Presto Eversharp Electric Knife Sharpener: Everything You Need to Know
The Presto Eversharp is one of the most popular budget electric knife sharpeners on the market, and for good reason. It costs around $25 to $35, works in seconds, and doesn't require any skill to use. If you're wondering whether it's worth buying, or how it compares to other options, you've come to the right place.
This article covers how the Eversharp actually works, what it does well, where it falls short, how to use it properly, and who it's best suited for. I'll also touch on how it stacks up against similar sharpeners so you can make a smart decision for your kitchen.
How the Presto Eversharp Works
The Eversharp uses a two-stage electric sharpening system. Stage 1 contains a coarser abrasive wheel that grinds the edge back into shape, while Stage 2 uses a finer abrasive wheel to refine and polish it. You pull your knife through each slot a few times, and that's it.
The abrasive wheels are made from sapphirite, which Presto describes as a precision-engineered material. The slots are angled at 20 degrees, which matches the bevel on most Western-style kitchen knives. The knife guides hold your blade at a consistent angle so you don't have to think about it.
What the Two Stages Do
Stage 1 removes metal from the blade to re-establish the edge angle. This is the aggressive step. It takes a dull, beaten-up knife and gets the geometry back. Stage 2 refines that edge, smoothing out the scratches left by Stage 1 and producing a sharper finish.
Most cooks run two or three pulls per stage, which takes about 15 to 20 seconds total. The manufacturer says it works on most straight-edge kitchen knives, including stainless steel, high-carbon steel, and even some serrated blades (though results on serrated edges are limited).
What It Does Well
The Presto Eversharp genuinely sharpens dull knives. That sounds obvious, but plenty of cheap sharpeners on the market barely do the job. After two or three passes through Stage 1 and Stage 2, a noticeably dull knife will slice through paper or tomatoes much more easily than before.
It's fast. We're talking 20 to 30 seconds per knife from start to finish. For someone who just wants a functional knife without learning honing technique or stone work, that speed is a real advantage.
The design is compact. It fits easily in a kitchen drawer or on a counter without taking up much space. The non-slip feet keep it steady on the counter while you pull knives through.
Best Use Case
The Eversharp shines as a maintenance sharpener for everyday stainless steel knives. Think the standard 8-inch chef knife that comes in most block sets, utility knives, and paring knives. If you cook a few nights a week and your knives gradually lose their edge over time, this sharpener will keep them serviceable without any fuss.
It's particularly good for households where no one wants to learn how to use a whetstone or a honing rod. Drop it in a drawer, pull it out when a knife feels dull, run the knife through twice, and you're done.
Where It Falls Short
The Eversharp removes more metal than necessary. The aggressive Stage 1 wheel doesn't distinguish between a slightly dull blade and a completely destroyed edge. It grinds the same amount either way. Over years of use, this will shorten the lifespan of your knives faster than gentler sharpening methods would.
The edge it produces is functional but not refined. If you own high-end Japanese knives that hold a 15-degree bevel, the fixed 20-degree angle of this sharpener will actually change the geometry of your blade over time. It's not the right tool for premium knives.
Serrated knife sharpening is hit or miss. The Eversharp can run serrated blades through Stage 2, but it doesn't sharpen each individual serration. It just touches up the tips. You'll get a marginal improvement at best.
What It Won't Replace
If you cook seriously and care about knife performance, the Eversharp isn't a substitute for a quality whetstone, a guided sharpening system, or professional sharpening service every year or two. It will keep your knives usable, but it won't restore a high-performance edge. For a broader look at top-performing electric options, check out the Best Electric Knife Sharpener roundup.
How to Use It Correctly
Using the Eversharp properly makes a meaningful difference in results. A lot of people rush through it and get mediocre results because they're skipping steps.
Step 1: Plug it in and let it run for a few seconds before your first knife. The wheels need to be spinning at full speed before you start.
