What is the Best Belt Knife Sharpener in 2024?

Whether you buy a chef’s knife or a specialized Japanese knife, you have probably noticed already that some knives are sharper than others. This is because some knife manufacturers rely on some tricks. For example, they usually rely on motorized electric belt knife sharpeners to achieve those razor-sharp edges.

Such tools bring in super fast-moving belts. They are faster than other metallic alternatives. They can turn a dull knife into a razor-sharp one in no time, as those fast-moving belts can take off layers of metal at an impressive rate. Over the past years, such systems have managed to find their way into residential uses. In other words, you can buy your own electric belt knife sharpener and keep your knives sharp.

There are more things to pay attention to when getting a belt knife sharpener. There are also some reputable brands with exquisite products and a few unknown manufacturers.

In a hurry? See our top picks…

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Best Belt Knife Sharpeners in 2024

Work Sharp WSKTS-KO-W Ken Onion Edition – Best Belt Knife Sharpener

Adjustability 

You can sharpen a knife to 15 to 30 degrees. There is no need to calibrate the sharpener or set it up. Instead, adjust the angle, and you are ready to go.

Multiple speeds

The unit features variable speeds, meaning you can hone or grind a blade. The speed goes between 1,200 and 2,800 SFM. Different speeds work for different grades of dullness.

All knives

Given the 6,000 grit belt, you can sharpen knives with serrations, too, not to mention gut hooks or other unusual shapes.

Pros

• Durable and solid construction
• You can adjust the sharpening angle
• Speeds vary based on your needs
• No calibration required to run

Cons

• It does not come with any spare belts

Smith’s 50933 – Cheap Belt Knife Sharpener

Sizing and operation – While small, compact, and lightweight at only 1.33 pounds, this electric belt knife sharpener can tackle all kinds of knives, as well as tools around your household.

Sharpening angle – The unit is set to sharpen knives at 20 degrees, which works for most knives out there. Of course, you can also hold the knife at a different angle, but the blade guides ensure there will be no misalignment if you want 20 degrees.

Belts – There are three belts included in the package – fine, medium, and coarse, only to be able to sharpen any knife out there, regardless of how dull it might be.

Pros

• Ideal for most types of knives
• Stable while holding the knife at the right angle
• It comes with three belts in different grits
• Lightweight and easy to move around

Cons

• No spare belts to replace them once they lose their grit

Bucktool BG2600 – Expensive Belt Sander Bench Grinder Combo for Knife Sharpening

Versatility – You can use Bucktool’s best electric belt knife sharpener for a series of operations. It is also advertised as a bench grinder or a belt sander, yet most customers get it for its exquisite sharpening capabilities.

Power and package – The unit comes with a solid 1/3 HP motor. It runs at 3,450 RPM. The package includes the actual machine and a 2×42 high-quality metal sanding belt. You can use it both vertically and horizontally.

Extras – Given the extra abilities of this sharpener, you can count on a series of extra features. For example, you have a brush wheel to remove rust from metallic parts in no time. There is also a LED light and an adjustable eye shield.

Pros

• Easy to change and adjust belts with a quick-release tension and tracking mechanism
• Excellent for many other activities, such as sanding or grinding
• Easy to put together and use
• Powerful motor for a consistent operation

Cons

• A bit too large or powerful for those who only need occasional sharpening

What We Like About Belt Knife Sharpeners

It is easy to sharpen your knives with a belt knife sharpener. Even if this is the first time you sharpen a knife, you will still manage to achieve a good result.

The belt will spin at incredible rates. It will grind the blade continuously. The fast it moves, the faster you will get a razor-sharp result. There will be more metal coming off, too, so you need to stop once the knife is sharp enough. Some of these systems come with guidance on achieving the right angle based on the type of knife you have. This way, there will be no guesswork involved.

Another good thing about electric belt knife sharpeners is their efficiency. A classic sharpener will work on straight blades only. These toys work on serrated blades as well. They can also bring in a razor-sharp edge on inexpensive stainless steel knives, which tend to take forever with other types of sharpeners – not to mention the sketchy results.

