Top 8 Diamond Knife Sharpeners to Buy Online in NZ

A razor-sharp knife can make meal prep seamless and field dressing far safer; a blunt blade does the opposite, slowing you down and raising the risk of slips. Diamond knife sharpeners have earned their reputation by combining aggressive cutting action with enduring grit, restoring edge geometry across chef’s knives, hunting tools and fillet knives without the need for oil or water. Purchasing from New Zealand-based online retailers brings added benefits—local stock, rapid delivery and transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

In this article, we’ve gathered eight of the best diamond sharpeners, from compact rods to comprehensive stone kits, to suit a range of budgets and skill levels. You’ll also find a clear buying guide and a handy FAQ section, so you can select the perfect tool to keep your blades in peak condition.

1. JewelStik Diamond Knife Sharpener

Keeping an edge in top form is a cinch with the classic JewelStik. This original oval-shaped, two-sided sharpening steel is coated in industrial diamonds and has been trusted by chefs and anglers for over 30 years. It’s lightweight enough to slip into a kitchen drawer or backpack and works on a variety of blade types without fuss.

Product Overview

The Original JewelStik Diamond Sharpener features an oval steel shaft embedded with diamond particles on two sides. This design ensures the blade makes full contact with the abrasive surface on each pass, maintaining an even edge. It’s available in lengths and widths suited to everything from paring knives and pocket blades to heavy-duty hunting and fillet knives.

Key Features & Benefits

• Aggressive diamond coating quickly removes metal, restoring edge geometry in seconds.
• Oval profile guarantees consistent contact along the entire cutting edge.
• Multiple size options—choose a compact rod for outdoor use or a longer steel for full-size kitchen knives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Feather-light and portable
• No oil or water required
• Ideal for quick touch-ups on the go

Cons

• Struggles with very dull or nicked blades
• Lacks a fine-grit side for polishing to a mirror finish

Price & Availability

JewelStik sharpeners start from around NZ$35 for smaller rods and go up to NZ$60 for larger models. Stock is held locally, so you’ll enjoy fast shipping and NZ-wide delivery with no hidden costs. You can browse sizes and place your order at Outdoorsupplies.co.nz.

Who It’s Best For

If you want a hassle-free, portable sharpener for daily edge maintenance—be it at home, in the field or on deck—JewelStik is hard to beat. It keeps your knives slicing cleanly without the mess and complexity of electric systems.

2. AccuSharp Knife Sharpener

When you need an edge honed in a hurry, AccuSharp delivers. This handheld sharpener combines diamond-honed tungsten carbide blades with an oversized ergonomic handle and full-length finger guard, making it both swift and safe. Whether you’re reviving a kitchen cleaver, a hunting knife or even an axe, AccuSharp promises a razor finish in roughly ten seconds—and can tackle serrated edges too.

Product Overview

The AccuSharp features two diamond-honed tungsten carbide blades arranged at a factory-set angle. As you draw the blade through, the industrial diamonds strip away dull metal and re-establish a keen edge in seconds. The substantial, slip-resistant handle with integrated finger guard ensures your grip stays secure, even in wet or gloved hands.

Key Features & Benefits

• Lightning-fast sharpening: revives edges in about 10 seconds with minimal effort.
• Versatile performance: works on straight and serrated blades, cleavers, machetes, axes and more.
• Safety-first design: large ergonomic handle and full-length guard protect fingers during use.
• No extra accessories: ready to go without oil, water or mounting hardware.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Ultra-fast results require virtually no technique
• Comfortable, non-slip grip
• Broad blade compatibility

Cons

• Fixed sharpening angle may remove more steel than necessary over time
• Less control for precision honing compared to adjustable stones

Price & Availability

AccuSharp sharpeners retail around NZ$25–30 and are stocked by several local suppliers. Purchase online from Tactical Distributors for fast New Zealand-wide delivery—bulk or trade discounts are sometimes available.

Who It’s Best For

Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters and tradespeople who need a compact, no-fuss sharpener will appreciate AccuSharp’s rugged build and speed. It’s a go-to choice when you’re in the field or workshop and can’t afford to waste time on fiddly setups.

3. Sea Harvester Oval Diamond Sharpening Steel

If you often find yourself filleting fish or dressing game, the Sea Harvester oval sharpening steel is built to handle larger, heavy-use blades without the need for frequent replacement. Its ten-inch length and diamond-coated surface deliver quick edge maintenance, whether you’re on deck or in the bush. This tool brings a professional-grade sharpening experience to the outdoors, combining robust construction with an easy-to-grip handle.

