Test result preview
The sharpening steel from Waldwerk is a very high-quality and neat sharpening steel that should be an ideal addition to any kitchen. The handle, the protective plate around the handle and the sharpening sheath are of high quality and neatly finished, the design is very modern and fits into any kitchen. The very elegant design of the handle is striking. Cleaning should be carried out in accordance with the operating instructions, as slight rust spots may become visible after several months of prolonged use.
Advantages
- Very high-quality workmanship
- Very stable
- Beautiful design
Disadvantages
- Susceptibility to rust if not kept correctly
The test
General information
We took a close look at and tested the product in a practical test. In the following, we take a closer look at the features and impressions. From the packaging, materials and quality to the range of functions and handling, the product is subjected to our test procedure.
To give you a quick overview, we work with a points system. The maximum achievable score per area is 100 points. The final overall score is calculated from the average of all tested features, taking into account the respective weighting. For a detailed insight into our comprehensive evaluation process, which forms the basis of all our product ratings, please click here.
The first impression
Packaging and contents
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be guaranteed. Are the contents of the packaging complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Product protection
Carton is sturdy, product sufficiently protected
Points
Sustainability Packaging
Unnecessary packaging waste has been avoided, the plastic film protects the product components
Points
Package contents & scope
Complete
Points
Instructions for use
Product is self-explanatory
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
The Waldwerk sharpening steel makes a very high-quality and neatly finished impression as soon as it is unpacked . The box is unusually thick and surprisingly difficult to open, which already indicates the high quality. When you open it, you are immediately greeted by the sharpening steel, as well as an instruction manual with several warnings and a cleaning cloth. Everything is packed very neatly and sturdily so that nothing can fall out. Only recyclable materials are used. When using knives, instructions for correct sharpening are also given and illustrated, which is impressive.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the workmanship of the products. How high quality are the materials used? Are the look and feel satisfactory?
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Remark
Score achieved*
Visual appearance
Attractive design
Points
Processing
Very good workmanship
Points
Stability
Very stable
Points
Sustainability of the product
No details, but use of high-quality materials
Points
TOTAL
100
Points
Weighting: 20%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
All parts of the handle were scrutinised during the material processing test. The wooden handle is splinter-free, very smooth and yet has a good grip. The beautiful design rounds off the quality of the handle. The steel has a special grit pattern so that it can be used all round and no specific area is used in particular. The very easy handling of the sharpening steel means that different knife sizes can be sharpened, as the practical test shows.
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
Our practical test has the highest relevance and therefore weighting. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Handle
Grip stability
Points
Slip resistance
Non-slip grip of the handle
Points
Balance
Balance of the sharpening steel
Points
Ergonomics
Ergonomics when sharpening different knife sizes
Points
Sharpening process
Speed and efficiency of the sharpening process
Points
TOTAL
98
Points
Weighting: 45%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
In the practical test, we first checked the grip stability of the sharpening steel. It fits very well and is also very comfortable to hold. Thanks to the excellent balance of the sharpening steel, it can also be used by people with less physical strength without any problems. At no time did we get the impression that the sharpening steel was too heavy or unwieldy. There was also no evidence of slippage, even with rough handling. When using the sharpening steel at different angles, no impairment of the ergonomics could be detected, so that the sharpening steel was always very comfortable to hold. Contrary to expectations, however, the various knives were not sharpened significantly within 6-8 strokes in the practical test. More were necessary, so that they were only sharp enough after 1-2 minutes to cut through paper without any problems.
Test plan of the Prüfengel Institute
A detailed insight into the evaluation criteria of the practical part of the test and the distribution of points can be found here. If you are also interested in the evaluation of our other test criteria, please read our document on the evaluation process.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
Finally, we analyse how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also look at the consumer reviews and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
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Remark
Score achieved*
Price / performance ratio
Very good performance in the mid-price segment
Points
Rating cut
4.7 out of 5.0 on Amazon
Points
TOTAL
83
Points
Weighting: 15%
*Themaximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers rate the product with an average of 4.7 stars. In individual cases, there is criticism that it is perceived as too sensitive . On the other hand, the elegant and functional design and high stability are emphasised positively. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the elegant and functional design of the sharpening steel is well received by customers. However, consumer criticism of the sensitivity was not justified.
Prices of up to €58.70 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products. Very affordable products are available from as little as €14.99 . The Waldwerk sharpening steel is therefore currently in the middle price segment with a price of €29.99. For the quality and performance received, the price-performance ratio is very good.
Overall result
Weighting
Score achieved*
1. packaging & contents
20%
Points
2. product processing & appearance
20%
Points
3. in the practical test
45%
Points
4. price/performance & consumer reviews
15%
Points
TOTAL
Points
*Themaximum score is 100 points
