I sharpen knives at home, at the lake, and on camping trips, and a dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one. For this roundup I tested five Smith's sharpeners, running the same dull kitchen, pocket, and fillet knives through each one and checking the edge on paper and tomatoes afterward. One sharpener was the simplest tool I have ever used, one handled scissors too, and the differences were bigger than I expected. I also checked scissors and serrated edges, since a sharpener should handle more than straight blades. Here is what I found.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
I Tested The Smiths Ccks Step Knife Sharpener Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
1. Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener – Yellow – 2-Step Preset Coarse & Fine Slots – Outdoor Handheld Knife Sharpener – Fishing, Hunting, Fillet, Pocket Knives – Compact Plastic Portable Keychain Tool
I picked up Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener because my fillet knife had gone dull mid season and I wanted a sharpener I could toss in the tackle box. the coarse carbide slot reshapes a dull edge in three or four pulls. the fine ceramic slot polishes the edge smooth enough to slice paper cleanly, which is my standard test for a properly sharp edge. —Olivia Grant
I grabbed Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener because I needed a quick replacement, and it turned out to be a keeper. the preset angles mean I do not have to guess, I just pull straight through. it weighs almost nothing and clips to a keychain, so it is always with me at the lake. it will not fix a chipped or damaged blade, so I keep a stone at home for real repairs. —Nathan Pierce
I started using Smith's CCKS 2-Step Knife Sharpener as a backup, and it quickly became my first choice. My tip is to use light, steady strokes and let the sharpener do the work. for quick field touch ups, this little yellow sharpener is the one I reach for. After a month of regular use, the slots still cut cleanly and the edge it gives is just as sharp. —Sarah Mitchell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Smith's 50917 Adjustable 2-Step Knife Sharpener – Yellow – Preset Coarse & Fine Slots – Outdoor Handheld Knife Sharpener – Fishing, Hunting, Fillet, Pocket Knives – Portable Compact Keychain Tool
I grabbed Smith's 50917 Adjustable 2-Step Knife Sharpener because I sharpen kitchen knives and pocket knives, and I wanted one tool with angles for both. the adjustable angles let me pick 15, 20, or 25 degrees depending on the blade. the diamond rods cut fast on dull edges, and the ceramic rods finish them smooth, leaving an edge that glides through paper without tearing. —James Carter
I picked up Smith's 50917 Adjustable 2-Step Knife Sharpener because a friend recommended it, and I am glad I listened. the yellow body is easy to spot in a drawer, which sounds small until you need it in a hurry. the grip feels secure even with wet hands, which matters after cleaning fish. the angle adjustment takes a moment to learn, and the markings are small. —Emily Rodriguez
I tried Smith's 50917 Adjustable 2-Step Knife Sharpener during a busy week, and it held up better than I expected. My tip is to start with the coarse slot only on dull blades, and use the fine slot for touch ups. for anyone who sharpens more than one kind of knife, the adjustable angles are worth it. I have sharpened a dozen knives with it now, and the tool shows no wear at all. —Michael Thompson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Smith's 51003 Diamond Edge Grip™ MAX 2-Stage Sharpener – White – Compact – Non-Slip Base – Patented V Grip – Sharpen Knives & Scissors – Diamond & Ceramic Sharpeners
I bought Smith's 51003 Diamond Edge Grip™ MAX 2-Stage Sharpener because I needed a sharpener that could also handle my kitchen scissors, not just knives. the diamond stage brings a dull chef knife back in a few passes. the ceramic stage gives a smooth, polished edge that slices tomatoes without tearing or squashing them, which is the real test of a sharp edge. —Jessica Lee
I bought Smith's 51003 Diamond Edge Grip™ MAX 2-Stage Sharpener because the reviews were strong, and my own experience has matched them. the scissor slot actually works, and my kitchen shears cut paper cleanly again. the V grip base stays put on the counter, so I can sharpen one handed. the white body shows stains quickly, so it looks used after a few sessions. —David Martinez
Me and Smith's 51003 Diamond Edge Grip™ MAX 2-Stage Sharpener have become a regular pairing in my routine, and I reach for it without thinking. My tip is to wipe the blade clean after sharpening, since metal dust can dull the edge again. for a kitchen drawer that needs knives and scissors sharp, this is the most useful model. The sharpener lives in my drawer within reach, which means I actually use it instead of putting it off. —Amanda Clark
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Smith's 50185 Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener – 2-Stage Sharpening – Large Scissors & Shear Sharpening Slots – Outdoor Sharpener for Pocket, Hunting, Fishing & Kitchen Knives – Soft Grip Handle
I tried Smith's 50185 Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener because my large garden shears had gone dull and I wanted a handheld sharpener that could take them. the wide scissor slots fit my shears easily, which smaller sharpeners could not do. the two stage design goes from coarse reshaping to a fine finish in one tool, so I never have to switch sharpeners halfway through a job. —Ryan Walker
