A knife doesn’t stay sharp forever, and you’ll notice the difference when it loses its edge.

• Electric knife sharpening machines offer convenience.
• Sharpening stones have a learning curve.
• Sharpening stones can lengthen the lifespan of your knives.

There is one sharpening slot to insert and pull the blade through; within the slot, there’s a coarse carbide edge to quickly set the edge, and a fine ceramic edge to finish the edge and also. This knife set does have a block ceramic sharpener within each slot, except for the steak knives. While the block is not made of wood, it is still aesthetically attractive and will fit on most kitchen counters without much trouble. The Vremi 4-Stage Manual Knife Sharpener has 4 sharpening slots depending on your needs. These 4 slots are separated in 2 groups and have plastic slide lid above it, that is covering 2 slots by 2 slots. In both groups, one slot is or sharpening and the second one is for polishing. This model fits for both standard and Asian models. A quality electric knife sharpener features small orbiting plates of abrasive material that are set at fixed grinding angles. Each slot features plates with different levels of abrasiveness. The blade is sharpened as you pull it through the series of slots. The first slot will be the most abrasive. For about $3, the Normark sharpener is a best buy. The Normark knife sharpener is an inexpensive slot gadget that can be found at a sporting goods store next to Normark's filet knives. It has two sets of ceramic rods set at 20 degrees. The medium gray rods sharpen and the fine white rods hone.

In a perfect world, everybody loves what we post on Instagram, dogs stay as cute as they were as puppies, and knives never get dull. Alas, even quality knives made of premium steel will eventually lose their cutting edge.

The good news is that there are a variety of ways to bring back that razor-sharp edge. Each technique falls into one of two basic camps: speed and convenience vs. do-it-yourself satisfaction

Why You Should Keep Your Knives Sharp

How you sharpen your knives is a personal preference, but why you should keep them sharp causes no disagreement. Dull knife blades are a safety hazard. A knife that’s lost its sharp edge will slip on food and increase your chances of injury. Few examples prove this better than trying to slice a tomato with a dull chef’s knife.

A dull knife increases the amount of time you spend preparing what you cook. Sharpening your knives makes you more efficient in the kitchen. And because a sharp knife makes more precise cuts, you’ll minimize food waste.

A dull knife will make your food appear … well, dull. A very sharp knife blade reduces the damage done at a cellular level as it cleanly slices through food. It decreases moisture loss, which accelerates oxidation. Chopped herbs wilt faster, and a sliced apple will turn brown more quickly.

It’s why sharpening is a skill you should learn — whether you do it with a knife sharpening machine or with knife sharpening stones. Here’s what you need to know about each method.

Knife Sharpening Machines

Even something as fragile as a tomato can resist a dull kitchen knife blade.

Electric or manual sharpening machines are advisable if you have little or no experience maintaining high quality cooking knives. The learning curve consists of reading short instructions and following the steps.

Electric Knife Sharpeners

These boxy electric sharpening devices feature a series of slots. A quality electric knife sharpener features small orbiting plates of abrasive material that are set at fixed grinding angles. Each slot features plates with different levels of abrasiveness.

The blade is sharpened as you pull it through the series of slots. The first slot will be the most abrasive. Think of the process as if you were sanding wood. You’d use coarse or more abrasive sandpaper to start and work your way to a fine grit to get the final, smooth surface. Pulling your knife through the slots of an electric knife sharpener restores the blade edge angle while sharpening so it slices cleanly through food.

Electric knife sharpeners are easy to use. You literally place them on a countertop, plug them in, and turn them on. Depending on the condition of your knife blade, you can be finished with a sharpening session in about 30 seconds — the time it takes to pull the blade through the standard three slots of the sharpening machine.

The downside of electric knife sharpeners is that speed and convenience are accomplished through an aggressive approach. The orbiting abrasive plates in the machine can remove significantly more material from the knife blade than if you were to use a sharpening stone. Regular use of an electric knife sharpener will shorten the lifespan of your knife.

