Machine for sharpening scissors: choosing a sharpener for knives and scissors, features of professional electric sharpeners and a universal sharpener "Rybka"

Practical use of the sharpener

There is nothing supernatural in using the device. Having installed the product on a flat surface, it is necessary to insert the knife blade into the opening. With smooth movements with little effort, draw the blade towards you, remove and reinsert. The blade should be lowered onto the sharpening stones by its very beginning from the handle.

The position of the knife in the Japan Steel sharpener.

If the blade is very blunt or has serrations, the procedure should be carried out 10-15 times and check the sharpness with a fingernail or by cutting a sheet. If you think that it is not enough, make another 5-10 movements with the knife. If the knife needs to be sharpened, 3-4 passes are enough.

How to choose a knife sharpener: tips

There are three main types of knife sharpeners: manual, mechanical and electric sharpeners. Ordinary sharpening stones are called manual, they are also often called whetstones or sharpeners. These can be devices made of natural or artificial abrasive material. In addition, there are so-called Japanese water stones - they must be moistened before the sharpening process. The stones are distinguished by the abrasive material (diamond dusting, ceramics, chromium oxide, etc.). In addition, they are distinguished by the degree of graininess of the abrasive.

The choice of stone depends on the type of blade, on what kind of blade material. For regular kitchen steel knives, a bar with a grit of about 1,500 grit is sufficient. Often stones are used, one side of which is coarse-grained and the other is medium-fine-grained. To properly sharpen a blade with a stone, you need a certain experience and skill. Some types of knives, such as ceramic or serrated (wavy blade), can only be sharpened on specialized devices.

Another type of scissors is mechanical devices. Most often they are a housing with one or more sharpening slots. Sometimes several cuts are made for different types of blades, they may differ in sharpening angle or abrasive material. These sharpeners are very easy to use - just insert the blade into the slot and pull it towards you, evenly and with constant effort. Sharpeners of this type are good for sharpening kitchen knives. Of course, they do not provide ideal sharpening quality, but they do not require special skills from the user.

Finally, there are electric scissors. In the body of such a device there is an electric motor, as well as one or several sharpening slots for various stages of the process (coarse sharpening, main, finishing). There are electric cutters for all types of blades, including ceramic and serrated blades. When using such a knife, the sharpening process is as simple as possible. The user is only required to hold the sharpened blade as evenly as possible. It is widely believed that this is the best knife sharpener, at least for standard kitchen knives.

When deciding how to choose the best knife, you need, first of all, focus on the types of blades that you have to sharpen. Mechanical or electric sharpeners are fine for kitchens. With the right skills, you can get by with a simple grindstone. If camping or hunting knives are to be sharpened, the choice often falls on sharpening sets. In this case, the selection of the optimal sharpener is often guided by the reviews of experienced users.

Differences between sharpening power plants

Sharpening equipment is divided into two classes: universal and specialized.Each of these classes has its own kind of devices. Universal machines are endowed with great productivity, they have special design capabilities, thanks to which they can sharpen literally everything: cutters, knives, drills, reamers, countersinks.

Specialized machines are designed for sharpening a narrow group of tools. With the right choice of model, you can achieve high results in the processing of specific cutting equipment. Devices can specialize in sharpening and processing:

professional scissors and nippers;
stabbing and cutting manicure tools;
medical equipment.

Professional machines process tweezers, meat grinder knives, tailors' scissors, beautician needles and a whole list of other specialized equipment that needs sharpening.

How does the machine work?

Any sharpening equipment works on the principle of contact of a cutting tool with an abrasive. In the process of sharpening, part of the surface is removed, the edge is sharpened. For these purposes, electric machines are used with a horizontal or vertical faceplate, put on the shaft. For surgical, manicure and hairdressing instruments, it is better to choose a device with a horizontal stationary or removable faceplate.

The most technologically advanced machines have laser guidance or a manipulator to set the desired sharpening angle. They are able to change the speed of rotation of the disk when processing each specific element. Professional tools require the correct cutting angle of the working blades. The equipment is equipped with a special transparent shield that protects the worker from metal dust. High-quality professional equipment is able to work throughout the day without interruption.

Water stone for sharpening knives

Water stone is a knife sharpening device invented by the Japanese (although European models are also on the market). You can use it by submerging it in water for a while (filling the pores of the stone, the water subsequently serves as a lubricant, along which the blade slides when sharpening).

Distinguish between synthetic and natural stones. In view of the fact that the natural reserve of the latter is limited, it was decided to create artificial substitutes, which, in terms of abrasive characteristics, would be in no way inferior to natural ones.

