What types of knives can be sharpened electrically: Guide

Have you ever tried to cut with a dull knife? It’s not fun. Dull knives make cooking harder and can be more dangerous than sharp ones. Electric knife sharpeners offer a quick and easy way to keep your blades sharp. But not all knives work well with electric sharpeners. Let’s look at which knives you can sharpen electrically and how to do it right.

Kitchen Knives That Work Well with Electric Sharpeners

Most kitchen knives respond well to electric sharpening. These include:

• Chef’s knives
• Utility knives
• Paring knives
• Santoku knives
• Boning knives
• Carving knives

The best knife for electric sharpening is one with a straight edge. Many home cooks find that their standard Western-style knives sharpen beautifully with electric tools. A Cuisinart electric sharpener, for example, handles most Western kitchen knives with ease.

Special Cases: Japanese Knives and Serrated Blades

Japanese knife types need special care. Many have a different angle on their edge compared to Western knives. Standard electric sharpeners may damage these blades by changing their angle.

Some high-end electric sharpeners like the Trizor XV can handle Japanese knife edges. These machines let you set different angles for different knife styles. The Chef’s Choice Trizor XV model converts knives to a 15-degree edge, which works well for many knife types.

Serrated knives, like bread knives, need special treatment. Only some electric sharpeners have slots made just for serrated edges. Check if your sharpener mentions serrated blade sharpening before you try it.

Outdoor and Hunting Knives

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can benefit from electric sharpeners too. The Work sharp knife and tool sharpener systems work well for:

• Hunting knives
• Pocket knives
• Survival knives
• Fillet knives

The belt-style Work sharp knife sharpening system handles many blade shapes and sizes. This makes it great for outdoor knives that may have unique shapes.

Electric Sharpeners vs. Other Methods

Electric sharpeners aren’t the only option. Let’s compare:

1. Electric sharpeners: Fast and easy but less control
2. Sharpening stone: More control but requires skill
3. Manual pull-through sharpeners: Simple but less effective
4. Professional sharpening services: Great results but costs money

Many knife experts use a mix of methods. They might use an electric sharpener for regular maintenance and a sharpening stone for fine-tuning.

Popular Electric Sharpener Types

Countertop Models

Countertop electric sharpeners are the most common type. Brands like Chef’s Choice offer models with different stages:

• Stage 1: Shapes and creates the edge
• Stage 2: Hones the edge
• Stage 3: Polishes for a smooth finish

The Trizor XV by Chef’s Choice uses diamond abrasives to create a triple-bevel edge. This makes knives sharper and helps them stay sharp longer.

Handheld Options

If counter space is tight, consider a handheld electric sharpener. The cordless electric carving knife sharpener offers portability. These smaller tools work well for quick touch-ups but may not reshape very dull knives.

How to Use Electric Sharpeners Correctly

Using an electric sharpener properly will get you the best results:

1. Read the manual first
2. Clean your knife before sharpening
3. Start with the coarsest setting (usually stage 1)
4. Draw the knife through with light pressure
5. Use even, steady pulls
6. Move through each stage in order
7. Test sharpness on paper

Always pull the knife through at a steady pace. Don’t push down hard let the machine do the work.

Caring for Knives Between Sharpenings

Even with a good electric sharpener, knives need regular care:

• Use a honing rod between sharpenings
• Cut on proper surfaces (avoid glass and stone)
• Hand wash and dry knives right after use
• Store knives properly in a block or on a magnetic strip

A sharpening stone can help touch up edges between electric sharpenings. This extends the life of your knives and keeps them performing well.

When Not to Use Electric Sharpeners

Some knives should never meet an electric sharpener:

• Very expensive custom knives
• Knives with specific edge angles not matched by your sharpener
• Ceramic blades
• Knives with bolsters that block the full edge

For these special cases, hand sharpening or professional services work better.

Finding the Best Electric Sharpener for You

When shopping for an electric sharpener, consider:

1. Types of knives you own
2. Your budget
3. Counter space
4. How often you’ll use it

The Chef’s Choice models work well for most home cooks. The Work sharp knife system suits those with diverse blade types. For basic needs, a simple Cuisinart electric model might be enough.

Conclusion: Sharp Knives Make Cooking Better

Electric knife sharpeners make it easy to keep your kitchen knives in top shape. Most straight-edged knives work well with these tools. Special knives like Japanese knife types may need specific models.

The best knife is a sharp knife. Whether you choose a Chef’s Choice, Trizor XV, or Work sharp knife system, regular sharpening makes cooking safer and more enjoyable.

Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for both your knives and sharpener. With proper care, your knives will stay sharp and serve you well for many years to come.