Editorial Policy
Our editorial standards exist to protect your trust. We publish clear, data-backed guidance that helps you choose and use sharpening tools safely and effectively.
Independence and Integrity
- We do not accept payment for positive coverage. Sponsorships (if any) will be clearly labeled and never control our conclusions.
- Affiliate relationships do not influence product selection, testing, scoring, or rankings.
- Review samples: We buy most products. When a sample is provided, we disclose it and apply the same protocol. Samples may be returned, donated, or retained for long-term testing; we do not resell samples.
Coverage and Criteria
We cover sharpeners, stones, guides, belts/discs, steels/rods, stropping gear, lapping/flattening tools, lubricants, storage, and maintenance accessories across kitchen, outdoor, and EDC use. Products are chosen based on relevance, availability, user demand, and meaningful differences in performance or value.
Methodology and Ratings
All reviews follow our standardized protocol (see How We Test). We report repeatable measurements, practical usability notes, and cost-of-ownership estimates. Ratings reflect scenario-based priorities (Beginner Home Cook, Precision Enthusiast, Field/EDC). If a tool excels for one user path and not another, we say so.
Safety and User Value
We prioritize safe techniques, realistic expectations, and clear instructions that prevent damage to expensive knives. We flag risks such as overheating, tip/bolster hazards, or over-aggressive abrasives.
Corrections and Updates
If we publish an error, we correct it promptly and note the change. When products are revised, we evaluate whether guidance needs updating and document the revision date on the page.
Conflicts of Interest
Contributors must disclose any relationships with manufacturers, retailers, or competitor brands. Those contributors will not review or rank related products.
Revenue and Disclosures
We may earn commissions through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. This supports our independent testing. Disclosures appear on relevant pages, and our Privacy Policy explains how affiliate tracking works.
Reader Feedback and Retest Requests
We welcome technical challenges, data, and retest requests. Email [email protected] with specifics (model, batch, issue). Substantive feedback may lead to protocol refinements or retests, which we will note publicly.
AI and Tools
We may use software-assisted tools for grammar, summarization, or data handling. All recommendations, scores, and conclusions are set and verified by human editors.
Contact the Editorial Team
Questions about our standards or a specific review? Contact [email protected].