Gear guide
Best Cheap Knife Sharpeners Under $15 That Actually Work
Picked from Amazon listings, not hands-on tests. How we pick
Under about $15 you can still get a sharpener that works, if you know what you are trading. The cheapest pull-throughs use crossed carbide blades: they raise a usable edge in a few strokes but tear steel off and leave a rough edge, fine for inexpensive knives and a poor idea for a good Japanese blade. Ceramic slots are gentler and mostly maintain an edge that is already decent. A diamond rod costs the same and sharpens serrations too. And a plain 1000 grit whetstone is the cheapest way to get a genuinely good edge, as long as you are willing to learn to hold the angle. This guide compares seven budget sharpeners by abrasive, stages and which knives they suit, so the money goes to the right kind of cheap.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This does not change our picks. Affiliate disclosure
Top picks at a glance
Compare all picksClosest match for the job
Amazon Basics 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener with Glove
Three knife stages and a scissor slot for under $10
See price on AmazonSee it on AmazonMost for the money on paper
AccuSharp Knife Sharpener, White
Full-length guard and either-hand grip make it safe to use
See price on AmazonSee it on AmazonMost complete listing
Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener
Carbide to restore and ceramic to finish in a pocket-size body
See price on AmazonSee it on Amazon
Compare the picks
- Amazon Basics 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener with Glove
- AccuSharp Knife Sharpener, White
- Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener
- Ryerum 1000 Grit Knife Sharpening Whetstone
- AccuSharp Dual Rod Knife Sharpener
- GoodCook Everyday Knife Sharpener
- KITCHELLENCE 3-Stage Knife Sharpener with Glove
Facts are taken from each Amazon listing. Prices are checked daily and shown with their date.
The picks in detail
Pick 1 · Amazon Basics
Amazon Basics 4-in-1 Knife Sharpener with Glove
See price on AmazonAmazon Basics 4-in-1 sharpener: coarse, medium and fine knife stages plus a scissor slot, non-slip base, cut-resistant glove included.
What the listing offers
- Three knife stages and a scissor slot for under $10
- Cut-resistant glove included for the holding hand
- Non-slip silicone base for countertop use
Limits to know
- Not suitable for serrated knives, per the listing
- Abrasive used in each stage is not named in the spec sheet
Pick 2 · ACCUSHARP
AccuSharp Knife Sharpener, White
See price on AmazonAccuSharp hand-held sharpener: reversible diamond-honed tungsten carbide V with a full-length finger guard, for straight and serrated kitchen knives.
What the listing offers
- Full-length guard and either-hand grip make it safe to use
- Carbide inserts reverse for double life, dishwasher safe
- A long-selling budget sharpener from a sharpening brand
Limits to know
- Carbide shears steel and leaves a rough edge, hard on good knives
- One fixed angle, not stated in the listing
Pick 3 · Smith's
Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener
See price on AmazonSmith's CCKS 2-step pocket sharpener: crossed carbide coarse and crossed ceramic fine slots, under 2 ounces, floats in water.
What the listing offers
- Carbide to restore and ceramic to finish in a pocket-size body
- Floats in water, useful in a boat or tackle box
- Lowest price name-brand two-stage sharpener here
Limits to know
- Small body is awkward with long kitchen knives
- Preset angle is not stated in the listing
Pick 4 · ryerum
Ryerum 1000 Grit Knife Sharpening Whetstone
See price on AmazonRyerum 1000 grit whetstone with two non-slip rubber bases, the cheapest way to a properly sharp edge if you learn to hold the angle.
What the listing offers
- A whetstone gives a cleaner edge than any slot sharpener at this price
- 1000 grit is the standard everyday sharpening grit
- Two rubber bases included to keep it steady
Limits to know
- Needs technique: you hold the angle by hand
- Stone size and thickness are not stated in the listing
Pick 5 · ACCUSHARP
AccuSharp Dual Rod Knife Sharpener
See price on AmazonAccuSharp retractable diamond-coated steel rod with a cone-shaped tip and hook groove, for straight and serrated knives.
What the listing offers
- Tapered diamond rod handles serrations that slot sharpeners miss
- Retracts for safe carry in a pocket or drawer
- Hook groove for fishing hooks, darts and pointed tools
Limits to know
- Freehand rod, angle control is up to you
- Grit of the diamond coating is not stated
Pick 6 · GoodCook
GoodCook Everyday Knife Sharpener
See price on AmazonGoodCook Everyday sharpener: carbide coarse stage for dull knives and ceramic fine stage for touch-ups and serrated blades, with angled non-slip feet.
What the listing offers
- Fine ceramic stage can maintain serrated blades
- Angled non-slip footing grips the counter edge
- Clear instructions on which stage to use when
Limits to know
- Coarse carbide stage is not for serrated blades
- Light plastic build, not a heavy countertop unit
Pick 7 · KITCHELLENCE
KITCHELLENCE 3-Stage Knife Sharpener with Glove
See price on AmazonKitchellence 3-stage pull-through with a diamond repair stage, a sharpening stage and a fine polishing stage, plus a cut-resistant glove.
What the listing offers
- Diamond first stage repairs and straightens damaged edges
- Three stages and a cut-resistant glove for under $15
- Works for right or left-handed users per the listing
Limits to know
- ABS plastic body, light compared with metal-framed sharpeners
- Listing does not state the angle of the slots
Read before you buy
More gear for the hone and maintain stage
Stone and Strop chooses every product independently from what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.