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

Overall Verdict

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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.

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

Scissor sharpener

Abrasives

Tungsten carbide, ceramic

Ceramic discs

Grit size

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

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

4.3

4.7

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

1.0

Sharpening Time

3 minutes 35 seconds

3 minutes

Cutting Feel

Swift and smooth

Slightly forced

Material Retention

6.0

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

A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the Zwilling sharpener

Sharpening Time

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

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

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 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

Sharpening Angle

20 degrees

15 degrees, 10 degrees

Base

The Zwilling sharpener’s base and base pad

Material

Silicone

Plastic

Feet Type

Edge gripper

EVA pad

Grip

6.5

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

Slot Arrangement

7.0

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

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

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.