Amesser A-65 vs. Sharpal 191H Manual Sharpener: When a Conventional Design Has the Upper Hand

Overall Verdict

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While they couldn’t look more different from each other, the Amesser A-65 and the Sharpal 191H performed to quite similar levels.

Despite having one less sharpening slot, the Sharpal proved to be faster and more effective in our tests and slightly outdid the Amesser in material retention too. However, the margins in all those three categories were modest. The two also ended up with close scores on edge smoothness.

When it comes to design and ease of use, the Amesser definitely has the upper hand. Its conventional full body makes it easy to grab and work with, whereas the Sharpal’s cylindrical shape and unstable suction base makes sharpening challenging if not dangerous. For that reason, the Amesser ended up with a higher overall rating.

Pros & Cons

Affordable
Instinctive and easy to use
Well-built with a solid design
Grippy and comfortable handle
Safety glove included

Small footprint
Affordable price
One-handed sharpening (when the base works)

Tapered base
High center of gravity

Suction cup only works on particular surfaces
Ceramic blades don’t seem to work

Key Specs

Stages

Scissor sharpene

Yes

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

L2.76 x W2.36 x H2.76 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication

$16.60

$13.93

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

6.3

7.0

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

5.2

6.4

Sharpening Time

2 minutes

1 minute 45 seconds

Cutting Feel

Swift and smooth

Material Retention

6.0

6.7

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

Medal residue on an abrasive slot on the Sharpal knife sharpener

A bowl containing metal sharpening residue

Sharpening Time

1 minute

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

7.0

8.0

Sharpening Time

6 minutes

Sharpness Level

8 - (Chicken breast, two swipes)

8 (Chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

7.7

7.5

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

Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Sharpal

Design

Overall Design Scoring

9.3

7.2

In the Box

The Amesser sharpener next to its package box, a glove, and promotional leaflets

The Sharpal sharpener with its package box on its left and instruction manual on its right

Dimensions

Length

7.9" (20.1 cm)

2.8" (7.1 cm)

Width

1.9" (4.8 cm)

2.8" (7.1 cm)

Height

2.9" (7.4 cm)

2.7" (6.9 cm)

Weight

6.4 oz (183 g)

3.0 oz (84 g)

Build Quality

9.2

7.2

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

Working Section

Levels of Sharpening

Prepare, Sharpen, Polish

Sharpen, Hone

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

The Sharpal knife sharpener lying upside down with its base in full view

Material

ABS plastic

Rubber

Feet Type

Non-slip rubber base

Suction cup

Grip

9.5

7.0

A hand gripping on the Amesser A-65 manual sharpener

The lever on the Sharpal knife sharpener

Material

ABS plastic

Plastic

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

9.1

7.2

Slot Arrangement

6.5

The working section on the Amesser A-65, with 3 slots featuring diamond rods, tungsten carbide blades, ceramic rods

The working section on the Sharpal, with a scissor slot and slots 1 and 2 for kitchen knives

Insertion

9.0

Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Amesser A-65, the sharpener being held in one hand

Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Sharpal knife and scissor sharpener

Pulling Through

9.5

6.0

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

A hand holding and sharpening a kitchen knife with the Sharpal knife sharpener sharpener

Stability on a Clean Surface

9.0

8.0

Top view of a knife being sharpened with the Amesser 3-slot knife sharpener, with the user’s two hands visible

A kitchen knife sharpened with the Sharpal sharpener on a countertop

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

7.5

3.0

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

2 hands holding and sharpening a knife with the Sharpal knife sharpener 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.

Nguyen NtkVisual Specialist

Nguyen Ntk is a graphic designer, photographer, and videographer whose philosophy centers around respecting and celebrating the beauty of reality. Through his lenses, Nguyen strives to capture the true essence of objects and events, showcasing and highlighting authentic features without distortion or exaggeration.