What do chefs use to sharpen knives? Chefs rely on a variety of sharpening tools to keep their blades performing at their best. Common options include whetstones, honing rods, and manual or electric sharpeners. These essential tools help maintain sharp edges for precise cutting and efficient meal prep in both home and professional kitchens. Explore the assortment below to find the right sharpening solution for your culinary needs.

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  • (355)

    Easy to set up. Easy to use. Sharpens. Looks attractive in kitchen...Easy to Use...Using on our old set of Zwilling knifes. Helps to sharpen as we use them often. Purchased on sale at Sur la Table.

    easy to use, effectiveness, ease of use

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  • (298)

    Sharpen those knifes....Sharpens asian and standard knives. Has course and fine settings and works as expected. ...Easy to use. Sharpens quickly

    easy to use, ease of use, effectiveness

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  • (216)

    very easy to use....the sharpener sharpens very efficiently. easy to use...Seems to be a knife sharpener and it sharpens knifes

    easy to use, effectiveness, effective sharpening

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  • (94)

    sharpen very very well...Great tool, easy to use, sharpen very very well...It's easy to use, and sharpens knives like a professional! Love my sharp knives everytime I use them!

    effectiveness, ease of use, sharpness

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  • (74)

    Restores a Wustof Chef in no time......Very good, sharpens them up quickly

    effective sharpening, easy to use, effectiveness

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  • (49)

    Use this tool regularly for preventive maintenance. ...My oval diamond steel by Forschner sharpens faster with just a few light swipes. This steel, I have to pay closer attention to the angle when steeling my knives.

    easy to use, effectiveness, comfortable handle

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  • (43)

    Best way to sharpen...this is the best way to sharpen, and the best set of stones I've ever used...This set is a great way to learn how to sharpen your own knives using a stone. This is the best way to sharpen knives plus it's a fun skill to know.

    effectiveness, quality, ease of use

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  • (39)

    Very pleased so far with this sharpener. Definitely sharpens my knives quickly and easily....Easy to use...The sharpener was easy to use. The fact that it can sharpen knives and scissors was the reason for buying this sharpener.

    effectiveness, ease of use, easy to use

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  • (35)

    Easy to use, quickly sharpens the blade beautifully....The product was very easy to use and sharpen my knives beautifully

    easy to use, effectiveness, works well

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  • (35)

    My husband even used it to sharpen his pocket knives that he uses on the farm. ...If you need a quick sharpen, or a full on deep sharpen, this is for you!

    easy to use, effectiveness, effective sharpening

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  • (32)

    Easy to use...This sharpener can sharpen everything! It is quick and easy to use....Easy to use, works well...I bought this to sharpen my Global knives that I love. It is very easy to use and works great.

    easy to use, effectiveness, effective sharpening

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  • (28)

    I returned it, did not sharpen at all. Hope to get a refund.It was delivered to you on 9-12-24....I am impressed. It is very easy to use, quick and sharpens nicely. Very pleased

    easy to use, effectiveness, ease of use

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  • (18)

    I reached out to Wüstof about the issue and then sent a replacement free of charge. The new one sharpens just as well and has been holding up without issue....Not easy to use....I was really hoping this thing would allow me to sharpen my wife's knives...

    effective sharpening, effectiveness, easy to use

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  • (14)

    This sharpener is better than the chef that used to sharpen them for us. Super happy with it....Simple and Easy to Use...Makes it easy to sharpen any knife with a razor sharp edge. Properly honed and done quickly without issue.

    effectiveness, easy to use, ease of use

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  • (14)

    Matches my knife set perfectly. Sharpens beautifully....Very ergonomic to use and sharpens knives very well. This is the first knife sharpener that I don't hide when not in use as it is very attractive.

    compact, effective sharpening, effectiveness

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  • (12)

    Sharpens knives. Not bad base. I would prefer a different base but two stone grits for a reasonable price...Starting to learn how to sharpen knifes and was told this was a wonderful.