Product Overview

The Sea Harvester sharpening steel sports a 10-inch oval bar coated with industrial diamonds that resist wear and tear. Designed specifically for Marine Deals, it’s tailored to fishing and hunting knives, allowing generous contact across wider edges. The elongated profile ensures you can hone the full length of fillet and boning knives in a few smooth strokes.

Key Features & Benefits

• Oval steel design maximises contact area for consistent edge alignment.
• Industrial diamond bond stands up to heavy use, keeping grit intact over hundreds of sharpening sessions.
• Rubberised handle offers a secure, non-slip grip—even when your hands are wet.
• No need for lubricants: dry sharpening keeps things tidy out on the water or at camp.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely durable under frequent, heavy use
• Ideal for larger blades and long edges
• Comfortable, slip-resistant handle

Cons

• Bulkier than compact pocket rods
• Single-grit surface lacks fine-polishing side

Price & Availability

Sea Harvester’s oval diamond steel is currently on special at Marine Deals, reduced from NZ$59.99 to NZ$49.99. You can check stock levels and arrange fast delivery across New Zealand by visiting the Marine Deals knife sharpeners page.

Who It’s Best For

Anglers and hunters who need a rugged, reliable sharpener suited to fillet and field-dress knives will find this tool invaluable. It’s the perfect companion for weekend fishing trips or hunting expeditions where a sharp blade makes all the difference.

4. Sharp 4-Piece Diamond Knife Sharpener Kit

If you’re hunting for a full set that covers every stage of edge maintenance without breaking the bank, the Sharp 4-Piece Diamond Knife Sharpener Kit is hard to beat. Sold through The Warehouse both online and in-store, this compact package of honeycomb-pattern diamond stones takes you from aggressive re-profiling right through to fine honing.

Product Overview

The kit includes four slim, rectangular stones coated with diamond grit in 400#, 600#, 1000# and 1200# grades. Each stone slots into the non-slip base pad, giving you a safe platform to work on everything from chef’s knives to garden shears. All four stones nest neatly together for storage and transport, so it’s equally at home in a kitchen drawer or a backyard shed.

Key Features & Benefits

• Full grit progression: Start with the coarse 400# stone to re-establish a bevel, then move through 600# and 1000# to refine the edge, and finish on 1200# for a polished, razor-sharp finish.
• Stable sharpening platform: The rubberised base pad grips your countertop or workbench, keeping the stones perfectly aligned and preventing slips.
• Versatile applications: Beyond kitchen knives, these stones sharpen scissors, gardening tools and small blades—ideal for DIYers tackling a wide range of tasks.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comprehensive four-step system covers all sharpening stages
• Very budget-friendly compared to standalone diamond steels
• Stones are light, thin and easy to store

Cons

• Base pad can wear down after heavy use
• Diamond surfaces may require occasional flattening to maintain consistency

Price & Availability

You can pick up the Sharp 4-Piece Diamond Knife Sharpener Kit for around NZ$30 from The Warehouse, with free in-store pickup or home delivery options if stock is available locally. Browse or order your kit here: Sharp 4-Piece Diamond Knife Sharpener Kit at The Warehouse.

Who It’s Best For

This all-in-one sharpening kit is perfect for budget-conscious cooks and weekend DIYers who want the flexibility of multiple grits without investing in separate stones. If you need a straightforward, reliable system that fits neatly into your home toolkit, Sharp’s 4-piece set delivers solid performance at a great price.

5. Double-Sided Diamond Knife Sharpening Stone

When counter space is at a premium but you still want professional results, a compact double-sided diamond stone can be a game-changer. Mighty Ape’s offering combines a 400-grit coarse side for rebuilding worn edges with a 1000-grit fine face for honing to a razor finish. This two-step approach saves time and bench real estate, while the stone holder ensures every stroke stays secure and aligned—no guesswork, no slips.

Whether you’re touching up a heavy chef’s knife or refining a delicate fillet blade, this stone delivers consistent performance. Its electro-plated diamond surfaces resist wear, so you’ll get hundreds of sharpening sessions before needing a replacement. And because there’s no need for oils or water, cleanup is as simple as a quick wipe-down.

Product Overview

The double-sided sharpening stone measures roughly 180 mm by 55 mm, with one face at 400 grit for aggressive metal removal and the reverse side at 1000 grit for edge refinement. It sits in a removable plastic holder that grips your benchtop or countertop, providing a stable sharpening platform and protecting both the stone and your work surface.

