This isn't the first knife sharpener I've owned, but it is definitely the best. If you read and follow the instructions, and take your time; you will have knives that are sharpened to perfection. Yes, they are not budget priced; however, I feel that I got my money's worth.
I’ve used this once, so I can’t speak to the longevity. Perhaps I’ll get better at it with time, but the knives were not as sharp as a professional sharpening. They were, however, much better after sharpening than before. I think this will be a great tool in my kitchen and, because it’s so convenient, they will be consistently sharper as I won’t be avoiding the drive to a kitchen store to pay someone else to do it.
We have tried, unsuccessfully to sharpen our knives for years! I got out all of our DULL knives and sharpened all of them! I can finally thin slice tomatoes, and cut up veggies with ease! I peeled peaches and potatoes today with equal ease! I’m a real fan!
I have now had this for over 1 year and I did and initial sharpening on all my knives from everyday carry to my kitchens knives. It worked quite well. I have since used it weekly to keep my knives sharp and it works way better than my manual system used to work and in far less time.
I had had no experience with sharpening knives before using the Model 15XV sharpener. After using the sharpener, my knives are as sharp as they were when new. The manual instructions are clear and easy to follow. If the instructions are followed, you will have no problem using the sharpener and getting excellent results with your knives.