Parkway Home Adjustable Rolling Knife Sharpener Kit (Black and Blue, 5 Whetstone Plates & Strop)

What types of knives can this sharpener handle?

This system works with most straight-edged knives including kitchen knives, chef's knives, santoku, nakiri, cleavers, butcher knives, hunting knives and pocket knives. The adjustable height mechanism accommodates blades from small paring knives to large cleavers. However, it cannot sharpen serrated knives, scissors, or curved blades due to the straight-edge design of the sharpening plates.

How do I know which angle to use for my knives?

Japanese knives typically require 15-17 degrees per side, European knives need 20-22 degrees and German knives often use 17-20 degrees. Check your knife manufacturer's specifications or start with 20 degrees for most Western kitchen knives. The adjustable knob allows precise angle setting and you can test sharpness on paper to find the optimal angle for your specific blade.

Do I need to use all five sharpening plates every time?

No, the plates serve different purposes. For very dull or damaged knives, start with #400 diamond, then progress through #800, #1000, #3000 and #6000. For routine maintenance on moderately sharp knives, begin with #1000 ceramic and finish with #3000 or #6000. Well-maintained knives may only need the finest grits plus the leather strop for touch-ups.

How long does it take to sharpen a knife properly?

A moderately dull knife typically takes 5-10 minutes using 3-4 plates. Severely damaged blades requiring full restoration may need 15-20 minutes starting from the coarsest #400 grit. The rolling mechanism makes the process faster than traditional whetstones and the magnetic holder eliminates the skill barrier of maintaining consistent angles manually.

Does this system require water or oil like traditional whetstones?

No, this is a completely dry sharpening system. The diamond and ceramic plates work without any lubricant, making the process clean and convenient. There's no soaking time, no mess to clean up and no risk of water damage to your workspace. Simply roll the plates across the blade and you're done.

How do I maintain and clean the sharpening plates?

The included specialized eraser removes metal filings and debris from the diamond plates, maintaining their cutting efficiency. Simply rub the eraser across the plate surface after use. The ceramic and corundum plates can be wiped clean with a dry cloth. Regular cleaning prevents clogging and ensures consistent sharpening performance over time.

Can beginners achieve professional results with this system?

Yes, the magnetic knife holder and rolling mechanism eliminate the two biggest challenges in knife sharpening - maintaining consistent angle and applying even pressure. Unlike freehand sharpening that requires years of practice, this system guides the process mechanically. Most users achieve hair-splitting sharpness on their first attempt following the included instructions.

What's the difference between the diamond, ceramic and corundum plates?

Diamond plates (#400, #800) cut fastest and handle the most damaged edges, removing chips and reshaping blades. The ceramic #1000 plate provides precise geometry correction and is excellent for regular maintenance. Corundum plates (#3000, #6000) create ultra-fine, polished edges that slice paper effortlessly. Each material serves a specific purpose in the sharpening progression.