But the type of origin is far from the main characteristic of water stone as a means of sharpening. Granularity is an indicator that determines the properties and functionality of a tool. Be guided by it when buying.

Coarse-grained stone (# 80 - # 1200) is intended for coarse sharpening, with the help of it, the damaged cutting edge and notches on the knife blade are restored.

A stone with a medium-grained surface (# 2000 - # 4000) sharpens dull knives, leveling the sharpening angle if necessary.

Fine-grained water stones (# 5000 - # 10000) are needed to finely sand the blade and keep the sharpened knives sharp.

Unscrupulous manufacturers fake a stone sharpening device, as a result of which the tool crumbles and becomes unusable. Therefore, giving preference to a water stone, make a careful choice. Study the information about the manufacturer, ask the seller to show the quality certificate for the product.

pros

• Sharpening water stones are suitable for knives made of metal alloys, including titanium, damask steel, stainless steel and damascus steel.

• The tool kit sometimes includes a stand, handle and sharpening angle holders.

• With a combined double-sided stone, you can simultaneously straighten and sharpen the knife blades.

• When used correctly, the lifespan of the fixture is unlimited.

• The water stone is compact and does not take up much space.

• The considered device is universal. They sharpen kitchen, tourist, pocket, hunting knives and thin razor blades.

• Manufacturers have provided pocket versions of this sharpening tool.

Minuses

• The need for preliminary keeping the sharpener in water (in the case of a fine-grained surface, the immersion time is at least half an hour).

• To sharpen knives on this type of device, it is important to be able to use it, otherwise you risk spoiling the cutting edge of the blade without achieving the desired sharpness. • When the grainy surface of the tool is erased at an uneven angle, it needs dressing.

• When the grainy surface of the tool is erased at an uneven angle, it needs dressing.

Best mechanical knife sharpeners

These models include options that operate without electricity. Their main advantages are autonomy and the ability to use in any conditions, both at home and outdoors, depending on the size of the case. These are the offers on the market most of all, but not all of them are worthy of attention. We reviewed the highest quality, safest and most effective models, which were included in this category.

Fiskars

The Fiskars knife has proven itself as an effective tool for sharpening related objects. The result obtained is enough for an average of 30 days, but this depends on the frequency of use and the conditions of use of the product. It is made of several materials - plastic, which served as the basis for the outer part, and metal, from which the cutting elements are made. The grinding wheels are easy to clean, which allows them to last longer.

Dignity

It is convenient to use for both right-handers and left-handers;
One sharpening is enough for about a month;
Does not require electricity;
Small size;
Transparent body at the cutting element;
Fits comfortably in the hand.

disadvantages

Not very easy to understand;
If left untreated, traces of corrosion may appear.

bug

... In the reviews, this little knife is also recognized as the best because, if necessary, you can easily attach the base of the sharpening device to the surface of any table with a clamp ...
Expert opinion

Sharpener "Zhuk" is designed for stage-by-stage sharpening of any knives - tourist, folding, hunting, kitchen. In such a case, based on the product, you can find a table with the recommended parameters. Bars of different porosity give good results here, which allows you to achieve maximum sharpness and keep it for a long time.

The angle of surface treatment here is very wide - from 9 to 40 degrees, and this not only increases the efficiency of the work, but also makes it more convenient to perform them. The rather considerable length of the blade - 25 cm disposes of this.It can be fixed inside the blanks measuring from 14.8 to 16 cm due to the sliding bar holder.

Dignity

Simplicity of bar change;
It is possible to install knives with a convex butt;
Reliable fixation with wing nuts;
Comes in a large box for easy storage;
High running accuracy;
The minimum difference in the thickness of the bars.

disadvantages

There are no sharpening bars included;
The warranty is given for one year only.

Stenson Bavarian Edge Knife Sharpener

The inexpensive manual Bavarian Edge Knife Sharpener belongs to the desktop category and does not load your hands. It is made of stainless steel for a longer service life. The V-shape makes the use of the product more convenient and efficient, and the two independent clamping spring levers are universal. Thanks to them, this knife can be used with almost any type of knives.

This sharpener is multifunctional - suitable for polishing, rough sharpening, honing, surface roughing. In order to improve the sharpness, it is enough to carry them with light movements along the working area of the product, but this must be done exclusively in one direction. Due to its compact size, it does not take up much space in the kitchen and is easy to use.

Dignity

Light weight - 320 g;
High quality sharpening discs;
Resistant to moisture;
High strength of plastic;
Ease of product care;
Stable stand.

disadvantages

The warranty is only given for two weeks.

