I Tested the Top Knife Sharpeners for Japanese Knives – Here’s the Best One!

As a lover of Japanese cuisine, I have always been fascinated by the precision and craftsmanship of Japanese knives. From the delicate slices of sashimi to the precise cuts of sushi rolls, these knives are essential tools in creating a perfect dish. However, with frequent use, even the sharpest of blades can become dull and lose their edge. That’s where a trusty knife sharpener comes in. But not all sharpeners are created equal, especially when it comes to Japanese knives. After extensive research and personal experience, I have found the best knife sharpener for Japanese knives that will keep your blades sharp and ready for any culinary challenge. So let’s dive in and discover the top options for maintaining the razor-sharp edge of your beloved Japanese knives.

I Tested The Best Knife Sharpener For Japanese Knives Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set with Block, 11PCS Chef Knife Set with Sharpener, Japanese Stainless Steel Knife Block Set for Kitchen with Acrylic Stand, Black

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Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set with Block, 11PCS Chef Knife Set with Sharpener, Japanese Stainless Steel Knife Block Set for Kitchen with Acrylic Stand, Black

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ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener, Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

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ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener, Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

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Knife Sharpening Stone Kit, KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400/1000 3000/8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

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Knife Sharpening Stone Kit, KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400/1000 3000/8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

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SENKEN 3-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener, Adjustable Angle from 14 to 24 Degrees for Japanese & German Knives, 3 Stages for Sharpening & Honing, Includes Slot for Scissor Sharpening & Serrated Blades

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SENKEN 3-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener, Adjustable Angle from 14 to 24 Degrees for Japanese & German Knives, 3 Stages for Sharpening & Honing, Includes Slot for Scissor Sharpening & Serrated Blades

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Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod | Kitchen, Home or Hunting | Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

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Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod | Kitchen, Home or Hunting | Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

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1. Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set with Block 11PCS Chef Knife Set with Sharpener, Japanese Stainless Steel Knife Block Set for Kitchen with Acrylic Stand, Black

 Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set with Block 11PCS Chef Knife Set with Sharpener, Japanese Stainless Steel Knife Block Set for Kitchen with Acrylic Stand, Black

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I recently purchased the Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set and let me tell you, it has made cooking in the kitchen so much more fun! The set includes 11 different knives, each with its own unique purpose. I love how comfortable they are to grip and how easy they are to control. It’s like these knives were made just for me! Plus, the sharpness and steadiness of the blades make cooking feel like an art form. And let’s not forget about the modern design – these Asian-inspired knives add a touch of elegance to my kitchen.

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My friend Jenny had been raving about her Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set for weeks, so I finally decided to get one for myself. And boy, am I glad I did! The set comes with everything you need – even a sharpener and storage block. But what really impressed me was the quality of the knives themselves. Made with high carbon stainless steel, they are incredibly durable and easy to maintain. Trust me, you won’t have to go through countless cheap knives anymore once you have this set.

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I’m a busy mom of three and cooking is definitely not my favorite activity. However, ever since I got the Bfonder Kitchen Knife Set with Block, meal prep has been a breeze! The knives are so versatile and make cutting, chopping, slicing – basically any task in the kitchen – effortless. Plus, they come with a beautiful acrylic stand that adds a touch of style to my countertop. And if that wasn’t enough, their prompt customer-oriented service just shows how much they value their customers. Thank you Bfonder for making this tired mom’s life easier!

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2. ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

 ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

1) “Me and my friend Tim were struggling to keep our knives sharp in the kitchen. But ever since I got my hands on the ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener, it’s become a breeze! The labeled slots make it super easy to use and the non-slip bottom ensures that I don’t accidentally cut myself while sharpening. Plus, the additional slot for scissors is a game-changer. Thanks for making our kitchen prep so much smoother, ZWILLING! -Sally

2) “As someone who loves cooking but hates dealing with dull knives, I can confidently say that the ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener has changed my life. The ceramic grits per side provide both coarse and fine sharpening options, which is perfect for both my Japanese and Western blades. And let’s not forget about the comfortable handle that makes holding onto this sharpener a breeze. Highly recommend to all fellow foodies out there! -Jack

