Home » The 5 best electric knife sharpeners for Japanese knives in 2025

The 5 best electric knife sharpeners for Japanese knives in 2025

Hello sushi enthusiasts! As you may already know, I am passionate about razor-sharp Japanese knives. They are simply the key to creating breathtaking sushi and sashimi. From the moment I started making sushi, I realized that you simply cannot do without these fantastic knives. Whether you’re cutting wafer-thin slices of salmon for nigiri or making perfect cubes of avocado for maki, a sharp knife really makes all the difference.

But how do you keep those delicate Japanese knives, such as a Yanagiba or Santoku, in top condition? You sharpen them regularly, of course! By hand with whetstones or, for those who prefer convenience, with a great electric knife sharpener, of course! Nowadays, there are fantastic electric knife sharpeners on the market that sharpen your Japanese knives with precision without damaging those delicate edges. I’ve selected the 5 best electric knife sharpeners for you, perfect for sushi chefs from beginner to pro. Let’s go!

Why an electric knife sharpener is a must for (home) sushi chefs

Japanese knives, like the Yanagiba (my personal favorite), Deba, and Santoku, are true works of art with thin, razor-sharp edges that demand precision sharpening. Manual whetstones are great but require time and skill. An electric knife sharpener offers speed, ease, and consistency…..ideal for busy home cooks or for my School of Sushi students eager to get back to slicing. These smart machines use precise sharpening angles (typically 15° for Japanese knives) and gentle polishing stages to keep your blades sharp without compromising the precious steel. With an electric sharpener, you’re just minutes away from slicing sashimi like a Japanese master! It’s as simple as that!

How was this list compiled?

I scoured the web to find the very best electric knife sharpeners for Japanese blades. Here’s what I looked for:

Perfect for Japanese Knives: Models with a 15° sharpening angle or adjustable angles, ideal for delicate chefs knives like Gyuto and Santoku.
Sharpening quality: Stages for coarse sharpening, fine sharpening, and polishing to ensure a razor-sharp, durable edge.
User-friendliness: Simple operation, clear instructions, and compact designs for home kitchens. Every home chef can use these without any problems.
Safe for knives: Gentle sharpening systems that preserve the integrity of Japanese steel (like VG-10 or blue steel).
Durability and reputation: Trusted brands like Chef’sChoice and Work Sharp, backed by reviews from Serious Eats, Wirecutter, Epicurious, Google and thousands of Amazon customers.

So, those are the five key features to look for when choosing the right electric knife sharpener for Japanese knives. Besides your budget, of course! But I can’t look into your wallet, so I’ve included knife sharpeners in various price ranges in this list, especially for you. Let’s start with the number one pick of my 5 best electric knife sharpeners for Japanese knives:

1. Chef’sChoice Trizor XV EdgeSelect (Model 15XV)

Why it’s awesome: This is the king of knife sharpeners! The Chef’sChoice Trizor XV transforms your Japanese knives with a razor-sharp 15° edge, perfect for Yanagiba and Santoku. Its three-stage system (coarse, fine, polishing) delivers a durable, mirror-smooth edge that’s sashimi-worthy. With allmost 14,000 positive Amazon reviews, it’s hailed as “the best sharpener ever” for sushi knives.

Top features: 3-stage sharpening, diamond abrasive wheels, flexible polishing belts, compact and stable design for safe use.
Perfect for: Home cooks and off course all School of Sushi students who want a professional edge for precision cuts.
Sushi sharpening tip: Use Stage 3 (polishing) for weekly maintenance of your Japanese knives to avoid over-sharpening.
It gets a lot of customer love: Allmost 14,000 positive reviews can’t be wrong: “My Yanagiba slices like butter after this sharpener, a total game-changer!

Price: 155-165

Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4mlbiMV

2. Work Sharp Culinary E2 Kitchen Knife Sharpener

What a hidden gem! The Work Sharp E2 is compact, affordable, and ideal for Japanese knives, with a 17° sharpening angle close to the traditional 15°. Its two-stage system (sharpening and polishing) gives your knives a razor-like edge, and it’s so simple that even beginners get it right away.

Top features: 2-stage sharpening, ceramic sharpening belts, one-touch operation, and a super-light design (just 1 kg).
Perfect for: Beginners following my online sushi courses and sharpening their first Japanese knife.
Sushi sharpening tip: Pull your knife slowly and evenly through the sharpener (3–5 times per side) for a consistent, sushi-worthy edge.