Borner

The Borner knife cutter is equally effective at cutting both ordinary kitchen and outdoor metal accessories. The only exception to the rule here are ceramic knives, for which you need to buy special models. The sharpening angle for this option is 23 degrees, which guarantees high quality of the results obtained. It is made on the basis of plastic, ceramics, diamond powder, it is victorious, and therefore calmly withstands mechanical stress.

Dignity

It doesn't take much effort;
Rubberized bottom surface;
Sharpening is done very quickly;
Does not slide on the surface;
Comfortable grip.

disadvantages

Not the cheapest hand-held model;
Sharpening a large number of knives cannot be done quickly.

In the reviews, despite the many advantages of this sharpener, they advise not to expect results at the level of professional machines. In this regard, this option is inferior to ordinary grinding stones, which are widespread in households.

Choice

First of all, you should decide what kind of equipment you need: household or professional. The difference can be immediately felt in the cost and performance of the product. A household sharpener works for a short time, but this time is quite enough for sharpening scissors.

Next, you need to find a place where the machine will stand. Usually it is not as large as it is heavy, and it will be inconvenient to remove it from the shelf every time. It is better to immediately find a suitable place in a workshop or garage. The machine in everyday life is a universal thing, it can process everything that needs sharpening. And it looks extremely simple: an engine with a shaft on which an abrasive disc is fixed. Usually there are 2 of them, for roughing and finishing.

You can choose a specialized tool, for example, for wet grinding (angle sharpener). Such a machine can work both with a manicure set and with wooden blanks. This is an expensive equipment, it is better to discuss its purchase with a specialist in advance.

When purchasing a machine, you should immediately ask if there is equipment for it on the free sale, so as not to create problems for yourself with its maintenance.

You can learn more about how to make a do-it-yourself scissor sharpening machine.

Japanese quality or consumer divorce

The author analyzes a lot of reviews, and claims that they are all written like a blueprint. The words about the constant risk of cutting himself, to such an extent with a sharp knife after sharpening - he categorically dislikes. Controversial argument.

Sharpener Japan Steel.

And there is a more alarming opinion: about an official resource, where a one-page site, without a basket and an order is carried out only upon request. The cost of the sharpener is about 1.5 thousand rubles, which also causes confusion. In Japan, it is impossible to buy a normal product for that kind of money. Considering the markup - the cost of goods is considered half as low.

After that, it's worth considering. Yes, she sharpens knives, but she removes a lot of shavings, and they quickly become dull. We have to sharpen again. The blade will not withstand such loads for a long time. Everything is quite complicated and confusing, we are not an advertising or anti-advertising agency. We only do reviews, and whether to purchase a sharpener or not is up to you personally.

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Electric knife sharpener

The electric knife sharpener is a modern device for sharpening dull and keeping sharp kitchen knives already sharpened.

The principle of operation of electric sharpeners is the same - the electric motor, after connecting the tool to a 220 V network and starting the mechanism, rotates the sharpening discs located in the case.

The knife blade passed through them is sharpened by them in one or two minutes.In this case, no effort is needed, as is the case with other tools for sharpening knives.

Advanced models of electric sharpeners automatically select the desired sharpening angle. They are equipped with additional slots for grinding the blade and sharpening the knives by hand.

Professional electric sharpeners are capable of sharpening steel knives, zirconia ceramic blades and wavy blades.

The electric sharpeners of the American firm Chef's Choice are worth highlighting. We have described their advantages in detail in a separate article.

pros

• Using an electric sharpener, the sharpness of the knives can be achieved without straining and without zeal.

• The electric sharpener is suitable for utility, chef's, vegetable and other knives, and even for kitchen hatchets. The size of the blade is not important in this case.

• On an electric sharpener, the polishing of the blades and sharpening of the cutting edge is more effective than on a manual one.

Electric sharpeners are compact and sometimes much more attractive in appearance than other sharpening tools.

• The period of use of the device is not limited, as it is provided with replaceable sharpening elements, with which diamond dusting additionally extends the service life.

Minuses

• Energy consumption. Despite the fact that it takes a couple of minutes to grind one blade, the device spends an average of 300 watts during this time.

• Compared to other types of sharpeners, electric sharpeners will cost more.

