Monday, December 23, 2024

Knife Sharpeners: Compare


Report Card Grade
Product Grade
Product Grade
Pros
Fast, foolproof sharpening; unique combination of electric and manual stages offer more control over sharpening process; 20° spring loaded knife guides reduce user error; abrasive disks all diamond coated; compatible with serrated knives; includes a manual steeling stage
Moderate price point; exceptionally versatile sharpener; gentle on knife blades; right- and left- handed compatibility; good, compact storage system; no lubricants required; set angle of abrasive stones eliminate guesswork
Cons
Relatively expensive; lacks aggressive notch removal stage; tendency to scratch knife blades (typical of electric sharpeners in general)
Ceramic stones are easily broken if dropped; requires time and effort to master technique; instruction manual somewhat confusing; sharpening can be time-consuming especially if restoring notched and damaged blades
Type
Electric Sharpener with 1 Manual Phase
Manual Crock Stick Knife Sharpener
Price
$150 - $180
$50 - $95
Warranty
3-year limited warranty
Lifetime limited warranty
Product Size (W x D x H)
12.3" x 6.3" x 6.5"
5.0" x 4.0" x 2.0"
Weight (lbs.)
5
2
Number of Stages
3
4
Abrasive Materials
100% diamond coated conical disks offer differing levels of abrasion in each of the 3 stages.
Triangular high alumina ceramic stones are the abrasive materials in this system.
Sharpening Angle(s)
40° (20° each side)
40°, 30° and 25° (20°, 15° and 12.5° on each side)
Sharpening Technology
All 3 sharpening slots have spring-loaded knife guides that are preset to a 40° angle (20° on each side) to help users maintain the correct sharpening angle.
Keyed slots and holes in the base of the travel case hold the abrasive ceramic stones at various set angles that can be adjusted depending on the type of edge being sharpened. The stones also have a thin groove cut into them for sharpening pointed objects, and they can be converted into a benchstone when necessary.
Description of Stages
The 1st stage is electric and has the most abrasive disk to raise a burr and create the 1st bevel edge. The 2nd stage is manual and has a small butcher's steel to steel the edge and create micro sharp serrations in it. The 3rd Stage is electric and has a flexible stropping disk to polish/straighten the blade and create the 2nd bevel. The 3rd stage can also be used to sharpen serrated knives.
The brown, medium grit stones are used in the 1st and 2nd stages, and the white, fine grit stones are used in the 3rd and 4th stages. During the 1st and 3rd stages, the blade is pulled over the triangular edges of the stones, and, during the 2nd and 4th stages, the blade is pulled over the flat edge of the stones. The corners of the white stones can be used to sharpen serrated edges. For extremely dull knives, Spyderco diamond embedded abrasive stones can be purchased separately.
Passes to Sharpen
3 - 6 passes
Up to 160 passes
Types of Knives Sharpened
It can sharpen a variety of serrated- and straight-edge blades (with a double bevel edge) including European kitchen knives (20° angle) and sporting/pocket knives.
It can sharpen a variety of serrated- and straight-edge blades including both European (20° angle) and Asian (15° angle) kitchen knives and sporting/pocket knives. It can also be used to sharpen pointed edges (ie. fishhooks, darts, awls) and scissors (12.5° angle).
Sharpens Entire Blade (Tip to Bolster)
Yes
Yes
Product Design
The M130 is available in 5 different finishes including black, white, brushed metal, green and platinum.
All of the sharpening components come in a black and grey ABS plastic traveling case that doubles as the base into which the ceramic stones are inserted.
Safety Features
There is a plastic cover over each of the rotating disks to protect your hands during operation.
It comes with 2 brass safety rods that fit into keyed holes in the base to protect your hands during the sharpening process.
 
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