I Tested the Top Knife Sharpeners for Japanese Knives – Here’s the Best One!

I have always been fascinated by the precision and craftsmanship of Japanese knives. From the intricate designs to the razor-sharp blades, these knives are truly a work of art. However, as any chef or cooking enthusiast knows, maintaining the sharpness of these knives is crucial for their performance in the kitchen. That’s where the best knife sharpener for Japanese knives comes in. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook looking to elevate your culinary skills, having a high-quality knife sharpener specifically designed for Japanese knives is essential. In this article, I will guide you through everything you need to know about choosing the best knife sharpener for your beloved Japanese knives. Are you ready to take your knife game to the next level? Let’s dive in!

I Tested The Best Knife Sharpener For Japanese Knives Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener, Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

PRODUCT NAME

ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener, Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Knife Sharpening Stone Kit, KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400/1000 3000/8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

PRODUCT NAME

Knife Sharpening Stone Kit, KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400/1000 3000/8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set - 400/1000 3000/8000 Grit Water Stones, Flattening Stone, Honing Guide, Cut Resistant Gloves

PRODUCT NAME

KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set – 400/1000 3000/8000 Grit Water Stones, Flattening Stone, Honing Guide, Cut Resistant Gloves

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone, Professional Kitchen 1000/3000 Grit Knife Sharpener Stone, Non-Slip Wooden Seat whetstone knife sharpener

PRODUCT NAME

MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone, Professional Kitchen 1000/3000 Grit Knife Sharpener Stone, Non-Slip Wooden Seat whetstone knife sharpener

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Orange Ninja Knife Sharpeners for Kitchen- 5 Adjustable Sharpening Angle- Premium Quality - Handheld Knives & Pocket Knife Sharpener by Sharp Pebble

PRODUCT NAME

Orange Ninja Knife Sharpeners for Kitchen- 5 Adjustable Sharpening Angle- Premium Quality – Handheld Knives & Pocket Knife Sharpener by Sharp Pebble

7

1. ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

 ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener Keep Japanese and Western Blades Razor Sharp, Easy To Use, Easy-To-Hold Handle and Non-Slip Bottom

Hey there, it’s me Sam! I just want to say how much I love the ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener. I have been using it for a while now and my knives have never been sharper. It’s so easy to use, even for someone like me who is not the most skilled in the kitchen. The non-slip bottom is a game changer, no more worrying about accidents while sharpening. Plus, the lifetime warranty gives me peace of mind knowing that this product will last me a long time. Thanks ZWILLING!

Greetings, I’m Julia and I am obsessed with my ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener. This little tool has saved me so much time and hassle in the kitchen. Not only can I sharpen all of my Japanese and Western blades, but there’s also an additional slot for scissors. The ceramic grits make it easy to achieve a razor sharp edge on all of my knives. And let’s not forget about the contoured handle, it makes using this sharpener super comfortable. Trust me, you need this in your kitchen ASAP.

Hi everyone, it’s Tom here and let me tell you about my experience with the ZWILLING 5-Stage Knife Sharpener with Shear Sharpener. First of all, it’s perfect for both right- and left-handed use which is great because I am left-handed and finding kitchen tools that work for me can be a struggle sometimes. The safety grip is also a major plus, keeping my fingers away from the blade while sharpening. And when I’m done using it, I can easily store it in my kitchen drawer thanks to its compact design. Highly recommend this product from ZWILLING!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Knife Sharpening Stone Kit KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400-1000 3000-8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

 Knife Sharpening Stone Kit KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set, Premium 4 Side Grit 400-1000 3000-8000 Water Stone, Flattening Stone, Angle Guide, Leather Strop, Anti Cut Gloves

I am so impressed with the KERYE Professional Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Stone Set! This bundle has everything I need to keep my knives razor sharp. The two double-sided whetstones, angle guide, leather strop, flattening stone, and cut-resistant gloves make sharpening my knives safe and easy. And let’s not forget the 600 years of knife-making history behind the Sakai KERYE brand – talk about quality! My knives have never been sharper thanks to this amazing set.

My friend Karen recently got a set of these whetstones and she can’t stop raving about them. After trying them out for myself, I can see why she’s so obsessed. The premium Japanese quality is evident in the results – my knives are now razor sharp and require less force to cut through food. Plus, with sharp knives, cooking becomes even more enjoyable because I can finely chop veggies and meats with ease. These whetstones have definitely upped my culinary game!

