Comparison: Best Sharpening Angle For Chef Knife (Updated | Oct 22nd)
Choosing the optimal sharpening angle for a chef’s knife is essential for balancing sharpness, durability, and ease of maintenance. While angles between 15° and 22° are common, the ideal choice depends on factors like knife type, steel hardness, and intended use. A sharper angle (15°–20°) excels for precision cutting but may require more frequent honing, whereas a slightly wider angle (20°–22°) offers robustness for heavy-duty tasks. This comparison explores key considerations to help users select a sharpening angle that aligns with their culinary needs and knife-care preferences.
Editor’s Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for adjustable angle:
SHARPAL 194H Whetstone Knife Blade Sharpener Sharpening Stone Angle Guide -
Best for best electric:
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 fast manual:
Chef'sChoice Professional Manual Knife Sharpeners Pronto Hone for 15-Degree Straight-Edge and Serrated Knives with Precise Angle Control & Compact Footprint -
Best for angle training:
Mercer Culinary Knife Sharpening Angle Guide -
Best for precision angle:
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 diamond steel:
SHARPAL 119N Diamond Sharpening Steel – Professional Solid Knife Sharpener Honing Rod with Built-In Angle Guides -
Best for 3-stage sharpener:
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 adjustable guide:
RazorSharp™ Knife Sharpener With Adjustable Angle Guide — Diamond-Coated Ceramic Sharpening Stones for All Knives Including Precision Kitchen -
Best for premium stone:
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 1000/6000 Waterstone- Whetstone Knife Sharpener- NonSlip Bamboo Base & Angle Guide -
Best for pro kit:
Upgraded RUIXIN PRO RX-008 Professional Knife Sharpener with 10 Whetstones
Product Comparison: Best Sharpening Angle For Chef Knife
Adjustable angle
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
Best electric
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
Fast manual
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”
Angle training
Mercer Culinary Knife Sharpening Angle Guide
Mercer Culinary
- QUALITY MATERIAL: Made with ceramic inserts to last longer
- SHARPENING GUIDE: Designed to train users to hold a knife at the proper angle when sharpening
- KNIFE RESTORATION: The easiest and most accurate sharpening guide available, creating an ideal sharpening angle for ultimate knife performance and peak sharpness
- BEST USE: For use with 6" Chef's Knives and larger
- MERCER CULINARY: Mercer continues to introduce innovative, quality products allowing foodservice operations to run effectively and efficiently; perfect for professional use or the home cooking enthusiast
Precision angle
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
Diamond steel
SHARPAL 119N Diamond Sharpening Steel – Professional Solid Knife Sharpener Honing Rod with Built-In Angle Guides, Sharpens, Realigns, and Polishes Edges for Chef and Kitchen Knives
SHARPAL
- Maintain your knife: The surface coating is very fine diamond particles (1200 grit). This level of accuracy is ideal for routine maintenance. Compared to other products using carbon steel, the grinding layer is more subtle and smooth, greatly extending the service life of the tool.
- Suitable for a variety of materials: Diamond is the hardest material in nature, so it can be used to sharpen all kinds of hard material tools that are not suitable for other sharpening materials, such as ceramics, hardalloys, and so on.
- Safety&Easy to Use: The protective ring on the handle protects your hand. The ergonomic handle makes for a comfortable grip, and the round sharpening bar makes your sharpening process easy and efficient.
- Storage: Dry the diamond surface when you have finished grinding the knife. We recommend that you put this product in a cool, dry place.
- 3 YEARS of Commitment and Superior After-Sale Service: SHARPAL, headquartered in California, USA, with branches in Germany and Australia, provides easy and effective sharpening solutions. All products undergo rigorous testing to ensure top-tier performance and durability.
3-stage sharpener
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
Adjustable guide
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.