Step 2: Start with Stage 1 if your knife is genuinely dull. Pull the knife through slowly and steadily, using light downward pressure. The motion should take about three to four seconds per pass. Don't press hard or rush.
Step 3: Do two to three passes in Stage 1, then switch to Stage 2 for two to three more passes. The final passes in Stage 2 are what give you a clean, sharp edge.
Step 4: Wipe the blade with a damp cloth before using it. Fine metal particles and abrasive dust will be on the blade after sharpening.
When to Skip Stage 1
If your knife is only slightly dull from regular use and you've sharpened it recently, you can skip Stage 1 entirely and just run it through Stage 2 two or three times. This preserves more metal and is gentler on the blade. Save Stage 1 for knives that are noticeably dull or haven't been sharpened in a long time.
How It Compares to Other Sharpeners
The Presto Eversharp competes with a handful of similar electric sharpeners in the $25 to $50 range. The Chef'sChoice 4643 and similar entry-level models operate on the same principle, two or three stages with fixed-angle guides. The main differences are in the abrasive materials and how aggressively the sharpener removes metal.
Compared to a pull-through manual sharpener, the Eversharp is faster and more consistent. Manual pull-through sharpeners in the same price range often use harder carbide rods that grab the edge inconsistently. The rotating wheels on the Eversharp produce a more even result.
Compared to whetstones, the Eversharp is far easier but significantly less precise. A whetstone in the $30 to $60 range, used correctly, will produce a sharper and longer-lasting edge. The tradeoff is time and practice. You can find a comprehensive comparison of top-rated options in the best electric knife sharpener guide.
Price vs. Value
At $25 to $35, the Eversharp is genuinely a good value for what it does. It's not trying to be a professional sharpening tool. It's a fast, easy, consumer-grade appliance for keeping everyday knives sharp enough to cook with. Judged on those terms, it earns its price.
Who Should Buy One
The Eversharp is a good fit if you have a set of mid-range stainless steel knives (think Cuisinart, Chicago Cutlery, or similar brands), you cook a few times a week, and you want a simple way to maintain your knives without any learning curve.
It's not the right choice if you own Japanese knives, high-carbon steel blades, or premium Western knives like Wusthof or Henckels. Those deserve better treatment, either a guided angle system with appropriate abrasives or a professional sharpening service.
If you're in a household with kids, share a kitchen, or just want something foolproof and fast, the Eversharp does the job well enough.
FAQ
Can the Presto Eversharp sharpen serrated knives? It can run serrated blades through Stage 2, which touches up the blade spine and tips slightly. It doesn't sharpen individual serrations, so the improvement is modest. For fully serrated knives, a dedicated serrated sharpener or a tapered ceramic rod works better.
How often should I use the Eversharp? Use Stage 2 only every two to four weeks for knives you use regularly. Stage 1 should be used sparingly, only when a knife is noticeably dull rather than just slightly off. Over-sharpening in Stage 1 removes metal faster than necessary.
Is the Presto Eversharp safe to use? Yes. The guides hold the knife blade in place and keep your fingers away from the abrasive wheels. As long as you keep your fingers on the handle and don't force the blade sideways, it's straightforward and safe.
Will it damage my expensive knives? For high-quality Japanese knives or German knives with specific bevel angles, yes, it can be harmful over time. The fixed 20-degree angle and aggressive Stage 1 wheel are not ideal for premium blades. For everyday stainless steel knives in the $20 to $80 range, the tradeoff is acceptable.
Conclusion
The Presto Eversharp does exactly what it claims to do: it sharpens dull kitchen knives quickly and without any technique required. For households with standard stainless steel knives and no interest in learning whetstone skills, it's a practical tool at a fair price.
The main thing to remember is to use Stage 1 sparingly. Running every knife through the coarse stage every week will grind them down faster than needed. Stick to Stage 2 for regular maintenance, reserve Stage 1 for genuinely dull blades, and the Eversharp will serve you well for years.