Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I found the Presto 08800 after searching for "knife sharpener" on Amazon. The positive reviews encouraged me, so I researched the sharpener on Presto's web site, where I learned how coarse the two stages are. I've been sharpening my knives with a couple whetstones for 20 years, so I guessed that I'd never need stage 1 on the 8800. Further, I guessed that after setting the edge with the 8800, I'd still be spending more time than I wanted with my stones. On Presto's site, I learned of this 8810 with the third stage and adjustable blade angle. I ordered it straight away and I'm glad I did.
After reading the instructions and the reviews of the 8800, I started with a disposable knife on stage 1. Yowsa! Unless you've used an electric sharpener before, start with a knife you don't care about. Stage 1 is "metal munching" mode, used to set an edge on VERY dull knives. The manual does point out that stage one may not be necessary. Allow me to clarify: unless your knife blade has nicks, or is spoon sharp, skip stage 1. Always. If in doubt, start with stage 2. If a few passes at stage 2 doesn't do it, then revert to stage 1.
After grinding away half of the cheap paring knife edge on stage one, I moved on to stages 2 and 3. By the time I was done, I had a remarkably sharp paring knife. Better still, the edge was uniform the full length, something I rarely achieve with my stones. Inspired and over-confident, I grabbed my 15 year old Henckel chef's knife. In a few minutes, I had an edge almost as pretty and sharp as factory. Except for that little gouge near the handle, where I let the knife rest a half-second too long before I started drawing it. Lesson learned.
This was my first time using an electric sharpener and my skill level improved significantly after the first couple knifes. From now on, I will start with my least favorite knife and end each session with my favorite.
The third stage is actually quite good. It's not as good as if I had laboriously honed the blade with my japanese waterstone. But that waterstone costs more than this sharpener! And it takes at least 10 times longer. The edge this sharpener puts on my blades is quite sufficient. And it takes so little time that I'll be using it far more often. Thank you Presto!
Update: When I wrote, "skip stage 1. Always," I hadn't considered yard maintenance tools. Last week I started pruning some hedges. I quickly realized my machete was quite dull. Presto! Several minutes and 5 passes through stage one had restored a glorious edge to my machete. Look out shrubs, Sir Whacks-A-Lot is coming for you!
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