A suction cup and two bits of tungsten carbide sound like a toy, not a sharpener. That is the myth around the AnySharp knife sharpener, and it is only half true. The base is a gimmick worth trusting; the sharpening itself is real, with real limits.
The AnySharp Pro is a hands free pull through sharpener. It locks to a countertop with a PowerGrip suction base.
The blade draws across two tungsten carbide edges at a fixed 20 degree angle. A few passes and most kitchen knives cut cleanly again.
This guide covers how the AnySharp knife sharpener works and what it does to an edge. It also covers where owners get frustrated and how it stacks up against the Sharpal 101N and the KitchenIQ Edge Grip.
What matters with a suction base pull through sharpener
A pull through sharpener lives or dies on three things. How well the base holds still, how consistent the fixed angle is, and how the abrasive treats the edge. The AnySharp knife sharpener was built around the first one.
The PowerGrip suction base is the whole pitch. Owner reports describe it as legitimately not budging once locked to a counter, which matters more than it sounds. A sharpener that slides under pressure ruins the angle on every pass.
The tungsten carbide tools set the angle at 20 degrees. That is a workhorse angle for thicker Western kitchen knives. It is wider than the 12 to 15 degree bevel on most Japanese blades, so buyers with a Japanese knife drawer should look elsewhere.
AnySharp Pro: honest verdict
AnySharp Pro
Best for Suction Grip
Suction base pull through | tungsten carbide | 20 degree fixed angle | around $15 to $20
The manufacturer lists a 10 year guarantee on the housing. Sharpening tools are replaceable, so the unit is not disposable once the carbide dulls. It also lists compatibility with serrated blades and hardened steel.
Owner reviews repeatedly mention the suction base as the standout feature. Independent testing found dull knives went from struggling on tomato skin to slicing through it in three or four pulls.
The recurring complaint is the fixed 20 degree angle. Owners of thin bevel knives find it too aggressive.
Pros
- Suction base holds firm under pressure
- No training or technique needed
- Handles serrated and hardened steel blades
- Replaceable carbide tools extend the sharpener’s life
Cons
- 20 degree angle is too wide for Japanese style knives
- Heavy handed pulls strip more metal than needed
- Not a finishing edge, more of a workhorse restore
Who should buy it: anyone with everyday Western kitchen knives who wants a fast, no skill fix. Who should skip it: owners of thin bevel Japanese knives, or anyone who wants a polished finishing edge.
How the AnySharp knife sharpener compares
The AnySharp is not the only pocket priced option, and the two closest comparisons work differently enough to matter.
Sharpal 101N 6-in-1
Best for Travel
Pocket sharpener | tungsten carbide and ceramic tiers | fixed 14 to 15 degree angle | around $16
The Sharpal is not a countertop rival. It is a 3.5 inch pocket tool with a carbide stage, a ceramic stage, and a rod for serrated edges. It adds a whistle and firestarter for outdoor use.
Independent testing describes the result as basic level sharpening. It leaves visible burs under magnification, useful for a camp touch up but not a real kitchen sharpener. It also cannot handle scissors or single bevel blades.
Pros
- Extremely compact for a bag or glovebox
- Narrower 14 to 15 degree angle suits thinner blades
- Doubles as a basic survival tool
Cons
- Rougher edge finish than a countertop sharpener
- No suction base, less stable on a counter
- Cannot sharpen scissors or single bevel knives
KitchenIQ 50009 Edge Grip
Best Value
Two stage manual | coarse carbide then fine ceramic | preset angle guide | budget priced
The KitchenIQ splits the job into two stages instead of one. A coarse carbide slot sets the edge. A fine ceramic rod hones it after, which tends to leave a cleaner finish than a single carbide pass.
Retailer ratings sit around 4.2 out of 5. The V-Grip base is praised for staying put on a counter edge or flat surface, and it skips the suction cup entirely.
Pros
- Two stage sharpen and hone leaves a cleaner edge
- Budget friendly price point
- Compact and easy to store
Cons
- No suction base, stability depends on the V-Grip shape
- Smaller company footprint than AnySharp or Sharpal
| Model | Type | Best for | Price band | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AnySharp Pro | Suction base pull through | Everyday Western kitchen knives | $ | |
| Sharpal 101N | Pocket multi tool sharpener | Camping and travel touch ups | $ | Price |
| KitchenIQ 50009 | Two stage manual | Budget kitchen honing | $ | Price |
Mistakes to skip with a pull through sharpener
Do not lean hard into the pull. The carbide edges on the AnySharp knife sharpener cut fast. Extra pressure just removes metal you did not need to lose.
Do not use it on a knife you already trust for fine work, like a thin bevel Japanese blade. The 20 degree angle will widen that edge permanently.
Do not expect a mirror finish. This is a workhorse fix, not a substitute for whetstone honing when a fine edge matters. If you want to see where this one sits against the rest of the field, read how a suction base unit compares with the rest of the pull through field.
The bottom line: the AnySharp knife sharpener earns its suction base reputation and restores a dull kitchen knife fast with zero technique required. Skip it for thin bevel knives or a polished finishing edge, and go with it for everyday blades that just need to cut again.
Does the AnySharp knife sharpener actually work?
Yes, for typical Western kitchen knives. Owner reports and independent testing both describe dull blades cutting cleanly again after three or four passes.
What angle does the AnySharp Pro sharpen at?
The manufacturer lists a fixed 20 degree angle, which suits most Western kitchen knives but is wider than the thin bevel on many Japanese blades.
Can the AnySharp knife sharpener handle serrated knives?
The manufacturer lists compatibility with serrated blades, including bread and hunting knives, alongside hardened steel.
How is the AnySharp different from the Sharpal 101N?
The Sharpal is a pocket sized multi tool built for travel touch ups at a narrower angle, while the AnySharp is a countertop suction base sharpener built for regular kitchen duty.
Is the KitchenIQ 50009 a good budget alternative?
It is a reasonable budget pick with a two stage carbide and ceramic setup, though it relies on a grip shaped base instead of true suction.
Will the AnySharp ruin a knife’s edge?
Used with light pressure it will not. The recurring complaint among owners is pressing too hard, which removes more metal than the edge needs.
Not sure which style fits your knife block first? Run through our quick sharpener match questions before you commit to a suction base pull through.
For the wider picture, see the differences between guided rigs, rods, and pull through units. To see how the AnySharp measures up against the sharpeners that top our home kitchen list, start there.
For the mechanical side, read why a carbide slot leaves a different edge than a rod or stone. If you are weighing this against another single tool option, what the AccuSharp delivers in the same price range is a useful second opinion.
For kitchen specific picks beyond this one, browse our kitchen sharpener picks sorted by knife type.
Sources
- AnySharp: Pro Knife Sharpener product page, manufacturer specifications. https://www.anysharp.com/products/pro-knife-sharpener