# Best knife sharpeners for Japanese knives Source: https://edgeandhaft.com/best/best-sharpeners-for-japanese-knives Publisher: Edge & Haft. Picks are chosen from what each Amazon listing states, not from hands-on tests. Method: https://edgeandhaft.com/how-we-pick Japanese knives are usually ground thinner than German ones, often between about 9.5 and 16 degrees per side, and many use hard steel around 60 HRC or above. A sharpener built only for a 20-degree edge will slowly turn that fine edge into a thicker one, which throws away much of what you paid for. So the first question is simple: can it hold an angle of 15 degrees or less? After that, look at the abrasive (diamond cuts hard steel well, ceramic and stropping stages refine the edge), how many stages it has, and whether you also need it for serrated bread knives. This guide compares eight guided and powered sharpeners from Chef'sChoice, Work Sharp, Tormek and HORL on angle, abrasive, stages and serrated support, using only what each Amazon listing states. If you prefer stones, see our whetstone guide. ## Picks ### 1. Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener for Straight and Serrated Knives & ProntoPro Diamond Hone Manual Knife Sharpener Extremely Fast Sharpening, 3-Stage, Silver Type: Electric, 3-stage; Angle: 15 degrees (converts 20-degree edges); Abrasive: 100 percent diamond, polishing stage; Serrated knives: Yes; Extras: ProntoPro manual hone (per title) A 3-stage electric sharpener built to put a 15-degree edge on knives, with diamond abrasives in all stages. The simplest way to keep Japanese-style edges sharp without learning stones. What the listing offers: - The listing states it converts 20-degree factory edges into 15-degree Trizor XV edges. - Spring guides are described as automatically controlling the sharpening angle. - Handles straight and serrated blades, with 100 percent diamond abrasives in all three stages. Limits to know: - The listing gives noise between 65 and 75 dB, louder than the 45 dB Tormek. - A fixed 15-degree angle cannot match a knife ground finer, such as 9.5 to 12 degrees. ### 2. Work Sharp Ken Onion Elite Mk2 Electric Knife Sharpener, Adjustable Angle Type: Electric belt, variable speed; Angle: Adjustable 10-35 degrees; Abrasive: Flexible abrasive belts; Serrated knives: Yes; Extras: Also sharpens scissors and tools A motorized belt sharpener with an angle guide that adjusts from 10 to 35 degrees. The widest angle range here, so it can match very fine Japanese edges as well as tougher knives. What the listing offers: - The listing states a fully adjustable angle from 10 to 35 degrees. - Variable motor speed is listed for anything from heavy repair to a light finish. - Flexible belt is described as able to reprofile chipped or rolled edges. Limits to know: - A belt leaves a convex edge, per the listing, rather than the flat bevel some Japanese knives ship with. - Powerful belts can remove steel fast on hard, thin blades, so slow speeds matter. ### 3. Chef'sChoice 15XV Professional Electric Knife Sharpener with Durable Metal Housing & 100-Percent Diamond Abrasives and Precision Angle Guides for Straight Edge and Serrated Knives, 3-Stage, Metallic Type: Electric, 3-stage; Angle: 15 degrees (converts 20-degree edges); Abrasive: 100 percent diamond, stropping stage; Serrated knives: Yes; Extras: Brushed metal upper housing The 15XV sharpener with a brushed metal upper housing. Same 15-degree conversion as the Trizor XV at a lower price, without the bundled manual hone. What the listing offers: - The listing states it converts 20-degree factory edges to 15-degree edges. - About 1 minute for first sharpening and about 10 seconds to resharpen, per the listing. - Brushed metal upper housing is described for daily professional use. Limits to know: - Noise is listed at 65 to 75 dB, louder than the 45 dB Tormek. - A fixed 15-degree angle will thicken knives ground finer than that over time. ### 4. HORL 2 Pro Rolling Knife Sharpener - Kitchen Knife Sharpener for Razor Sharp Edges Made in Germany - Easy Knife Sharpening Kit with 3:1 Planetary Gear with Magnetic Holder with 15 & 20 Degrees Type: Manual rolling, magnetic angle holder; Angle: 