German-style knives feature bolsters that will prevent you from being able to pull the knife all the way through. Using an electric knife sharpener — or a manual knife sharpener — means that you’ll be unable to sharpen the portion of the blade closest to the handle.

Japanese-style knives typically have no bolster, so this obstacle is removed. You’ll have another concern, though. Many Japanese-style knives feature a blade angle that’s more acute than German-style knives. Electric knife sharpeners are all about convenience, so the internal sharpening disks are positioned to match specific angles. You wouldn’t want to run your Japanese-style knife through an electric knife sharpener that was configured for German-style knives — or vice versa.

Manual Knife Sharpeners

These are also known as pull-through sharpeners. Take an electric knife sharpener and remove its motorized components. What you’re left with is a smaller, more portable version of an electric knife sharpener that also doesn’t need to be plugged in.

Otherwise, manual knife sharpeners work the same as their electrified cousins. The biggest difference is that your action of pulling the knife blade through the slots is what causes the orbiting plates of abrasive material to restore sharpness.

This manual action means you’ll likely have to pull the knife several times through each slot. If you have little or no experience in what to look for, it may be difficult to know how many times to perform this action. Keep in mind that like an electric knife sharpener, the first slot will feature an aggressive level of abrasiveness. It’s easy to inadvertently remove more of your knife blade’s material than what’s needed to re-sharpen it.

Manual sharpeners are smaller and easier to store, but you’ll also run into the same obstacles that you get with electric knife sharpeners when it comes to German-style knife blade bolsters and pre-set angles.

Sharpening Systems

The most difficult part of sharpening a knife is making sure you have the right blade angle. It’s why people shy away from maintaining their knives with sharpening stones. Sharpening machines remove this concern. A knife sharpening system holds the blade at the correct angle. Instead of pulling the blade across a series of sharpening surfaces, the knife is fixed, and the stone is moved over the blade.

It’s an option to consider, but the preparation may add more time than you’re willing to spend.

Sharpening Stones

Sharpening stones offer superior results for nearly every kind of knife.

This method of knife sharpening has a learning curve, and it takes more time than pulling your knives through a sharpening machine, but the results are superior. Sharpening stones can be used for German-style and Japanese-style knives. This method can sharpen nearly every kind of knife.

Unlike an electric or manual knife sharpening machine, you have to hold the blade at the correct sharpening angle. The result, though, is a freshly sharpened edge.

Sharpening stones are also known as whetstones. The word “whet” means to sharpen. A delicious aroma can whet your appetite, and a sharpening stone can whet your kitchen knives. The actual process of using a whetstone is known as stoning. The most common shape is a rectangular block, which is why they are also sometimes called a bench stone.

Nearly all sharpening stones require either water or oil as a lubricant to help reduce the friction of moving the angled knife blade across the surface of the stone. Choose sharpening stones that work best with water — and are therefore likely to be described as water stones – because they’re easier to work with. Oil stones are simply sharpening stones that work best with oil, which makes for a long clean-up.

What to Look for in a Sharpening Stone

Grinding tools against stone to sharpen the edges has been going on since — you guessed it — the Stone Age. Today’s sharpening stones are small in size because we are using them to sharpen a chef’s knife rather than a spear.

Sharpening stones can be cut from natural sources or created using industrial chemistry. The most common natural stone is crystalline silica, which is durable and extremely hard. Its abrasive qualities make it perfect for use in sharpening steel.

Man-made sharpening stones have become more popular, though, because it’s possible to create consistent particle sizes. These particle sizes determine the stone’s level of abrasiveness, which is also known as grit.

When using sharpening stones, you’ll start with a high level of abrasiveness and work your way towards a less abrasive surface that’s doing more polishing than grinding. Like sandpaper, lower grit levels indicate a higher degree of abrasiveness.

Grit

A quality set of sharpening stones will help you return a knife blade to razor sharpness.

