This process is essentially the same with both a manual and electric sharpener, but the motorized abrasives in an electric model will do more of the work for you. The most important thing is to try to use the same amount of pressure and the same angle with each pull through the slot—different models of sharpener make this easier or harder, depending on their design. Unless the directions specify otherwise, it should take three to five pulls through the coarse slot, and then just a couple through each finer slot, to sharpen the knife. If it's not as sharp as you like, try a few more pulls through the finest grit slot, and if that doesn't work, try the whole process over again.

The kind of knife sharpeners that you're going to buy depends on what purpose you're using them for. For example, many are used in the kitchen, whereas We choose the most popular manual and electric knife sharpeners available at UK retailers to test. We buy all the products we test and rate them on the two factors below. Sharpening ability Effectiveness: The Edge-on-Up tool helped give us an idea of each sharpener's efficiency, but we also tested our knives immediately before and after sharpening to gauge any noticeable differences.If your knife sharpener has a fine or honing setting, run it through that once or twice after the coarse setting. Do this in the same way, but with less force. To keep your knife sharp, use the fine setting once after every couple of hours' use. How easy or difficult the sharpeners were to operate: We tested both manual and electric sharpeners, noting their learning curve and ease of control. We also appreciated the models that came with easy-to-follow directions and video instructions.

Speed: The faster a knife sharpener works, the faster your knife will be ready for everyday use. Faster knife sharpeners tend to be more efficient as well, ensuring that you won't have to sharpen your knives Work Sharp Electric Culinary E2 Kitchen Knife Sharpener: This sharpener is easy to use and has an excellent price for an electric model, but you get what you pay for. We found that it did just an OK job at sharpening, while its feet let it slide around on the countertop, which is a definite safety hazard. We tested the claims of one late night As Seen On TV tool to sharpen blunt blades galore. The results? Not so sharp. The Claim The electric Chef'sChoice 130 Professional Sharpening Station is simple to use and works well on many different sizes of blades, while the manual Longzon 4-in-1 offers similar quality with a low price tag. For those on a budget, the electric Presto EverSharp is excellent, too. How We Tested

Manual sharpeners are generally cheaper and simpler to use, but they require more effort, so they may not be ideal for people with limited hand grip or arm strength. They're easier for a beginner to use correctly compared to an electric knife sharpener. The on-camera talent cuts the sponge at about 36 seconds in to the ad for the Samurai Shark, an infomercial wowfest in which Billy Mays puts a gleaming edge on all manner of blades, shears, loppers and knives.