Key Features & Benefits

• Electro-plated diamond surfaces bond grit solidly to the plate, delivering long-lasting sharpening power.
• Dual grit configuration covers rough profiling through to fine honing without swapping stones.
• Removable, non-slip holder secures the stone at an optimal angle, reducing fatigue and improving precision.
• Dry-sharpening design keeps the process clean, whether you’re in a home kitchen or a food truck.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Durable grit retention that outlasts many bonded stones
• Two-step sharpening in a single, compact unit
• Secure holder enhances safety and accuracy

Cons

• No ultra-fine (>1200 grit) surface for mirror polishing
• Requires separate strops or finer stones for a glass-smooth edge

Price & Availability

You can find the Double-Sided Diamond Knife Sharpening Stone priced around NZ$45 on Mighty Ape. Mighty Ape offers nationwide delivery, often with same-day dispatch if stock is held in Auckland.

Who It’s Best For

Serious home cooks and kitchen enthusiasts who want a straightforward, two-step sharpening system will appreciate this stone’s balance of performance and footprint. It’s especially handy for those who sharpen frequently but lack the space for a full four-stone progression set.

6. Global Diamond Sharpening Steel (26cm)

When precision and ease of use matter most, few tools rival a professional-grade steel like the Global Diamond Sharpening Steel. Renowned in commercial kitchens, its slender, 26cm profile and premium diamond coating make quick work of refining edges, from chef’s knives to carving blades.

Product Overview

The Global steel features a stainless-steel core electro-plated with mono-crystalline diamond particles. This construction delivers a uniform abrasive surface that resists wear, ensuring the grit stays consistent over hundreds of sharpening sessions. At 26 centimetres long, it covers the entire blade length in just a few smooth strokes.

Key Features & Benefits

• Diamond-electroplated surface for enduring sharpness without frequent grit loss
• Extended 26cm length accommodates larger kitchen and carving knives
• Slim, round cross-section perfect for honing both straight and slightly curved edges
• Slip-resistant handle provides a secure grip, even with wet or greasy hands

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Rapid edge refinement with minimal metal removal
• Professional-grade durability and consistent performance
• Ergonomic handle reduces wrist strain during extended use

Cons

• Single-grit design means no fine-polish side
• Premium price point compared to basic diamond rods

Price & Availability

As a top-tier honing tool, the Global Diamond Sharpening Steel commands a premium price. For current pricing and NZ-wide delivery, check out Folders’ knife sharpeners collection. Folders often bundle sharpening steels with other pro-grade kitchen essentials.

Who It's Best For

Professional chefs, butchers and serious home cooks who sharpen frequently will appreciate the Global steel’s reliable performance and long lifespan. If you want a honing tool that consistently restores a crisp, burr-free edge with minimal fuss, the 26cm Global Diamond Steel is an investment that pays off every time you slice.

7. 240-Grit Diamond Sharpen Stone

When a blade has lost its edge entirely—whether from heavy use in the garden, on the hunt or in the kitchen—you need an aggressive abrasive to re-establish the bevel before moving on to finer grits. Dick Smith’s 240-grit diamond bench stone (model AUHSH-240) is designed precisely for this purpose. Its coarse, diamond-electroplated face slices through metal quickly, removing nicks and reshaping the edge in a fraction of the time a traditional whetstone would take.

Key Features & Benefits

• Diamond-electroplated surface delivers rapid material removal, perfect for very dull or chipped blades.
• Uniform grit distribution ensures consistent performance across the entire stone face.
• Polypropylene (PP) backing adds rigidity and makes the stone easier to handle, even under heavy pressure.
• Dry-sharpening operation means no messy oil or water lubrication is required—just brush off the filings and you’re ready for the next sharpening stage.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely fast at re-profiling and reshaping badly worn edges
• Durable diamond bond outlasts many conventional stones
• Stable PP backing prevents flex during use

Cons

• Coarse 240 grit only; a finer stone or steel is needed to refine and polish the edge
• Not intended for daily touch-ups—best used as the first step in a multi-stage sharpening process

Price & Availability

You’ll find the 240-Grit Diamond Sharpen Stone for around NZ$65 at Dick Smith. Dick Smith offers NZ-wide shipping or click-and-collect from their local stores, so you can get back to sharpening without unnecessary delay.

