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Cubikook CS-T01 3-Stage vs. Mueller 4-Stage Manual Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated
Cubikook CS-T01 3-Stage vs. Mueller 4-Stage Manual Sharpener: How They Measure Up

Overall Verdict

The Cubikook isn’t as fast as the Mueller; however, it’s the better choice if you’re  about more than just speed.

We like the Mueller’s sizable and ergonomic grip and appreciate the handy scissor slot. The Cubikook sports a more pragmatic design, with a wide base and low center of gravity that ensure stability and safety.

The two sharpeners maxed at the same level of keenness—Level 8, which is the highest achieved by a pull-through sharpener to date. The Cubikook was outspeeded to the tune of 15 seconds by the Mueller in the lemon-cutting test. On the other hand, the former was friendlier to the knife, peeling off much less material and doing a better job of polishing the edge.

If you care about the longevity of your knives, the Cubikook’s gentle sharpening approach works much better.

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Pros & Cons

  • Strong construction, pretty coloring
  • Quick sharpening
  • Scissor slot
  • Ease of use
  • Excellent stability 
  • Affordable price
  • Consistent sharpness
  • Solid and sturdy construction
  • High center of gravity
  • Harsh on the knife edge
  • Small ceramic rods
  • Flaky brand label

Key Specs

Stages
3
3
Scissor sharpener
Yes
No
Abrasives
Diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
diamond, tungsten carbide, ceramic
Grit size
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Dimensions
L9.3 x W1.8 x H3.1 inches
L8.4 x W1.9 x H2.3 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$12.35
$17.50

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
6.7
8.0

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

8.8
7.6
Sharpening Time
1 minute 15 seconds
1 minutes 30 seconds
Cutting Feel
Swift and smooth
Swift and smooth

Material Retention

5.0
8.0
Metal sharpening residue in a bowl
Metal sharpening residue in a bowl
Medal dust on the abrasive slots of the Mueller steel knife sharpener
Medal residue on the three abrasive slots on the Cubikook knife sharpener
Medal residue on the three abrasive slots on the Cubikook knife sharpener
A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the Cubikook sharpener
Sharpening Time
1 minute
1 minute
Target Sharpness

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

8.0
8.0
Sharpening Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
Sharpness Level
8 (Chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)
8 (Chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

4.0
8.7
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and knife edge after sharpening with the Mueller knife sharpener
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Cubikook Chef' Sharpener

Design

Overall Design Scoring
9.1
8.5

In the Box

The Mueller 4-stage knife sharpener lying next to its package box, user guide, and promotion leaflets
The Cubikook 3-stage knife sharpener next to its package box

Dimensions

The Mueller handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions.
The Cubikook CS-T01 3-stage handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
Length
9.3" (23.6 cm)
8.4" (21.3 cm)
Width
1.8" (4.6 cm)
1.9" (4.8 cm)
Height
3.1" (7.9 cm)
2.3" (5.8 cm)
Weight
8.6 oz (244 g)
7.9 oz (225 g)

Build Quality

9.1
8.8
The Mueller sharpener standing on a surface
The abrasives and part of the handle of the Cubikook CS-T01

Working Section

The working section of the Mueller with 4 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its handle and base
The working section of the Mueller with 4 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its handle and base
Top view of the abrasive slots of the Mueller handheld sharpener, with scissor slot, tungsten blades, diamond rods, and ceramic rods
The working section of the Cubikook with 3 abrasive slots on a frame and part of its base
Levels of Sharpening
Sharpen (slot 1, 2, 3), Hone (slot 4)
Coarse, Medium, Fine
Abrasive
Tungsten carbide blades, diamond rods, ceramic rods
Diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
Mechanism
Pull through
Pull through
Sharpening Angle
20 degree
20 degrees

Base

The Mueller sharpener lying on a surface with its base in full view
The Cubikook lying on a tabletop, its base and base pads in full view
The Cubikook lying on a tabletop, its base and base pads in full view
Cubikook Sharpener Base
Material
ABS plastic
ABS plastic
Feet Type
Anti-slip rubber pads
silicone base

Grip

9.0
7.5
The grip of the Mueller steel knife sharpener and part of its body
The grip of the Cubikook kitchen knife sharpener
Material
ABS plastic and rubber
ABS

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.2
9.4

Slot Arrangement

7.0
10
The working section on the Mueller handheld sharpener, with 1 slot for scissors and slots 2, 3, 4 for knives
The working section on the Cubikook, with 3 slots featuring diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods

Insertion

9.0
9.5
Top view of a kitchen knife in one of the Mueller’s abrasive slots, the sharpener being held by one hand
Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Cubikook, the sharpener being held in one hand

Pulling Through

7.5
9.0
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Mueller sharpener
Cubikook Pulling Through
Cubikook Knife Sharpener Pulling Through

Stability on a Clean Surface

8.5
9.5
1 hand holding a knife and sharpening it with the Mueller on a countertop, the Mueller held in another hand
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Cubikook sharpener on a countertop
The Cubikook has a low height and a wide base which helps minimize the risks of flipping during sharpening.

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

8.0
8.0
A kitchen knife being sharpened with the Mueller sharpener on a countertop sprinkled with salt particles
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Cubikook on a salt-sprinkled countertop