5 Best Knife Sharpeners in Australia: Our Top Picks for Butchers

A sharp blade is vital for butchers who need precision cutting every day. Dull knives not only slow you down but also create unnecessary safety risks.

The professional knife sharpeners featured in this blog are specifically designed to take knives from completely dull back to razor-sharp performance. From diamond steels to traditional F. Dick round and oval models, these tools serve butchers and food processors of all sizes.

In this piece, we explore five outstanding options - whether you’re after a straightforward professional sharpener or the best multi-component sharpening system to restore your knives to peak condition.

1. FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel

This premium FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel shows 145 years of German engineering excellence in sharpening technology. Professional butchers need consistent blade performance, and this high-quality steel delivers better durability than standard sharpeners.

FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel key features

FDick leads the sharpening steel industry. Their facility in Deizisau, Germany, combines old-world craftsmanship with modern production methods. Here's what makes this diamond sharpening steel special:

• Diamond particle construction: The steel features diamond material ingrained throughout, not just coated on top, unlike cheaper options. This prevents flaking and makes it last for years instead of months
• 600 grit oval design: Its oval shape touches more of the knife edge and sharpens better with each stroke
• Solid stainless steel core: You get a break-proof foundation ready for daily professional use
• Precision tapering: Your knife glides smoothly during sharpening
• Surface hardness of 66 HRC: A unique hardening process guarantees long-lasting durability
• Magnetisationtechnology: The blade attracts knife edges for precise sharpening while keeping metal debris away from food
• Electroplated surface: This adds hardness and fights corrosion better
• Ergonomic handle: The new 2K handle stays secure even with wet or greasy hands

The steel's high abrasion properties quickly restore dull edges to razor-sharpness. Its diamond surface creates controlled grooves across the cutting edge. This forms a serrated edge that cuts through tough foods, such as fruit skins, bread crusts, and roasts.

FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel pros and cons

Pros:

• Lasts longer because diamond particles are ingrained, not just coated
• Premium 600 grit oval design maximises blade contact
• Solid steel build outlasts cheaper competitors
• Magnetic blade keeps metal filings away from food
• Safe grip with slip-proof handle
• Restores very dull blades quickly with a diamond surface
• German-made with 145+ years of expertise

Cons:

• Costs more than simple sharpening steels
• The diamond surface might be too rough for delicate Japanese knives
• You need a proper technique to avoid damaging knives
• Might be too short for extra-long butcher knives

Most competing diamond steels have a thin diamond coating that flakes off quickly. Professional users who buy the FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel get better performance.

FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel is best for

This professional sharpening steel works best where knife performance directly affects productivity and safety. It's perfect for:

1. Commercial butcheries: Quick edge restoration for multiple knives during busy shifts
2. Meat processing facilities: The magnetic surface keeps metal away from food while maintaining sharp blades
3. Butchers who work with tough cuts: Create micro-serrated edges that handle tough meats and sinew
4. High-volume kitchens: Keep restaurant knives sharp through constant use
5. Professional chefs focusing on precision cuts: Maintain consistent edges for uniform food prep

This sharpening steel works great in a complete knife maintenance kit. It serves two purposes - the diamond coating quickly fixes dull knives, and regular use keeps them sharp between major sharpenings.

Professional users looking for the best knife sharpener in Australia should note how this F.Dick diamond steel compares to regular ones. The diamond construction sharpens more efficiently. The 10" length works well for most butcher knives while staying easy to handle in busy kitchens.

This diamond sharpening steel works well with most professional knives, as long as the blade hardness stays below the steel's 66 HRC rating.

2. DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue

The DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue stands out with its signature polka-dot pattern. Australian butchers choose this American-made diamond sharpener over traditional whetstones. This tool delivers reliable performance and lasts longer than conventional sharpening solutions.

DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue key features

This whetstone combines smart design and quality materials to give you great sharpening results:

• Signature polka-dot pattern: The patented surface has recessed holes that catch metal debris when you sharpen, which keeps the edge contact clean
• Micronised monocrystalline diamonds: These diamonds create a more even surface than competitors' polycrystalline ones, which leads to consistent sharpening
• Blue colour coding: Shows you the coarse grit spec (45 micron/325 mesh) right away
• Durable construction: The diamond surface stays flat for years, unlike regular stones that need constant maintenance
• Versatile lubrication options: Works well dry or with water - you won't need any oils
• Practical dimensions: The 6" x 2" x 3/4" size works well for most butcher knives
• Included storage case: You get a plastic case that holds the stone while you work

The coarse grit makes dull edges sharp again. The honeycomb surface keeps waste metal from building up during sharpening. This design helps the diamond surface cut well even after long use.

