Manual vs Electric Knife Sharpeners

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T here is an absurd amount of different types of knives out there, and we all have and use at least one type on an almost daily basis. However, as they are subjected to intense use, it’s inevitable for their blades to become dull. When this happens, you can only do one of two things, more precisely to either throw them out or sharpen their blades. Obviously, the smart thing to do is to sharpen the blade, this way saving money and getting to keep a reliable knife that you feel comfortable using. But then comes the problem of deciding between a manual and an electric knife sharpener.

Manual Systems – Pros and Cons

Manual knife sharpeners are a popular choice for those who prefer a more personal approach when it comes to restoring edge sharpness in their knives. On the downside, these systems are not viable for use on all types of knives. For example, with serrated and waved-edge knives you might notice uneven results if you use a manual system. On the other hand, the increased control provided ensures perfect results and suits individuals who are detail-oriented.

Pros:

• Full control over the process;
• They come at a cheaper price;
• Perfect for kitchen knives;
• Increased safety in use.

Cons:

• They don’t work well for serrated and waved-edge knives;
• More effort is involved on the user’s part;
• The process takes longer.

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Electric Systems – Pros and Cons

What definitely stands out the most is the faster process and provided results when compared to their manual counterparts. Obviously, they don’t require you to put effort into the task either, but rather pull the blade through the abrasive. This makes them a preferred choice by many, but they do come with their own set of downfalls as well.

Pros:

• Fast method of sharpening blades;
• Better results when it comes to the sharpness of the blade;
• Easier to use as it requires no effort from your part;
• They work with all types of knives.

Cons:

• You won’t feel as in control as you would with manual models;
• They come at a more expensive price.

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Important Differences

The biggest difference between them stands precisely in the manner in which you operate them, the manual types requiring more implication as you do the blade sharpening process with your own two hands throughout, while electric models only require that you pass the blade through the abrasive slots it features a few times.

When you look at pricing, on the other hand, manual models win as they are cheaper. They are a lot safer to use when compared to electric models as well. Nonetheless, the odds are still in favor of electric models because they come with advantages that weigh more, advantages that we previously talked about.

What we advise you to do is pay attention when looking at the advantages and disadvantages of both types and take a final decision based solely on what is best suited for you. For example, although we do recommend the electric models more, if you want to sharpen only kitchen knives that have straight blades, it’s cheaper, safer, and more satisfying to go with manual types, obviously.

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Conclusion

If you still find it hard to make up your mind regarding what’s the best option to go with, what we recommend is for you to invest in an electric model. Undoubtedly, the advantages provided by modern electric knife sharpeners surpass those offered by manual units, being more convenient to use.

Considering that electric sharpeners can improve the blade quality of various knife types, depending on the model that you choose, there’s no limit to how you can use it. Some models are used for sharpening both straight edge and serrated knives, like the Presto 08810 Professional, and some can be used to even restore the sharpness of ceramic knives, like the Shenzhen Knives SZSHARP model.