A Chef's Choice

Chef's Choice, a leader in the small appliance marketplace, with tea kettles, slicers, sharpeners and waffle irons, has two products that have changed my ideas of manual and electric sharpeners. First, the PRONTO Manual Diamond Hone, a small, hand-held, draw style sharpener, which, as a chef, I am normally not a fan, but this light, non skid body with a long ergonomic handle, is a pleasure to use.

 

The dual port, diamond discs quickly and easily sharpen/hone all blade styles, including serrated. A top attribute of this manual, is the lack of “bone chilling screech,” normally associated with manual, wheeled sharpeners. It’s a great, economical addition to any tool box or kitchen drawer for quick sharpening tasks.

As a chef/restaurateur, I’m also drawn to the electric Chef’s Choice 1520; a most versatile sharpener that can restore and recreate both, a 20 degree edge for European and American style knives and a 15 degree edge for Asian style knives.

The 1520 is a small countertop sharpener with 100% diamond abrasives, precision angle guides, and  multi-stages that include  stropping discs for a sharp and polished edge. It applies the prefect angle and pressure to insure a clean sharp blade, without distempering the steel. The powerful motor, carrying a 3 year warranty, can easily transform old or new dull blades into a microscopically flawless polished edge. The design of the sharpener, produces a much stronger, 15-20 degree angled, concave edge than the old- fashion, but highly utilized, brittle, “hollow” ground taper.

 Once again, this sharpener is up to the rigors of regular sharpening and maintenance of a bevy of knives and blade styles, for the homeowner that loves to cook and a favorite of chefs.

Something…since it is a home use sharpener vs. commercial kitchen.