9 Best Things to Sharpen a Knife in 2026

This 4-stage powerhouse redefines simplicity in manual sharpening, delivering a one-stop solution for every blade in your kitchen. With stainless steel construction and four dedicated slots—coarse, medium, fine, and scissors—it tackles everything from a battered chef’s knife to a dull pair of kitchen shears with remarkable versatility. The ergonomic handle and non-slip rubber base make it a joy to use, even for beginners, eliminating the fear of slips or uneven edges. If you’re tired of juggling multiple tools or paying for professional sharpening, this sharpener cuts through the clutter and gets straight to results.

In real-world use, the progressive sharpening system shines—starting with the coarse slot to repair damaged edges, then refining through finer stages for a polished, razor-like finish. It handles standard 8–10 inch chef’s knives with ease, and the scissor slot is a rare but welcome bonus most compact sharpeners skip. While it struggles slightly with highly serrated blades (where precision is harder to maintain), it excels on straight-edge knives, offering consistent, repeatable results. The non-BPA plastic housing feels sturdy, and the entire unit cleans up effortlessly with a quick wipe.

Compared to the SHARPAL 191H, this TLegend model offers broader blade compatibility but lacks the same level of suction stability. Still, it’s a more complete system than basic rod sharpeners, especially for households with mixed knife types. It’s ideal for home cooks who want a reliable, all-in-one tool without complexity or cost. For the price, it delivers far more functionality than single-slot sharpeners like the Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod, making it a smarter long-term investment.

For those who demand military-grade precision, the SHARPAL 194H is a game-changer in the world of manual sharpening. Its adjustable angle guide lets you set any edge from 15° to 45°, making it perfect for everything from delicate Japanese sushi knives to rugged chisels and plane irons. The magnetic base keeps it firmly in place on steel surfaces, allowing you to focus on technique without repositioning. If you’ve ever ruined a blade by guessing the angle, this tool eliminates the guesswork and delivers repeatable, professional results every time.

During real-world testing, the 194H proved invaluable for woodworkers and precision chefs alike. Sharpening a 17° Santoku or a 25° utility knife was effortless, and the built-in angle finder helped verify consistency across multiple passes. The durable ABS construction survived repeated use, and the lanyard hole makes it easy to carry in a toolkit. While it doesn’t sharpen the blade itself (it’s a guide, not a sharpener), it pairs perfectly with whetstones or diamond rods. The only limitation? It’s not ideal for serrated edges, where maintaining a fixed angle across teeth is impractical.

Compared to the 5 Precision Adjust Knife Sharpener by Sharp Pebble, the 194H offers finer angle control and greater versatility beyond knives. It’s the go-to choice for craftsmen who sharpen chisels or plane blades regularly. While less convenient than pull-through systems, it offers unmatched accuracy for those willing to invest in skill. It’s a smarter long-term tool than fixed-angle sharpeners, especially for users who value precision over speed.

When survival meets sharpness, the SHARPAL 101N stands tall as the ultimate EDC multitool for outdoor lovers. This 6-in-1 powerhouse doesn’t just sharpen—it repairs, ignites, and signals in the wild. The V-notch carbide and ceramic slots deliver a fast, reliable edge on straight and serrated blades, while the tapered diamond rod handles gut hooks and serrations with surgical precision. Add a ferro rod fire starter and a high-pitched emergency whistle, and you’ve got a lifesaving tool that fits in your pocket. For campers, hunters, or preppers, this is not just a sharpener—it’s essential gear.

In field testing, the 101N proved rugged and reliable, surviving drops, moisture, and repeated use without wear. The diamond rods maintain performance even after hundreds of passes, and the preset sharpening angle ensures consistency without setup. It’s incredibly fast for emergency touch-ups, restoring a serviceable edge in under a minute. However, it’s not ideal for fine kitchen work, where smoother finishes are expected. The small size limits leverage, making it less effective on long blades.

Compared to the Orange Ninja 7-in-1, the 101N is more portable and survival-focused, while the Ninja excels in garden tool sharpening. It’s more versatile than the AccuSharp for outdoor use, combining sharpness with survival functions. Best for hikers, hunters, and survivalists who need a compact, all-in-one field sharpener. It offers better utility per ounce than any other pocket sharpener, making it a must-have in any EDC kit.

The Sharp Pebble 5 Precision Adjust is a masterclass in customizable sharpening, offering five preset angles from 12° to 24° to match any blade type. Whether you’re sharpening a 15° Japanese gyuto or a 20° German chef’s knife, this system ensures perfect alignment every time. The 3-stage process—coarse carbide, fine ceramic, and polishing slot—delivers a razor-sharp, mirror-like edge that rivals professional services. With its ergonomic orange body and durable ABS build, it’s designed for long-term, high-volume use without fatigue or wear.

In testing, the angle adjustability made a visible difference in edge quality, especially on high-hardness steels that demand precision. The pull-through design is intuitive, and the non-slip base keeps it stable during use. It handles straight and slightly serrated blades well, though deep serrations are tricky. The polishing stage adds a final refinement that most sharpeners skip, resulting in a smoother, longer-lasting edge. However, the lack of a scissors slot is a missed opportunity.

Against the SHARPAL 194H, this model sharpens the blade directly, while the 194H is just a guide. It’s more user-friendly than whetstones but less precise than freehand sharpening. Best for intermediate users who want pro-level results without the learning curve. It delivers better edge refinement and ease of use than basic pull-through models, making it a premium choice for serious home kitchens.

The AnySharp redefines convenience with its hands-free PowerGrip suction base, transforming knife sharpening into a safe, one-handed motion. Simply attach it to any smooth surface, pull the knife through the 20° pre-set slots, and in seconds, your blade is sharp and ready. It works on chef’s knives, serrated blades, and hardened steel, making it one of the most versatile pull-through systems available. For seniors, beginners, or anyone wary of manual sharpening, this is a game-changer in safety and simplicity.

In testing, the suction base held firm even during aggressive pulls, and the dual-stage carbide and ceramic slots delivered a clean, functional edge in under 10 strokes. It handled serrated knives well, maintaining the tooth pattern without flattening. The compact design fits in a drawer, and the no-skill-required operation makes it perfect for households with mixed users. However, the fixed 20° angle isn’t ideal for Japanese knives, which prefer 15° edges.

Compared to the SHARPAL 191H, it’s less stable on textured surfaces but easier to set up. It’s more beginner-friendly than the AccuSharp, though slightly slower. Best for families or casual cooks who want safe, reliable sharpening without hassle. It delivers better accessibility and safety than most manual sharpeners, making it a top choice for everyday users.