- What do the two stages do?
- The coarse carbide slots reshape a dull edge; the ceramic slots hone and refine it. Use the coarse stage rarely and the fine stage for routine touch-ups.
- Is it safe for expensive knives?
- Pull-through carbide sharpeners remove more steel than stones, so they wear blades faster. Use it on everyday knives and keep a stone or guided system for costly ones.
- Does it work on serrated knives?
- No. The slots are made for plain-edge Western kitchen knives. Serrated blades need a tapered rod or a serrated-specific sharpener.
- How often should I sharpen?
- Hone on the ceramic slots whenever the knife drags, and use the carbide slots only when the edge is genuinely dull. Overuse shortens the blade's life.
- Is it better than a whetstone?
- It is faster and easier but less precise and more abrasive to the blade. A whetstone gives a keener, longer-lasting edge for those willing to learn.
- Where is the Victorinox 7.8715 cheapest?
- At Victorinox, for $37.00, as of our latest check.