Ditch Metal Files: Use Consumer Reports' Best-Rated Budget Knife Sharpener Instead

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Dull kitchen knives aren't just a nuisance that make it harder to cook; as the saying goes, a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp knife. A blunt blade will require more force and provide less stability and control, potentially resulting in severe injury. To play it safe, it's recommended that the average home chef sharpens their kitchen knives at least once every three to six months. But getting knives professionally sharpened, especially that often, requires a lot of time and money, and at-home options like metal files can be too abrasive. Luckily, Consumer Reports is here to help, posting a list of the best and the worst knife sharpeners based on the organization's ratings. Out of eight knife sharpeners tested by Consumer Reports, one stood out as the best budget option: the KitchenIQ Deluxe Diamond Edge Grip.

Available at numerous retailers, including Walmart and Amazon, the KitchenIQ Edge Grip costs around $10. That's roughly the same price as what it costs per knife for professional sharpening services, if not cheaper. In addition to these immediate savings, the KitchenIQ Edge Grip is more user-friendly and much less aggressive than a metal file, as it lines knives up at the proper sharpening angle and has two different sharpening slots — a fine ceramic sharpener for refining a sharp edge and a coarse carbide sharpener to fix a damaged or dull blade. It can also sharpen serrated knives. According to Consumer Reports, it's a simple, pocket-sized accessory that's effective at quickly sharpening both German and Japanese kitchen knives and conveniently stows away in a drawer when you're done.

On Amazon, the KitchenIQ Deluxe Diamond Edge Grip has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars garnered from thousands of reviews. The item's value for the money is consistently praised by users. "Not very often the product meets and even exceeds all of your expectations – this one does just that," a 5-star Amazon reviewer said. "This little thing is a fantastic tool ... And the price is right – no brainer, really." The grippy bottom helps keep it in place, while the V-shaped bottom allows it to lock securely against a countertop edge, a feature some insist makes the sharpening process easier and safer.

The sharpener's tiny dimensions (3 ¾ by 2 by 1 ¾ inches) make it easy to store, but some customers say it's a little hard to grip, a point Consumer Reports references in its review. However, even though your fingers end up close to the blade you're sharpening, customers widely report that the non-slip base keeps the sharpener in place during use. As for the sharpening itself, many reviewers find the KitchenIQ Edge Grip can revive a knife blade in just a few runs through the sharpening slot. While purists may insist a whetstone is the best way to sharpen kitchen knives, firsthand accounts from buyers and independent testers like Consumer Reports indicate the Kitchen IQ Diamond Deluxe Edge Grip is a worthwhile kitchen addition that costs little but, if used properly, can make a big difference in your day-to-day cooking experience.