I'm very pleased with this sharpener. I was debating between this one (model 1520) which is a 2-stage system that can sharpen at 15 or 20 degrees, and the Trizor model, which is a 3-stage but can only sharpen at a 15 degree angle. I went with this since some of my knives are better suited for a 20 degree angle (plus the fact that it was on sale for 50% off, making it less expensive than the Trizor). Usage is about as simple as it can be, and the guides ensure the knife is held at the correct angle. The instruction booklet provides detailed instructions on how to use it for a variety of different knives, and how to maintain the sharpener (which is pretty easy). Operating sounds when a knife is not being pulled through are limited to a low hum. It does make a fair amount of noise while sharpening, but that's to be expected from any sharpener. The machine has a nice, solid heft to it. The results have been outstanding. I'm sure hand sharpening with a whetstone would be even better, but since I don't have the knowledge on how to do that properly (nor am I willing to spend the time learning) this hits the mark for me: easy to use, and the end result is a scary sharp knife. You can also use this to create a three-bevel (Chef's Choice calls it a "Trizor") blade by starting with the 15 degree slot and then using the 20 degree slot for just a quick pass before final honing in the third slot. Instructions are provided in the manual. I tried it, but didn't find there to be much difference in sharpness compared with just a plain 15 degree sharpening. But, it's nice that the option is available for those who want to use it or experiment. An excellent, easy to use sharpener that produces great results. Five stars. Read more
Is this worth the price? This is that rare occasion where a pricey appliance is not only good but exceptional. For years I've searched for a knife sharpening solution that would be equal to a whetstone (which I'm too uncoordinated to use.) This unit easily hones a knife to razor sharpness. As one cooking magazine said, it puts a sharper finish on the knife than when it came from the factory and I believe it! It's easy and fast to use. The key feature is a plastic spring that holds the knife at the perfect angle. You pull the knife through the left then right slots. Repeat 4 times. Then you pull the knife the same number of times past the stropping disk. The knife never jumps or snags on the grinding disks; just a smooth pull. For knives with tapered/rounded edges, you can easily pivot the knife while keeping it firmly against the grinding stone. The result is an absolutely razor sharp edge; sharper than when I have them professionally sharpened. I've finally found the perfect sharpening solution! Read more
I've had this for 2+ years now. Sharpens well, instructions are good, and it support both Eur/Amer and Asian blades. Good buy. It is slightly difficult to sharpen short knives, the unit is wide. Not a big deal though (because I have only one short knife:)). Read more
I wanted sharp knives without paying someone else to do it or getting a degree in Knife Sharpening. The 1520 does exactly that. I've only used it once (got it yesterday) and I found it very easy to use as well as doing an excellent job sharpening my knives. Yes, I understand that sharpening knives with stones and strops will likely give you a knife so sharp it will defy definition, but who has time for that? We have 5 knives that we use almost every day in our kitchen. I sharpened all of them in less than 15 minutes with the 1520 and that includes reading the directions. If you want a new hobby - take up knife sharpening. If you want sharp knives when you need them - get a 1520. Read more
My husband bought this and I was skeptical, but it has been such a great tool to have in our kitchen! Easy to use and our knives are so sharp. I love it. Read more
Works very well! My parents had one of these and I had to buy it for myself because of how well it works. I like that it can also do serrated knives. The 3 step process definitely gets knives sharp. It is accurate, safe to use, and durable. The design and functionality is good but don’t force the knife in it. Let it glide so it can hit the stone properly to sharpen. Read more
Instructions were easy to follow and it took me only a couple of passes to master the technique which is very simple. If you follow the instructions you will have extremely sharp knives. I tried an expensive Torek system but that required so much more skill and time and mess, then I tried a Lansky manual system which worked pretty well but very time consuming moving from stone to stone. This Chef's Choice was very fast and I got incredible results on the first try. Better than any sharpener I have ever used. I sharpened all our kitchen knives in record time. I took 4-5 passes with each knife and did the same with the stropping wheel. I sharpened 9 knives including 2 serrated. They are all as sharp as when they were new. Don't forget to clean the metal waste magnet on the bottom. I removed it and cleaned it with an old tooth brush. I was amazed at the amount of metal shavings after 9 knives. I never mastered the art of sharpening knives but this machine requires very little skill for dummies like me to get extremely great results. Wish I had found Chef's Choice years ago. Would have saved me a lot of frustration. Definitely worth the $. Read more
If you’re looking to save money and sharpen your own knives, this is a great handy kitchen tool. Does Japanese one-sided plates. Does both blade sides, American style or others. Also does serrated knives. Well worth anything you spend on it it’s a great little item. Read more