This whetstone has more diamonds per square inch than any other product. More abrasives mean faster sharpening and a longer-lasting product.

DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue pros and cons

Pros:

• Sharpens faster than other stones, perfect for dull butcher knives
• The surface stays flat throughout its life, unlike regular stones that need maintenance
• Cuts well on all materials, including carbide and different steel types
• No need to flatten it like water stones
• Just use water to clean it - no special products needed
• Lasts longer than regular sharpening stones
• Metal debris won't clog the surface thanks to the honeycomb pattern

Cons:

• Costs more than simple sharpening stones
• The 6" x 2" surface might limit how you sharpen bigger knives
• You need good technique, or it might remove too much material
• You'll need finer grits for a mirror finish
• The plastic case looks less nice than the wooden ones
• You might need extra support for heavy sharpening

This whetstone makes dull edges sharp again. You don't need oil to use it, which saves time in busy commercial kitchens where every minute counts.

DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue is best for

This whetstone works great in these professional settings:

1. Commercial butcher shops: Make dull knives sharp again between customers
2. Meat processing facilities: Safe for food prep areas since they don't need oil
3. Mobile butchers: Easy to carry with its case
4. High-volume production environments: Quick sharpening means less downtime
5. Multi-stage sharpening systems: Great first step before using finer grits
6. Restoration of damaged edges: Fixes badly dulled or slightly damaged knives

Professional users say this whetstone brings neglected edges back to life. Butchers can quickly fix knives damaged by bones or heavy cutting board use.

Many professional butchers use this coarse stone with finer grits. The coarse stone makes knives sharp, but finer stones give that polished edge needed for precise cuts.

The DMT Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue meets professional butchers' needs. Its flat surface and high diamond concentration help it work better and last longer than regular stones. Australian butchers looking for a reliable, long-lasting knife sharpener will find this diamond whetstone worth the investment.

3. EzeSharp Knife Sharpener

The EzeSharp Knife Sharpener started its journey in Western Australia during the 1980s. What began as a tool to sharpen mulesing shears and commercial meat industry blades has now become one of Australia's most versatile knife maintenance systems. Butchers can rely on this industrial-strength sharpening system that removes guesswork through its innovative mechanical design.

EzeSharp Knife Sharpener key features

The EzeSharp works differently from handheld steels or bench stones. It uses a mechanical approach to keep sharpening angles consistent:

• Rotatable vice-like clamping jig with degree angle adjustments that securely holds blades during sharpening
• T-Bar guide system that maintains precise angles relative to the blade edge while allowing complete control over movement and pressure
• Adjustable sharpening angles suitable for everything from straight razors to chef knives
• Two sharpening stone frames included (8"x2"x1" and 9"x3"x1") that accept standard-sized stones
• Complementary whetstone (medium/fine grit) included for immediate use
• Heavy-duty construction specifically designed for professional environments
• 100mm Flip-Over attachment that secures knives for consistent results

The EzeSharp system shines in its flexibility with sharpening materials. You can use various abrasive stones, files, or diamond stones based on your priorities, and your blade won't lose its temper. The system brings together the superior sharpening results of traditional stones with the accuracy of constant-angle systems in a professional package.

You'll find fine-degree graduation on the dial indicator, making it easy to identify and maintain precise angles for specific blades. The system needs some setup at first, but once you know your way around, you'll have exceptional control over the sharpening process.

EzeSharp Knife Sharpener pros and cons

Pros:

• Mechanical angle control removes guesswork and delivers consistent results
• Handles everything from small pocket knives to large machetes
• Works with various sharpening media (stones, files, diamond plates)
• Runs without power, making it portable and reliable
• Australian-designed product with over 25 years of distribution history
• Includes all necessary tools and operational manual
• Stays stable without counterweight issues common in wet-stone grinders

Cons:

• Setup can be "a bit fiddly" for new users
• The bench clamp might "swivel a bit", according to some users
• Needs considerable bench and storage space
• Works less effectively on blades shorter than 100mm without the optional 50mm flip-over
• Takes more time to learn than simple pull-through sharpeners
• Might need adjustments when sharpening near certain knife heels

EzeSharp Knife Sharpener is best for

The EzeSharp Knife Sharpener works great in several professional settings:

1. Commercial butcher shops that want consistent edge angles across multiple knives
2. Meat processing facilities where precise blade maintenance matters
3. Professional kitchens are looking for a versatile system for various blade types
4. Mobile butchers who want reliable non-electric sharpening
5. Businesses offering knife-sharpening services that handle diverse blade styles

Professionals working with many blade types will find the EzeSharp especially useful. The system sharpens almost any blade "big or small", including kitchen knives, butcher knives, fileting knives, pocket knives, and serrated blades. With the right attachments, it even works on cleavers, gardening shears, wood chisels, plane blades, and hairdressing scissors.

