I love to cook and I love knives. A combination that goes together very well. My problem is I have not used a sharpening stone very much and the few times I have used it was on my pocket knives. I have never been happy with my skill level or my results. So I had a choice of getting a knife sharpener or taking all of my knives to a professional. I personally think it is a hassle to send my knives to someone so I decided to buy this tool at Costco.
I choose this model based on two things. The first was Costco stocked it. Most items that Costco stocks are well made items and they rarely do me wrong when stocking items. The second reason was there are an overwhelming number of positive reviews on this brand of knife sharpeners. No every review was glowing but the consensus leaned in the positive direction.

How it works
This unit is a electric sharpener with grinding wheels inside the unit. After you plug it in all you do is flip a switch to turn it on.
This unit has 3 sharpening areas for different levels of blade degradation. Just grab the knife and, starting at the back of the knife blade, slide the blade through the sharpening crevice. You will do this 1-3 times per side for each stage you choose to use.
You do not have to use all three stages once you get into the habit of using this device. In fact, you will use stage 3 almost exclusively. If you use all three stages every time you sharpen your blade you will wear down your knives in no time.
Also, this sharpener is very easy to use and anyone can do this.

Stage 1- This is initially covered so that you do not accidentally use it. Only use this setting if you have an abnormally dull blade or if you have a nick in the blade. For normal operations you will not use this stage.
Stage 2- If your knives are just dull and not damaged then use this stage first for those knives.
Do not use serrated knives on this stage or stage 1.
Stage 3- Use this stage to resharpen blades that have an acceptable blade on them. This is the last stage and it creates the finest blade. This is also the only stage you will use serrated blades on.

The results
The results were mixed. I noticed an improvement on all of my knives. I was pleased, but they were not as good as they were when they were brand new. I quickly discovered that this unit is not as good as a professional knife sharpener.
I remember reading somewhere that the results were similar to the second whetstone of a 4 whetstone set. (I do not remember where I heard this but if you know then leave a comment and I will give credit to the individual.) I would agree with this statement.

Results from serrated knives
I liked the results. The blade was of descent quality and I did not see any damage. The knives were sharper and worked much better then before I sharpened them.

Are there problems?
I would not consider them problems, but more like concerns. First they do not perfectly sharpen the blade to the level a professional would. Do not buy this thinking that it will do a perfect job, because it will not.
The second issue is that smaller blades do not work very well. I have a little bit of trouble using my Swiss Army Knives on this unit as well as my paring knife.

Noise level
The noise level is not that bad. It is a little less noisy then a microwave. Even when grinding, the noise does not rise very much.

Time it takes
It will take 30 seconds for each blade per stage used. So if you are resharpening 10 blades then it will take a total of 5 minutes. If you are creating a completely new blade then it will take about 1 and a half minutes.

Durability
So far there are no issues with durability in the year I have owned it. The only marks are a couple of marks left from when the blade contacted the plastic but it does not affect operation.

My suggestion.
I wanted this machine because of the convenience it offers. The other advantage is that over time it would be cheaper than sending my knives to be sharpened every few months. If this idea appeals to you then I would recommend buying this unit or a similar knife-sharpening unit.
If you have a set of expensive knives, you must have a perfectly sharpened knife, and you do not mind spending the money for a professional; then I recommend passing on this unit. This tool will not please a perfectionist (and there are times I wish I had a professional taking care of my blade.) So far from what I have researched, there is nothing that can replace a human. A human with the proper wet stones will do wonders in creating a proper blade.

Dimensions and weight
Dimensions: 10L x 10W x 4H inches
Weight: 4 pounds, 2 ounces.

Summary
This is a convenient and easy way to sharpen your knives. The knives are noticeable sharper and the unit does not damage your knives. It has three stages so you can create a brand new edge on a damaged knife or just sharpen your blades without wearing down on the metal. But this unit is not perfect and cannot replace a professional. I do not recommend this unit to professionals or knife fanatics but I do recommend it to the average cook.

Other reviews you might be interested in.
Taylor Digital thermometer.
1 Quart Crockpot.
Dyson Vacuum.


Recommended: Yes