Who It’s Best For

This coarse bench stone is ideal for users who need to restore severely dull, folded or chipped blades before moving on to finer honing stages. If your knives, cleavers or outdoor tools have seen better days, starting with a 240-grit diamond stone will save you time and effort when rebuilding the edge geometry.

8. Oval Diamond Sharpening Steel (10-inch) from Trade Me

Product Overview

If you’re open to second-hand bargains or want the flexibility of local pickup, Trade Me’s marketplace can be a treasure trove. Listings for 10-inch oval diamond steels appear regularly, offered by both private sellers and small businesses. You’ll find everything from barely-used rods to well-worn workhorses—each awaiting a new home where they can keep knives humming.

Key Features & Benefits

• Diamond-coated oval profile delivers consistent edge alignment across the entire blade.
• Multiple sellers mean a variety of price points and handle styles—from wood to rubberised grips.
• Local pickup options let you inspect condition and avoid shipping fees or wait times.
• Auction format can yield better deals than fixed-price retailers, especially if you snag off-peak listings.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Potential bargains on lightly used or clearance models
• Ability to examine the item in person before purchase
• Wide selection of handle materials and shaft conditions

Cons

• Condition and remaining grit life vary greatly between listings
• Seller reliability and delivery times can be unpredictable
• Limited or no warranty compared with retailer-backed purchases

Price & Availability

Oval diamond steels on Trade Me typically range from NZ$25 for well-used rods up to about NZ$60 for nearly new items. Prices fluctuate with auction activity and seller reserve settings—keep an eye on ending-soon notifications to bid at the last minute. Browse current listings here: Trade Me knife sharpeners.

Who It’s Best For

Bargain hunters and DIY refurbishers who don’t mind a bit of auction adrenaline will appreciate Trade Me’s diverse offerings. If you’re happy to check the steel’s surface in person or put in a bid for a near-new rod, you can score a quality diamond sharpener at a fraction of retail cost.

9. How to choose the best diamond knife sharpener for your needs

Finding the right diamond knife sharpener comes down to matching your sharpening routine, knife types and budget with the tool’s style and features. Whether you’re a home cook maintaining a small collection of kitchen knives or a professional chef stocking a busy kitchen, a little planning up front will save you time (and steel) later. Below are the key factors to weigh before clicking “buy.”

Types of Diamond Sharpeners

Diamond sharpeners come in three main formats: steel rods (or “steels”), flat stones and multi-stage systems—and there’s a growing range of electric models, too.

• Steel rods, like the 10-inch oval steels reviewed earlier, are perfect for on-the-fly honing. They won’t re-profile blunt blades from scratch, but their compact form makes them ideal for quick edge alignment in busy kitchens or out in the field.
• Flat stones offer more control when you need to rebuild an edge. Single- or double-grit stones give you a coarse face for bevel work and a finer side for honing, often sitting in a holder to steady your strokes.
• Complete sharpening kits, with four or more diamond plates, cover every grit stage in one package—coarse profiling through to a polished finish—while base pads or angle guides take the guesswork out of maintaining consistent angles.
• If speed and automation are priorities, electric sharpeners like the Chef’sChoice 1520 deliver precise, repeatable angles at the push of a button, though they come with a higher upfront cost and a slightly bulkier footprint.

Understanding Grit Sizes

Grit size determines how aggressively a sharpener removes metal and how fine the resulting edge will be.

• 400-grit (or lower) stones and rods tackle very dull or chipped blades, re-establishing a cutting bevel quickly.
• 600–1000 grit covers most general sharpening needs, blending material removal with a decent level of refinement.
• 1200 grit and above is for fine polishing, bringing the edge to a near-mirror finish suitable for delicate slicing tasks.
  These designations follow the grain size classifications set out in ISO 6106:2013, which you can explore in detail at the Standards NZ website.

Key Features to Compare

When you’re browsing sharpeners, look beyond grit and format:

• Material bonding – Electro-plated diamond surfaces maintain grit longer than bonded plates, so you get more use before the diamonds wear away.
• Handle ergonomics – A comfortable grip (and guard, if you’re using a rod) reduces hand fatigue and minimises slips, especially when your hands are damp.
• Portability – If you sharpen on the go, a pocket-sized rod or a slim two-stage stone beats a bulky four-piece kit every time.
• Stone holders or angle guides – These accessories help maintain consistent sharpening angles, ideal for beginners or anyone aiming for photo-ready edges without hours of practice.