People who struggle with freehand sharpening love the EzeSharp.

Australian butchers looking for the best knife sharpening system will appreciate the EzeSharp's mechanical precision and versatility. The system takes more setup than simpler options but delivers professional-grade results worth the investment and learning curve. Its Australian roots make it perfect for local professional environments, refined over decades for commercial meat industry use.

Mars Safety Products offers the EzeSharp as an industrial-strength solution for professional butchers, chefs, and sharpening businesses. This makes it ideal for serious professionals who want precise control over their blade maintenance.

4. Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone

The Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone has been a trusted companion of professional butchers for decades. Its dual-sided design brings together simplicity and results. Australian meat industry professionals continue to praise this combination bench stone's traditional approach to knife maintenance.

Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone key features

Several design elements make the Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone a reliable performer:

• Dual-surface combination stone: The grey side features coarse silicon carbide (approximately 180 grit) while the orange side has fine aluminium oxide (400 grit)
• Standard professional dimensions: The stone measures 200 x 50 x 25 mm (8" x 2" x 1") - perfect for most butchery knives
• Pre-oiled construction: Ready to use right out of the box, you'll only need minimal extra lubricant during sharpening
• Crystolon/India technology: Fast-cutting silicon carbide (Crystolon) and fine aluminium oxide (India) abrasive surfaces create keen, lasting edges
• Colour-coded sides: Dark grey silicon carbide tackles coarse work, while the orange aluminium oxide handles finishing
• Consistent cutting action: Aluminium oxide cuts quickly and produces fine edges on professional knives

The stone's material combination makes it a complete knife maintenance solution. Silicon carbide works best to remove material from heavily dulled or chipped knives. Aluminium oxide gives you superior finishing results. Butchers can restore and refine edges with just one tool.

The stone needs standard oil lubrication and a quick kerosene clean when metal particles clog it up. This simple maintenance helps the stone last longer, making it worth the investment for professional kitchens.

Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone pros and cons

Pros:

• Generations of professionals trust its reliability
• Dull blades become sharp quickly with their fast cutting action
• One tool handles both restoration and finishing
• Ready to use straight away, thanks to pre-oiling
• Built to last with durable construction
• Creates sharp edges perfect for precision cuts
• Handles various steel types well, including 1095, VG-10, and S30V
• Creates the perfect "toothy" edge for butchery

Cons:

• You'll need to flatten it now and then, unlike diamond stones
• Oil maintenance adds extra work
• Diamond sharpeners work better on badly damaged blades
• Makes more mess than water stones or diamond plates
• Results depend on your technique
• Takes longer than diamond-based options
• Not enough by itself for heavily damaged knives

Professional butchers love this stone's mix of performance and value.

Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone is best for

The Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone shines in these professional settings:

1. Daily edge maintenance when you need consistent performance in busy butcher shops
2. Traditional sharpening enthusiasts who value tried-and-true methods
3. Professional kitchens need one solution for different knife types
4. Beginning sharpeners learning the basics before moving to specialised systems
5. Budget-conscious professionals looking for reliable results without breaking the bank

This stone works great as part of a complete knife sharpening kit. Many pros use it for initial and middle-stage sharpening before moving to finer stones or honing steels for the final touch.

Standard butchery knives respond exceptionally well to the Norton Bear IB8. This makes it perfect for working blades that need microscopic serrations rather than mirror finishes.

Butchers usually start with the coarse grey side to set or restore an edge, then switch to the fine orange side for refinement. This simple two-step process turns dull blades into sharp cutting tools with minimal fuss.

Using proper lubricating oil and cleaning with kerosene occasionally is suggested. This basic care routine keeps the stone performing consistently throughout its long service life, making it a reliable part of any professional knife sharpening setup.

The Norton Bear IB8 proves why it remains one of Australia's most trusted professional knife maintenance tools, whether you use it alone or as part of a larger sharpening system.

