Comparison: Best Angle For Chef Knife (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When selecting a chef’s knife, the angle of the blade plays a crucial role in balancing sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. A narrower angle (15–20°) offers a sharper edge for precise slicing but may require more frequent honing, while a slightly wider angle (20–22°) provides a robust edge that stays keener longer. This comparison explores how different angle designs affect performance across tasks, helping you choose a knife that aligns with your cooking habits and sharpening preferences. Whether you prioritize precision or longevity, understanding these nuances can guide you toward the ideal tool for your kitchen.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best overall:
Chef’s Choice Professional Electric Knife Sharpeners for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives & Precision Angle Control -
Best for best value:
Chef’sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener with 100-Percent Diamond Abrasives and Precision Angle Guides for Straight Edge and Serrated Knives -
Best for budget pick:
SHARPAL 194H Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide -
Best for manual precision:
Chef'sChoice Manual Knife Sharpeners for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives Precise Angle Control & Compact Footprint -
Best for fast sharpening:
Chef'sChoice Professional Manual Knife Sharpeners Pronto Hone for 15-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Precise Angle Control & Compact Footprint -
Best for premium electric:
Chef’s Choice Professional Electric Knife Sharpeners AngleSelect for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives & Precision Angle Control -
Best for sharp blade:
SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife -
Best for ergonomic design:
Generic Wristrait Professional Right Angle -
Best for durable steel:
MOSFiATA 8" Super Sharp Professional Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener -
Best for adjustable angle:
RazorSharp™ Knife Sharpener With Adjustable Angle Guide — Diamond-Coated Ceramic Sharpening Stones for All Knives Including Precision Kitchen
Product Comparison: Best Angle For Chef Knife
Best overall
Chef’s Choice Professional Electric Knife Sharpeners for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives & Precision Angle Control, 3-Stage, White
Chef's Choice
- ANGLESELECT – Applies a traditional 20 degree edge or a finer 15 degree edge for precision slicing
- 100% diamond abrasives for sharpening and honing
- DIZOR ENGINEERED– 2 distinct facets set at different angles that form a longer lasting, arch-shaped edge
- PRECISION ANGLE GUIDES – Ensures accurate sharpening throughout the entire edge and eliminates any guesswork
- SHARPENS MOST KNIVES – Sharpens straight edge and serrated knives
Best value
Chef’sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener with 100-Percent Diamond Abrasives and Precision Angle Guides for Straight Edge and Serrated Knives, 3-Stage, Gray
Chef’sChoice
- CONVERT YOUR KNIVES: Ideal for converting traditional 20-degree factory edges of household knives into high performance Trizor XV 15-degree edges
- DIAMONDS: Advanced stropping stage and 100 percent diamond abrasives for sharpening straight edge and serrated blades. Noise is between 65 dB and 75 dB
- EASY TO USE: Advanced, patented flexible spring guides for automatic adjustment and accurate control of the sharpening angle and feature simple on/off switch
- THREE STAGES: 3-Stage EdgeSelect sharpening system for optimum versatility in providing the perfect edge for each cutting task. Stages 1 and 2 are plated with 100-percent diamond abrasives to sharpen and hone the edge and stage 3 uses a patented flexible abrasive system to polish and help prolong the life of serrated knives
- RAZOR SHARP: The 15 Trizor XV combines the strength and durability of the Trizor edge with the flawless, ultra-sharp 15-degree XV technology. Time Required to sharpen is approximately 1 minute for first time sharpening and resharpening is approximately 10 seconds
Budget pick
SHARPAL 194H Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide, Chisel/Plane Iron Blade Honing Guide, Knife Edge Angle Finder, Knife Sharpening Trainer (Angle from 15° to 45°)
SHARPAL
- 𝐀𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐳𝐨𝐫-𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐩 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: SHARPAL 194H is the perfect tool to ensure that your knives, chisels and Plane Iron Blades are always sharpened at the correct angle, resulting in sharper edges that last longer.
- 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐬: Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, this sharpening guide will help you achieve the perfect angle for optimal sharpness and precision.
- 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞: With the ability to set any desired angle from 15° to 45°, this honing guide for chisels and knives is suitable for a wide range of blades, shapes, and sizes.
- 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐧𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐛𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: The attached magnetic base ensures the angle guide stays securely in place throughout entire sharpening process, allowing you to check the progress at any time.
- 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: Made from high-quality materials, this knife sharpening angle guide is built to withstand regular use and provide reliable performance every time.
