How the Smith's 50264 Adjustable vs. PriorityChef 2-Stage Sharpener Measure Up

Overall Verdict

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The Smith's 50264 is an example of a product that looks better than it can perform. The PriorityChef is a mirror opposite.

The Smith's 50264 comes with an adjustable edge angle, which in theory should allow you to find a balance between sharpness and edge retention. In practice, however, its abrasive blades did sharpen quickly and effectively, but the flexibility resulted in a rough, wavy knife edge. The device’s long and narrow base means you have to exert force to keep it balanced during sharpening.

The PriorityChef, on the other hand, has a rather plain design, but its low center of gravity and wide base offer good balance and stability. Its abrasive discs can quickly produce a sharp and smooth edge without the excessive removal of knife material. It’s the better choice, both in efficiency and design.

Pros & Cons

Angle-adjustable sharpening
Sharpening slot for serrated blades included
Wide slot inserts
Replaceable abrasives (sold separately)

Modest height, low center of gravity
Full, flat base
Gimmick-free design
Great edge retention

Shears off a considerable amount of metal
Awkward slot structure
Long, narrow base

Cheap base pad
Small slot openings

Key Specs

Stages

Scissor sharpener

Abrasives

Precision-ground carbide, ceramic

Diamond

Grit size

Coarse, Fine

Coarse, Fin

Dimensions

L10.5 x W1.3 x H2.9 inches

L7.9 x W2.4 x H2.6 inches

Where to Buy

Price at publication

$27.38

$22.07

Check Price on Amazon

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Analysis and Test Results

Performance

Overall Performance Scoring

6.0

8.7

Sharpening Time to Cut a Lemon

8.0

8.8

Sharpening Time

1 minute 25 seconds

1 minute 15 seconds

Cutting Feel

Light and smooth

Swift and smooth

Material Retention

3.0

Metal residue on the Coarse slot of the Smith’s knife sharpener

A bowl containing metal sharpening residue next to the base of the Smith’s 50264 knife sharpener

The coarse slot on the Priority Chef sharpener, with metal dust and part the diamond coated abrasive disc shown

Sharpening Time

1 minute

Maximum Sharpness Achieved

8.0

Sharpening Time

6 minutes

Sharpness Level

8 (Chicken breast with skin, one swipe)

8 (chicken breast with skin, 1 swipe)

Edge Smoothness

4.5

7.5

Close-up view of the knife blade and edge after sharpening with the Smith’s Pull-thru

Close up view in vignette of the knife blade and knife edge after sharpening with the Priority Chef diamond knife sharpener

Design

Overall Design Scoring

7.8

In the Box

The Smith’s 50264 Adjustable pull-thru sharpener next to its plastic casing

The Priority Chef diamond sharpener on its package box next to the instruction leaflet

Dimensions

Length

10.5" (26.7 cm)

7.9" (20.1 cm)

Width

1.3" (3.3 cm)

2.4" (6.1 cm)

Height

2.9" (7.4 cm)

2.6" (6.6 cm)

Weight

8.8 oz (250 g)

8.3 oz (234 g)

Build Quality

8.2

7.9

The Smith’s Pull-thru sharpener with cover and angle knob detached on a cutting board, and a lemon slice

Working Section

Top view of the angle knob on the Smith’s angle adjustable sharpener

The working section of the Smith’s 50264 handheld sharpener, with its Coarse, Serrated, and Fine slots

The working section of the Priority Chef with 2 abrasive slots on a plastic frame and part of the handle and base

Levels of Sharpening

Sharpen, Hone/Polish

Sharpen, Hone

Abrasive

Precision-ground carbide, crossed ceramic

Diamond-coated coarse disc, ceramic honing disc

Mechanism

Pull through

Sharpening Angle

14°, 16°, 18°, 20°, 22°, 24°

17 degrees

Base

Material

Rubber

Stainless steel

Feet Type

Slip-proof soles

Sponge pad

Grip

6.5

7.5

A hand holding the Smith’s manual knife sharpener

The grip of the Priority Chef and part of its base

Material

Rubber

Stainless steel

Usability

Overall Usability Scoring

7.5

8.2

Slot Arrangement

7.0

The working section of the Smith’s 50264, with the angle knob and the Coarse, Serrated, and Fine abrasive slots

The working section on the Priority Chef, with 2 abrasive slots named Coarse and Fine supported by a black frame

Insertion

7.0

Close-up view of the Coarse slot of the Smith’s sharpener, its blades in full view

Top view of a kitchen knife being sharpened using the Priority Chef, which is held by a hand

Pulling Through

7.5

8.5

Close-up view of the Fine slot on the Smith’s pull-thru, with nicks visible on the plastic frame

A kitchen knife being sharpened with the Priority Chef, and the two hands that hold the knife and the sharpener

Stability on Clean Surface

7.0

8.0

A person sharpening a knife with the Smith’s 50264 adjustable knife sharpener

A hand holding the Priority Chef on a kitchen countertop and sharpening a knife with it.

Stability on a Wet and Dirty Surface

6.0

7.0

A person sharpening a knife with the Smith’s 50264 Pull-thru sharpener on a salt-sprinkled countertop

A kitchen knife being sharpened with the Priority Chef on a countertop sprinkled with salt particles

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.