Chef's Choice Knife Sharpener Review

It has been said that a dull knife is the most dangerous item in the kitchen. A worn-out knife not only is more difficult to use, it can be a safety hazard as you try to whittle your way through vegetables etc. Commercial kitchens have professional cutlery specialists that ensure the chef's knives are razor-sharp. The home chef is not without options though. Look in the local classified ads and you should be able to find someone who will sharpen your blades, sometimes they even offer mobile service. Typically your local grocery store's meat counter will also offer sharpening, although I would be a little apprehensive leaving my expensive blades with some guy that uses a band-saw to cut meat. Perhaps the easiest option is to purchase your own sharpener, and there are a number of models for all shapes, sizes and types of knives. Just like a mechanic has different tools for different applications, my knives are a variety of American, European, and Asian styles, each with their own specific sharpening needs.

After doing a bit of research, I chose to try the "Chef's Choice Diamond Hone Sharpener 4623". It is lightweight, the handle is big enough for larger hands, and it's cheaper than expensive electric sharpeners that tend to be fussy and need constant adjustment. The versatile 3-stage manual knife sharpener is engineered to restore and recreate both a 20 degree edge for European and American style knives and a 15 degree edge for Asian style knives. It will also sharpen pocket knives, serrated steak knives and even bread knives.

The sharpener is easy to use, and is designed for both left and right-handed chefs. The unit has three different slots, the first and second for sharpening and the last for honing and polishing. The slots house a two-sided diamond sharpening stone that will last years, with minimal maintenance needed. A few back-and-forth swipes in the appropriate slots and you are rewarded with a sharpened knife that will make kitchen chores much easier. I sharpened all of my knives in a matter of minutes, and it makes a huge difference! And at about $30, this is a no-brainer when it comes to kitchen tools. Simply, a must-have.