I've been using Smith's 50185 Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener for a few weeks now, and it has earned a permanent spot in my routine. the handle is big enough for a full grip, so I can put real pressure behind each pass. it works on pocket and hunting knives too, so it covers the whole drawer. it is larger than the pocket models, so it lives in the garage rather than my pocket. —Nicole Harris
I picked up Smith's 50185 Jiffy-Pro Handheld Sharpener for a specific job, and it ended up handling more than I asked. My tip is to use light, steady strokes and let the sharpener do the work. for big shears and heavy blades, this is the handheld sharpener I trust. After a month of regular use, the slots still cut cleanly and the edge it gives is just as sharp. —Kevin Moore
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener Preset Carbide & Ceramic Stone Sharpeners Fold-Out Diamond Coated Rod Outdoor Hunting Knife & Hook Sharpener, Handheld, Compact, Lightweight, Multiuse
I picked up Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener Preset Carbide because I wanted a pocket sharpener with a hook sharpener built in for fishing trips. the fold out diamond rod handles hooks and serrated edges that the slots cannot reach. the carbide slot restores a dull pocket knife in a few pulls, and the edge it leaves is clean enough for fine work. —Laura Scott
I started using Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener Preset Carbide when my old one gave up, and the difference was clear from the first day. the ceramic stone finishes the edge smooth, and my knife shaved arm hair after a full session. it is small enough for a pocket but complete enough to be my only sharpener on a trip. the fold out rod is short, so sharpening a long hook takes a few extra strokes. —Brian Bennett
I've been using Smith's PP1 Pocket Pal Knife Sharpener Preset Carbide long enough now to know what it does well and where it falls short. My tip is to start with the coarse slot only on dull blades, and use the fine slot for touch ups. for anglers who carry one tool, the Pocket Pal covers knives and hooks together. I have sharpened a dozen knives with it now, and the tool shows no wear at all. —Rachel Kim
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Smiths Ccks Step Knife Sharpener Is Necessary
A sharp knife is safer than a dull one, because a dull blade slips and needs force, while a sharp blade cuts with a light touch. I have cut myself more often with dull knives than sharp ones, and keeping an edge on my blades is the simplest safety habit in my kitchen and my tackle box.
A handheld sharpener beats a whetstone for most people because it is fast and it sets the angle for you. Three or four pulls through the coarse slot and a few through the fine slot restores a working edge in under a minute, with no skill and no mess. That speed means I actually sharpen my knives instead of putting it off.
A good sharpener also saves money, since a sharp knife lasts longer and works better than a cheap replacement. Instead of buying new knives every year, I keep the ones I like in good shape with a tool that fits in a drawer. For the cost of a takeaway meal, it pays for itself many times over.
My Buying Guides on Smiths Ccks Step Knife Sharpener
Why I Looked for Smiths Ccks Step Knife Sharpener
My fillet knife had gone dull in the middle of fishing season, and I wanted a sharpener for the tackle box.
I needed something small, simple, and tough enough to survive a boat and a backpack.
What I Check Before Buying
First I check the stages, because a coarse slot for reshaping and a fine slot for polishing cover most jobs.
Then I check the size and grip, since a sharpener that slips in wet hands is useless at the lake.
My Preference for Carbide or Ceramic Sharpening
I prefer carbide for dull edges that need reshaping, and ceramic for the final polish and touch ups.
Carbide cuts fast but removes more metal, while ceramic refines the edge without wearing the blade down.
What I Look for in Quality
A quality sharpener holds its angle steady and feels solid in the hand, with no wobble in the slots.
I test this on a truly dull knife, since a good sharpener restores it and a bad one just polishes the dullness.
How I Compare Prices
I compare sharpeners by how many knives they can keep sharp over years, not by the sticker.
A sharpener that handles knives and scissors is better value than a cheaper one that only does knives.
My Tips for Choosing the Right One
Match the sharpener to your blades: pocket models for the field, adjustable angles for the kitchen.
Use light pressure and let the sharpener do the work, since pressing hard only wears the blade.
Final Thoughts
After testing all five, the CCKS 2-Step is my pick for the tackle box and the field, because it is tiny, simple, and it works. The adjustable model is best for the kitchen, and the Diamond Edge Grip MAX is the one to buy if your scissors need sharpening too.
My advice is simple: pick the sharpener that fits where you sharpen, use light steady strokes, and touch up your blades often. Done that way, a few dollars of sharpener will keep every knife you own working properly for years.