Which is better for kitchen knives?

The Hatori is quicker and needs no skill, at about 30 seconds a knife. The Work Sharp gives you more control and a keener ceramic finish if you are willing to work by hand.

Which is better for pocket and outdoor knives?

The Work Sharp. Its Pivot-Response base follows curved blades and the 20° and 25° guides suit pocket knives. The Hatori's magnetic block struggles with narrow blades.

Both use diamond abrasives that wear slowly. The Work Sharp has replaceable plates and a 3-year warranty; the Hatori has a 2-year warranty and replaceable discs.

Is the Hatori worth the extra $30?

If speed and zero skill matter to you, yes. If you sharpen a mix of knives and want the lower price, the Work Sharp at $49.95 does more for less.

Can either sharpen a serrated knife?

Neither is made for serrated edges. The Work Sharp's ceramic stone can touch up the flat side of a serrated blade; the Hatori's roller is meant for plain edges.

Do either need water or oil?

No. The Work Sharp is a dry system, and the Hatori's diamond disc is used dry.

Work Sharp Benchstone Knife Sharpener vs Hatori Diamond Rolling Knife Sharpener

Buy the Work Sharp Benchstone if you want a manual sharpener that handles pocket, outdoor and kitchen knives and lets you control the bevel. Buy the Hatori Rolling Sharpener if you mainly sharpen kitchen knives and want speed with no skill. The Work Sharp is the cheaper of the two: $49.95 as of November 3, 2026, against $79.95 at Amazon as of November 8, 2026.

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