    effectiveness, sharpness, sharpens knives

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  • (12)

    A ceramic honing rod is a very effective sharpening tool. Ceramic sharpens steel very well but it is more fragile than a metal steel, If you are careful it will last a very long time....This sharpening steel actually sharpens your blades. If your going...

    sharpens knives effectively, effective sharpening, comfortable to hold

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  • (11)

    I hone my knifes after every use and have noticed that a difference in the sharpness....Love this product as now I can sharpen our knives

    easy to use, sharpens knives, game changer

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  • (9)

    This is the best way to sharpen both European and Japanese knives. A honing steel will straighten the knife edge, but not remove material to sharpen. ...The fact that it was designed to sharpen or hone was the reason we purchased it. Super easy to use...

    effectiveness, effective sharpening, ease of use

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  • (8)

    I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to sharpen the knife properly but it was very easy and worked extremely well...Great honing tool for my Miyabi knifes

    effectiveness, ease of use, great honing tool

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  • (8)

    But, you will need to send them the knives and patiently wait for the return.
    OR you can sharpen the beauties yourself. Works fantastically...just don't over sharpen. ...Convenient but doesn't get as sharp as when I used to mail it in to sharpen

    effectiveness, works fairly well, sharpens well

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  • (6)

    Sharpens quickly...First time I ever used this kind of tool. It is easy to use & creates a nice sharp edge.

    effective, easy to use, nice feel

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  • (5)


    It takes no time to sharpen my Global knives to razor sharp.
    In addition to the material it's made of, the oval shape is so much better than the typical round shape....First time i used it did seem to work, but had to use again not long after first time...

    durability of smaller version, oval shape, material quality

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  • (4)

    I'd recommend this to a home chef any day. It's low price point makes it the perfect stocking stuffer!

    effectiveness, affordable, easy to use

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What Do Chefs Use To Sharpen Knives?

A sharp knife is the foundation of every chef’s kitchen, whether you’re prepping summer produce for a backyard gathering or perfecting classic techniques for a family dinner. Professional chefs and home cooks alike rely on a range of sharpening tools to keep their blades performing at their best. The most traditional choice is the whetstone, prized for its ability to restore a razor-sharp edge with precision and control. Using a whetstone is a hands-on process that many find meditative, and it allows you to tailor the sharpness to your specific needs—whether you’re slicing delicate herbs or breaking down robust cuts of meat. Honing rods, often made from steel or ceramic, are another essential tool in a chef’s arsenal. These are used regularly to maintain the edge between sharpenings, helping to realign the blade and keep it performing smoothly through everyday tasks. For those who prefer a more streamlined approach, electric and manual knife sharpeners offer a convenient solution, delivering consistent results with minimal effort. These devices are especially useful for busy kitchens where time is of the essence, and they make it easy to keep every knife—from paring to chef’s knives—ready for action.

Choosing the right sharpening tool depends on your experience, the types of knives you use, and how much time you want to invest in upkeep. Whetstones are ideal for those who enjoy the process and want to achieve a custom edge, while honing rods are perfect for quick touch-ups before or after a cooking session. Electric and manual sharpeners are well-suited for anyone looking for efficiency and ease, making them a smart addition to both professional and home kitchens. These sharpening tools also make thoughtful gifts for aspiring chefs, recent graduates setting up a new kitchen, or anyone who appreciates the simple pleasure of cooking with well-maintained tools. With summer in full swing, there’s no better time to refresh your knife collection and sharpening routine—whether you’re dicing ripe tomatoes for a fresh salad or carving grilled meats for a festive cookout. Reliable sharpening tools help keep every cut clean and precise, turning meal prep into a smoother, more enjoyable experience. Investing in the right sharpener not only prolongs the life of your knives but also enhances safety and efficiency, making it an essential part of any kitchen, from the seasoned professional to the enthusiastic home cook.

Top Picks For What Do Chefs Use To Sharpen Knives?