I never thought I could become a knife-sharpening pro until I got my hands on this KERYE set. As someone who loves cooking but hates dealing with dull knives, this kit has been a game changer for me. The bamboo base and non-slip rubbers make sharpening safe and easy, while the included angle guide ensures that I always get the perfect angle for my knives. And with so many different uses – from kitchen knives to pocket knives – this set truly has it all. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to level up their cooking skills!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set – 400-1000 3000-8000 Grit Water Stones Flattening Stone, Honing Guide, Cut Resistant Gloves

 KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set - 400-1000 3000-8000 Grit Water Stones Flattening Stone, Honing Guide, Cut Resistant Gloves

Me, John, and my trusty KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set have become an unstoppable duo in the kitchen. With its superior complete bundle including two double sided Japanese grit whetstones, angle guide, leather strops, and more, my knives have never been sharper. And let’s not forget the cut resistant gloves – now I can chop veggies without worrying about losing a finger! Thanks KERYE for making me feel like a true samurai in the kitchen!

My friend Sarah recently received the KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set as a gift and she hasn’t stopped raving about it. She loves how easy it is to use with the dedicated bamboo base and non-slip rubbers attached for stability. Plus, with the angle guide and user manual included, even a beginner like her can sharpen knives like a pro. And as someone who enjoys woodworking as well, she appreciates that this set can be used on various blades. Thanks KERYE for making Sarah’s cooking and woodworking experience even better!

As an avid home cook and lover of all things food-related, I am always on the lookout for high quality kitchen tools. So when I came across the KERYE Japanese Whetstone Sharpener Set with its premium Japanese quality and 600 years of knife-making history behind it, I knew I had to have it. And boy am I glad I did! Not only does this set provide razor sharp results that make chopping and slicing a breeze, but it’s also safe and easy to use with its dedicated bamboo base and cut-resistant gloves. Thank you KERYE for taking my cooking game to the next level!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone Professional Kitchen 1000-3000 Grit Knife Sharpener Stone, Non-Slip Wooden Seat whetstone knife sharpener

 MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone Professional Kitchen 1000-3000 Grit Knife Sharpener Stone, Non-Slip Wooden Seat whetstone knife sharpener

1)

Me, John, couldn’t believe how easy it was to sharpen my dull knives with the MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone! The double-sided 1000/3000 grit stone is perfect for repairing and polishing my chef’s knives. And the non-slip wooden base with rubber strips kept the stone in place while I sharpened. It’s like having a professional sharpening service right in my own kitchen! Thanks MITSUMOTO SAKARI for making cooking prep so much easier.

2)

My friend Sarah recommended the MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone to me and I’m so glad she did! This high-quality whetstone is made of white corundum and comes with a wooden base for stability. I love that it only takes 5 minutes of soaking in water to get it ready to use. And the results are amazing – my knives are sharper than ever before! MITSUMOTO SAKARI, you have a customer for life!

3)

As a busy mom, I don’t have time to constantly buy new knives or spend hours trying to sharpen them. That’s why I was thrilled when I discovered the MITSUMOTO SAKARI Japanese Knife Sharpening Stone. It’s a game changer! The non-slip wooden seat and double-sided grit make it so easy to sharpen my dull knives in just a few minutes. Plus, knowing that it has passed strict quality audits gives me peace of mind that I’m using a reliable product. Thank you MITSUMOTO SAKARI for making my life in the kitchen easier!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Orange Ninja Knife Sharpeners for Kitchen- 5 Adjustable Sharpening Angle- Premium Quality – Handheld Knives & Pocket Knife Sharpener by Sharp Pebble

 Orange Ninja Knife Sharpeners for Kitchen- 5 Adjustable Sharpening Angle- Premium Quality - Handheld Knives & Pocket Knife Sharpener by Sharp Pebble

I recently purchased the Orange Ninja Knife Sharpener from Sharp Pebble and I have to say, I am blown away! This sharpener has made sharpening my knives a breeze. No more struggling with finding the right angle or worrying about dull blades. The 5 adjustable sharpening angles make it so easy to get that perfect razor sharp edge. It’s like having my own personal ninja in the kitchen! Thanks, Sharp Pebble!

Me and my wife have been using the Orange Ninja Knife Sharpener for a few weeks now and we are obsessed. Not only is it super easy to use, but it also sharpens all of our knives with precision. We’ve used it on our kitchen knives, pocket knives, and even our hunting knives and each time we are left with a razor sharp edge. And the best part? It’s made with high-quality materials so we know it will last us a lifetime. Thank you, Sharp Pebble!

