1. Does Chef'sChoice® offer more than one type of manual knife sharpener for the commercial kitchen?
Chef'sChoice manufactures 3 basic models for the commercial market, incorporating 100% diamond abrasives to produce a sharper, stay-sharp-longer knife edge; the Diamond Hone® Model 450, the Serrated Model 430 and the Compact Sharpener Model 480 series. All models are safe for quality knives.

2. What are the differences among the models?
The counter-top 2-stage Model 450, which incorporates 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides, produces superior results on straight edge knives.

The counter-top single stage Model 430 is designed specifically for serrated and "never-need-sharpening" knives. 100% diamond abrasives realign the serrated knife-edge and sharpen prominent teeth into razor-sharp "micro-blades". Precision angle guides guarantee foolproof sharpening.

The versatile Model 480 series is rugged, multipurpose and pocketsize for quick and easy sharpening. All 480 models include a 2-stage knife sharpener with 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides. Deluxe models in the 480 series include a variety of accessories, including specialty sharpening pads and a convenient storage hatch. The Model 480KS sharpens both knives and scissors! Please contact customer service for specifics on this series.

3. How are manual knife sharpeners different from electric?
The most obvious difference is that the user does the work and sharpening takes somewhat longer. The sharpening can be back and forth or one directional. Each stage sharpens both sides of the knife blade simultaneously. The design of the manual sharpeners actually makes them more versatile, easily utilized by both left-handed and right-handed users. Manual sharpeners are, of course, less expensive.

4. Will any of the Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpener models sharpen scissors?
Chef'sChoice manufactures 2 compact manual scissors sharpener models for use in commercial kitchens, the Model 480KS, which sharpens both knives and scissors, and the Model 490. Both models incorporate 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides for fool-proof results. There is no need to dissemble scissors when sharpening with either model. Both models store easily in kitchen drawers or knife rolls.

5. Why would I purchase a Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpener for my commercial kitchen?
Chef'sChoice manufacturers the best knife sharpeners available, whether electric or manual. 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle guides ensure the strongest, sharpest edges possible. Chef'sChoice manual sharpeners are a great value. Their compact size makes them easy to store in kitchen drawers and knife rolls. They are perfect for touch-ups if you already own a Chef'sChoice electric model since all Chef'sChoice® sharpeners put on compatible edges.

6. I can't seem to get my knives sharp enough with my manual sharpener. Why?
Users sometimes think that "more pressure" means "sharper" when sharpening a knife manually. This is not true. Apply almost no pressure. The 100% diamond abrasives and precision guides should do the rest. If a knife-edge is really dull or the bevel has been "rounded off" from using sharpening devices with no guides, sharpening it will take extra pulls in Stage 1, but no extra pressure. Please feel free to contact our knowledgeable Chef'sChoice customer service representatives with specific sharpening questions.

7. Why don't both roller guides always turn when I sharpen?
Do not worry; as long as one of the rollers moves during sharpening, you are guiding the knife at the correct angle through the sharpening stages. The geometry of some knife blades is such that only one roller may turn.

8. How often should I use my Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpener?
If your knives are dull, sharpen them as you feel necessary or according to your instruction manual. Many times, you can use only Stage 2 for resharpening whenever the knives loose that razor-sharp, ultra-fine cutting edge. Because the combination of precision guides and diamond abrasives removes only microscopic amounts of metal during use, you can comfortably re-sharpen your knives whenever you want.

9. Who manufacturers the Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpeners?
Edgecraft Corporation located in Avondale, Pennsylvania, manufacturers all manual sharpeners in the U.S.A. The company was founded in 1984 and currently manufacturers many appliances for the commercial under the Chef'sChoice® brand.

10. How can I purchase a Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpener?
Chef'sChoice manual knife sharpeners are available from many national dealers. Contact your dealer or call EdgeCraft customer service at 800-342-3255 for the dealer nearest you.