Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener: A Kitchen Essential
In a world where cooking has become an art form and an enjoyable pastime for many, having sharp knives is crucial for achieving precision and ease in food preparation. The Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener is a device that has gained attention for its ability to transform dull blades into razor-sharp instruments. Crafted in the USA, this sharpener promises efficient and effective sharpening for both straight and serrated knives, making it an attractive choice for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts alike.
Design and Build Quality
The Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV is designed with practicality and efficiency in mind. At dimensions of 10”L x 4.25”W x 4.25”H and weighing just 200 grams (7.1 ounces), it is compact enough to fit on any kitchen countertop without taking up excessive space. The sleek gray color gives it a modern look that fits well in a contemporary kitchen setting. Made by Edgecraft, a reputable manufacturer, the sharpener’s solid build signifies durability—an essential trait for any tool expected to endure frequent use.
Sharpening Technology
What sets this knife sharpener apart is its innovative 3-Stage EdgeSelect sharpening system. The first two stages are plated with 100% diamond abrasives, which are known for their superior sharpening capabilities. Stage one is designed for sharpening, while stage two hones the edge. The third stage employs a patented flexible abrasive system that polishes and prolongs the life of serrated knives. This trifecta of technology ensures that every knife receives the optimal treatment tailored to its specific cutting needs.
The ability to convert traditional 20-degree factory edges into high-performance 15-degree edges is a notable feature. This transformation is particularly beneficial for those who own high-quality knives, as the sharper angle allows for cleaner cuts and improved performance overall. The advanced stropping stage complements the diamond abrasives by refining the edge for a professional finish.
User Experience
One of the standout qualities of the Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV is its user-friendliness. The advanced, patented flexible spring guides automatically adjust, providing accurate control of the sharpening angle. The simple on/off switch makes it easy to operate, even for those who are new to knife sharpening. Users have reported that it takes approximately one minute for first-time sharpening and about 10 seconds for resharpening—a quick turnaround for achieving that desired sharpness.
Feedback from various users highlights the effectiveness of the sharpener across different knife types. Home cooks with a range of knives, from budget-friendly options to high-end brands, have found that this sharpener revitalizes their blades. One user noted they maintained their Wusthof knives monthly with impressive results, while others praised its ability to sharpen not just standard kitchen knives but also serrated ones, which often pose a challenge for sharpening.
Performance Concerns
While user experiences are generally positive, there have been some concerns raised about the sharpener. A few users reported issues with the sharpening wheels not spinning correctly, which can understandably lead to frustration. Additionally, there were mentions of metal shavings accumulating in the machine, indicating a need for regular maintenance. However, these instances appear to be less common compared to the overall positive feedback.
Value for Money
Priced around $160, the Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV offers excellent value for those who prioritize knife maintenance. For individuals who have invested in quality knives, this sharpener is a wise addition to the kitchen arsenal. It not only restores but enhances the performance of knives, ensuring that the investment does not diminish over time due to dullness. Many users express that the sharpener pays for itself in the long run by prolonging the life of their knives.
Conclusion
In summary, the Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpener stands out as a reliable and effective tool for anyone looking to keep their kitchen knives in optimal condition. With its advanced diamond abrasive technology and user-friendly design, it transforms dull blades into precision instruments with ease. While there are minor concerns regarding wheel operation and maintenance, the overall performance and feedback from users suggest that this sharpener is a worthy investment.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
In a world where cooking is more than just a necessity, the Chef’sChoice 15 Trizor XV is a tool that every home cook should consider adding to their kitchen toolkit. It simplifies the process of knife maintenance and ensures that every cut is as effortless as possible.
Daniel –
Very good!
Frank Schouten –
It’s easy to sharpen all types and kinds of knives, and they become razor-sharp, so be careful after sharpening. Even a child could do it. Finally, all your kitchen knives are as sharp as they should be, making cutting tasks much easier.