Premium stone
Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone Knife Sharpening Stone 2 Side Grit 1000/6000 Waterstone- Whetstone Knife Sharpener- NonSlip Bamboo Base & Angle Guide
Sharp Pebble
- Premium Quality: Not all sharpening stones are created equal. We only import & source premium quality material for the manufacturing of our Whetstones. Our proprietary composition of Aluminum Oxide along with sharpening compounds provides you with a superior cutting performance
- Superior Bundle: Sharp Pebble knife sharpening kit comes with double-sided (#1000/ #6000) whetstone knife sharpener, a sturdy bamboo base for holding the stone, knife sharpening angle guide, a simple instruction manual & detailed ebook with lots of Tips & Tricks which will appeal at every skill level
- Safety: We understand the importance of safety when using sharpening stones for knives, your purchase comes with a rubber base for holding the stone inside a Non-Slip Bamboo base, this setup will ensure the wetstone is Fixed In One Place while sharpening. And knife sharpening angle guide allows you to maintain the Correct Angle and safely apply consistent pressure while sharpening the blade
- Easy To Use Whetstone: Our sharpening Water stone kit is extremely User Friendly & easy to assemble. Sharp Pebble whetstone uses Water for sharpening, so no need of expensive sharpening/honing oils and No Mess while sharpening & it can be easily cleaned using water
- Multipurpose Use: This whetstone 1000/6000 sharpener kit is highly durable & long-lasting. And it can sharpen any blade out there, be it any kitchen knife set, chef knife, steak knife, sontoku knife, paring knife, sushi knife, cleaver knife, kitchen knives, Japanese knife, butcher knife, paring knife, BBQ knife, Hunting Knife, Pocket Knife, Scissor, Chisel, Blade, Straight Razor, barber clippers & more. Get this simple yet unparalleled tool for home/professional chefs or as men's gifts
Pro kit
Upgraded RUIXIN PRO RX-008 Professional Knife Sharpener with 10 Whetstones, 360° Rotation Flip Design Fixed-Angle Stainless Steel Kitchen Chef Knife Sharpening Kit Abrasive Holding System Tools
MOVIRON
- 【G-Clamp with Maximum Tightness】 With a G-Clamp tightly clamping on the table, stool, kitchen stove or other platforms, this RX-008 Metal Fixed-angle Edge Sharpener can be tightly clamped, and a metal blade fixture holding the blade firmly and safely. Most of the material of this sharpener is stainless steel, highly durable & long lasting.
- 【360° Rotation Flip Design】 Our enhanced knife sharpener equips with an innovative flip fixture structure, allowing you to flip over your blade and sharpen the other side with a deviation of +/- 2°. You can unscrew the screw on the vertical rod to adjust the angle you want quickly and safely. Attention! If your phone has no rangefinder tool to help set the accurate angle, please download Measure APP.
- 【Safety】 We understand the importance of safety when dealing with sharpening tools, your purchase constructed with a safety design–the handle is on the above of the knife blade, it will never hurt your hand when you push back and forth the stone to sharp your knife.
- 【10 Premium Quality Whetstones】 This Edge Sharpener Pro RX-008 Knife Sharpening Kit comes with 10 whetstones: 180#, 400#, 800#, 1500#, 2000#, 3000#, 120#, 320#, 600#, 1500#. The smaller grit, the rougher surface, suitable for repairing a wide range of knives and tools, restoring Old/New knives. The higher grit, the smoother surface, can help to polish your knife, fine grinding, very sharp blades. Stones are all hard enough to grind S30V steel.
- 【Multipurpose Use】 Perfect for sharpening different kinds of knives: serrated edge, kitchen, hunting, chef, meat, paring, sushi or barbecue and even to hone: scissors, chisels and razors. Your blade will get a razor-sharp edge just in a few seconds!
- 【Guarantee】 If you receive the broken stones, please contact us, we will give you the replacement, don't worry!
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 is the ideal sharpening angle for a chef's knife?
The recommended angle is typically 15-20 degrees per side for a balanced edge.
Which products support adjustable sharpening angles?
RazorSharp™ Knife Sharpener and SHARPAL 194H Whetstone include adjustable angle guides.
Do electric sharpeners require manual angle adjustment?
Chef’sChoice models (15XV, 15/20-degree) preset angles, eliminating manual adjustment.
Are manual sharpeners suitable for precise angle control?
Mercer Culinary Angle Guide and SHARPAL 194H allow precise manual angle adjustments.
Can sharpening stones accommodate different angles?
Sharp Pebble Whetstone and SHARPAL 194H work with various angles using external guides.
Which product is best for maintaining a 15-degree edge?
Chef’sChoice Pronto Hone and 15-degree electric models are designed for this angle.
Do sharpening steels help with angle consistency?
SHARPAL 119N Diamond Steel aids in honing but requires user-controlled angle.