Price: 55-65

Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/46AajE2

3. Presto EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener

I wasn’t sure whether to include this on the list, because it’s not specifically designed for sharpening Japanese knives… but this electric knife sharpener is especially great for people on a budget. That’s why it’s on this list! It’s simply budget-friendly and brilliant! The Presto EverSharp is an entry-level model that works surprisingly well for Japanese knives like Santoku and light Yanagiba. Its two-stage system sharpens at an angle suitable for sushi prep, and many home chefs love its simplicity and value.

Top features: 2-stage sharpening, sapphire and ceramic abrasive wheels, suction cups for stability, and a sleek design.
Perfect for: New sushi makers with a tiny budget looking for an affordable sharpener for their first Japanese knife.
Sushi sharpening tip: Sharpen lightly (2–3 times per side) to avoid removing too much steel from delicate knives.

Price: 35-45

Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40KH2ml

4. Chef’sChoice 1520 AngleSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

Another electric knife sharpener from the well-known brand ‘Chef’sChoice’ on this list. And this one has precision and power in one! The Chef’sChoice 1520 is a professional-grade sharpener with a 15° angle for Japanese knives and a 20° option for Western knives, making it perfect for versatile kitchens. Its three-stage system (coarse for 15°, coarse for 20°, polishing) creates a polished, arch-shaped edge that excels for sashimi cuts.

Top features: 3-stage sharpening, 100% diamond abrasive wheels, precision angle guides, and a sleek brushed metal design.
Perfect for: (home) Sushi chefs with mixed knife collections who want a top-tier sharpener for both Asian and Western blades.
Sushi sharpening tip: Use the 15° stage for your Yanagiba or Santoku, and finish with the polishing stage for a mirror-like edge.

Price: 165-185

Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4l3b0t2

5. Chef’sChoice Hybrid AngleSelect (Model 290)

Versatility at its finest! The Chef’sChoice Hybrid combines electric and manual sharpening stages, with a 15° angle for Japanese knives and 20° for Western ones. The result is a razor-sharp edge worthy of sashimi cuts, backed by a 4.8-star rating on Amazon.

Top features: 3-stage sharpening (2 electric, 1 manual), diamond and ceramic abrasive wheels, and a sturdy build.
Perfect for: Sushi enthusiasts with a mix of Japanese and Western knives in their collection.
Sushi sharpening tip: Use the manual polishing stage for an extra-smooth edge, perfect for thin fish slices.

Price: 125-135

Order now on Amazon: https://amzn.to/40E1DZy

How to keep your Japanese knives sharp: A quick guide

I enjoy working with Christian Jagersma (on the left), a leading expert on Japanese knives. He gave me the following tips for keeping your knives beautiful and sharp:

Check the condition: If your knife is dull (e.g., doesn’t glide smoothly through fish), start with the coarsest sharpening stage. For regular maintenance, the fine or polishing stage is enough.
Choose the right angle: Japanese knives typically have a 15° edge (per side). Select a sharpener with a 15° or adjustable angle.
Sharpen evenly: Pull your knife slowly and evenly through the sharpener (3–5 times per side) with light pressure to preserve the edge.
Polish for perfection: Use the polishing stage for a mirror-smooth edge, ideal for sashimi and vegetable cuts.
Clean and test: Rinse your knife to remove sharpening residue, dry carefully, and test on a tomato or fish fillet for sharpness.
Maintain regularly: Sharpen your knives every 1–2 months with heavy use, or use the polishing stage weekly for light touch-ups.
Pro tip: Store your Japanese knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to protect the edge, and use a soft wood cutting board (like hinoki) to minimize wear.

You will find a full guide right here.

My top picks and final thoughts

Although I still prefer the traditional method of sharpening knives with whetstones, I understand that this can be quite a challenge for many home cooks. It takes time, practice, and the right knowledge. Fortunately, electric knife sharpeners make it a lot more accessible, they offer a quick, user-friendly solution for keeping your knives razor sharp at home. This way, you can easily get the most out of your kitchen utensils, without any hassle.

My top picks: I am head over heels for the Chef’sChoice Trizor XV, it’s the ultimate sharpener for Japanese knives, with unmatched precision and ease. On a budget? The Presto EverSharp is an affordable hero that keeps your sushi knives razor-sharp without fuss. Whichever sharpener you choose, these gems will ensure your knives are ready for every sushi session, from nigiri to temaki.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your electric knife sharpener, sign up for a School of Sushi course, and let your knives shine! Your next sushi creation will be a masterpiece….pinky promise!

Hi, I'm Rik!

Sushi chef and founder of the School of Sushi. Making your own sushi is easier and more fun than you think! Through workshops and online courses, I’ll show you how to roll delicious sushi for your friends & family. Ready to roll?