Best Carbon Steel Knife Sharpeners of 2025

Rebecca Cantu Avatar
Rebecca Cantu
Last Updated: Jan 8, 2025

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Carbon steel knife sharpeners are an excellent tool for keeping your knives sharp and ready for use. These sharpeners are made from high-quality carbon steel, which is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand heavy use. They are designed to be easy to use and can be operated by anyone, regardless of their experience level. Carbon steel sharpeners are also lightweight and compact, making them easy to store and transport. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, a carbon steel knife sharpener is an essential tool that will help you achieve the perfect edge on your knives every time.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod Cover #TOP 1
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch Cover #TOP 2
ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener Cover #TOP 3
FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Carbon Steel Knife Sharpeners

#TOP 1

Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod

NG-XOK2-A3GA
Silver
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod Cover
Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod | Kitchen, Home or Hunting | Master Chef, Hunter or Home Gourmet Blade Sharpening Rod or Stick

The Kota Japan 12 in. Diamond Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpener Rod features diamond electoplating for precision blade sharpening, an oval shape for higher sharpening efficiency, and requires less force than most sharpening steel. Its elegant design is a pleasing addition to any kitchen or work area.

What We Like
Precision blade sharpening
Higher sharpening efficiency
Requires less force than most sharpening steel
Elegant design
Unconditional lifetime guarantee
#TOP 2

ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch

8541909092
A Type-Black
12 inch
ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, 12 Inch Cover
Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel, Black 12 Inch

The ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W Professional Carbon Steel Black Knife Sharpening Steel is a 12-inch sharpening steel that maintains the edge on knives and extends the life of your cutlery with regular use. The steel rod is made of carbon steel and plated with nickel-chrome, and the ergonomic, easy-to-grip polypropylene handle has a hanging hole for easy storage. Customers report that it works great for sharpening dull knives, and is a great value for the price. However, some customers note that it is not suitable for constant use and the plastic handle is not very attractive.

What We Like
Good quality
Very solid
Works great
#TOP 3

FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener

Original Black
FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener Cover
Knife Sharpener Rod, Kitchen Knives Sharpener Carbon Steel Professional Knife Sharpening Steel, Honing Rod with Hanging Holes (13 inches)

The FANERFUN 13 Inch Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener is a high-quality sharpening tool made from medium carbon steel and magnetic casting technology. It features an ergonomic handle for easy gripping and a dense sawtooth for quick sharpening. This multipurpose sharpener can be used to sharpen knives, cartilage knives, small kitchen knives, fruit knives, long fruit knives, and chef knives. Customers love the easy of use and the handle's good design.

What We Like
Well-balanced and comfortable grip
Deep striations for effective honing
Great value for the price
#TOP 4

Utopia Kitchen 10 Inch Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod

UK0130
Black
10 Inch
Utopia Kitchen 10 Inch Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod Cover
Utopia Kitchen 10 Inch Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Steel Sharpening Rod - Black

The Utopia Kitchen Sharpening Rod is a versatile 10-inch tool suitable for all knife types. It can sharpen both standard and serrated edge knives without damaging them. The ergonomic handle fits comfortably in all hands, making it easy to use for both right and left-handed individuals. The slip-resistant rubber bottom ensures stability during sharpening. With a fine surface, this rod offers quick, safe, and efficient sharpening, providing you with sharp knives for all your cutting needs.

What We Like
Versatile for all knife types
Ergonomic handle for comfort
Slip-resistant rubber bottom
#TOP 5

Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod

['silver', 'black']
Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod Cover
Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod 12 inches, Premium Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener Stick, Easy to Use Honer for Knives and Rod Sharpeners - Daily Maintenance

The Honing Steel Knife Sharpening Rod is a premium carbon steel knife sharpener stick that can straighten and realign the cutting edge of your knives, making them razor-sharp again in just a few strokes. The 12-inch length is long enough to sharpen various knives, and the ergonomic design with durable construction ensures perfect performance through honing. This honing rod is capable of keeping cutlery sharper longer and maintaining a good edge without wearing down your favorite knives. It's a great addition to any kitchen.

What We Like
Straightens and realigns the cutting edge of knives
Keeps cutlery sharper longer
12-inch length fits various knives
Ergonomic design with durable construction
Fine and even honing surface maintains a good edge without wearing down knives
#TOP 6

PAUDIN 10 Inch Knife Sharpener

PAUDIN
Brown,Silver
PAUDIN 10 Inch Knife Sharpener Cover
PAUDIN 10 Inch Honing Steel, Knife Sharpening Steel, Professional Carbon Steel Knife Sharpener Rod for Kitchen Knives

The PAUDIN Knife Sharpening Rod is designed to keep your knives in top condition. With its 10-inch length, it effectively sharpens and aligns various types of knives, from kitchen to pocket knives. Crafted from premium high carbon steel, it offers outstanding durability and resistance to wear. You’ll appreciate the ergonomic pakkawood handle, which provides a comfortable, non-slip grip for both right and left-handed users. This sharpening rod is not only efficient but also a stylish addition to your kitchen tools, ensuring your blades are always ready for use.

