Written by adam on Jun 22, 2007

Furi Oxitech Knife Sharpener

Filed Under: Gadgets
Tags:

Diamond Fingers! That's what Furi calls these little pieces of metal that hone your kitchen blades on the Ozitech Knife Sharpener. Diamond may be a little bit of a fib, but I think it fits for an explanation on how well this gadget works.

I am very skeptical when it comes to gadgets and machines that promise to sharpen blades. Usually they don't work or they tear up your knifes and make nicks on the edge. I would never consider sharpening any of my blades on the back side of a can opener. We had one in my house as a child, and the sound of that thing grinding a blade gives me chills.

If you were to go into a professional kitchen, you probably wouldn't find any sort of sharpening gadgets. Chefs us a honing steel to keep their blades true with a method like this one. Culinary schools offer classes on blade work and honing. But for the average home chef, these skills are not easily learned, and some do no relish the idea of dragging a blade across a piece of metal haphazardly.

This is where Furi comes in. They have designed a gadget to hone your blades with a fairly good degree of accuracy all the while keeping your (human) fingers intact. Here's how it works.

  

Unfold the clam-shell case so that one side goes all the to 270 degrees. The sides fold out to form a protective barrier for your countertops or cutting board. Place your hand firmly on the flat side, and swipe your blade down through the Diamond Fingers to hone your blade. Simple as that.

I used the Furi Ozitech Sharpener on my entire set of Chicago Cutlery, and it worked well on all the pieces except for the 8" chef's knife. This fact did not really displease me since I've been using my Henckel's and Santoku more. The Ozitech did hone my steak knives really well, and they seem to be holding the edge well over time.

What I like: I like the small simplicity of this gadget. You can throw it in a drawer and not worry about cabinet space or about batteries.

What I didn't like: The little wings that keep the sharpener closed are difficult to pry open with your fingers.