OT: Advice needed about a knife sharpener I received as a gift

Wolfie51sb

Received a knife sharpener (please see pics) from SWMBO for Christmas. Before I open and use it, I hope to get input from folks whether this (and in general, knife sharpeners like this) is worth keeping, and if it isn't, what's a better alternative for sharpening knives at home. Thanks in advance for any help.

RRP

I can not speak specifically for that model, but I bought a Chef's Choice Pronto Asian Knife sharpener - model 463 - which Cook's Illustrated rated it as number one a while back. I have always been quite pleased. It too is 100% diamond abrasives with 2 stage sharpening and honing. Just 5 tor 6 swipes through both sides and my Asian style knifes are razor sharp. BTW the Asian blade angle is smaller.

bigbadben

That depends on what your options are and how far down the rabbit hole you are willing to go. That sharpener will work.  If you are willing to put in the time and effort, get a lansky or knockoff of an apex pro from Amazon.  They take more time, but you can get a scary sharp edge.   Once you have a sharp knife you need to learn proper care and maintenance to maintain that edge. 

bud812

I have the Work Sharp Ken Onion belt sharpener & love it.

Focker

A friend recently picked up a Chef's Choice Trizor 15 at BBB for $150.
Within minutes, I had 5 of his knives paper cutting sharp first time up.  Minimal learning curve.  Not Edge Pro Apex sharp, but a helluva lot better than what we had to begin with.  It does, remove a significant amount of metal in a hurry.    

  

Wolfie51sb

Thank you for the replies/advice. I think for my needs, this will work fine.

stlcharcoal

I have the electric Chef's Choice 130.....it's great.

td66snrf

I bought a chefs choice top of the line years ago and ended up giving it to my sister.  I have spent a bunch of money on a Norton three stone oil bath sharpener and upgraded to Arkansas hard stones. Save your money and get an Ken Onion Work Sharp. No affiliation just a good product.