Problems With Electric Knife Sharpeners – 5 Hidden Truths

Before every meal prep, I make sure that my knife cuts as smooth as butter. To keep my blades precise, I pay great heed to the selection of knife sharpeners. As an expert in kitchen and dining, I have played with almost all types of knife sharpeners. At this point, I am confident enough to give my verdict in favour of manual knife sharpeners. Although electric knife sharpeners are not useless- they still have some drawbacks. 

In my view, if you are not much concerned about the longevity of your knives and only want to get the job done quickly- you can go for electric knife sharpeners. But if you are a knife person like me and are possessive about your blades- you may want to stay away from them.

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In this article, I will elaborate on the problems with electric knife sharpener and why you should not invest in them. So let’s delve into the details.

Problems With Electric Knife Sharpener Explained

Electric knife sharpeners can create uneven edges and cause damage to knives if not used properly. They can also be expensive, difficult to maintain and loud.

If you are planning to get your hands on an Electric sharpener, be aware of the damage it may cause to your knives if not used properly. Below I have mentioned a few more cons of electric knife sharpeners so that you get a clear picture of what you are investing in. 

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Five Disadvantages Of Electric Knife Sharpener

Uneven edges

Electric sharpeners can create uneven edges on your knives. It usually happens when the sharpening angle is not adjusted or the grinding wheel is not in good condition.

Damage to knives

Electric sharpeners can cause damage to your knives if not used properly. It happens when you sharpen your knives too frequently or apply too much pressure during the sharpening process. The sharpeners use an electric current to sharpen the blade, so if the current is too strong or too fast, it can damage the knife. 

Expensive

Electric knife sharpeners can be costly compared to manual sharpeners. They generally cost more because of their motor, multiple stages of sharpening, and other advanced features. 

Difficult to Maintain

Electric sharpeners can be hard to maintain, especially if they have multiple stages of sharpening or if they use diamond abrasives. They require regular maintenance and thorough cleaning to keep them in good working condition.

Loud Noise

Some electric sharpeners can be noisy, which can be a problem if you are trying to sharpen your knives while other people are sleeping or trying to have a conversation.

Five Reasons Why You Should Stay Away From Electric Knife Sharpeners

As mentioned before, electric knife sharpeners have their cons, but you can still get your hands on them if you know the right technique and precautions. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Below I have mentioned five points to give you enough reasons why you shouldn’t buy one.

If You Are A Chef And Have Expensive Knives

Electric sharpeners can be aggressive and remove a lot of metal from your knives, especially if you are not careful. It could be a problem for expensive knives because they are often made from high-quality materials and have a thinner edge than cheaper knives. Removing too much metal can weaken the blade and make it more prone to chipping or breaking.

Also, expensive knives often have unique or complex geometries that are difficult to sharpen using an electric sharpener. Many electric sharpeners are designed to work with standard knife shapes and may not be able to maintain the unique angles or curves of an expensive knife.

If You Want As Good Precision As A Sharpening Stone  

Electric knife sharpeners sharpen knives quickly and easily, but they may not provide the same level of precision as sharpening stones.

Sharpening stones, also called whetstones, are the traditional tool for sharpening knives. They are made of abrasive materials like diamond or ceramic and come in different grits. Because of its design, sharpening stones allow you to sharpen the knife at different angles and control the pressure during the sharpening process. As a result, they deliver a high degree of precision to achieve a razor-sharp edge.

On the other hand, Electric sharpeners use a grinding wheel or a sharpening stone, often fixed in place. They have a guide to hold the knife at the correct angle, but they don’t offer as much control over the angle and pressure as manual sharpening stones. Electric sharpeners are easy to use and efficient, but they may not provide the same level of precision as sharpening stones.

If you want to avoid the risk of going overboard

One of the potential disadvantages of using an electric knife sharpener is the risk of going overboard with it. When using an electric sharpener, it is easy to apply too much pressure or sharpen the knife for too long, which can remove too much metal from the blade.

Removing too much metal from the blade can cause several problems including weakening of the blade, unaligned edges and permanent damage to the knife. 

If You Want To Develop A Skill 

One of the drawbacks of using an electric knife sharpener is that it can take away the opportunity to develop the sharpening skill. Sharpening knives is an art and skill- that you can build by practising and using manual sharpeners like sharpening stones or honing rods.

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Manual sharpeners like sharpening stones or honing rods allow you to control the angle and develop a feel for the right amount of pressure on the blade. It helps you to achieve a razor-sharp edge on your knives and to maintain their edge over time. An electric knife sharpener limits you to achieve the same level of expertise and skill as manual sharpeners.

If You Have Space Issues In The Kitchen 

Electric knife sharpeners can be bulky and take up a significant amount of space. They generally require a dedicated counter or storage space, which can be an issue for those with limited kitchen space.

They also can be hard to move around, so you need a permanent spot for them. It can be a problem for those who like to rearrange their kitchen or those who have a small kitchen.

How To Deal With Problems With Electric Knife Sharpeners

I would not recommend an electric one and suggest you invest in whetstones or manual sharpeners. But, if you are not concerned with your blades and want to sharpen them quickly, you need to understand how to deal with the problems that might arise using one.

I suggest you start with a lower setting and work your way up gradually, so you can see how much metal is being removed from the blade and stop before you remove too much. It is always a good idea to pay attention to the condition of your knife and not to over-sharpen it.

As long as space-saving is concerned, I advise you to check the dimensions of the electric sharpener before purchasing and consider the available space in your kitchen.