VAB –
I received the product while I was away and opened it upon my return. To my disappointment, I found it was a 120V system with a converter to 220V included. When I tried using the sharpener, the wheels didn’t spin properly at first, but after some effort, I got them moving. However, when I attempted to sharpen a knife by simply placing it in the sharpener, the wheels stopped turning due to a lack of torque resistance, which was another letdown. I wanted to return the product, but by the time I got the chance to check its condition, the return period had expired.
home user –
I’m not a chef, nor am I a knife expert—just a regular guy who enjoys cooking and has a small collection of knives that I like to keep sharp. My lineup includes a Victorinox Santoku (my priciest knife), a trusty Chicago Cutlery chef’s knife that was my first and has a wonderfully comfortable wooden handle, a serrated bread knife likely from Bed Bath & Beyond, a 5″ IKEA chef’s knife perfect for my kids, and a couple of unbranded 3″ and 4″ paring knives from my mother-in-law that are pretty basic.
Honestly, these knives are all I need. I never felt the urge to invest in expensive ones since mine worked well enough when sharp. I usually use a steel before chopping, but they were often dull. I tried using flat stones before, but maintaining the angle was tough, and I never got satisfactory results.
In my search for a better sharpening method, I stumbled upon the Spyderco system. It seemed easier since it addressed the angle issue, and while I improved a bit, my knives still weren’t razor-sharp. After watching some videos to troubleshoot, I read about the Trizor XV in Cook’s Illustrated and thought it might be the answer.
It arrived today, and I wasted no time getting to work. I love the solid build and industrial design of the Trizor XV, and best of all, it doesn’t require any esoteric lessons to get my knives sharp! This tool really delivers. My knives got incredibly sharp, and for the first time, I could feel the elusive burr I never achieved with previous methods, even after lighting candles for the knife goddess. The instructions are straightforward, the operation is easy, and my knives are sharp—what more could anyone ask for?
I tested it on some slightly overripe grapes and managed to slice them into incredibly thin pieces without any pressure—just the weight of the knife. Sure, other methods might work well for some, but they just didn’t click for me. As much as I’d love to sit on my porch, straw in mouth, explaining to some kid in my best Australian accent, “that’s not a knife, this is a knife!” the reality is that with my kids’ busy schedules—band practice, basketball, dance, Boy Scouts—I need something straightforward that delivers great results in a short amount of time.
If you’re in the same boat, you should definitely get this tool. It performs exceptionally well. The noise is just a soft hum—not loud at all (though my son is a drummer, so I might be biased). Just pull on one side, then the other, and after a few passes—12 on my first knife—I could finally feel that satisfying burr. Then, it’s on to stage 2, followed by stropping, and voilà—an impressively sharp knife!
Like many others, I was concerned about those comments from expert sharpeners regarding how much steel this thing removes. But after sharpening six knives, I collected enough shavings to build a small steel cottage in the country! There were definitely shavings, but honestly, it’ll probably take a lifetime of sharpening to notice any impact on my knives.
So take it from this middle-aged family man: stop hesitating about whether to invest in this mechanical, user-friendly wonder and just go for it. You won’t regret it!
christopher kieser –
This knife sharpener is an excellent addition for any home cook. I use it monthly to keep my Wusthof knives in top condition, and it’s definitely worth the investment. I bought mine for $160 about 2.5 years ago. I came across a silly review claiming it scratches the blades. Seriously? It’s a kitchen tool, not a showpiece. It only scratches near the edge if you’re careless. My steak knives have no noticeable marks when I set the table. If you haven’t sharpened your knives in a while, or if you usually take them to be sharpened, you’ll truly appreciate this sharpener.
Fernando –
I honestly struggled with the stone, so I decided to try this gadget, and I’m genuinely impressed! I sharpened three knives in under 10 minutes! The reason it took me longer was that they were really dull, but I think it’s because the machine corrects the sharpening angle… now my knives are sharp! Just a tip: make sure to clean the magnet on the back of the device, as it collects a lot of metal shavings!
