Chef'sChoice Model 320 Electric Knife Sharpener review

This is a source-based assessment of the exact US Model 320, SKU 0320000. It is not a hands-on test; no edge result, speed measurement or ownership experience is claimed.

What the two stages are for

The Model 320 is a powered countertop sharpener organized around two different jobs. Its manual describes fine diamond-coated conical disks in Stage 1, which establish the initial facets, followed by flexible abrasive disks in Stage 2 that polish and strop those facets into a microbevel. The second stage is set at a slightly larger angle than the first, but the documents do not quantify that relationship as a per-side or total angle. The current product page describes the machine as suitable for 20-degree-class straight-edge knives. That label is useful as a documented capability, not as permission to reprofile every knife to a chosen geometry.

For a straight edge being sharpened for the first time, or one the manual characterizes as very dull, the instructions begin with Stage 1. They describe alternating left and right pulls, steady movement, and only enough downward pressure to keep the blade in contact. Stage 2 then finishes the edge. For subsequent touch-ups, the manual says Stage 2 alone can often restore the edge; if touch-ups take too many pulls, it directs the user back to Stage 1 and then Stage 2. That staged approach is more informative than treating the switch as a one-pass sharpening promise.

Finish depends on the task

The instructions distinguish a smoother edge for clean cuts from an edge retaining more bite for fibrous material. More alternating Stage 2 pulls are suggested for a polished kitchen finish; the manual instead describes one Stage 2 pair after Stage 1 for game, fish and fibrous foods. Those are maker-described procedures, not comparative performance results from independent testing. They also mean that “two stages” is not a simple grit ladder: the strokes and the intended finish matter as much as the stage count.

Serrations follow a separate path. The manual directs ordinary serrated sharpening to Stage 2 only and describes a series of alternating pulls there. If a serrated edge has been severely damaged, it permits one fast pass in each Stage 1 slot before returning to Stage 2, while cautioning that unnecessary Stage 1 work removes extra metal from the teeth. A serrated knife does not inherit the numeric 20-degree-class setting used for straight edges in this assessment.

Where Model 320 fits among the Chef’sChoice machines

Model 320 is a current-reference US product identified as SKU 0320000 in the manufacturer’s electric collection and exact-model page. It differs in a practical way from the other reviewed Chef’sChoice machines. Model 120 has two diamond sharpening/honing stages followed by a separate third polishing/stropping stage; Model 320 instead has two stages, with its finishing disks in Stage 2. Model 1520 documents two discrete plain-edge paths, 15° and 20° per side, as well as separate serration directions. Model 320’s available evidence supports a single 20-degree-class plain-edge point, not a selectable 15°/20° arrangement or a continuous adjustment range. None of these machine labels settles what bevel a particular knife should have.

The Model 320’s polishing disks are built into the appliance. The product page and instruction booklet do not establish that the box contains a separate leather strop, so buyers who require that accessory should not infer it from “FlexHone/Strop” in the model-family name. Similarly, a powered guide does not mean a manual format is available: this is a corded electric appliance, not a hand-operated sharpener.

Limits, maintenance and questions to verify

The Model 320 manual says not to use it on scissors, axes or blades that do not fit freely between its guides. It is intended for household use on a stable counter or table indoors. The instructions call for clean blades, a consistent pull, light contact pressure and no honing oil, water or other lubricant. The Stage 2 dressing lever cleans the polishing disks when their effectiveness declines; the manual warns that unnecessary dressing removes abrasive material and can shorten disk life. The available sources do not establish a maximum blade length, exact fit around every bolster, the full current box list or whether replacement disks are presently available.

There is also a material warranty discrepancy worth resolving before relying on a coverage claim: the current exact product page advertises a three-year limited warranty, while the manufacturer’s warranty-and-manual directory assigns Model 320 one year of parts and maintenance. The reviewed 2014 instruction booklet does not resolve that difference. Confirm the applicable terms for SKU 0320000 and the specific offer rather than assuming either period applies to every seller or condition.

For a buyer with conventional kitchen or household knives, the strongest case for Model 320 is its clearly documented powered workflow and separate plain-edge and serration instructions. Its constraints are equally specific: one 20-degree-class plain-edge capability, no verified separate leather strop, no scissor use, and a manual that expects deliberate, alternating pulls rather than extra pressure. Compare the exact blade’s bevel and clearance with the maker’s instructions, and check the seller’s model suffix, condition, return terms and warranty before choosing an offer.