What We Like
Professional knife sharpening
Durable high carbon steel
Comfortable ergonomic handle
10-inch versatile length
#TOP 7

Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod

ART-HON-10-1
Black
Cutluxe Artisan Series 10" Honing Rod Cover
Cutluxe Honing Rod, Sharpening Steel for Kitchen Knives – 10" Honing Steel – Ergonomic Handle Design – Artisan Series

The Cutluxe Honing Rod is designed to keep your knives sharp by quickly realigning the edges. Its non-slip ergonomic handle caters to both right and left-handed users. The durable construction with premium carbon steel ensures long-lasting use without rusting or bending. With a 10-inch length, honing any knife becomes effortless. This classic piece makes a great gift for anyone who loves cooking. Additionally, it comes with a lifetime warranty, offering peace of mind with your purchase.

What We Like
Keeps knives sharp
Ergonomic handle design
Durable construction
#TOP 8

MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12" Diamond Honing Steel

MS-1118
Round
12 inch
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12" Diamond Honing Steel Cover
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 inch Japanese Diamond Honing Steel, Professional High Carbon Round Knife Sharpener Rod, Kitchen Knife Sharpeners for Chef Knives, Honing Knife Blades, Pruning Shears

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12" Japanese Diamond Honing Steel is a professional-grade sharpening tool made of premium diamond material and high carbon steel. Its Oriental Sword Design and ergonomic ABS handle provide greater stability, making it easier to sharpen knives accurately without slipping. Suitable for sharpening chef's knives, serrated bread knives, paring knives, butcher knives, scissors, hunting knives, and more. Its easy and safe operation allows you to sharpen your knives with confidence.

What We Like
Premium diamond material
Oriental Sword Design with ergonomic ABS handle
Professional-grade sharpener for various knives

MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12" Japanese Knife Sharpening Rod

MS-1196-12
Black
12 inch
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12" Japanese Knife Sharpening Rod Cover
MITSUMOTO SAKARI 12 inch Japanese Knife Sharpening Honing Rod, Professional Kitchen Knife Sharpener, Japanese High Carbon Round Honing Steel (Sourwood Handle)

The MITSUMOTO SAKARI Rod is a professional 12" Japanese knife sharpening tool made of high carbon steel with black diamond plating. The streamlined design and ergonomic handle provide a firm grip for easy control. The surface hardness and rust resistance ensure durability. It's lightweight and easy to use, ideal for maintaining and sharpening blades. The flat design allows versatility in sharpening various blade shapes.

What We Like
High Carbon Steel
Ergonomic Handle
Durable and Lightweight
#TOP 10

ELephas Plus Knife Sharpener Rod

ELephas PLus
blackwood
ELephas Plus Knife Sharpener Rod Cover
ELephas PLus honing steel knife sharpener ,high carbon steel knife sharpener rod,12 Inch Knife Sharpening Steel Honing Rod(black)

ELephas Plus Rod is a high-quality 12-inch knife sharpening steel honing rod from the black pearl series. The specially designed cylindrical handle ensures a comfortable grip for precise sharpening. It is perfect for maintaining the sharpness of various kitchen knives, offering durability and reliability. The superior honing surface helps in consistently upkeeping high-quality edges on your knives, enhancing your kitchen setup effortlessly.

What We Like
High Quality Steel
Comfortable Grip
Durable Construction
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can carbon steel be sharpened?

Second, and this is really important, carbon steel, despite being harder than stainless steel, is way easier to sharpen than stainless.

2. What kind of oil do you use on a carbon steel knife?

We recommend canola or corn oil over olive oil as olive oil can go rancid over time, but any food safe oil or wax will work. Oil or wax the blade and handle whenever the knife will not be used for more than a day or two.

3. How often do carbon steel knives need to be sharpened?

Keep Your Knife Honed If not, it's easy to find one, like this one, online. Honing, which essentially just re-centers your knife, can be done daily; sharpening, which involves shaving off part of your knife to create a fresh edge, should be done considerably less frequently (maybe twice a year).

Editor's Notes

During our carbon steel knife sharpener research, we found 24 carbon steel knife sharpener products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 128,201 customer reviews through our big data system to write the carbon steel knife sharpeners list. We found that most customers choose carbon steel knife sharpeners with an average price of $25.84.

The carbon steel knife sharpeners are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of carbon steel knife sharpeners, including Kota Japan, ALLWIN-HOUSEWARE W, FANERFUN, Utopia Kitchen, AcoWELL. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 199 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Rebecca Cantu Avatar

Rebecca Cantu grew up in a family-owned retail store for home and kitchen products. She worked online and gave assistance to people to buy ideal products for their sweet home after graduating from Northwestern University with a marketing degree. She has been writing content for online shopping guides since 2011 with her professional knowledge and natural sensitivity of appliances.