Are pull through knife sharpeners any good?
For those who just want their knives to work without much effort, pull-through sharpeners can seem like a tempting solution. But how do they work?
Pull-through sharpeners typically use two small sharpening stones set at a fixed angle. As you pull your knife through, these stones shave off a small amount of steel, gradually thinning the cutting edge, which (in theory) makes it sharper. However, there are two major issues with this method. First, the angle at which those stones are set may not match the original edge geometry of your knife. If the angle doesn’t align, you’re effectively altering the blade’s profile, which can negatively impact its performance. Second, the downward pressure on the blade as you pull it through can actually damage the edge, potentially chipping it and leaving you with a jagged, less effective cutting surface. The result? Your knife might catch on ingredients or perform like a cheap, $2 knockoff. I’ve fixed countless knives ruined by pull-through sharpeners at my sharpening events, and I can’t stress enough how inferior these devices are compared to almost any other sharpening method. To be blunt, I’d rather sharpen a knife using a brick and a coffee cup than rely on a pull-through sharpener.
For a better, more reliable alternative, without the learning curve of traditional whetstones, consider using an adjustable sharpening jig. These systems hold your knife at a fixed angle with abrasives mounted on adjustable arms. By swinging the abrasives at the desired angle, you can sharpen your knife with precision—without the learning curve of traditional whetstones. Finding the right angle is often a matter of trial and error, or you can consult the manufacturer for guidance. A simple trick is to mark the bevel of your blade with a Sharpie: if the abrasive removes the mark evenly, you know you're hitting the correct angle. While these are not a replacement for a skilled sharpener, they will certainly get the job done for most home cooks.
While adjustable sharpening jigs are typically a bit more expensive than pull-through sharpeners, they’re still a much more cost-effective choice in the long run. After all, the cost of repairing or replacing knives damaged by improper sharpening can far exceed the price of a quality sharpening system.