Electric knife sharpeners promise quick and easy sharpening, but do they deliver? Many people buy one expecting razor-sharp results, only to be disappointed. In most cases, these machines do a mediocre job at best—and many do a poor job altogether.

That includes the big electric sharpeners you see in your local hardware store. I won’t call them out by name, but you’ve probably seen them. You take your knives in and hand them to an employee, who puts them into a big automated machine. I’ll just say—avoid those altogether!

If you care about your knives, it’s worth understanding why electric sharpeners often fall short and what better options exist. Let’s break it down.

The Problem with Electric Knife Sharpeners

Electric sharpeners work by grinding away metal from your blade. Some use spinning abrasive wheels, while others use belts or stone wheels. In theory, this should create a sharp edge, but in practice, the results are often subpar.

One major issue is inconsistency. Many models remove too much metal, shortening your knife’s lifespan. Others don’t create a clean, even edge, leaving your knife feeling sharper in some spots but dull in others. Worse yet, some sharpeners overheat the blade, weakening the steel.

Models range in price from around $20 to hundreds of dollars. And quality is not always reflected in the price.

A Look at Electric Knife Sharpeners

I ran across this video a while back. I don’t know anything about this guy, but his video highlights some issues with electric knife sharpeners. He’s also included some good images of the knife edges that are greatly magnified. It’s amazing to see some edges’ roughness when you magnify them enough. That’s why I bought a digital microscope for our shop!

So, should you use an electric sharpener? Let’s look at the pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of Electric Knife Sharpeners

Pros:

• Convenient – Slide the knife through, and the machine does the work.
• Fast – Many models claim to sharpen a blade in seconds.
• Beginner-friendly – No sharpening skills required.

Cons:

• Inconsistent results – Many models create uneven edges.
• Excessive metal removal – Shortens the life of your knife.
• Overheating risk – Weakens the blade’s structure.
• Limited angle control – Not ideal for high-quality or specialty knives.
• Can ruin a blade – Poorly designed machines can do more harm than good.

Overall, I’m not a fan of most electric knife sharpeners. The risks outweigh the benefits, especially if you own good-quality knives.

Better Ways to Sharpen Your Knives

If you want a truly sharp edge, there are much better techniques than electric sharpeners. Here are a few:

• Manual pull-through sharpeners – While far from perfect, they’re often better than electric versions.
• Whetstones – A time-tested method that produces the best edge when done right.
• Honing Rods – These won’t sharpen a dull knife but help maintain a sharp edge between sharpenings.
• Professional sharpening services – The best way to restore a blade without unnecessary damage.

Professional sharpening is the way to go if you’re serious about keeping your knives in peak condition. A skilled sharpener understands each knife type’s blade geometry, steel composition, and the right angles to use. Plus, they won’t remove more metal than necessary, extending your knife’s lifespan.

DIY Sharpening: What’s the Best Method?

For those who like to take matters into their own hands, DIY sharpening is a great skill to learn! But there’s a right way and a wrong way to do it. Stay tuned—I’m working on a post covering some of the best DIY sharpening techniques, from whetstones to guided systems.

In the meantime, if your knives need professional care, M&M Professional Sharpening is here to help. We’ll restore your blades to their sharpest, longest-lasting edge. Contact us today!