The most common coarse sharpening stone is 220 grit. It’ll remove a large amount of blade material quickly, so it’s often used to grind away a chip or to even set a new bevel angle on a blade. The Japanese call this type of coarse sharpening stone “Arato.”

A medium grit stone is commonly around 1,000 grit. The Japanese call it “Nakato.” If your knife is dull but not damaged, you can start with this sharpening stone. The level of abrasiveness removes enough material to restore the cutting edge. It’s much less aggressive, so you don’t have to worry about inadvertently removing more material than necessary.

A very fine grit stone — which the Japanese call “Shiageto” — is 6,000 grit or higher. It’s used as the final step to polish and hone the cutting edge.

If you plan to maintain the sharpness of your blades using sharpening stones, you’ll need a minimum of three. A coarse stone for repair, a medium stone for sharpening, and a very fine one to hone. Misen offers a sharpening stone set made of premium materials hand crafted by Naniwa in Osaka, Japan.

Worth Your Time and Attention

Running your knives through a sharpening machine is quick and easy, and then you’re done – but is that all there is to cooking?

Many people want a deeper connection with what they prepare in the kitchen. Using sharpening stones takes longer than using a sharpening machine, and there’s more skill involved, but you’re rewarded with the satisfaction that comes when you choose what’s better over what’s easier.

If only your kitchen knife set could sharpen itself instead of you having to sit down and sharpen the blade individually. What if we told you there were self-sharpening knife sets around that you could afford and that weren’t gimmicks? Let’s go through the best self-sharpening knife sets you can find. Start with our guide to these kitchen collections below first, so you know what to look for.

If you want a quick list, check our top 6 below:

What Is a Self-Sharpening Knife Set?

What distinguishes a self-sharpening knife set from a regular knife set? In a nutshell, it has to do with the storage block that usually comes with these sets. Indeed, never trust a self-sharpening knife that comes by itself to actually be self-sharpening.

You see, real self-sharpening sets have storage blocks that include ceramic knife sharpening edges that are positioned inside the slots for each knife. This way, whenever you store your knives after using them, they automatically rub against the sharpeners within the block. They’re also sharpened when you retrieve the knives to use them again. In this way, the knives are sharpened ever so slightly every time withdraw them from the block, meaning you have to spend less (or no) time sharpening them yourself.

The ceramic sharpeners within the blocks don’t actually remove steel to create a sharper edge. Instead, they hone the edge of your knives, which essentially means that they realign the edge each time you pull them out or put them back inside.

So does this mean that you actually never need to sharpen them? Not exactly. If you use your knives frequently, you may need to do your own sharpening or honing in addition to the passive sharpening that happens when you insert the knives into the block. However, there’s no denying that these sets require you to sharpen less frequently than you otherwise would have to.

You can also check our Forged in Fire knives review or Emeril 19-piece hollow handle & knife block set review.

What to Look For in a Self-Sharpening Knife Set?

There are several key things you should look for when purchasing a self-sharpening knife set.

Number of Knives

Firstly, consider the number of knives that come with the set. Some knife sets include as few as 4 to 6 pieces; these have staple knives like chef’s knives, which are versatile and can handle a lot of different cutting tasks. Others will have knives numbering up to 10 or 15. These usually have more specialized blades that can accomplish a variety of specific tasks.

We’d recommend focusing on a knife set that has plenty of blades to spare if you want dedicated knives for all your cooking needs. But if you will only rarely be using the knife set, you can probably get away with fewer knives overall.

Handles

Next, consider the handles of the knife set in question. Some knives are made with ornate or beautiful wooden handles that are a delight to hold and an aesthetic boost to your kitchen. Others may be wood-like, with handles that are created from a synthetic material designed to look and feel like real wood. These are a little cheaper than regular wooden handles in many cases. Still, other knife handles might be made from a synthetic material that isn’t particularly aesthetically pleasing but is cheaper overall.

There’s no right or wrong answer but, if you do choose a set with wooden handles, try to find knives whose handles are protected against water damage.