- 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭-𝐢𝐧 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲
Manual precision
Chef'sChoice Manual Knife Sharpeners for 15- and 20-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Diamond Abrasives Precise Angle Control & Compact Footprint, 2-Stage, Gray
Chef'sChoice
- CHEF'SCHOICE – Professional 3-stage sharpener for super sharp edges on your 15 and 20-degree class knives
- DIAMONDS – 100 percent diamond abrasives are used in all three stages. The initial stages sharpen and hone using 100 percent diamond abrasives while the third stage polishes the edge with micron sized diamond abrasives
- KNIVES – Sharpen straight edge and serrated knives as well as sports and pockets knives
- RAZOR SHARP – Chef’sChoice advanced CrissCross sharpening technology delivers an extremely sharp edge by using diamond abrasive wheels which sharpen simultaneously for a superior edge that cuts effortlessly
- EASY TO USE – Precise bevel angle control creates ultra-sharp 15 and 20-degree edges
- DURABILITY – Separate sharpening and honing/polishing stages for a razor sharp, arch-shaped edge that is stronger and more durable
- FEATURES – a Soft Touch comfortable handle for an easy and secure grip
- Compact and convenient
Fast sharpening
Chef'sChoice Professional Manual Knife Sharpeners Pronto Hone for 15-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Precise Angle Control & Compact Footprint, 2 Stage, Black
Chef'sChoice
- Extremely fast! It’s the fastest manual Santoku and 15 Degree style knife sharpener available
- Creates an ultra-sharp 15 Degree edge
- 2-Stages, sharpening and honing/polishing, for an arch-shaped edge that is stronger and more durable
- Uses 100% diamond abrasives in stages 1 and 2
- CrissCross technology for an extremely sharp edge with lots of “bite”
Premium electric
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
Chef's Choice
- ANGLESELECT – Applies a traditional 20 degree edge or a finer 15 degree edge for precision slicing
- DIAMOND ABRASIVES – Utilizing the hardest natural substance on earth, our proprietary diamond abrasives sharpen edges faster and easier
- DIZOR ENGINEERED – 2 distinct facets set at different angles that form a longer lasting, arch-shaped edge
- ULTRASTROP – Patented stropping disks deliver an unparalleled polished knife edge in the finishing stage
- PRECISION ANGLE GUIDES – Ensures accurate sharpening throughout the entire edge and eliminates any guesswork
- SHARPENS MOST KNIVES – Sharpens straight edge and serrated knives
Sharp blade
SHAN ZU Chef Knife 8 Inch Japanese Steel Damascus Kitchen Knife, Professional Kitchen Knives Sharp High Carbon Super Steel Kitchen Utility Knife
SHAN ZU
- Japanese Steel Knife Core, Super Sharp: SHAN ZU chef's knife core is made of 10Cr15Mov Damascus Japanese steel that has high hardness(62 HRC), rust-proof, and wear-resistant features; with advanced forging technique, you will get a super sharp kitchen knife
- REAL Damascus Knife, not Lazer Etched: SHAN ZU Damascus chef knife layering sheets of carbon steel, and applies excessive heat treatments with repeated folding and forging until the blade pattern is formed. The pattern gets more visible after polishing
- A total of 67 Layers Steel, Long-Lasting Use: SHAN ZU Damascus chef knife forged by 67 layer sheets of steel greatly enhances the characteristics of wear-resistant, rust prevention, and toughness, it would be a long-lasting use utility knife
- G10 Handle, Comfortable Grip & Solid: Adopts frosted glass fiber G10 handle which is much more comfortable and more solid than the wood handle, it becomes an ergonomically designed top-balanced professional knife to provide high-performance cutting
- Knife Details: This chef knife blade is 8” long, and 2.2 mm thick, the handle is 5.3” long, a cutting angle of 15 °, and 270 g heavy. SHAN ZU provides a 12-month warranty on all products, please feel free to contact us if you encounter any problem
Ergonomic design
Generic Wristrait Professional Right Angle, Vertical Chef Knife – 9.5” Heavy Duty, Weighted – Reduces Strain on Wrist for Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel – Full Tang, Medium, Wood Handle, BBWSCHEF95
Generic
- Blade: 9.5" long, 2.5" wide at base, 1/8" thick spine
- Steel: 8Cr13MoV high-carbon stainless, 56 HRC
- Handle: Pau Rosa wood, vertical angle for reduced wrist fatigue
- Weight: 9.9 oz – ideal for steady, forceful cuts
- Full tang construction for lasting durability
- Hand washing recommended to preserve handle and edge
- Designed for high-volume meat prep and commercial kitchens. Works great for home use too. Add to Cart to get yourself some relief.
