How to Use an Electric Knife Sharpener

Electric knife sharpeners are a modern addition to any kitchen as it enables anyone to sharpen a knife in one quick go, usually in just 15 to 30 seconds, producing a high quality blade that is perfect for cutting frozen food and other tough food and objects in and around the kitchen.  With electric knife sharpeners, there is no need to send out the professional knife sharpeners.  It can save you time and effort, and can give you ultimate convenience.

When knives are placed through the electric knife sharpeners, they usually go through three stages.  The first stage is an initial sharpening, the next stage uses diamond abrasives, and then the final stage uses precision guides.

You have to note that these three stages are used very differently.  Stage 1 can be utilized for very dull knives, Stage 2 for semi-sharp knives, and Stage 3 is just for re-sharpening.

Turn the power of the electric knife sharpener on.  Next, insert the blade of the knife into the left slot of the Stage 1 and spring it as you pull the blade toward you.  Make sure that it engages itself onto the diamond coated disk.  There is a clicking sound that will indicate that it is locked on.  Repeat that with another full pull in stage 1.  Make sure that you pull on each side with the same number of pulls so that that you can keep the edge of the knife symmetrical.

Do the same with stage 2 as well with stage 3.  Sometimes you will just need a few pulls in these two stages to achieve a perfectly razor sharp knife.  Make sure that you make alternating pulls in the left and right slots so that you can make the edges the same.

When you are done sharpening, you must clean the knife of its residue before using it to cut anything, especially food.

Sharpening your knives will depend on your usage.  If you see your knife become dull again after a while, you need not run it through stage 1.  You can just opt to run it on stage 3 to re-sharpen it.  If it is not sharp enough, you can move back down to stage 2 then back again to stage 3.

Many high end electric knife sharpeners can sharpen multiple types of knife blades.  There may be differences among brands so it pays to read the manual before using the unit.