Hatori Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener vs Work Sharp Benchtop Whetstone

The Hatori is the easier pick for most home cooks: a magnetic block holds the knife at 15° or 20° and a diamond disc does the work in about 30 seconds, with no soaking and no freehand skill. The Work Sharp is the better tool for someone who wants a refined edge and will accept a learning curve: a 1000/6000 water stone with removable angle guides produces a keener, more polished edge, and it handles hard steels like S35VN and M390. Build quality is good on both, but the Work Sharp is a heavier bench unit with a 3-year warranty against Hatori's 2 years. Owners of the Hatori praise the speed and simplicity and flag narrow blades that slip under the angle block; Work Sharp owners praise the results and admit holding the angle by hand is still iffy.

• Choose the Hatori Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener if you want a fast, foolproof edge on everyday kitchen knives and don't want to learn freehand sharpening.
• Choose the Work Sharp Whetstone Knife Sharpener if you want a polished, refined edge, sharpen harder steels, and are willing to practice holding an angle.