Steel Quality

You’ll also want to consider the quality of the steel in a given knife set. While virtually all knives will be made of some kind of steel, there are different grades or qualities that can determine how long the knives will last and how well they will cut or slice your food.

Carbon steel is usually the best bang for your buck, and it’s often made as a type of stainless steel, at least for the outermost layer. This is another great thing to look for because stainless steel prevents corrosion from affecting your knives and looks extremely polished and high-quality as well.

Weight

Finally, consider the overall weight of knives within the set. Some knives are significantly heavier than others and may be more difficult to wield for long stretches of time. Others are pretty lightweight. There’s no right or wrong answer here either, but it’s something to consider in terms of your personal preferences.

The 6 Best Self-Sharpening Knife Sets

1. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening 15-Pc Set

This knife set comes with 15 pieces in total, featuring every major blade type you could need for a full, six-course meal prep session! Available blades range from serrated utility knives to chefs’ knives to steak knives, and the set even includes a 4 ½ inch paring knife. Whether you need to saw through meat, slice and dice vegetables, or cut up fruit into neat little pieces, this knife set will have enough blades for your objective.

The set comes with a wooden storage block that features ceramic sharpeners in each knife slot. The slots are individual for each blade, with the exception of the steak knives that are arrayed in a row near the bottom. Even better, the handles are labeled so you can easily see which blade is which without having to remove them and sharpen them too much as a result.

All the handles are triple-riveted for security and are contoured for an ergonomic grip. Additionally, every blade is “full tang” designed for even better strength and balance over their life spans. Speaking of lifespans, the set comes with a full lifetime warranty, so having a blade replaced is no trouble if there’s a manufacturer defect.

Pros:

• Handles allow for easy identification
• Handles are comfortable
• Knife selection and variety is great
• Steel blades are forged with high carbon content
• Includes scissors as well

Cons:

• Ceramic sharpeners can wear out a bit too quickly, may need replacing

The Final Verdict

All in all, it’s a great self-sharpening knife set that isn’t too pricey compared to others on the market. The handle labeling is a great feature we hope to see with future sets.

If you are interested in some of our other reviews, have a look at Kutt Chef knife or santoku vs. chef’s knife comparison.

2. Henckels 20-Pc Self-Sharpening Block Set

This knife set has even more individual blades than the last, numbering 20 in total. It also comes with a dedicated bread knife and boning knife; these are perfect for slicing through chunks of bread or preparing meat that has one or more bones still inside the cut. Other knives include utility blades, paring knives, and several steak knives.

The knives are seated within a self-sharpening knife block. The block is made of stained ash wood, which looks great and is likely to last for a long time. The block also comes with a brushed stainless steel cap that makes the knife set match the block in terms of aesthetics. The slots are labeled so you can easily guide the correct knives into the right slots without too much effort.

Furthermore, this set is a great choice because every knife is made with Zwilling J.A. Henckels quality; this company is centered in a German town renowned for its knife making history. You can rest assured that the blades will be high-quality when you try them out for the first time.

Pros:

• Blades are extremely high-quality
• There are labels on the block
• Knife block looks great
• Lots of stainless steel everywhere to reduce corrosive damage
• Knife variety is excellent

Cons:

• Block size/set collection can be a bit large for some counters

The Final Verdict

If you have space and are willing to pay for high-quality, this self-sharpening knife set is one of the best picks you can make in terms of quality and aesthetics.

3. Calphalon Contemporary Self-Sharpening 20-Piece Knife Set

This contemporary knife set also features 20 blades, with types ranging from boning to slicing to bread cutting. Kitchen shears are also included, and the blades are forged from high carbon, no-stain German steel, with the exception of the steak knives. These are made from stamped Asian steel. Either way, all the blades are high-quality and are designed with a full tang to increase their durability and balance.

The knives are set into a wooden block and feature the same labeling markings on their hilts as the first Calphalon set. Figuring out which knife is which is quick and easy.

