A Test-Based Comparison Between the Amesser A-65 and the KitchenIQ 50009 Manual Sharpener

Overall Verdict

Overall Score

Performance (50%)6.3
Design (15%)9.3
Ease of Use (35%)9.1

Performance (50%)4.3
Design (15%)8.1
Ease of Use (35%)8.2

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.

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

Scissor sharpene

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

Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

6.3

4.3

Sharpening Time Cut Lemon

5.2

1.0

Sharpening Time

2 minutes

3 minutes 35 seconds

Cutting Feel

Swift and smooth

Maximum Sharpness

7.0

6.0

Sharpening Time

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

Material Retention

6.0

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

Metal residue on the abrasive slots on the KitchenIQ knife sharpener

Sharpening Time

1 minute

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

Build Quality

9.2

8.7

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

Grip

9.5

6.5

A hand gripping on the Amesser A-65 manual sharpener

The grip of the KitchenIQ edge grip sharpener

Material

ABS plastic

Silicone

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)

Working Section

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 manual sharpener on a salt-sprinkled surface, its base in full view

Material

ABS plastic

Silicone

Feet Type

Non-slip rubber base

Edge gripper

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

9.1

8.2

Slot Arrangement

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

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 Clean Surface

9.0

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 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

Behind the Comparison

Anh NgoSenior Editorial Director

Anh Ngo is a writer with 9 years experience at different media outlets, covering from public news and events to product testing and analysis. At HealthyKitchen101, she works across different departments, communicating closely with its network of writers, editors, and health, tech, and search engine experts to provide a meaningful and pleasant reading experience for visitors.

Lap VoTest Lead

Lap is Head of the Research, Testing, and Review Team (RTR Team) at HealthyKitchen101.com, where he directs and supervises the testing of kitchen gadgets and appliances.