Price vs Performance

In New Zealand you’ll find diamond sharpeners stretching from around NZ$25 for basic rod models up to NZ$200+ for electric or high-end professional steels. Here’s a rough breakdown:

• Budget (<NZ$50): Single-grit rods or stones. Perfect for light touch-ups and casual cooks.
• Mid-range (NZ$50–100): Dual-grit stones or premium rods like the Sea Harvester oval steel. Suited to enthusiasts sharpening weekly.
• Premium (>NZ$100): Multi-stage kits, electric sharpeners and pro-grade steels such as the Global 26cm model. These tools deliver consistent, fine finishes for chefs or serious home cooks.

Food Safety Standards in Professional Settings

For anyone sharpening knives in a commercial kitchen, hygiene and traceability are just as important as sharpness. The MPI Food Act 2014 lays out requirements for equipment maintenance, including keeping cutting tools in good condition and free from contaminants. You can review the full guidelines on the MPI website, but the key takeaway is this: sharp, well-maintained knives not only slice better—they help prevent cross-contamination and ensure every dish meets New Zealand’s food safety standards.

10. Frequently Asked Questions about Diamond Knife Sharpeners

Sharpeners can seem daunting at first, so we’ve answered the top queries to clear up the confusion and help you choose the right tool.

Are diamond sharpeners good for knives?

Diamond sharpeners excel because industrial diamonds are harder than virtually all knife steels. The microscopic diamond particles adhere firmly to the steel or stone surface, allowing them to remove metal quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re working with hard stainless blades or softer carbon steel, diamond sharpeners slice through material evenly and resist wear better than conventional whetstones or ceramic rods. This means you’ll spend less time sharpening and more time slicing.

What is the best highest rated knife sharpener?

For sheer performance, many experts point to the Chef’sChoice 1520 Professional Electric Sharpener, which delivers consistent bevels at precise angles with minimal effort. Among manual options, the JewelStik remains a favourite for quick touch-ups, while the AccuSharp wins praise for its speed and safety design. Each of these tools offers its own mix of convenience, speed and angle accuracy—your choice depends on whether you prioritise automation, portability or pure manual control.

Can you sharpen serrated knives with diamond sharpeners?

Yes—you just need a diamond rod slim enough to fit between the serrations. Narrow oval or round diamond steels allow you to work each scallop individually without flattening the serration profile. Simply match the rod diameter to your knife’s serration depth, then sharpen each curve carefully, following the factory bevel. Finish with a gentle pass of a ceramic or fine-grit stone to remove any burrs and restore smooth cutting performance.

How often should you sharpen your knives?

Frequency depends on use and role. Professional chefs sharpening dozens of knives daily may hone on a steel every shift and run a diamond sharpener once a week. Home cooks who prepare meals several times a week often find a monthly sharpening session keeps knives in prime form. Occasional users—think BBQs and Sunday roasts—can get by with a thorough sharpening every six months. Regular honing with a rod can extend the time between full sharpenings by keeping the edge aligned.

What’s the difference between diamond steels and ceramic rods?

Diamond steels use an electro-plated or bonded diamond surface that aggressively removes metal and retains grit over hundreds of uses, making them ideal for re-profiling and tough steels. Ceramic rods, on the other hand, are gentler, polishing the edge rather than cutting aggressively. This produces a finer finish but struggles to restore dull or nicked blades quickly. In terms of upkeep, diamond steels need only a quick wipe to stay clean, while ceramic rods occasionally require light flattening. Both have long lifespans, but diamond steels edge ahead if you demand speed and heavy-duty sharpening.

11. Ready to sharpen your knives?

Selecting the right diamond knife sharpener comes down to matching your sharpening habits, blade types and budget. Whether you need a portable rod for quick field touch-ups, a multi-stage stone set for detailed profiling or a professional steel that stands up to daily use, there’s a tool on this list designed to keep your knives performing at their best.

Take a moment to revisit the top eight sharpeners above—compare their grit ranges, formats and price points to pinpoint the one that fits your routine. From hardy coarse stones that reshape badly worn edges to fine-grit steels that deliver a mirror finish, each option offers clear benefits for home cooks, outdoor enthusiasts and trade professionals alike.

Once you’ve chosen your ideal sharpener, don’t stop there. Explore our full collection of kitchen, camping and marine gear at Action Outdoors and equip yourself with everything needed to tackle your next culinary creation or outdoor adventure with confidence.