15 and 20 degrees; Abrasive: Diamond disc, ceramic honing disc; Serrated knives: Not stated; Extras: 3:1 planetary gear A manual rolling sharpener with a magnetic angle holder and a geared roller that the listing says works three times faster than other HORL models. Quiet and simple, no motor. What the listing offers: - The listing names the 15-degree angle for Damascus and high-carbon hard steels. - Diamond grinding disc is described as suitable for steels of any hardness. - A ceramic honing disc and a 3:1 planetary gear are both listed. Limits to know: - Only two fixed angles, so it cannot match edges finer than 15 degrees. - Serrated knife support is not stated in the listing. ### 5. Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener for Home Use - US Version - English (Zinc Gray) Type: Powered diamond wheel with angle guide; Angle: Not stated (adjustable guide); Abrasive: Fine diamond wheel, composite honing wheel; Serrated knives: Not stated; Extras: Zinc housing, oak handle A heavy, quiet kitchen sharpener with a fine diamond wheel and a composite honing wheel. For buyers who want minimal steel removal on expensive knives and a machine built to last. What the listing offers: - The listing states minimal material removal, so less steel is ground away per sharpening. - Patented guide is described as setting the sharpening angle precisely. - Powder-coated cast zinc housing and quiet 45 dB operation are listed. Limits to know: - The listing does not state the angle range, so confirm it covers your knives' edge. - Highest price in this guide, and serrated knife support is not stated. ### 6. HORL®3 Walnut Rolling Knife Sharpener, Diamond & Ceramic Discs, 15° & 20° Type: Manual rolling, magnetic angle holder; Angle: 15 and 20 degrees; Abrasive: Diamond disc, ceramic honing disc; Serrated knives: Not stated; Extras: Grip Pad on magnetic support HORL's newer rolling sharpener with block diamonds that the listing says remove up to 80 percent more steel than HORL2. A cheaper route to a guided 15-degree edge. What the listing offers: - The listing states up to 80 percent more steel removal than the HORL2 standard disc. - A Grip Pad with up to 70 percent more hold than HORL2 is listed. - 15-degree angle is described for fine carbon or Damascus blades. Limits to know: - More aggressive removal is less ideal for frequent touch-ups on thin Japanese edges. - Serrated knife support is not stated in the listing. ### 7. Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk2 Electric Knife Sharpener, Adjustable Angle Type: Electric belt, variable speed; Angle: Adjustable 15-30 degrees; Abrasive: Quick-change abrasive belts; Serrated knives: Yes; Extras: Also sharpens scissors and tools The standard Ken Onion belt sharpener with a 15 to 30 degree guide and variable speed. A lower-cost belt option if your knives are not ground finer than 15 degrees. What the listing offers: - The listing states an adjustable angle guide from 15 to 30 degrees. - Variable belt speed is listed for slow finishing or faster reprofiling. - Compact countertop design with quick-change belts is described. Limits to know: - Its 15-degree minimum cannot match finer Japanese edges, unlike the Elite's 10 degrees. - Belt type and grit are not stated in detail in the listing. ### 8. Chef’s Choice Professional Electric Knife Sharpeners AngleSelect for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives & Precision Angle Control, 2-Stage, Black Type: Electric, 2-stage; Angle: 15 or 20 degrees (selectable); Abrasive: Diamond, stropping disks; Serrated knives: Yes; Extras: Precision angle guides An electric sharpener that lets you choose a 15-degree edge for Japanese knives or 20 degrees for tougher Western ones. Suits a mixed knife block. What the listing offers: - The listing states a choice of a traditional 20-degree or a finer 15-degree edge. - Diamond abrasives and patented stropping disks are both listed. - Precision angle guides are described as removing guesswork. Limits to know: - Two stages, one fewer than the 15XV and Trizor XV models. - The listing does not state noise level or sharpening time. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.