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Best Knife Sharpener: Whetstone vs Electric vs Pull-Through
What is the best knife sharpener? A whetstone gives the best edge if you're willing to learn. A guided sharpener is easier, and a mail-in service is the most hands-off. In Serious Eats' 2026 testing, its best whetstone was the King 1000/6000 Starter Set and its best electric sharpener was the Work Sharp Ken Onion. It also found that some pull-through sharpeners remove noticeably more metal. Dalstrong's options are the 1000/6000 whetstone kit ($59), the guided Hornet sharpener ($109) and a mail-in sharpening service ($69).
This guide is about choosing a sharpener. For technique, see how to sharpen a knife with a stone and how to sharpen a knife. Dalstrong prices are from dalstrong.com as of November 3, 2026.
Knife sharpener types compared
| Type | Edge quality | Ease | Metal removed | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whetstone | Best: you control the edge and the polish | Takes practice | Low, if used well | Cooks who want the sharpest edge, Japanese knives |
| Guided or water-based sharpener (e.g. Hornet) | Very good | Easy | Low to moderate | Regular home maintenance without freehand skill |
| Electric | Good to very good | Fast | Can be higher with frequent use | Busy kitchens, infrequent sharpening |
| Pull-through | Fair | Very easy | Highest in Serious Eats' test | Quick touch-ups only |
| Mail-in service | Professional | Effortless | Controlled | Anyone who'd rather not sharpen |
Serious Eats notes whetstones are preferred by professional chefs, and that electric sharpeners can take more metal off a blade. In its test, only the Zwilling pull-through removed a measurable amount, two grams in a single sharpening.
Dalstrong sharpening options
- Whetstone Set, 1000/6000 Kit, $59. A non-soak corundum stone that's ready once you add water. Use 1000 grit to restore a worn edge and 6000 to refine and polish. It comes with a beech wood base, a non-slip silicone layer and an angle guide. It's the same two-grit setup as Serious Eats' best whetstone pick, the King 1000/6000.
- Hornet Series Knife Sharpener, $109. A water-based, three-stage sharpener for double-bevel blades that restores, maintains and polishes. Dalstrong notes it isn't suitable for blades more than 3 mm thick, and it isn't for single-bevel knives. Check your knife on the product page first.
- Dalstrong Knife Sharpening Service, $69. Send in 5 or 7 knives at a time, and Dalstrong says they come back sharpened in 4 to 7 days from receipt.
- Gladiator 10" Honing Steel, $69. Not a sharpener. It realigns the edge between sharpenings. See honing vs sharpening.
What grit whetstone do I need?
For most home cooks, a combination stone around 1000/6000 covers it. The coarser side rebuilds a dull edge and the finer side polishes it. Add a coarser stone only if you regularly repair chips or very dull blades. Keep the stone flat as it wears.
How to choose a knife sharpener in 7 steps
- Check your knives. Are they single or double bevel? Serrated? Guided sharpeners and pull-throughs suit double-bevel blades only.
- Decide how hands-on you want to be. Whetstone for control, guided sharpener for ease, service for zero effort.
- Protect hard Japanese steel. Harder, thinner edges do best on whetstones or with a professional service. See can you hone a Japanese knife?
- Pick grits. A 1000/6000 combination stone suits most kitchens.
- Avoid overusing pull-throughs. They're fine for touch-ups, but Serious Eats measured more metal removal.
- Add a honing rod. Honing between sharpenings means you sharpen less often.
- Plan how often. Hone often, and sharpen when honing no longer brings the edge back.
Sharpener buying checklist
- Knife types checked: single or double bevel, serrated, thickness
- Method chosen: whetstone, guided, electric or service
- Grits chosen (1000/6000 for most)
- Honing rod for in-between maintenance
- Stone flattening plan if using whetstones
- Safe, dry storage for knives and stones
Frequently asked questions
What is the best type of knife sharpener?
A whetstone gives the best edge and control but takes practice. Guided sharpeners are easier, electric sharpeners are fastest, and mail-in services take no effort. Serious Eats' best whetstone is the King 1000/6000.
Are pull-through sharpeners bad for knives?
They're fine for occasional touch-ups. In Serious Eats' test, a pull-through sharpener removed a measurable two grams of steel in one sharpening, so frequent use wears blades down faster.
What grit whetstone should I buy?
A combination stone around 1000/6000 suits most home cooks. Use 1000 to restore a dull edge and 6000 to refine and polish.
Can I use an electric sharpener on Japanese knives?
Check the sharpener's compatibility first. Harder, thinner Japanese edges and single-bevel knives are best maintained on a whetstone or by a professional service.
Does Dalstrong sharpen knives?
Yes. The Dalstrong Knife Sharpening Service ($69, Nov 3, 2026) takes 5 or 7 knives at a time, and Dalstrong says they return sharpened in 4 to 7 days from receipt.
Sources: Serious Eats knife sharpener testing (2026); Dalstrong product pages and pricing. Checked November 3, 2026.