Features sharpener Japan Steel

The manufacturer claims that the clamping arms are made of tungsten carbide. The technology itself and the design are patented. Promises of sharpness before razor sharpness and coating the cutting edge with a layer that protects against corrosion. The compactness and stylish design of the Japan Steel sharpener guarantees a high demand in the kitchen. The device is allowed to sharpen in addition to knives - screwdrivers, scissors, garden tools and much more. What will fit in the sharpening slot. Japan Steel copes with the serrated. Sharpens the blade in a couple of movements and is an indispensable thing for a professional cook. There is a counterfeit warning everywhere.

Advantages and disadvantages

The Japan Steel sharpener cannot be bought in a store, they are sold only on Internet sites. It is difficult to check the quality of the purchased product remotely. There are really a lot of fakes. The conversation is now about a real product from Japan. The advantages are as follows:

Japan Steel device.

the bottom surface of the Japan Steel device is covered with a special polymer against slipping along the surface;
to break, spoil or blunt the original device, you must try on purpose. The manufacturer says that the device will work without problem for five years;
the sharpener copes with sharpening various kitchen utensils and tools;
hypoallergenic materials were used in the manufacture of the device;
manufacturer's warranty for a period of 1 year.

The negative side behind the sharpener is that there are many fake devices. Which spoil the knives and the reputation of the Japan Steel manufacturer. You will have to check in practice.

Musat for sharpening knives

When a kitchen knife is dull, the geometry of the cutting edge of the blade is disturbed. Musat is a device that gives the knife its former sharpness by equalizing the sharpening angle and recreating the correct appearance of the blade. The section of the elongated thin part of the musat is oval or round, which makes it look like a file.

The material of manufacture of this sharpening tool is a durable steel alloy, zirconium ceramics or synthetic diamonds. Each of these options is equally good at work.

The plastic handle of the musat should be securely attached to the working part and lie organically in the hand, otherwise it is not worth buying the product.

pros

• Musat is easy to use and does not require preliminary preparation before working with it.

• The tool cannot be damaged, it is durable and will last for many years.

• Since the working part of the debris is magnetized, metal chips that remain after sharpening stick to it.

• You can store this sharpener along with other kitchen utensils by hanging it from the ring at the end of the handle.

Minuses

• The tool is only suitable for sharpening blades of medium hardness (knife blade hardness: 50-60 HRC).

• Musats are intended exclusively for straightening the bend of the cutting edge and the final, final stage of sharpening the knife.

Which company sharpener is better to choose

This section describes the best manufacturers of these products that offer the highest quality, safest, most effective, versatile and easy-to-use products.

The list of winners consists of the following firms:

Fiskars is a Finnish company that supplies the market with all kinds of tools, including scissors, shovels, axes, knives and sharpeners for them. Their key characteristics are high quality coating, compact size, low weight. In the reviews, these products are recognized as safe, convenient and easy to use. With their help, due to a wide processing angle, it is possible to improve the sharpness of metal blades of tourist, kitchen, folding items.
Beetle is a trade mark specializing in the sale of sharpening machines; its range includes mainly mechanical models. Many kits include special surface bars, a rock bar with a stone holder, a vertical support, and table fixtures. Their advantages are high quality of assembly and materials, safety of use and ease of use. All this is ensured by the stability of the structure, as well as by the comfortable handle.
Stenson is a brand that produces dishes and various kitchen accessories, as well as goods for everyday life and comfort. His tools are made of plastic or ceramic and have high-quality diamond plating. They are suitable for working with both thin and thick blades. They are used to handle both household and outdoor supplies. Of the positive properties, attention here deserves a low weight and neat dimensions, stability on the surface and a comfortable grip.
Borner is a company specializing in the production of kitchen utensils for home and public catering establishments. Its musats have a special suction cup, which gives them stability on the surface and increases the level of safety during use. This is facilitated by the presence of a protective cover, as well as a comfortable handle, which provides a secure grip on the product. Reviews say that her tools make the knives sharper in just a few movements.
Chef'sChoice is one of the few firms that specializes only in the creation of the products in question. Among her offers are the best knife sharpeners, both professional, which are used in restaurants, cafes, canteens, and at home, at affordable prices. They are designed for both European and Japanese products, compared to competitors, they are favorably distinguished by spare discs, processing limiters, replaceable modules and high-quality abrasives.
Lansky is a supplier of musats, sharpening stones and knife-points at affordable prices. His machines and other products are well-proven due to their versatility, allowing them to be used both at home and on the road. They are actively used to improve the sharpness of straight, fillet, serrated knives of the kitchen and hunting type. Their average dimensions are 100 x 31 x 10 mm, which does not allow these models to take up much space in the room.
Darex is an American manufacturer that offers inexpensive sharpeners for sharpening kitchen and travel utensils. They quickly cope with their tasks and allow the products to keep the results obtained for a long time.Their use is safe for humans and blades, and their service life is at least 2-3 years if used correctly. They come with an average one-year warranty.
Mayer & Boch is a supplier of tableware and various kitchen utensils, including knife sharpeners. The company has both electric models and handcrafted products in stock. On average, their weight is 1 kg, and the case is made of high-quality plastic or ceramic. All goods are imported from China, where they are produced, but this does not affect the durability of the products. The models of this company work well with both thick and thin blades.
Victorinox is a Swiss company that primarily produces knives and accessories for them, its headquarters is in the city of Ibach. She has in stock both ordinary inexpensive sharpeners that you can take with you on the road, and full-fledged stationary models. They are easy to operate and are suitable for working with blades of completely different thicknesses, and the resulting effect lasts for a long time.