If you have a simple straight knife, you could do it with any sharpener. However, if you have more knives or a few specialized knives, an electric belt knife sharpener will get the job done. It makes no difference if you want to grind your ax for some firewood, you need to sharpen your scissors, or you have to hone a Japanese knife.

What We Don’t Like About Belt Knife Sharpeners

Nothing is perfect, and electric belt knife sharpeners are no exception either. For instance, their belts are not cheap. Value for money is great, but get ready to pay more than a simple manual sharpening tool.

Belts also come with various grits, meaning you need a bit of research. Some knives could do with low grits, while others require finer alternatives. It also depends on how dull your knife is. A little guidance, in the beginning, will help, but you will be able to tell yourself later on – experience will lead you in the right direction.

A bit of research on how these things work will also help. For example, the blade could get relatively hot if too much friction is involved. Of course, you can prevent such issues upfront, but you can also learn the hard way and damage some knives. For example, you need to keep the belt speed at a low value – high speeds are suitable for extreme cases and temporary options. Also, try to avoid lingering in one spot.

Comparing electric belt knife sharpeners with other types of sharpeners

We have a great article on different types of knife sharpeners available in the market. But here is a summary of some of them.

Whetstones

Whetstones represent a more efficient option. This is what many professionals rely on. However, they require a bit of maintenance to last. Plus, good-quality ones are expensive, and learning to use them could take weeks. Chances are you will ruin a few knives before even figuring out how it works. If patience and time are not your best friends, stay away from whetstones.

The same rule applies to guided sharpening stones. They are similar to whetstones and may be more efficient than electric belt knife sharpeners. Some of them are good, while others are terrible. They require more work and time, but they also need practice and experience. Again, you will ruin a few blades. However, with time, you might get it right – getting angles is one of the hardest parts.

Pull-through sharpeners

A pull-through sharpener works by some simple principles. First, it comes with two pieces stuck in an X. Sometimes, they come in a V. They are made of ceramic or steel. The idea is to pull the knife through the X, and some of the metal will come off, giving it the sharpness there. This option is good if your knives cost less than a takeaway coffee or you need to sharpen some basic scissors. Other than that, the electric belt knife sharpener is a few leagues higher.

Electric sharpeners

These tools are great for many kitchens. Does it work on all types of knives? It does, to a certain point. Should you use it on an expensive or specialized knife? Not.

Sharpening a professional knife with an electric sharpener is like washing your Rolls Royce with a dirty sponge and some soapy water. It is not the best tool for the job. When is it better? If you bought all your knives while on sale in discount stores, you could do with an electronic sharpener too.

Honing rods

Honing rods are classic – available in lots of kitchens and can get the job done. Believe it or not, their primary role is not to sharpen a knife. Instead, they are meant to keep the cutting edge straight. A honing rod can get the job done if you are only up for realigning things a little. If you want to sharpen a professional knife, stick to an electric belt knife sharpener.

Tips on how to use an electric belt knife sharpener

Take it slow. Electric belt knife sharpeners come with more speeds. Start with the slowest setting, as you are just learning. Doing it slowly will prevent damaging knives by removing too much metal. Plus, it will also prevent excessive heat.

Get that burr out. The wire edge is important and represents a principle of sharpening knives, regardless of what you use in the process. Sharpen one side only until you can feel the burr. You can then turn to the other side. This rule is common when using sharpening stones as well.

As a general rule of thumb, the belt should move only when in contact with the blade. Otherwise, you might round off the tip. Moreover, putting the blade on when the belt is already moving can go wrong and damage the belt.

Now, how about the angle? Different knives have different requirements in terms of angles. Check out the manufacturer’s manual or specifications – maybe even send an email. If you cannot find the perfect angle, read our guide. Lower angles bring in extra sharpness and delicacy. Higher angles are not as sharp but quite robust. A bit of experience will help you figure it out. Normally, it should be between 15 and 25 degrees for most knives.

Final words

Electric belt knife sharpeners are fast and efficient. It will save you time, stress, effort, and fatigue. In addition, learning how to use one is fairly simple and easier than learning how to use sharpening stones and other manual tools.