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Amesser A-65 vs KitchenIQ 50009 Manual Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

Amesser A-65

$16.99 from Amazon

KitchenIQ 50009

$9.22 from Amazon
Amesser A-65 vs KitchenIQ 50009 Manual Sharpener

Overall Verdict

Though they look nothing like each other, the Amesser A-65 and the KitchenIQ 50009 are both decently-built sharpeners. The former, however, performed better in most categories and is the obvious winner here.

We appreciate the versatility offered by the KitchenIQ’s edge grip but its small size made it awkward to hold. The Amesser’s proper size and ergonomic design delivered more comfort and confidence during sharpening.

The Amesser was also the faster one between the two: Its competitor took some of the longest times we’ve experienced to sharpen a dull knife to serviceable levels. Both devices improve a blunt blade, but the Amesser to a greater extent.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Affordable
  • Instinctive and easy to use
  • Well-built with a solid design
  • Grippy and comfortable handle
  • Safety glove included
  • Easy storage
  • Affordable price 
  • Base works on both counter edge and flat surfaces 
  • Simple, sturdy design
  • Tapered base
  • High center of gravity
  • Awkward small size
  • Long sharpening time

Key Specs

Stages
3
2
Scissor sharpene
No
No
Abrasives
Diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
Tungsten carbide, ceramic
Grit size
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Coarse, Fine
Dimensions
L7.9 x W1.9 x H2.9 inches
L3.7 x W2.1 x H1.8 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$16.60
$10.67
$16.99 at Amazon
$9.22 at Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.3
4.3

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

5.2
1.0
Sharpening Time
2 minutes
3 minutes 35 seconds
Cutting Feel
Swift and smooth
Swift and smooth

Material Retention

6.0
6.0
Metal residue on an abrasive slot on the Amesser handheld knife sharpener
Metal residue on an abrasive slot on the Amesser handheld knife sharpener
A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the base of the Amesser A-65 manual knife sharpener
Top view of a bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the KitchenIQ sharpener
Top view of a bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the KitchenIQ sharpener
Metal residue on the abrasive slots on the KitchenIQ knife sharpener
Sharpening Time
1 minute
1 minute
Target Sharpness

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

7.0
6.0
Sharpening Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
Sharpness Level
8 - (Chicken breast, two swipes)
7 (ripe tomatoes, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

7.7
6.5
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Amesser A-65 knife sharpener
Close up view of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the KitchenIQ 50009

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.3
8.1

In the Box

The Amesser sharpener next to its package box, a glove, and promotional leaflets
The KitchenIQ 50009 sharpener on its side next to its package

Dimensions

The Amesser handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
The KitchenIQ 50009 handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
Length
7.9" (20.1 cm)
3.7" (9.4 cm)
Width
1.9" (4.8 cm)
2.0" (5.1 cm)
Height
2.9" (7.4 cm)
1.8" (4.6 cm)
Weight
6.4 oz (183 g)
2.0 oz (57 g)

Build Quality

9.2
8.7
The Amesser’s working section, with the abrasives detached from the base
The Amesser’s working section, with the abrasives detached from the base
The base of the Amesser, when the working section has been detached
The Amesser A-65’s abrasive section as detached from the base
The KitchenIQ Edge Grip knife sharpener in an open hand

Working Section

The working section of the Amesser A-65 with 3 abrasive slots: Prep, Sharpen, and Fine
The Kitchen IQ’s working section, with a Coarse slot and a Fine slot
The Kitchen IQ’s working section, with a Coarse slot and a Fine slot
The KitchenIQ’s working section from above
Levels of Sharpening
Prepare, Sharpen, Polish
Coarse, Fine
Abrasive
Diamond-coated rods, tungsten steel blades, ceramic rods
Tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
Mechanism
Pull-through
Pull through
Sharpening Angle
20°
20 degrees

Base

The Amesser A-65 knife sharpener lying on a surface, with its base visible
The Amesser A-65 knife sharpener lying on a surface, with its base visible
Close-up view of the Amesser sharpener’s base pad
The Amesser A-65 manual sharpener on a salt-sprinkled surface, its base in full view
KitchenIQ 50009 Base
Material
ABS plastic
Silicone
Feet Type
Non-slip rubber base
Edge gripper

Grip

9.5
6.5
The grip of the Amesser sharpener
The grip of the Amesser sharpener
A hand gripping on the Amesser A-65 manual sharpener
The grip of the KitchenIQ edge grip sharpener
Material
ABS plastic
Silicone

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
9.1
8.2

Slot Arrangement

10
7.0
The working section on the Amesser A-65, with 3 slots featuring diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
The working section on the KitchenIQ 50009, with one Coarse slot and one Fine slot

Insertion

9.0
7.0
Amesser A-65 Manual Knife Sharpener Insertion 1
Amesser A-65 Manual Knife Sharpener Insertion 1
Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Amesser A-65, the sharpener being held in one hand
A knife being sharpened with the KitchenIQ, the sharpener being held in one hand

Pulling Through

9.5
7.0
A hand holding the Amesser knife sharpener and sharpening a kitchen knife with it

Stability on a Clean Surface

9.0
10
Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Amesser 3-slot knife sharpener, with the user’s two hands visible
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a countertop edge

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

7.5
7.0
Two hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Amesser 3-slot knife sharpener on a salt-sprinkled countertop
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a salt-sprinkled countertop