Bangkok Bill –
If you have a collection of high-quality knives, investing in this machine is essential. The more knives you possess, the more you’ll appreciate it. After all, you likely invested in your knives not just for their appearance but for their sharpness.
Consider how quickly a dull or even slightly blunt edge can diminish their value. Many people don’t truly understand what a sharp knife feels like. Once the factory edge wears off, they miss out on that perfect, clean slice of a tomato. It’s why some resort to serrated knives for such tasks—yet that’s unnecessary because a well-sharpened knife performs far better, but most can’t maintain that sharpness on their own.
I struggled for years to replicate that factory-fresh edge. Despite having various sharpening tools, I could never achieve the same results, and my kitchen knives couldn’t even shave hair. That changed when I purchased my first Chef’sChoice model 120. Suddenly, I became an expert sharpener and even started offering to sharpen my friends’ and family’s knives because I couldn’t stand to see them struggle with dull blades. If you enjoy cooking and appreciate quality gear, you’re in for a treat.
This is one of the best purchases you’ll make. It costs less than a single high-quality knife but will keep all of your knives razor sharp. Once you establish the edge shape with the initial wheels, you’ll primarily use the last wheel for touch-ups. Good knives only need sharpening a couple of times a year. The key is to use a high-quality blade on a good cutting board, preferably wood or soft plastic, and avoid cutting through bones with anything other than a boning knife. Fish bones are fine, but other bones can quickly damage a sharp edge. Also, keep untrained individuals away from your expensive knives; it takes only a few seconds to ruin a good blade.
I’ve had my Chef’sChoice model 120 for about 12 years and still love it. I recently got the 15 Trizor XV for my Japanese knives, which come with a 16-degree edge, making this model more suitable for them. I’ve transitioned all my kitchen knives to 15 degrees, which I find even more effective than the original 20-22 degree German edge. The difference is noticeable when slicing various foods. I keep my folding pocket knives at 20 degrees since they need to withstand tougher outdoor tasks.
Some may argue that a machine like this can’t achieve the ultimate sharpness that large Japanese wet stones do with lengthy sharpening sessions. While that may have some truth, it’s a different approach altogether. I could potentially achieve a slightly sharper edge with 30 minutes of careful wet stone sharpening. On occasion, I still enjoy using wet stones, but 99% of the time, it’s not worth it. With the Chef’sChoice machines, I can obtain a razor-sharp edge in about five seconds, making my choice clear.
Don’t be swayed by reviews claiming this will ruin your blades. It won’t—just like any sharpening system, it comes down to how you use it. If you take five minutes to read the manual, you’ll learn how to operate it safely. It has the power to damage a blade if misused, but it’s straightforward enough that even a child can use it. Start practicing with inexpensive knives to build your skill, and once you’ve mastered it, you’ll be set for life. Of course, if you want to refine your technique, there’s always room for improvement.
Once you’ve got the edge right, the only disc you’ll need is the final one on the right. It polishes the edge to a super sharp finish and is all I ever use. You could run your best knives through that last disc daily without causing significant wear.
Knife sharpening is primarily about maintaining a consistent angle, and nothing provides that more efficiently than Chef’sChoice. I stand by my claim that this will be one of your best purchases, especially if you value quality gear, sharp knives, and maintaining razor sharpness for your expensive collection. After just a few minutes of learning how to use it, you’ll love it. The more quality knives you own, the more you’ll appreciate this device. It’s incredibly easy and fast, and the price is negligible compared to the value it brings in restoring your premium blades. My first model 120 is still going strong after a dozen years, and this new 15 Trizor is even better and faster, all for the same price I paid for the 120 over a decade ago.
Good luck!
Wolfgang –
Fantastic device, knives are sharpened to an extremely sharp edge.