High-quality knives are a lifetime investment, and should be treated accordingly. Sharpening a knife is best done in two stages, as this device does. First, the knife is moved back and forth about twenty times in slot one (numbered for quick reference). Diamond abrasives remove the old edge and create a new bevel. In slot two, finer diamond abrasives create a second bevel for strength, and polish the edge to a razor sharpness. Bright red rollers guide the blade as you push and pull to ensure the proper angle.
Lightweight, compact, and portable, the sharpener stores handily in a kitchen drawer and can be carried on a camping or hunting trip. The durable body is composed of engineering plastic that simply wipes clean. Designed with nonslip feet and a sure-grip handle for either right- or left-handed users, the manual sharpener measures 7 by 2-1/4 by 2 inches and is covered by a one-year warranty. The tool is not intended for use on scissors or serrated blades.
--Ann Bieri
Reader Reviews
I thought I was quite a knife expert, having practised using a two sided stone at a cooking store where I purchased the first of my fine chefs' knives. I would use the stone every month or so and then follow with periodic fine tuning with a steel. I have been following this routine for twenty years and I thought my knives were getting the best treatment. Well, that was until I found the manual 440 two stage. I believe that only a manual can sharpen and protect a knife because overheating is known to change the temper of high carbon steel. After I got married my wife had this 440 sitting in the cabinet and I gave it a try. Not having the instructions, I used the philosophy that less is more and only pulled a few strokes through the 1 side and a few through the 2. The results were amazing! This inexpensive device preserves the hollow ground and it is almost impossible to do damage to a quality knife with this sharpener. I immediately sent one to my mother and she is getting excellent results now too. Providing that the knife is quality to start with and has not been abused by cutting on hard surfaces or clanging against metal and plates in a dishwasher, you will experience a knife that is sharper than a barber's razor. Here is a case where easy and cheap beats all other options.
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