1. Can the Chef'sChoice® Model 2000 replace my sharpening service?
Yes. The Model 2000 is a professional sharpening system designed to handle the sharpening needs of a busy commercial kitchen. This user-friendly, lightning quick system offers convenient "on-demand" 2 stage sharpening unmatched by any other in-house sharpener. Cost savings are substantial and can be realized in as little as six months from purchase. The replaceable sharpening module can be removed, washed and sanitized. The system is safe for all kitchen knives, including serrated and single bevel Asian style.

2. Is the Model 2000 sharpener safe for my good cutlery?
Yes. The Chef'sChoice Model 2000 uses diamond abrasives in Stage 1 and ultra-fine honing abrasives in Stage 2. These abrasives will not detemper the knife blade. Since the vast majority of resharpening is done in Stage 2, only microscopic amounts of metal are removed. There is no other way to resharpen and remove less metal. The Chef'sChoice Model 2000 is built by EdgeCraft, the acknowledged world leader in knife sharpening technology.

3. What kind of knives will the Chef'sChoice Model 2000 sharpen?
It will sharpen a wide variety of gourmet and commercial kitchen knives including single bevel Asian style knives. Since the Chef'sChoice Model 2000 uses diamond abrasives, it will sharpen knives made from the hardest alloys.

4. Will it sharpen serrated knives?
Yes. It will realign and sharpen the tips of serrated edges, but use Stage 2 only for serrated knives.

5. How long does it taken to sharpen a straight edge blade?
On average, it will take one minute to sharpen most knives. An exceptionally thick knife, such as a heavy meat cleaver, may require extra pulls through Stage 1. (12-15 sets of pulls rather than 3-5). Also, an exceptionally dull knife manufactured from extremely hard alloys might require more pulls through Stage 1. However, once the optimum edge has been achieved using the Model 2000, subsequent resharpening will be much faster.

6. How often should I resharpen my knife?
As soon as you feel your edge has lost its "bite", you can use to Stage 2 (3 to 5 sets of alternating pulls) to resharpen the edge. When Stage 2 (resharpening) no longer returns your edge to hair-splitting sharpness, it's time to go through the entire sharpening process (Stage 1 and Stage 2 or consult your instruction manual).

7. How often do I need to replace the sharpening module?
The sharpening module will last for approximately 3,000-5,000 sharpenings, depending on the type, number and condition of knives sharpened and frequency of use, after which it will continue to work properly, possibly taking 2-3 times longer to achieve the desired result, however. There is no risk to the knife or sharpener by using the module beyond the 3,000-5,000 sharpenings. The sharpening module is replaceable by design, which adds to the allover convenience and cost saving aspect of the sharpener. (This does not apply to the disks inside which cannot be replaced individually).

8. When should I change the black plastic knife-edge guides?
With proper usage (very minimal downward pressure on the knife while sharpening), the knife edge guides will last for hundreds of sharpenings. They should be taken out and flipped over to the unused side when they are worn approximately 1/3 of the way down.

9. How do I order more knife edge guides?
Call your area dealer or call EdgeCraft's toll free number (800) 342-3255 and ask for part #I200900 (1set of 2 front and 2 rear edge guides).

10. How often should I wash the module?
We recommended the module be cleaned in dishwasher or sink regularly i.e. weekly or whenever a dirty knife has been sharpened in it.

11. What other maintenance is necessary to provide optimum performance?
Besides washing the sharpening module regularly, empty the collected knife filings from the trough beneath the module regularly. If the stage 2 honing disks become blackened (this means they need refurbishing) use the "dressing tool" provided to clean them.

12. Who manufactures the Chef'sChoice Model 2000?
The Model 2000 is injection molded and assembled in the U.S.A. at the EdgeCraft Corporation located in Avondale, PA. The Company was founded in 1984 and currently manufacturers many fine small kitchen appliances under the Chef'sChoice® brand.

13. Is the Chef'sChoice Model 2000 Commercial Sharpener NSF rated?
Yes.

14. What is the warranty on the Model 2000?
The Chef'sChoice Model 2000 carries a one year limited warranty.

15. How can I order the Chef'sChoice Model 2000?
The Model 2000 is available from many national dealerships. Contact your dealer or call EdgeCraft customer service at 800-342-3255 for the dealer nearest you.