Pros:

• Has excellent labeling feature again
• Plenty of knife variety
• Wooden block is high-quality and beautiful
• Both varieties of steel used are great

Cons:

• Pretty expensive compared to other knife sets
• Some of the ceramic sharpeners can wear out quickly

The Final Verdict

This is a great choice if you like the idea and look of the first set but want additional, specific blades for certain cooking or preparation tasks.

4. Calphalon Classic Self-Sharpening Stainless Steel 15-Piece Set

Calphalon returns once again with this classic knife set. It comes with 15 pieces in total and the blades are forged with high carbon content and no-stain, stamped steel material. As such, you’ll be able to rely on these blades for a long time to come.

The handles are labeled (as we would expect), and they are specially contoured to provide you with a secure and comfortable grip. They’re some of the best feeling and well-balanced knives you can find these days. A full lifetime warranty from Calphalon rounds out this set’s value.

Pros:

• Includes a lifetime warranty from manufacturer problems
• Steel quality and makeup is great
• Wood block is stable and beautiful
• Has labels on the handles and block

Cons:

• Steak knife slots don’t always fully align

The Final Verdict

It’s another great set from Calphalon; we’d recommend it if you prefer this one’s aesthetic to the original we reviewed earlier.

To learn more about different type of knives, have a look at our best knives for boning deer or best knives for trimming meat.

Knife Sharpening Scottsdale

The Best Budget Self-Sharpening Knife Sets

5. McCook MC29 Self-Sharpening Knife Set, 14-Pc

McCook provides us with a budget-friendly self-sharpening knife set numbering 14 pieces in total. The blades are made with German, high-quality and high-carbon stainless steel—no need to worry about corrosive damage or the knives losing their durability over time. The blades are designed with a tapered grind edge to provide them with optimum sharpness and make them even easier to re-sharpen. They’re also made with ergonomic handles for your comfort and convenience.

Knife Sharpening Stones

The knives store securely within the wooden block, which is both aesthetically pleasing and durable. We also like that the knife block has several balancing feet on the bottom, which keeps it stable on rickety surfaces like uneven tables. The big difference here between other self-sharpening sets is that it has a sharpening slot on the top right corner. You sharpen each knife individually using this slot.

Pros:

• Block is high-quality and very stable
• Knife steel quality is great
• Knives are designed to sharpen easily and quickly
• Handles are comfortable to use

Cons:

• Have to sharpen each knife individually

The Final Verdict

If you don’t mind spending a little extra time sharpening the knives yourself, this is a great budget-friendly choice.

Knife Sharpening Salt Lake City

6. Sabatier Self-Sharpening Edgekeeper Pro 12-Piece Set

Here’s another budget-friendly self-sharpening kit, featuring 12 pieces including an 8-inch chef knife, several steak knives, and a few other specialty knives for paring or utility cutting. The knives are made from high carbon stainless steel, and the handles are created with a satin finish that makes them durable and sanitary. The knives are also comfortable to use over the long-term thanks to their handles’ ergonomic shape.

This knife set does have a block ceramic sharpener within each slot, except for the steak knives. While the block is not made of wood, it is still aesthetically attractive and will fit on most kitchen counters without much trouble.

Pros:

• Most of the blades are good quality
• Block is aesthetically unique
• Knives are comfortable to hold
• Handles have a satin finish

Cons:

• Steak knives can be a little thin compared to others
• No labels

The Final Verdict

It’s another good budget-friendly choice that balances quality with price without compromising too much on features or durability.

Concluding Our Best Self Sharpening Knife Sets Guide

In the end, all of these self-sharpening knife sets are excellent in terms of overall quality and value. Being able to rely on your knives being at least decently sharp without having to constantly sharpen them by hand is a huge deal. Hopefully, one of the above sets is perfect for your kitchen. Thanks for reading!

You may also want to check out our list of the best knife sets under $200 or Forever Sharp knives review.