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A Guide to Buying Your First Knife Sharpener

The purpose of a knife is to cut and slice through objects with ease. Naturally, this becomes difficult as the blade to your knife becomes dull. Unfortunately, the more you use a knife, the faster the blade is going to dull. A knife sharpener is all you need to resolve this issue. But if you've never shopped for a knife sharpener before, you might not be too sure about where to begin.

First, What Kind of Knives Do You Have?

Virtually all knife sharpeners are capable of handling a knife with a straight-edge blade. However, only some sharpeners are capable of handling scallop-edged knives. Furthermore, not every sharpener is capable of sharpening sports knives or knives with edges narrower than a standard kitchen knife. If you are looking for a knife sharpener for a specific type of knife, it is important to make sure you find a sharpener capable of handling it.

Second, What Type of Sharpener Do You Want?

Technically, you have three different options to consider when it comes to type of sharpener. These include an electric sharpener, a manual sharpener, and sharpening tools. Electric and manual knife sharpeners are in many ways the same; one is operated by power, and the other is operated by you. Sharpening tools including things such as a sharpening stone or sharpening steel. Basically, a sharpening tool is just an object you can use to manually maintain the sharp edge of a knife.

In making this decision, you really just need to decide how much time and effort you are willing to put into sharpening your knives. Do you have the time and patience to sharpen a blade manually, or do you want to stick a knife in a machine and let the machine do the work?

Third, How Much Money Are You Spending?

As with anything you purchase, your budget is important to consider. The biggest thing you have to keep in mind is that manual knife sharpeners are exceptionally cheaper than electric sharpeners. You can expect to pay around $30 for a low-end electric sharpener and $100 for a high-end electric sharpener.

Regardless of what type of knife sharpener you decide is right for you, it is important to make sure the sharpener comes equipped with a safety feature. This safety feature will prevent you and anyone else from accidentally slicing themselves while using the sharpener. Whether you opt for an electric sharpener, a manual sharpener, or sharpening tools, it never hurts to have a sharpener in your home if you are a person who likes to use knives.  

For more information about sharpeners, check out the products of individual companies, such as The Block Sharpener.


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