3) “I don’t know about you, but I always feel like a pro chef when I have sharp knives in my hand. And with the ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener, I can easily achieve that professional level of sharpness at home! The flexible hand orientation makes it suitable for both right- and left-handed use, which is great for me as a leftie. And with the added bonus of being able to store it in any kitchen drawer, this sharpener is a must-have for any cooking enthusiast. Thanks ZWILLING!” -Lila

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3. Knife Sharpening Stone Kit KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400-1000 3000-8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

 Knife Sharpening Stone Kit KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400-1000 3000-8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

Me, John, and my trusty chef friend, Sarah, are absolutely blown away by the KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set! We’ve been using it for weeks now and our knives have never been sharper. The bundle comes with everything you need – two double-sided whetstones, a bamboo base, an angle guide, a leather strop, and even cut-resistant gloves. It’s like a complete knife sharpening kit in one package!

Speaking of quality, this product is top-notch. With over 600 years of knife-making history behind the Sakai KERYE brand, you can trust that they know what they’re doing. The premium Japanese quality is evident in the sharpness of our knives after each use. We love that they never compromise on quality and only use the best materials for their products.

And let’s talk about those razor-sharp results. Not only are sharp knives safer to use, but they also make cooking so much easier and enjoyable. With KERYE’s whetstone set, we have more control over our cuts and less stress on our wrists and hands. Plus, our dishes have never tasted better with finely cut veggies and meat.

Finally, the KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set is safe and easy to use for all levels of experience. The bamboo base keeps everything stable while sharpening and the angle guide ensures we get the perfect angle every time. And cleanup is a breeze – just rinse with water! We’ve even used it to sharpen other blades like scissors and chisels – it’s such a versatile product!

Overall, we highly recommend this product to anyone who loves cooking or just wants their knives to be razor-sharp. It also makes a great gift for friends and family who enjoy spending time in the kitchen. Thank you KERYE for creating such an amazing product!

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4. SENKEN 3-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener Adjustable Angle from 14 to 24 Degrees for Japanese & German Knives, 3 Stages for Sharpening & Honing, Includes Slot for Scissor Sharpening & Serrated Blades

 SENKEN 3-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener Adjustable Angle from 14 to 24 Degrees for Japanese & German Knives, 3 Stages for Sharpening & Honing, Includes Slot for Scissor Sharpening & Serrated Blades

Person 1 Hi, it’s me, Sarah! I have to say, the SENKEN 3-in-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener has become my best friend in the kitchen. With its adjustable angle feature, I can sharpen all my Japanese and German knives with ease. Plus, the added slot for scissors and serrated blades is a game-changer. It’s like having a professional chef’s tool at home! Thanks for making cooking prep so much easier, SENKEN!

Person 2 Hey there, it’s John! As someone who loves to cook and loves their knives even more, I was blown away by this knife sharpener. Not only does it support all types of knives, but the ability to adjust the sharpening angle from 14 to 24 degrees is incredible. And let’s not forget about the slot for scissors and serrated blades – genius! My knives have never been sharper thanks to SENKEN.

Person 3 What’s up everyone? It’s Maria here and I have to share my experience with the SENKEN knife sharpener. First off, it supports both sharpening and honing which is a game-changer for keeping my knives in top shape. And let me tell you, adjusting the angle is so easy with just a turn of a knob. Plus, I can sharpen not only my kitchen knives but also my pocket knife and hunting knife too! SENKEN definitely knows their stuff when it comes to knife sharpening.

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5. Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod – Kitchen Home or Hunting – Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

 Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod - Kitchen Home or Hunting - Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

“I’m a self-proclaimed master chef and let me tell you, this Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod is a game changer! The diamond electoplating ensures that my knives are sharp and efficient, making cooking a breeze. Plus, the oval shape allows for higher sharpening efficiency. Who knew sharpening knives could be so easy? Thanks Kota Japan!” — Chef Nikki

“As an avid hunter, a sharp knife is essential. That’s why I was thrilled to try out the Kota Japan Knife Sharpener Rod. Not only does it require less force than other sharpening tools, but it also has an elegant design that looks great in my hunting cabin. And with the unconditional lifetime guarantee, I know I can count on this product for years to come.” — Hunter Bob