5. Victorinox 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener

The Swiss company Victorinox makes the 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener that gives butchers a simple way to sharpen knives. This tool stands out as one of the most available professional knife sharpeners you can find in Australia.

Victorinox 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener key features

Swiss engineering excellence shows in this compact and effective sharpening tool:

• You can sharpen straight and wavy-edge knives in one step
• The design focuses on safe handling when you use it
• V-shaped carbide metal plates sit at perfect angles to sharpen effectively
• You can rotate the plates to make the sharpener last longer
• Small size (135 x 65 x 35mm) and light weight (72g)
• Tough synthetic ABS material makes it durable
• Swiss-made with Victorinox's quality standards

The sharpener uses V-shaped carbide plates set at exact angles that stay in contact with the blade's edge while you sharpen. This setup creates reliable sharpening angles without needing technical know-how.

Victorinox 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener pros and cons

Pros:

• Anyone can use it without special training
• Your blades get sharp with just a few strokes
• The grip feels comfortable and safe
• A hand guard keeps you from getting cut
• Fits easily in drawers without taking up counter space
• Rotatable carbide plates help it last longer

Cons:

• Takes off quite a bit of metal, which might shorten your blade's life
• You can't adjust the angle for special knives
• Blades might wear unevenly if you use them too much
• Not the best choice for expensive knives that need precise sharpening
• Won't give you the fine edge that whetstones or steels can

Victorinox 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener is best for

This sharpener works best in:

1. High-volume kitchens where you need speed more than perfect edges
2. Commercial kitchens where multiple staff need a simple way to sharpen
3. Butcher shops looking for quick touch-ups between professional sharpenings
4. Places where safety matters most, like busy production areas
5. Adding to your knife-sharpening kit as a quick solution

Users say this sharpener "works exceptionally well" at keeping the right sharpening angle. It's perfect for places where staff might not know advanced sharpening techniques or when you need consistent results across many knives.

Conclusion

Australian butchers need the right knife sharpener to keep their tools precise and safe. Five professional knife sharpeners stand out in the market, and the best choice depends on your work needs and priorities.

The FDick 10" Diamond Sharpening Steel packs diamond-ingrained construction with professional-grade durability - perfect for busy commercial butcheries. DMT's Diamond Whetstone 6" Blue comes with a unique polka-dot pattern and superior flatness that brings damaged edges back to life. The Australian-designed EzeSharp system lets you control the entire sharpening process with its adjustable angles.

Traditional butchers might like the Norton Bear IB8 Sharpening Stone. It gives you good value with its dual-grit design. The Victorinox 7.8715 Pull-Through Sharpener is a straightforward option that doesn't need technical know-how.

Butchers should think over several things before picking a sharpening system. Ever-changing environments work well with the simple Victorinox pull-through or the quick-edge restoration of the FDick diamond steel. The EzeSharp system or DMT whetstone might suit operations that need more precision. The Norton Bear IB8 is nowhere near as expensive but still performs well.

The right professional knife sharpener will give you consistent cutting performance, boosted workplace safety, and longer knife life. It can reshape the scene by turning dull, dangerous blades into precision cutting tools that optimise both efficiency and results in Australian butcheries.

Ready to upgrade your knife maintenance setup? Explore Mars Safety’s full range of professional sharpeners and find the perfect tool to keep your blades performing at their best. 

FAQs

Q1. What types of knife sharpeners are commonly used by professional butchers?

Professional butchers typically use a variety of sharpening tools, including diamond steels, whetstones, and mechanical sharpening systems. The choice often depends on personal preference and the specific needs of the butchery.

Q2. Which knife sharpener is considered the most effective for commercial use?

While there's no single "best" sharpener, many professionals praise the DMT Diamond Whetstone for its durability and consistent performance. However, the ideal choice varies based on specific requirements and skill level.

Q3. How do consumer-grade knife sharpeners compare to professional models?

Professional-grade sharpeners like the EzeSharp system or FDick Diamond Steel generally offer more precision and durability compared to consumer models. They're designed for frequent use and can handle a wider variety of blade types.

Q4. What should be considered when choosing a knife sharpener for a commercial kitchen?

Key factors include ease of use, speed of sharpening, versatility for different knife types, durability, and maintenance requirements. The Victorinox Pull-Through Sharpener, for instance, offers simplicity and speed suitable for busy kitchens.

Q5. How often should professional knives be sharpened?

The frequency of sharpening depends on usage, but most professional butchers sharpen their knives daily or weekly. Regular maintenance with a honing steel between sharpenings can help maintain the edge for longer periods.