Durable steel
MOSFiATA 8" Super Sharp Professional Chef's Knife with Finger Guard and Knife Sharpener, German High Carbon Stainless Steel EN1.4116 with Micarta Handle and Gift Box
MOSFiATA
- 【High Carbon German Stainless Steel Laser-engraved Pattern(Not Damascus Pattern )】 MOSFiATA 8 inch pro chef's knife is made of premier high carbon German EN1.4116 stainless steel with high strength and increased rigidity. The kitchen knife contains 0.45-0.55% carbon, twice hardness than other knives, which will maintain longer sturdiness function.Laser-engraved pattern on the blade surface for decoration & anti-sticking.(NOTE: Different from Damascus pattern! Don't be confused!)
- 【Razor Sharp Edge & Anti-Corrosion, Anti-Tarnish Blade】Processed with the unique polishing technology and hand sharpened 16°per side, the chef kitchen knife's blade tapers from the spine to the cutting edge, for effortless precision cutting, as well as greater stability and durability. 15% chrome which provides corrosion resistance and an anti-tarnish finish.
- 【Full Tang Construction & Ergonomic Design】 MOSFiATA ergonomic knife handle is made of santoprene for comfort and polypropylene for durability. It features textured finger points that provide slip resistance and a better grip. The solid Micarta handle can minimize wrist tension while providing a secure, comfortable grip no matter the size of your hand or where you are gripping the handle. Triple riveted Micarta handle to the precise forged full tang for extra strength & durability.
- 【Professional Kitchen Chef Knife】The multifunctional cooking knife can easily handle your daily kitchen tasks of cutting, slicing, chopping, mincing and dicing of fruits, vegetables and all kind of meat. A professional and all-rounder home cooks knife for you.
- 【Exquisite Gift Box】- Our kitchen knife set packed in a stylish black presentation box, comes with a stainless steel finger guard, a knife sharpener and a blade guard. Thoughtful design and an excellent gift idea for friends, family, and special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and more.
Adjustable angle
RazorSharp™ Knife Sharpener With Adjustable Angle Guide — Diamond-Coated Ceramic Sharpening Stones for All Knives Including Precision Kitchen, Professional, Chef's Knives — Non-Slip Rubber Edge Grip
RAZORSHARP
- Professional Precision Sharpening Technology — The RazorSharp knife sharpening system is designed to achieve the perfect sharpening angle every time for kitchen knives, chef's knives, professional knives and more at home.
- Guided, Adjustable Sharpening Angle — Engineered with an easy-to-use adjustable knob, achieve a perfect 14 to 24-degree angle across kitchen, professional, chef's knives and more.
- Diamond-Coated Ceramic Sharpening Stones — High-quality base whetstones are laser-cut and then coated in a diamond abrasive to achieve the longest lifespan of both your knives and this sharpener.
- Edge-Grip with Sturdy Handle for Safety — High-density ABS plastic frame with non-slip rubber groups maximize your safety and the stability of the tool during the sharpening process.
- 100% No Questions Asked, Money Back Guarantee — We back all of our sales with a quality gaurantee. If you aren't completely satisfied, simply reach out and we'll make things right.
- Designed in the USA by Professional — And engineered with components sourced from only the highest quality metals and synthetic polymers to maximize quality, durability, and lifespan.
- 3-in-1 Sharpening Tool — This multi-faceted tool allows you to both sharpen and polish all kinds of knives, scissors, and kitchen shears as needed with ease.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
What angle is recommended for sharpening a chef knife?
A 15-20 degree angle is ideal for most chef knives, supported by multiple products like B001CA5LZ6 and B0018RSEMU.
Which products offer adjustable sharpening angles?
B001CA5LZ6 and B0033EPA46 allow selecting between 15- and 20-degree angles for customization.
Are there manual sharpeners for 15-degree angles?
Yes, B007IVBET0 and B002JIMVS0 are manual sharpeners designed for 15-degree edges.
Do any sharpeners include angle guides?
B0BRKS8WKH and B08FX7N8ZQ feature built-in angle guides for precision sharpening.
Which knives are optimized for specific angles?
B071JV1GDP and B0CSDZXC9Q are chef knives designed with optimal angles for professional use.
Can electric sharpeners maintain consistent angles?
Electric models like B0018RSEMU and B0033EPA46 automate angle control for even sharpening.
Are there sharpeners for both straight and serrated edges?
B0018RSEMU and B007IVBET0 support sharpening 15-20 degree straight or serrated blades.
