In-depth review
Chef'sChoice 15XV Review (2026)
In-depth review of the Chef'sChoice 15XV: a dedicated 15 degree edge, diamond abrasives, and whether it is still the default kitchen electric.
Chef'sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener
The kitchen electric to beat: a dedicated 15 degree edge, diamond abrasives, and three stages that take a knife from dull to polished without guesswork.
Our verdict
The Chef'sChoice 15XV is the best electric knife sharpener for most kitchens, because it removes the two decisions beginners get wrong: angle and pressure. Its fixed 15 degree slots, diamond abrasives, and three-stage progression take a dull kitchen knife to a polished, keen edge in a few slow passes, with no skill required beyond drawing the blade through evenly. Mixed drawers should consider the 1520, and tool sharpeners should look at a belt machine, but for kitchen knives alone, the 15XV remains the default.
What we like
- The dedicated 15 degree edge suits precision slicing and converts traditional 20 degree factory edges, so one machine covers both European and Japanese style kitchen knives.
- Three stages separate the work sensibly: reshaping, honing, and stropping to a polished finish, rather than asking one slot to do everything.
- Diamond abrasives cut faster than ceramic alone, so a truly dull knife comes back in a few passes instead of a long, tiring session.
What to watch out for
- It is built for kitchen knives first, so very thick outdoor blades and tools are better served by a belt sharpener like the Work Sharp Ken Onion.
- The machine needs counter space and a power socket, and it is not something you tuck into a drawer after use.
- An electric machine removes steel quickly, so a light touch matters: pressing hard or over-sharpening shortens a blade's life for no benefit.
Who it is for
Home cooks who want a fast, foolproof electric sharpener for kitchen knives, including Japanese style blades.
Why a dedicated 15 degree edge matters
Most kitchen electrics sharpen at 20 degrees, which suits European knives but thickens the edge on a Japanese style blade made for 15 degrees. The 15XV commits to 15 degrees and converts traditional 20 degree factory edges to it, so the whole drawer ends up with one consistent, keen geometry. That commitment is the machine's main idea, and it is why it suits precision slicing, from tomatoes to raw fish, better than a general-purpose electric.
Three stages, each with a job
The first stage reshapes a dull edge with diamond abrasives, the second hones it, and the third strops it to a polished finish. Separating those jobs matters: a single-slot machine has to compromise between removing steel and polishing, while the 15XV lets each stage do one thing well. The result is an edge that feels smooth rather than toothy, and that stays sharp longer because the bevel is clean rather than torn.
How it stacks up
Against the Chef'sChoice 1520, the 15XV wins on focus and simplicity for 15 degree knives, while the 1520 wins on flexibility for mixed drawers. Against the Presto EverSharp 08800, the 15XV wins on edge fineness and serrated support, while the Presto wins on outlay and simplicity. Against the Work Sharp Ken Onion Mk.2, the 15XV wins on kitchen convenience and quiet operation, while the Ken Onion wins on versatility for tools, scissors, and outdoor blades.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- Knives come back keen after just a few slow passes through the three stages
- The fixed angle removes all guesswork for owners who never learned freehand sharpening
- Even older kitchen knives feel useful again instead of heading for replacement
Common complaints
- The machine takes up real counter space and needs a socket nearby
- A heavy hand can take off more steel than a careful owner would like
- It is overkill for anyone who only sharpens one or two basic knives
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Stages
- 3 stages
- Edge angle
- 15 degrees
- Abrasive
- 100% diamond abrasives with stropping disks
- Knives
- Straight edge and serrated kitchen knives
- Size
- About 10 inches long, 4.25 inches wide
Also consider
Chef'sChoice 1520 AngleSelect Electric Knife Sharpener
The mixed-drawer electric: choose a 15 degree edge or a traditional 20 degree edge, with diamond abrasives and precision angle guides in both slots.
- Angle selection: 15 degrees or 20 degrees
- Abrasive: 100% diamond abrasives
Presto EverSharp Electric Knife Sharpener 08800
The straightforward value electric: two stages, automatic guides, and a razor edge for everyday non-serrated kitchen knives.
- Stages: 2 stages
- Knives: Most non-serrated kitchen and sport knives
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Can the 15XV sharpen serrated knives?
Yes, the maker lists serrated knives among the supported types, using the same stages with a lighter touch on the serrated side. Heavily damaged serrations still deserve a specialist tool or a professional service, but routine serrated maintenance is within the machine's range.
Will the 15XV work on my German knives?
Yes, it converts traditional 20 degree factory edges to a 15 degree edge. That gives a keener edge that may need touching up slightly more often, which is a fair trade for most home cooks, but owners who prefer to keep a 20 degree edge should choose the 1520 instead.
How long does sharpening take on the 15XV?
A few slow, even passes per stage, usually a couple of minutes for a knife that is dull but not damaged. A truly neglected knife needs more passes in the first stage, and a chipped edge may need a coarser repair before the 15XV can finish it well.