, maybe twice a month. Professional cooks sharpen weekly. Don’t over-sharpen. You’ll wear down the blade unnecessarily. Test your knives. If they pass the paper test, they’re sharp enough.
Will these work on serrated knives?
No. These sharpeners are for straight edges only. Serrated knives need special sharpeners. They have a different edge geometry. Using these sharpeners on serrated knives won’t work and might damage the blade.
Can I sharpen scissors with these?
The manuals say no. These are designed for knife blades. Scissors have different angles and shapes. Use a dedicated scissor sharpener instead. Don’t risk damaging your sharpener or scissors.
Do I need to hone my knives between sharpenings?
Yes. A honing steel maintains the edge. It doesn’t sharpen. It realigns the edge. Use a honing steel weekly. Sharpen monthly. This keeps your knives in top condition. Honing extends the time between sharpenings.
What’s the difference between sharpening and honing?
Sharpening removes metal. It creates a new edge. Honing realigns the existing edge. Think of it this way: sharpening is like reshaping a bent nail. Honing is like straightening it. Both are important for knife care.
How long do the wheels last?
Years with normal home use. The Sapphirite and diamond abrasives are very hard. They wear slowly. I haven’t noticed any wear after three weeks. Other users report years of use. Clean your sharpener regularly to extend wheel life.