The key to the Chef’s Choice 120 is it’s three stage polishing system. The three levels of sharpening provide a level of flexibility not present in cheaper models. They mean you can sharpen a staggering variety of knives. Table knives, chef’s knives, butcher’s knives, basically any piece of cutlery you can imagine can be sharpened with this model (except scissors). Even better, you can custom tailor your sharpening to your needs. From fine work on tomatoes or potatoes to work on thick cuts of beef, the Chef’s Choice 120 can customize each knife to to meet specific needs.
Stage 1 is a 100% diamond abrasive sharpener that creates two blade facets. This is the roughest stage and, frankly, you will probably not use it much unless your knives are extremely dull. Having said that, it did an excellent job shaping our dullest knives very quickly. Do not use stage 1 or stage 2 one serrated knives, it will take too much metal off.
Stage 2 uses a similar diamond abrasive and creates the appropriate bevel. If you sharpen your knives a few times a year this will be how you start most of your sharpening sessions.
Stage 3 employs what Chef’s Choice calls “revolutionary,” the polish/strop step. One or two pulls on this stage will leave your knives sharper than razor-sharp, although Chef’s Choice recommends further pulls for certain applications. If you sharpen your knives very frequently, you’ll use this stage almost exclusively. It removes only microscopic amounts of metal from the cutting surface, so it is great for frequent polishing. This is probably the biggest advantage of the Chef’s Choice 120 over cheaper models: the ability to frequently honing sessions without removing too much metal.
Using the Chef’s Choice 120 Electric Knife Sharpener couldn’t be easier. But, before you start, please, please read the manual. Although it is easy to operate, you do not want to make any silly mistakes on your expensive cutlery. Also, the manual if full of great tips to specialize your cutting surfaces that are not obvious without reading the manual. Basically, you insert your knife into the left side of your beginning slot and make contact with the sharpening wheels. Pull the knife towards you at the recommended rate and repeat on the right side. Then move on to the next stage and repeat. Easy, right? Sure is! Even so, take a few practice pulls with the motor off before doing it live. When you finally try it out you will be amazed how sharp the knives come out.
The manual also suggests certain routines to special cutting tasks. For example, for cutting through raw meat it recommends using the rougher stage 1 followed directly with the polishing stage 3. This supposedly will create microflutes that makes cutting through fibers easier. We did not get a chance to try this out, but it does show that the Chef’s Choice 120 is quite versatile.
The Chef’s Choice 120 comes in seven colors (see the end of the review for pictures): White, Red, Chrome, Metal, Brushed Metal, Platinum and Black. In short, there is a model to fit any kitchen or decor.
As we stated in the introduction, we give the Chef’s Choice 120 Diamond Hone Electric Knife Sharpener our highest recommendation. Just remember to use it as instructed. It is much faster than than sharpening by hand and probably much better, but it is not magic. But if used as instructed, it can make knife sharpening a breeze. More importantly, it is so easy and quick that you will find yourself giving your knives a quick polish very frequently. The resulting super-sharp cutlery makes cooking so much easier.
We only had the opportunity to review the Chef’s Choice 120 for one week, so we cannot assess it’s long term durability. However, it gave every impression of being a well-built, sturdy kitchen appliance. For whatever it is worth, the Chef’s Choice 120 electric knife sharpener is made in the USA. Also keep in mind that it has a three-year manufacturer warranty, so there is little risk to you. Almost no maintenance required, although you may need to send in the sharpeners every 5 years or so.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for the Chef’s Choice 120 electric knife sharpener is $150.00, but you can find it on sale for much cheaper. Even with a discount, this is more than most sharpeners. However, keep in mind that this is not some chintzy kitchen aid. It will be a permanent fixture in your kitchen that will last for years and years- like a refrigerator or oven. The cost probably isn’t worth it for everyone, but it is definitely worth is for anyone that frequently cooks.
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Chrome
Platinum
Red
Black
Metal
White
Brushed Metal