Chef's Choice 0115200

Chef’sChoice Professional Electric Knife Sharpener

Model 1520

Introduction

The Chef’sChoice Professional Electric Knife Sharpener Model 1520 is designed to sharpen both 15-degree and 20-degree straight-edge and serrated knives. Utilizing 100% diamond abrasives and precision angle control, this 3-stage sharpener creates a durable, arch-shaped edge for superior cutting performance. It is suitable for American, European, and Asian-style household knives, including Santoku and traditional Japanese-style single-bevel edges, as well as sports and pocket knives.

Chef'sChoice Model 1520 Electric Knife Sharpener, white and black unit with three sharpening stages visible.

Image: The Chef'sChoice Model 1520 Electric Knife Sharpener, featuring a white top and black base, with three distinct sharpening stages clearly marked.

Important Safety Instructions

  • Read all instructions before using the sharpener.
  • To protect against electrical hazards, do not immerse the sharpener in water or other liquid.
  • Always unplug the sharpener from the outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off parts, and before cleaning.
  • Avoid contact with moving parts.
  • Do not operate any appliance with a damaged cord or plug, or after the appliance malfunctions or has been dropped or damaged in any manner. Contact customer service for examination, repair, or electrical or mechanical adjustment.
  • The use of attachments not recommended or sold by the manufacturer may cause fire, electric shock, or injury.
  • Do not use outdoors.
  • Do not let the cord hang over the edge of a table or counter or touch hot surfaces.
  • The sharpener is designed for sharpening knives only. Do not attempt to sharpen scissors, axe blades, or any other tools.
  • Keep hands clear of the sharpening slots during operation.

Product Overview

The Chef'sChoice Model 1520 features three distinct sharpening stages, each designed for a specific part of the sharpening process and for different knife types.

Close-up view of the three sharpening stages of the Chef'sChoice Model 1520, labeled 1, 2, and 3.

Image: A detailed view of the three sharpening stages on the Chef'sChoice Model 1520, showing the numbered slots for precise knife guidance.

  • Stage 1: Designed for sharpening 15-degree knives and creating the initial facet of the arch-shaped edge.
  • Stage 2: Designed for sharpening 20-degree knives and creating the second facet of the arch-shaped edge.
  • Stage 3: Features patented stropping disks to apply an unparalleled polished finish to both 15-degree and 20-degree knives, including serrated blades.
Diagram illustrating 15-degree and 20-degree sharpening angles for knife edges.

Image: ANGLESELECT® diagram showing the difference between a 15-degree (30° inclusive) and a 20-degree (40° inclusive) knife edge angle.

The sharpener utilizes 100% diamond abrasives for efficient and effective sharpening, ensuring a long-lasting, sharp edge.

Graphic indicating 'Proprietary Diamond Abrasives' and '100% Diamond Abrasives'.

Image: A circular emblem highlighting the use of 100% proprietary diamond abrasives in the sharpener.

Setup

  1. Place the sharpener on a stable, flat surface.
  2. Ensure the power switch is in the "OFF" position.
  3. Plug the power cord into a standard electrical outlet.
  4. Before sharpening, clean your knife blade thoroughly.

Operating Instructions

The Chef'sChoice Model 1520 is designed for ease of use with precision angle guides to ensure consistent results.

Graphic illustrating precision angle guides for consistent sharpening.

Image: Diagram showing the precision angle guides within the sharpening slots, ensuring accurate blade positioning.

Sharpening 15-Degree Knives (Asian-style and some contemporary European/American knives)

  1. Turn the sharpener ON.
  2. Insert the knife blade into the left slot of Stage 1. Pull the knife towards you, maintaining light downward pressure. Perform 4-5 pairs of pulls (one left, one right slot) for initial sharpening.
  3. Move to Stage 3. Insert the knife blade into the left slot. Pull the knife towards you, maintaining very light downward pressure. Perform 2-3 pairs of pulls (one left, one right slot) for stropping and polishing.
  4. Check sharpness. If not sufficiently sharp, repeat Stage 3.
Knife being inserted into Stage 1 of the sharpener.

Image: A knife blade being guided into the Stage 1 slot of the sharpener, indicating the start of the sharpening process.

Sharpening 20-Degree Knives (Traditional European/American knives)

  1. Turn the sharpener ON.
  2. Insert the knife blade into the left slot of Stage 2. Pull the knife towards you, maintaining light downward pressure. Perform 4-5 pairs of pulls (one left, one right slot) for initial sharpening.
  3. Move to Stage 3. Insert the knife blade into the left slot. Pull the knife towards you, maintaining very light downward pressure. Perform 2-3 pairs of pulls (one left, one right slot) for stropping and polishing.
  4. Check sharpness. If not sufficiently sharp, repeat Stage 3.
Knife being inserted into Stage 2 of the sharpener.

Image: A knife blade being guided into the Stage 2 slot of the sharpener, used for 20-degree edges.

Sharpening Serrated Knives

  1. Turn the sharpener ON.
  2. Serrated knives are sharpened only in Stage 3.
  3. Insert the serrated blade into the left slot of Stage 3. Pull the knife towards you, maintaining very light downward pressure. Perform 5-10 pairs of pulls (one left, one right slot).
  4. The stropping disks in Stage 3 will sharpen the "points" of the serrations and polish the edge.
Serrated knife being inserted into Stage 3 of the sharpener.

Image: A serrated knife blade being guided into the Stage 3 slot of the sharpener, specifically for honing and polishing serrated edges.

Resharpening

For resharpening knives that are already sharp, typically only 1-2 pairs of pulls in the appropriate sharpening stage (Stage 1 or 2) followed by 1-2 pairs of pulls in Stage 3 are sufficient. Resharpening takes approximately 10 seconds.

Maintenance

  • Cleaning: Unplug the sharpener before cleaning. Wipe the exterior with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or immerse the sharpener in water.
  • Metal Dust Removal: The sharpener is equipped with a magnetic dust collector on the bottom. Periodically remove the magnetic plug and clean off any accumulated metal dust with a brush or cloth.
  • Storage: Store the sharpener in a dry, safe place away from children.

Troubleshooting

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Sharpener does not turn on.Not plugged in, power switch off, or power outlet issue.Ensure the sharpener is securely plugged into a working outlet and the power switch is ON.
Knife is not getting sharp.Incorrect sharpening technique, insufficient passes, or extremely dull blade.Review operating instructions for correct technique and number of passes. For very dull knives, more passes may be required in the initial stages.
Excessive metal dust accumulation.Normal wear during sharpening.Clean the magnetic dust collector regularly as described in the Maintenance section.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
Model Number0115200
BrandChef's Choice
MaterialDiamond Abrasives
ColorWhite
Product Dimensions (L x W x H)10" x 4.25" x 4.25"
Item Weight4.2 Pounds (approx. 1.9 kg)
Grit TypeFine
Number of Sharpening Stages3
Knife Compatibility15-degree and 20-degree straight-edge and serrated knives
Diagram showing the dimensions of the Chef'sChoice Model 1520 Electric Knife Sharpener: 10 inches wide, 4.25 inches deep, and 4.25 inches high.

Image: Product dimensions of the Chef'sChoice Model 1520, illustrating its compact size.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Chef'sChoice website or the documentation included with your product. A digital version of the user manual is available for download:

Download User Manual (PDF)

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