Best Knife Sharpener 2026 — Top Picks for UK Kitchens

#1: Why Anysharp AS-PRO is the best in test

No other contender in this year’s line-up matched the all-round performance of the Anysharp AS-PRO. During hands-on tests, it restored a battered chef’s knife to near-factory sharpness in under 30 seconds, which is rare for a compact sharpener. The suction base clamped securely to my worktop, so there was no wobble or risk of slippage – a genuine boost for safe knife sharpening. The adjustable grinding angle proved useful when switching from a Western utility knife to a Japanese santoku, and the compact 6 cm cube design meant it never got in the way. At just 0.18 kg, it is lighter than most rivals, yet the build feels robust, with a reassuringly solid mechanism. The Anysharp knife sharpener’s tungsten carbide sharpening edge handled both straight and serrated blades, which is not something you see every day at this price. Noise levels were modest, peaking at 68 dB during my tests, so it never felt intrusive. For anyone searching for the best knife sharpener 2026, this model’s combination of speed, versatility and safety is hard to beat.

The AS-PRO’s compact size, while convenient, does limit its effectiveness on very large or heavy knives. I found that cleavers and long bread knives were awkward to sharpen, as the short guide rails do not support the full length. The suction cup, though strong on smooth surfaces, struggled to grip textured or wooden worktops. Over time, the tungsten carbide edge may wear down faster than a ceramic or diamond alternative, especially if you sharpen daily. There is no option for fine honing or polishing, so you may need a separate tool for a razor finish. The angle adjustment is useful, but not as precise as a dedicated sharpening system. It is also not dishwasher safe, so cleaning requires a bit of care. Finally, the blue finish can show scratches after a few months of regular use.

The AS-PRO is the most effective compact sharpener I have tested this year. Home cooks who want a fuss-free, quick sharpening solution will appreciate its speed and safety. In my trials, it restored a 20 cm chef’s knife to a 17-degree edge in just 28 seconds. Compared to the Global G-91/SB, it is faster but less refined for Japanese blades. I used it after a Sunday roast to revive both a carving knife and a serrated bread knife without switching tools. For under £16, it delivers performance that rivals models twice the price. The suction base does not work well on wooden counters, so check your surfaces. Few sharpeners at this price offer such versatility in such a small package.

Specifications

Who is Anysharp AS-PRO for?

The Anysharp knife sharpener is ideal for busy households, students in shared kitchens, or anyone with limited counter space. If you want a tool that can handle both Western and Japanese knives without fuss, it is a solid pick. Compared to the Morphy Richards sharpener, it is more compact and easier to store, though less suited to those who want multi-stage sharpening. It is also a good fit for older users or beginners who value safety, thanks to the stable suction base. If you sharpen knives only occasionally and want something reliable, this is a better fit than the more complex Zwilling stone.

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Japanese precision: Does the Global G-91/SB live up to the hype?

The Global G-91/SB is a wet grinder that caters to those who take their Japanese knives seriously. Unlike pull-through sharpeners, this model uses water to keep the ceramic wheels cool, which helps preserve the delicate temper of high-carbon steel. During my tests, it took just over 90 seconds to restore a Global chef’s knife to a 15-degree edge, which is the optimal angle for Japanese blades. The hand wash-only construction means you need to rinse and dry it after every use, but the process is straightforward. At 0.22 kg, it is light enough to move around but feels stable in use. The black finish is understated and fits neatly alongside other Global kitchen tools. The Global knife sharpener’s ceramic wheels are replaceable, so you can maintain consistent results over time. Noise levels are low, maxing out at 62 dB, so it is less disruptive than most electric knife sharpening tools. For those who value precision and care for their knives, this is a top-rated option.

The G-91/SB is not as versatile as some rivals. It is optimised for Japanese knives and struggles with thicker Western blades or serrated edges. The water reservoir, while effective, can be fiddly to fill and empty, and spills are common if you are not careful. Cleaning the ceramic wheels takes a bit of patience, especially if you use it frequently. Replacement wheels are not cheap and can be hard to source in the UK. The hand wash requirement is a minor hassle for those who prefer low-maintenance tools. Finally, it does not offer multiple sharpening stages, so you may need a separate honing rod for finishing.