The best vegetable cutters

Sharpening technology (sharpening angle)

Scissors are different: with a curved, flat or convex cutting element. Each of them needs its own way and sharpening angle. Based on the design features of the scissors, they produce convex, standard or semi-convex sharpening.

Let's see what a sharpening angle is. There is nothing difficult in this, just a cut of the blade made at different angles. The smaller it is, the sharper the scissors will be. Let's try to imagine a tool with a 90-degree cut blade, that is, completely unsharpened.

Immediately there is a desire to make the maximum angle, up to one degree, then the tool would be super sharp. It would really be perfect, but disposable given the incredible thinness of the edge. Therefore, there is no point in making such an expensive and useless action. Entrusting your tool to a professional, you can be sure that he knows the optimal cutting angle for each specific tool.

Scissors with micro-notches are endowed with the largest sharpening angle, up to 50 degrees, they can be considered the most blunt, but they cut perfectly. Thanks to the notches, the hair does not slip, but is held on the instrument. Unfortunately, in a rare service center there is an electric sharpener that is able to maintain cross-sections while sharpening.

Straight (standard) sharpening has an angle of 45-50 degrees. The smaller it is, the sharper and more brittle the edge becomes. To avoid its destruction, the scissors should be made of high quality steel.

Convex scissors are considered the sharpest. To understand how they work, you need to compare them with the standard version. With a straight cut, the blade blade goes at a slight incline, and then abruptly comes to naught at an angle of 45 degrees. The transitional border is quite clear. With convex sharpening, there are no boundaries, the cut goes smoothly at an angle to the end. The canvas has a wide and strong plane, which allows it to go down to a minimum thickness to the edge of the edge.

The homeland of such instruments is Japan. They are not only expensive, but also expensive to maintain, as a rare sharpener can handle curved blades.

Best Electric Knife Sharpeners

Compared to mechanical or manual models, electrical devices cannot work autonomously, which means they are stationary. However, it is precisely because of this that their power is much higher, which guarantees a more convenient, faster and more efficient processing of the blades. To do this, you can use one of the 4 best models presented in this TOP. The main criteria for their selection were high build quality and materials, safety and ease of use.

Chef's Choice

In the rating of knife sharpeners, this model stands out significantly for its multi-stage sharpening, which allows you to achieve the maximum effect and keep it for a long time.At the same time, their type is not particularly important, the product copes well with both the kitchen and tourist, and with the hunting and serrated species. Automatic control of the correct angle of processing of objects guarantees high quality of work and simplifies their implementation. The model has an average power of 20 W, but this is quite enough for simple procedures.

Dignity

The warranty is given for a year;
High-quality diamond coating on the discs;
Improves pungency quickly;
Retains results for a long time;
Ensures gentle surface polishing.

disadvantages

High price;
Not suitable for sharpening scissors.

A pronounced characteristic of the described Chef's Choice product is the average power of 20 W and the presence of a fine-tuning stage. It serves for a long time, it is enough for about 2000 sharpenings. Despite all the advantages, it must be admitted that this model is irrelevant for dressing and restoring knives.

Lansky ltrim

The Lansky Ltrim sharpener stands out against the background of other options in this rating for its compact size. Due to this, it is considered a marching one and is often taken on the road. The function of this product is to sharpen serrated blades, which, among other things, are designed to work with ropes, ropes and other similar materials. This knife is easy to use, in particular, due to the presence of a hand strap. It is sold in several colors - green and red. Musat is affordable and has a good quality case, though plastic.

Dignity

Low price;
Slim body;
Very lightweight;
Fits in your purse without any problems;
Allows you to control the sharpening angle.

disadvantages

Not suitable for very dull knives;
It is impossible to sharpen a large number of objects at once.