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KitchenIQ 50009 vs. Zwilling 4-Stage Manual Sharpener Side-by-Side Comparison

By , , and ·Updated

KitchenIQ 50009

$10.67

Zwilling Henckels

$29.53
KitchenIQ 50009 vs. Zwilling 4-Stage Manual Sharpener: A Comparison of Two Mediocrities

Overall Verdict

The KitchenIQ 50009 2-stage and the Zwilling 4-stage manual sharpeners have a lot more in common than their looks and prices may suggest.

Though distinctive in size, the two sharpeners share a strong, solid, sturdy build. Each has unique selling points: The former sports a compact size and an edge-gripping base, while the latter sharpens and hones at two different grind angles. 

Unfortunately, neither performed particularly well in our tests. In fact, they were among the slowest and least effective sharpeners. The Zwilling did slightly better in most categories but that didn’t offer much of a consolation, especially considering its high price. 

There are plenty of other manual pull-through sharpeners that can do a better job. Check out our rating tables to find the right one for you.

Ranking by
Showing: 2/2 Items

Pros & Cons

  • Easy storage
  • Affordable price 
  • Base works on both counter edge and flat surfaces 
  • Simple, sturdy design
  • Substantial weight
  • Sharpens both Asian and standard knives
  • Strong build, high-quality body material
  • Slot cover 
  • Beautiful design
  • Awkward small size
  • Long sharpening time
  • Brittle sharpening blades 
  • Anti-slip pad doesn’t fully cover the base
  • Awkward grip

Key Specs

Stages
2
2
Scissor sharpener
No
No
Abrasives
Tungsten carbide, ceramic
Ceramic discs
Grit size
Coarse, Fine
Coarse, Fine
Dimensions
L3.7 x W2.1 x H1.8 inches
L9.3 x W1.7 x H3.1 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication
$10.67
$29.53
View on Amazon
View on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring
4.3
4.7

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

1.0
1.0
Sharpening Time
3 minutes 35 seconds
3 minutes
Cutting Feel
Swift and smooth
Slightly forced

Material Retention

6.0
6.0
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
Medal dust on an abrasive slot on the Zwilling knife sharpener
Medal dust on an abrasive slot on the Zwilling knife sharpener
A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the Zwilling sharpener
Sharpening Time
1 minute
1 minute
Target Sharpness

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

6.0
7.0
ZWILLING Maximum Sharpness Achieved video
ZWILLING Maximum Sharpness Achieved video 1
Sharpening Time
6 minutes
6 minutes
Sharpness Level
7 (ripe tomatoes, 1 swipe)
8 - (Chicken breast with skin, 2 swipes)

Edge Smoothness

6.5
7.3
Close up view of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the KitchenIQ 50009
Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Zwilling

Design

Overall Design Scoring
8.1
7.5

In the Box

The KitchenIQ 50009 sharpener on its side next to its package
The Zwilling Henckels knife sharpener in between its clear plastic case and instruction manual

Dimensions

The KitchenIQ 50009 handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
The Zwilling handheld sharpener with arrows and figures showing its dimensions
Length
3.7" (9.4 cm)
9.3" (23.6 cm)
Width
2.0" (5.1 cm)
1.7" (4.3 cm)
Height
1.8" (4.6 cm)
3.1" (7.9 cm)
Weight
2.0 oz (57 g)
11.2 oz (318 g)

Build Quality

8.7
7.8
The KitchenIQ Edge Grip knife sharpener in an open hand
The Zwilling Henckels 4-stage knife sharpener standing on a surface

Working Section

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
The working section of the Zwilling with 4 abrasive slots on a frame and its clear cover
Levels of Sharpening
Coarse, Fine
Sharpen, Polish
Abrasive
Tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods
Ceramic blades
Mechanism
Pull through
Pull through
Sharpening Angle
20 degrees
15 degrees, 10 degrees

Base

KitchenIQ 50009 Base
The Zwilling sharpener lying on a surface with its base in full view
The Zwilling sharpener lying on a surface with its base in full view
The Zwilling sharpener’s base and base pad
Material
Silicone
Plastic
Feet Type
Edge gripper
EVA pad

Grip

6.5
6.5
The grip of the KitchenIQ edge grip sharpener
The grip of the Zwilling 4-stage knife sharpener
The grip of the Zwilling 4-stage knife sharpener
A hand holding the Zwilling knife sharpener and a hand resting on the table
Material
Silicone
ABS, EVA

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring
8.2
8.2

Slot Arrangement

7.0
10
The working section on the KitchenIQ 50009, with one Coarse slot and one Fine slot
The working section on the Zwilling sharpener, with 4 slots featuring Coarse and Fine gits for standard and Asian knives

Insertion

7.0
9.0
A knife being sharpened with the KitchenIQ, the sharpener being held in one hand
Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Zwilling pro 4 stage sharpener, the sharpener being held in one hand

Pulling Through

7.0
7.5
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Zwilling Henckels 4 stage knife sharpener

Stability on a Clean Surface

10
7.5
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a countertop edge
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Zwilling knife sharpener on a countertop

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

7.0
6.0
Two hands holding and sharpening a knife with the KitchenIQ on a salt-sprinkled countertop
2 hands holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Zwilling 4-stage sharpener on a salt-sprinkled countertop