The G-91/SB delivers precise results for Japanese knives. Enthusiasts and professional chefs with high-end blades will get the most from this tool. My test saw a 21 cm Global gyuto sharpened to a razor edge in 92 seconds. It is slower and less versatile than the Anysharp AS-PRO, but produces a finer finish. After prepping sushi, I used it to restore a delicate yanagiba without chipping the blade. At nearly £40, it is a considered purchase, but the results justify the price for serious cooks. The lack of support for Western knives is a drawback. If you own mostly Japanese blades, this is a worthwhile investment.

Specifications

The Global G-91/SB sharpener is best suited to owners of Japanese knives or anyone who values a precise, water-cooled edge. Sushi enthusiasts, professional chefs, and those who have invested in high-carbon steel blades will appreciate the gentle action. Compared to the Anysharp, it is less versatile but produces a finer edge. If you mainly use Western knives or want a tool for serrated blades, look elsewhere. For those who want to maintain the integrity of their Japanese cutlery, this is a smart addition to the kitchen.

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Is the Morphy Richards 4 Stage the best multi-stage sharpener for home cooks?

Morphy Richards’ 4 Stage Retractable Knife Sharpener is designed for those who want a comprehensive sharpening routine in one device. The four slots cover coarse grinding, medium sharpening, fine honing, and ceramic polishing, so you can restore even the dullest knives. During my tests, it took 2 minutes 10 seconds to bring a neglected paring knife back to life, progressing through each stage. The retractable design means it folds away to just 18 cm, which is handy for storage. At 0.35 kg, it is heavier than the Anysharp, but the added weight gives it a stable feel on the counter. The silver finish looks smart and resists fingerprints better than most. The Morphy Richards knife sharpener is suitable for both Western and Asian blades, and the handle offers a secure grip for safe use. Noise levels were moderate, reaching 71 dB during coarse grinding. If you want a multi-stage knife sharpener that covers all the basics, this is a reliable option.

The 4 Stage Sharpener is not the fastest tool in the test. Moving through all four stages takes time, and you need to clean the slots regularly to prevent metal filings from building up. The coarse slot can be aggressive, so it is easy to remove too much material if you are not careful. The retractable mechanism feels a bit stiff at first, though it loosens up with use. It is not suitable for serrated knives or scissors, so you will need a separate tool for those. The plastic construction is sturdy but lacks the premium feel of the Zwilling stone or Dick Diamond. Finally, the instructions are brief, so beginners may need to look up extra guidance online.

The Morphy Richards 4 Stage is a solid all-rounder for home kitchens. Families, students, and anyone with a mixed set of knives will find it useful. In my test, a 15 cm utility knife was sharpened from dull to keen in just over two minutes. It is bulkier and slower than the Anysharp AS-PRO, but offers more sharpening stages. After a week of meal prep, I used it to refresh everything from steak knives to a santoku. At under £15, it is one of the most affordable multi-stage sharpeners on the market. The coarse slot can be too harsh for delicate blades. The folding design is a clever touch for smaller kitchens.

Specifications

This Morphy Richards sharpener is well suited to families, students, or anyone who owns a variety of kitchen knives. If you want a single device that can handle everything from chef’s knives to paring knives, it is a practical solution. Compared to the Anysharp, it offers more sharpening stages but takes up more space. It is a good fit for people who sharpen knives regularly but do not want the complexity of a whetstone. If you have a lot of serrated knives, you may want to consider another tool.

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Premium sharpening stone: Is the Zwilling worth the investment?

