IKEA Aspekt Knife Sharpener

How to Sharpen a Knife with the Ikea Aspekt Sharpener.

Learn how to use the small and affordable Ikea Aspekt knife sharpener. I put it to the test to show you how it works, the right way to use it, and what’s actually going on inside.

What is the Ikea Aspekt Sharpener?

The Aspekt is a simple, clever tool from Ikea, manufactured by Fiskars in Finland. It has two rotating abrasive wheels inside. When you pull a knife through it, these wheels spin at a precise angle to sharpen both sides of the blade edge equally.

The main advantage? It’s nearly foolproof. The design holds the knife at the correct angle for you, so you get a consistent edge every time without needing special skills.

Steps to Sharpen Your Knife Correctly

For the best and safest results, follow these steps:

1. Add a little water. This is the key step many people miss. The instructions say to use water for a reason. Pour a small amount of water into the sharpener’s opening before you start. This keeps the grinding stones cool, prevents overheating, and helps create a finer, smoother edge on your knife.
2. Position the knife. Place the heel (the back part) of your knife blade into the slot at the top of the sharpener.
3. Sharpen with a smooth motion. In one steady motion, pull the knife down and towards you, as if you are slicing a thin piece off the top of the sharpener. Apply light to medium pressure – you don’t need to force it.
4. Repeat. For a dull knife, repeat this process 5-10 times. For routine maintenance on a semi-sharp knife, 2-3 passes are often enough.
5. Wash your knife. After sharpening, always wash your knife blade with water and soap. This removes any fine metal particles or stone residue left from the sharpening process.

Dry vs. Wet Sharpening: What’s the Difference?

I tested the sharpener both ways to see the difference.

• Sharpening without water: It works, especially if your knife is already a little wet from washing. However, the process can be rougher on the blade and the grinding stones may wear faster due to heat and friction.
• Sharpening with water: This is the recommended method. The water acts as a lubricant and coolant. It results in a smoother sharpening action, a finer edge on the knife, and less wear on the sharpener itself. The blade also feels noticeably sharper compared to the dry method.

Important Tips and Safety

• Use the guard: The sharpener comes with a plastic safety guard. It’s a good idea to use it, especially if you’re new to the tool, to keep your fingers safely away from the slot.
• It’s for maintenance: The Aspekt is excellent for keeping your everyday knives sharp. If you have a very damaged, chipped, or extremely dull blade, you might need a more professional sharpening stone or kit to fix it first.
• Clean the residue: You’ll notice a black slurry (a mix of water, metal, and stone dust) come out during wet sharpening. This is normal. Just wipe the sharpener clean afterward.