How do per-side and inclusive angles differ?
For equal bevels on both sides, inclusive angle is twice the per-side angle. Divide the inclusive angle by two to reverse that conversion. This arithmetic does not choose an angle for a knife or describe an asymmetric edge.
Example calculation: 20° per side × 2 = 40° inclusive.
What angle does my knife maker publish?
The table gives only figures published by the named maker, with the stated scope. It does not assign one factory angle to every knife from that brand. Honing guidance, resharpening ranges and model exceptions stay identified.
| Maker | Per-side degrees | Scope | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Victorinox | 15–20° | Pocket knives; maker grindstone guidance | Victorinox source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Wüsthof | 14° | Whetstone instructions on the linked maker page; verify your model | Wüsthof source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Zwilling | 15° | Approximate honing-steel guidance; excludes Santoku and Miyabi | Zwilling source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Global | 10–15° | Maker knife-care guidance; check exact blade | Global source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Shun | 16° | Double-bevel knives; not single-bevel models | Shun source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Buck | 13–16° | Maker edge-grinding range; match the existing bevel | Buck source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Kershaw | 18–22° | Maker resharpening range; factory range and fillet exception differ | Kershaw source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| MAC | 15° | Approximate hybrid/off-center edge profile; check the exact model | MAC source; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Morakniv | 17.5–22.5° | Scandi final microbevel only; approximate. Converted from maker’s 35–45° total, not the primary grind. Excludes Scandi Zero. | Morakniv source; checked 2026-11-04 |
Which sharpeners cover this angle?
The list checks the published angle settings for the selected per-side angle. It does not establish clamp fit, clearance, blade-shape support or actual contact angle. A fixed sharpening guide and a separate honing guide remain different settings. The Precision Adjust manual labels its micro scale in whole-degree increments; an in-range fraction is flagged for confirmation.
| Sharpener | Published settings | Manual |
|---|---|---|
| Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener | 20° sharpening and 25° honing guides | Maker manual; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Work Sharp Precision Adjust — base | 15°–30° adjustable | Maker manual; checked 2026-11-04 |
| Lansky Standard 3-Stone system | 17°, 20°, 25°, 30° guide slots | Maker manual (KnivesPlus mirror); checked 2026-11-04 |
| Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone system | 17°, 20°, 25°, 30° guide slots | Maker manual (KnivesPlus mirror); checked 2026-11-04 |
Questions and answers
These answers explain the scope of this reference. Check the linked maker instructions for the exact knife or abrasive.
How do I find the correct angle to sharpen a knife?
Read the instructions for the exact knife and identify the existing edge. The maker table is a starting reference with scope limits, rather than a universal angle prescription.
What does a 20 degree angle mean here?
In per-side mode, it means the angle between the blade center plane and one bevel. Two equal 20° sides give a 40° inclusive edge.
Which angle guide fits my knife?
Check the per-side setting and the maker’s fit instructions. A matching number alone does not establish that the sharpener can hold, clear or follow the blade.