Knife Sharpener

Chef’sChoice

The Chef'sChoice Knife Sharpener features 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides that eliminate guesswork. Built to last decades with robust construction, this versatile tool applies either traditional 20° edges or finer 15° edges using the AngleSelect technology. The Dizor-engineered design creates longer-lasting, arch-shaped edges on both straight and serrated blades.

Product Specifications

Dimensions:10"L x 4.25"W x 4.25"H
Lifespan:25+ years
Material:N/A
Country of Origin:USA
Manufacturing:Manufactured and assembled in Avondale, Pennsylvania by EdgeCraft Corporation.

Research Summary

The Chef'sChoice knife sharpener earns its BIFL status through remarkable longevity, with documented 30+ year lifespans. Its greatest strength is delivering consistent, razor-sharp edges with minimal skill required. However, repairability is limited—when it eventually fails, replacement is typically necessary. Ideal for practical home cooks who prioritize convenience over traditional sharpening methods, especially with mixed knife collections. While not environmentally innovative, its decades-long service life and ability to extend knife lifespans creates inherent sustainability value.

  • Exceptional longevity with users consistently replacing 30-32 year old units that were still partially functional
  • Not designed for user servicing—when components like grinding discs or bearings fail, replacement is more common than repair
  • Tiered warranty system (1-3 years) rewards premium model purchases but excludes normal wear items
  • Strong value proposition at $99 (Costco) given multi-decade lifespan and ability to maintain different blade angles
  • Creates a clear divide between pragmatic home cooks who love the convenience and knife enthusiasts who worry about aggressive metal removal

Repairability Notes

5.0

The Chef'sChoice sharpener has a mixed repairability profile with evidence of both longevity and repair limitations.

  • Longevity: Multiple users report previous models lasting 30+ years before needing replacement, showing good overall durability.
  • Repair Access: Several reviewers mention issues with grinding discs and bearings failing, but there's limited evidence of successful home repairs.
  • Manufacturer Support: One user reports frustrating customer service experience when trying to get a defective unit repaired, suggesting limited repair support.

Bottom line: While these units can last decades, they're not designed for easy user servicing when components fail. When they eventually break, replacement seems more common than repair.

Durability Notes

8.5

The Chef'sChoice knife sharpener is remarkably durable and built to last decades. Multiple users report replacing previous models after 30+ years of service, indicating exceptional longevity for a kitchen appliance with moving parts.

  • Long-term reliability: Several reviewers specifically mention replacing 30-32 year old Chef'sChoice units that were still functional but finally showing bearing noise.
  • Robust construction: Users consistently describe the unit as solid and substantial, with high-quality diamond abrasive wheels that maintain effectiveness over many years.
  • Design limitations: Some reports of aggressive metal removal and occasional quality control issues with newer units showing premature failure of grinding discs.

Bottom line: This is genuine BIFL equipment that outlasts most kitchen appliances by decades, though modern units may have slightly less robust construction than the originals that lasted 30+ years.

Warranty Notes

6.0

Chef'sChoice offers a tiered warranty system depending on the model, with most electric knife sharpeners receiving either 1-year, 2-year, or 3-year limited coverage against defects in materials and workmanship under normal household use.

  • Duration: Higher-end models like the Trizor XV get 3-year coverage, while basic models receive only 1 year.
  • Process: Claims require dated proof of purchase and prepaid return shipping. The company will repair or replace defective units at their discretion.
  • Limitations: Warranty excludes normal wear items like abrasive pads, accidental damage, misuse, and commercial use. Some budget models have no warranty coverage at all.

Bottom line: Chef'sChoice provides a reasonable 1-3 year warranty depending on model, with clear terms but several exclusions. The multi-tier approach rewards investment in premium models with longer protection.

Social Analysis

8.0

Chef'sChoice 1520 is a Reddit favorite among pragmatic home cooks who value convenience over craft. Users consistently praise it as a fast solution that delivers razor sharp edges without the learning curve of whetstones.

  • Proven longevity: Multiple reviewers replaced units that lasted 30+ years, with one lasting 32 years in a family - exceptional durability for kitchen gear
  • Dual-angle versatility: The 15°/20° capability makes it a one-stop solution for mixed knife collections, repeatedly called out as the standout feature
  • Deal-hunter darling: Strong following in r/ShopCanada where the $99 Costco price triggers buying frenzies - they actively track availability
  • Enthusiast skepticism: r/chefknives users remain cautious about electric sharpeners damaging high-end blades, creating a clear divide between pragmatists and purists

Bottom line: Well-loved by practical cooks who prioritize results over perfection, with decades-proven durability backing up the investment.

BIFL Total Score:
7.0Good
Knife Sharpener
Amazon
$200.14

Product Scorecard

BIFL TOTAL SCORE
7.0
Durability Score
8.5
Repairability Score
5.0
Social Score
8.0
Warranty Score
6.0

Based on 199 reviews

We rate products using a 10-point scoring system focused on what matters most: durability, reliability, and repairability. Our scores are built from a wide net of sources: Amazon reviews, Reddit threads, expert opinions, brand sites, Google reviews, and what people are actually saying online.

Pros and Cons

What Users Love

Proven longevity of 30+ years

Restores both 15° and 20° edges

Quick, easy results without learning curve

Extends knife lifespans, avoiding replacements

Areas for Improvement

Aggressive metal removal may damage blades

Limited repair options when components fail

Short 1-3 year warranty depending on model

Quality control issues in newer models

Based on our comprehensive product research and scoring methodology

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Frequently Asked Questions

Product Care & Maintenance Guide

Recommended: As NeededClean the sharpener when metal dust buildup is visible. Sharpening frequency depends on knife usage, but regular maintenance is not required.

Step 1

Clean

Wipe the exterior with a damp, soft cloth. For metal particles inside, remove the clean-out cover (if available), brush filings from the magnet, and shake out remaining dust. Do not use detergents or abrasives, or wet internal abrading surfaces unnecessarily.

Recommended Products

  • Microfiber Cleaning Cloth$5
Step 2

Condition / Maintain

No lubrication or conditioning products are needed for internal parts or sharpening surfaces. Do not use oil or liquid lubricants. When sharpening, use only light downward pressure and let the sharpener do the work to avoid excess wear.

Step 3

Protect / Store

Store the sharpener in a dry location away from moisture. Keep the power cord away from liquids. If unused for long periods, cover to prevent dust accumulation.

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