That $400 knife sharpening system I bought was a total waste

I dropped $400 on a fancy electric sharpening rig from a culinary expo in Chicago last spring, thinking it would save me money on replacements. First week it worked okay, but by week three I noticed my chef's knife was getting micro-chips near the heel. Turns out the thing runs too hot and messes with the temper of the blade if you're not super careful with the speed. I ended up sending two of my Wusthofs out to a pro sharpener to fix the damage he charged $60 total. Now I just use a basic water stone I got for $30 and take my time with it, way better results and no risk of ruining good steel. Has anyone else had bad luck with those powered sharpener gadgets or is it just me being clumsy?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_wren15d ago

You ever wonder if these companies know their machines are damaging blades but just don't care, since they already got your money? A buddy of mine had the same issue with a different brand of electric sharpener, and the manufacturer basically told him it was user error. Makes you think they're counting on most people not noticing or not being willing to admit they dropped that much cash on a dud.

hugomurray15d ago

Are you sure it wasn't just an overpriced belt sander in disguise? I've seen those things and they always looked sketchy to me.

wendy39115d ago

You mentioned "overpriced belt sander in disguise" and that's exactly the feeling I get with a lot of stuff these days. It's like everything has this fancy name and a higher price tag, but underneath it's just a regular tool with a new label. I see it with kitchen gadgets that claim to be revolutionary but are really just a different shaped spatula. Or those "smart" home devices that are just a basic light switch with a phone app. They all seem to be banking on people not noticing the simple thing underneath.

-2