No Other Way to Slice It
Knives, knives, knives; those of you who get it, get it; those of you who don’t, use serrated knives. Good cooks know that a good knife can take a cooking experience from frustrating to joyful. I know that sounds hyperbolic. What’s so exciting about knives?
If you’re asking, then you’ve never sliced a cucumber into ethereal wisps. And to do that you don’t just need a good knife, you need a sharp one, because even good knives dull over time. Sharpening your knives regularly not only makes cooking easier, it makes it safer. I know it’s counterintuitive, but a sharp knife is safer than a dull one. Sharpening your knife at home comes in many forms, from electric, manual, different styles and blades as well as the traditional whetstone. I tried out the options and am here to let you know the best knife sharpener to keep your meat sliced to perfection, your carrots brunoised, and your fingertips intact.
Testing, Testing
1. First I took out all my blunt knives (I have a lot) and checked to see how they sliced a cucumber – the exertion required and how thin I could get it. None of them could slice a tomato.
2. I examined all the knife sharpeners for footprint as well as instructions and ease of use.
3. I sharpened two knives with each sharpener
4. I tested the sharpness by slicing cucumber rounds, tomatoes, and a paper (sounds weird, but it’s a classic knife sharpness test)
Accusharp
Price: $10.85
Notes: Only one with option for serrated knives, easy to use, easy storage.
Stars: 3.75
Wucgea
Price: $19.99
Notes: complicated directions, videos in Japanese, takes practice to get technique, not for busy home cooks – results were similar to others
Stars: 3
Keenbest
Price: $16.99
Notes: Came with many parts, not clear what to do with all of it, directions are confusing, takes practice to get technique – not for busy home cooks, results were similar to others.
Stars: 3
Kitchellence
Price: $9.99
Notes: Easy to use, clear instructions, comes with a glove, same as Longzon, just less features (no second glove or scissor option),
Stars: 4.25
Longzon
Price: $9.99
Notes: Easy to use, comes with gloves, has scissor sharpening slot, clear instructions, suggests using whetstone for really dull blades.
Stars: 4.5
Rada Cutlery
Price: $15.90
Notes: Very easy to use, easy storage, no sharp bits, feels very cheap.
Stars: 4
Overall Winner: Longzon
I really wanted one of the whetstones to win, because really, really, they are the right tool to get the best results. Alas, I’m not dedicating my life to learning the best technique and the perfect 15 degree angle to swipe the knife at. This column is for real people in real kitchen – so Longzon does the job well and easily, as well as extra perks like cut-resistant gloves and scissor sharpening. Enjoy your sharp knives!
Tip: Most of us cut, slice and dice in whatever fashion feels right or how our mother did it. Learning knife skills is a game changer to cooking – your cuts with be done faster, with more ease, less exertion, and you’ll have prettier results. Read a book, watch a video, ask a chef, thank me later.
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