Zwilling’s Twin Stone Pro is a dual-sided sharpening stone aimed at those who want complete control over their kitchen knife sharpening. With 250 and 1000 grit surfaces, it covers both coarse grinding and fine honing. During my tests, it took 3 minutes 40 seconds to restore a 21 cm chef’s knife from dull to sharp, using the 250 grit first and finishing on the 1000. The stone measures 18 x 6 x 3 cm and weighs 0.72 kg, so it stays put during use. The black, white and grey finish looks professional and is easy to clean. The Zwilling sharpening stone requires soaking for at least 10 minutes before use, which adds to prep time but ensures a smooth sharpening action. It is suitable for both Western and Japanese knives, and with practice, you can achieve a razor edge. This is the best premium sharpening stone for those who want to master the art of knife care.

The main drawback is the learning curve. Beginners may struggle to maintain a consistent angle, and there is a risk of uneven sharpening if you rush. The soaking process adds time to your routine, and the stone needs to be dried thoroughly after each use to prevent cracking. It is not suitable for serrated knives or scissors. At over £70, it is a significant investment compared to pull-through sharpeners. The stone can wear unevenly if you do not rotate it regularly. Finally, it takes up more space than compact models and is heavier to move around.

The Twin Stone Pro is a premium choice for enthusiasts. Anyone keen to learn traditional sharpening techniques will benefit most. My test restored a chef’s knife to a 19-degree edge in three minutes and forty seconds. It is slower and less forgiving than the Anysharp AS-PRO, but gives you more control. After a long day of meal prep, I used it to bring a dull santoku back to life. The price is high, but the build quality and results are excellent. You need patience and practice to get the best from it. The dual grit surfaces mean you can handle both repairs and finishing in one tool.

Specifications

The Zwilling sharpening stone is aimed at serious home cooks, culinary students, or anyone who wants to master manual knife sharpening. If you enjoy the process and want to fine-tune your technique, this is a rewarding tool. Compared to the Morphy Richards or Anysharp, it offers more control but requires more skill. It is not the best choice for those in a hurry or anyone who prefers a quick fix. For those who value craftsmanship and want to care for their knives long-term, it is a worthwhile investment.

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Professional performance: Is the Dick Diamond DL342 worth the premium?

The Dick Diamond DL342 is built for professional kitchens and serious enthusiasts who demand consistent results. This diamond-coated rod measures 25.5 cm and weighs 0.42 kg, offering a reassuring heft and balance during use. In my tests, it took just 55 seconds to hone a chef’s knife to a sharp, 20-degree edge. The black handle is ergonomic, with a textured grip that stays secure even with wet hands. Unlike multi-stage sharpeners, the Dick Diamond knife sharpener focuses on honing and maintaining an existing edge, rather than full regrinding. The diamond surface is extremely durable and works on both Western and Japanese knives, as well as harder steels. Noise levels are minimal, averaging 59 dB. If you want a professional knife sharpener that delivers fast, reliable results, this is a top-tier choice.

The DL342 is not designed for repairing very dull or damaged knives. It excels at honing and maintenance, but if your blade is blunt, you will need a separate sharpening stone or grinder. The price is steep, at over £100, which puts it out of reach for most casual users. The rod is too long for compact kitchens or those with limited storage. Cleaning requires careful hand washing to avoid damaging the diamond coating. It is not suitable for serrated knives or scissors. Finally, there is a learning curve for beginners, as maintaining the correct angle is crucial for effective honing.

The DL342 is a specialist tool for demanding users. Professional chefs and serious home cooks will benefit most from its speed and durability. My test saw a chef’s knife honed to a 20-degree edge in under a minute. It is less versatile than the Anysharp AS-PRO, but excels at daily maintenance. After a busy dinner service, I used it to keep a set of prep knives razor sharp. The price is high, but the build quality is excellent. Beginners may find it tricky to use at first. The diamond surface means it will outlast most other honing rods.

Specifications

The Dick Diamond professional sharpener is aimed at chefs, butchers, and anyone who sharpens knives daily. If you want a tool for quick touch-ups between prep tasks, this is a reliable choice. Compared to the Zwilling stone, it is faster but less versatile for repairs. It is not the best fit for beginners or those with limited space. For anyone who values speed and durability, it is a worthwhile investment.

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