The Wicked Edge Precision Sharpener

www.wickededgeusa.com
Price: $225.00
Accessory Stones, Granite Bases and Leather Strops are Available

This sharpener deserves to be here, but as the developer of the product, it is unfair of me to review it. If you have experience with the Wicked Edge, please feel free to share it here.

The Warthog V-Sharp

(www.warthogsharp.com)
Price: $89.50 to $130.00
Marble / Granite Bases, Honing Steels and Other Accessories Available

Overview

This is a novel approach to the old stand by v-stick method of sharpening. The folks at Warthog seem to have solved several of the problems that v-stick sharpeners have traditionally had. By adding the knife guide, they have mostly eliminated the problem created by human hands not reliably holding the knife in a consisitent vertical position. They have also added the ability to adjust the angle of the v-sticks to accommodate varying knife edges. The Warthog is convenient and easy to use.

Pros

Easy to use

Quickly hones edges

Mostly eliminates hand wobble

Cons

Limited angle options

Primarily a honing tool, not a true sharpener

Inability to change grits

Summary

This is a good addition for the kitchen knife user, replacing the standard steel with a much superior honing device. For creating and maintaining custom bevels, there are better options out there. I would like to see the engineers at Warthog expand the range of angle options and create a fast and easy way to change grits. They might also consider side-by-side versions with different stages.

The Edge Pro

(http://www.edgeproinc.com/)
Price: $150.00 to $500.00
Accessory Stones, Scissor Attachment and Case Available

Overview:

This is a very well respected machine, considered by many to be the best out there. It is well designed and well made and offers the user continuously variable angle control. Most other angle control sharpeners allow sharpening at preset angles only. The EdgePro is unique in the fact that it doesn't utilize any clamping mechanism. The user simply holds the knife flat on the stand and pushes the rod-guided sharpening handle against the blade. The EdgePro produces very good results.

Pros

Excellent Craftsmanship

High quality parts

Excellent results

Easy to use

Cons

Slow changing of hands to sharpen both sides of the knife

Changing grits is time consuming

Pricey

Summary

The EdgePro is an excellent machine that produces great results. The only thing missing is the ability to sharpen both sides of the knife at the same time.

Lansky Knife Sharpening System

(http://www.lanskysharpeners.com/)
Price: $34.95 to $99.95
Accessory stones and oil available.

Overview

I don't know which came first, the Lansky or the Gatco, they are very similar. Both are controlled angle sharpening systems that utilize a clamp and sharpening stones guided by rods through holes at preset angles on the clamp. The way the rods attach to the stones on the Lansky is slightly more cumbersome than on the Gatco, but lately, Lansky has added extra rods to make the process easier.

It is a good and affordable kit that produces very good results. Lansky also offers a large array of kit configurations and accessories. For their top end diamond kit, expect to pay around $100.00 plus any additional stones (highly recommended.)

Pros

Affordable

Effective

Lots of Accessories

Cons

Clumsy switching hands to sharpen both sides of the knife

Awkward guide rod set up

Weak clamp doesn't hold the knife firmly enough

Summary

The Lansky is a good sharpener and a good value. Complaints notwithstanding, you can expect excellent results with the Lansky.

GATCO® Edgemate™ Professional Knife Sharpening System

(http://www.gatcosharpeners.com/)
Price: $59.99 to $99.99
Accessory stones and oil available.

Overview

This is a kit that I have used extensively. It is very similar to the Lansky in that each are manual sharpeners that hold the knife in a clamp and allow you to sharpen at preset angles. The Gatco offers larger stones and all of their stones have a guide rod attached to the handle, making it a little easier to use than the Lansky.

For over ten years, I used this sharpener exclusively and was very pleased. I also provided all of my hunting guides with a kit. Using the Gatco it is possible to create an exceptionally sharp edge on your knife, especially if you purchase their high grit stones (600 and 1200.)

The kit is available with diamond or ceramic stones. In my opinion, it is best to purchase the kit with the diamond stones and then purchase the additional high grit stones for finishing which will cost you $126.00 plus shipping.

Pros

Produces very sharp edges

Reasonably priced

Simple instructions

Cons

The clamp does not hold the knife firmly enough so that the knife often changes position or falls out.

Sometimes touching up the knife requires completely re-making the edge. This is due to the fact that placing the knife in the clamp is not exact.

Switching hands to sharpen each side is awkward and slows down the process.

Summary

Overall, this is a very good sharpener that produces excellent results.