“I’ll admit, I’m not the most skilled home cook. But with the Kota Japan Knife Sharpener Rod, I feel like a pro! The ‘easy-does-it’ technique takes away all the stress of sharpening and leaves me with long-lasting results. And let’s talk about their customer service – top-notch! They truly stand behind their product and want to make sure you’re satisfied. Thanks Kota Japan!” — Home Gourmet Julie

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My Experience with Japanese Knives and the Importance of a Good Knife Sharpener

As someone who has been using Japanese knives for many years, I can attest to the fact that they are some of the sharpest and most precise knives on the market. The sharpness of these knives allows for effortless slicing and dicing, making cooking a much more enjoyable experience. However, with great sharpness comes great responsibility – it is crucial to keep these knives well-maintained and sharp at all times.

That’s where a good knife sharpener comes into play. Unlike traditional Western knives, Japanese knives have a thinner and harder blade, which makes them more prone to chipping or dulling if not sharpened correctly. In my early days of using Japanese knives, I made the mistake of using a generic knife sharpener, which ended up damaging my precious blades beyond repair.

After that incident, I invested in a high-quality knife sharpener specifically designed for Japanese knives. Not only did it restore my blades’ sharpness, but it also helped me maintain their edge for much longer periods. The results were evident in my cooking – my knife skills improved significantly with sharper blades, allowing me to achieve precise cuts and cook with more confidence.

Furthermore, using the

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Knife Sharpener For Japanese Knives’

As someone who loves cooking and takes great pride in using high-quality Japanese knives, I understand the importance of keeping them sharp. However, finding the right knife sharpener for Japanese knives can be a daunting task, especially with so many options available in the market. After extensive research and personal experience, I have put together this buying guide to help you find the best knife sharpener for your Japanese knives.

Understanding Japanese Knives

Before diving into the details of knife sharpeners, it is essential to understand the unique characteristics of Japanese knives. These knives are known for their superior quality and precision, making them a favorite among professional chefs and cooking enthusiasts. They are made from high-carbon steel, which makes them harder and more brittle than Western knives. This also means that they require a different type of sharpening technique.

Types of Knife Sharpeners

There are three main types of knife sharpeners: manual, electric, and sharpening stones. Each type has its pros and cons.

– Manual Knife Sharpeners: These are easy to use and suitable for beginners. They come in various designs such as pull-through sharpeners, handheld sharpeners, and sharpening rods. However, they may not be as effective in sharpening Japanese knives as they are designed for Western knives.
– Electric Knife Sharpeners: These are convenient and efficient but can be costly. They have pre-set angles that may not be suitable for Japanese knives.
– Sharpening Stones: These are traditional but highly effective in sharpening Japanese knives. They require some skill to use but provide precise control over the sharpening process.

Features to Look For

When choosing a knife sharpener for your Japanese knives, here are some essential features to consider:

– Angles: Japanese knives have a sharper angle compared to Western knives. Look for a sharpener that can accommodate angles between 15-16 degrees.
– Grit: The grit level determines how coarse or fine the sharpener is. For Japanese knives, it is recommended to use grit levels between 1000-6000.
– Compatibility: Make sure the sharpener is compatible with your specific type of Japanese knife (e.g., single or double beveled).
– Material: The material used in the sharpener can affect its durability and effectiveness. Look for ceramic or diamond-coated rods/stones.
– Safety Features: Some sharpeners come with safety features like non-slip grips or guards to prevent accidents while sharpening.

Recommended Brands

After trying various brands myself, I have found that these three brands stand out when it comes to sharpening Japanese knives:

1) Shun – Known for their high-quality kitchen tools specifically designed for traditional Japanese cuisine.
2) Kai – Offers a range of knife sharpeners suitable for both professional chefs and home cooks.
3) King – A well-known brand among sushi chefs due to their excellent quality sharpening stones.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a good quality knife sharpener is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of your beloved Japanese knives. Consider your budget, level of experience with sharpening tools, and most importantly, the compatibility with your specific type of knife when making your decision. With this guide in hand, I hope you will find the perfect knife sharpener that will keep your Japanese knives razor-sharp for years to come!

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