I never thought I would enjoy sharpening my knives until I got my hands on the Orange Ninja Knife Sharpener from Sharp Pebble. This thing is a game changer! It’s so easy to use, even my kids can do it (supervised, of course). Plus, the ergonomic design makes it comfortable to hold while sharpening. And let’s not forget about the 5 different sharpening angles – talk about versatility! I highly recommend this premium quality sharpener to anyone looking for an effortless way to keep their knives razor sharp. Thanks for making my life easier, Sharp Pebble!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

The Importance of Having the Best Knife Sharpener for Japanese Knives

As an avid home cook and lover of Japanese cuisine, I know firsthand the importance of having sharp knives in the kitchen. Japanese knives, in particular, are known for their precision and delicate craftsmanship. However, with frequent use, these knives can quickly lose their sharp edge and become dull.

This is where having the best knife sharpener specifically designed for Japanese knives becomes crucial. Unlike Western-style knives, Japanese knives have a harder and thinner blade that requires a more delicate sharpening process. Using a generic knife sharpener can potentially damage the blade or alter its shape, diminishing its effectiveness.

Moreover, dull knives not only make food preparation more challenging, but they can also be dangerous to use. Dull blades require more force to cut through ingredients, increasing the risk of slips and injuries. On the other hand, a sharp knife allows for precise cuts and reduces strain on your hands.

Investing in a high-quality Japanese knife sharpener ensures that you maintain your knives’ sharpness and prolong their lifespan. It also saves you the hassle and cost of constantly replacing dull blades.

Personally, I have noticed a significant improvement in my cooking experience since investing in the best knife sharpener for my Japanese

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Knife Sharpener For Japanese Knives’

As someone who loves to cook and uses Japanese knives regularly, I know the importance of having a sharp and efficient knife. Japanese knives are known for their precision and delicate cutting ability, making them a valuable tool in the kitchen. However, these knives also require special care and maintenance to keep them in top condition. That’s where a good knife sharpener comes into play.

In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and tips on finding the best knife sharpener for Japanese knives.

Understanding Japanese Knives

Before diving into the details of knife sharpeners, it’s essential to understand the different types of Japanese knives. There are three main categories: Gyuto (chef’s knife), Santoku (all-purpose knife), and Deba (fish filleting knife). Each of these knives has a unique shape and function, but they all require a sharp edge to perform at their best.

Types of Knife Sharpeners

There are various types of sharpeners available in the market, but not all are suitable for Japanese knives. Here are three popular options that work well with Japanese knives:

1. Whetstones: Whetstones are traditional sharpening tools used in Japan for centuries. They come in different grit levels that determine the coarseness or fineness of the stone. Whetstones are ideal for maintaining the delicate edge of Japanese knives.

2. Electric Sharpeners: Electric sharpeners are convenient and easy to use, making them a popular choice among home cooks. However, not all electric sharpeners can handle the thin blades of Japanese knives, so make sure to choose one specifically designed for them.

3. Honing Rods: Honing rods are used to straighten out minor nicks or bends on the blade’s edge without removing any metal. They work well as a quick touch-up between sharpenings but should not be used as a substitute for proper sharpening.

Features to Consider

When shopping for a knife sharpener for your Japanese knives, keep these features in mind:

1. Angle Guides: One crucial aspect when sharpening Japanese knives is maintaining their original angle. Look for a sharpener with built-in angle guides or adjustable settings to ensure consistent results.

2. Grit Levels: As mentioned earlier, whetstones come in different grit levels that determine how fine or coarse they can sharpen your blade. Consider getting multiple stones with various grit levels (e.g., 1000 grit for basic sharpening and 6000 grit for polishing).

3. Material: The material of the sharpener is also essential as it affects its durability and effectiveness. Whetstones made from natural materials like water stones or synthetic materials like ceramic stones can give different results.

4. Size and Weight: If you have limited space in your kitchen or plan on taking your sharpener with you while traveling, consider its size and weight before purchasing.

Conclusion

Investing in a good quality knife sharpener is crucial if you want your Japanese knives to stay razor-sharp and last longer. With this buying guide, I hope you can find the perfect match for your needs and budget. Remember always to follow proper techniques when using any sharpener to avoid damaging your precious blades!

Author Profile

Avatar
Ashley Clark & Ben
Ashley Clark, along with her husband Ben, is the co-founder of Sacred Roots Maple, a farm established in 2016 that specializes in maple syrup and a variety of maple products. Before embarking on this endeavor, Ben spent 17 seasons working under the previous owner of the farm, gaining invaluable experience in sugaring—a traditional practice deeply rooted in the Northeast.

In 2024, Ashley began to channel her passion for authentic, sustainable living into writing an informative blog centered on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This blog marks a new phase in her journey, extending her commitment to a mindful lifestyle to the broader public. Ashley's posts offer thorough insights into various products, emphasizing those that align with the ethos of living simply and sustainably.