User Manual for ZWILLING TWINSHARP and TWINSHARP SELECT Knife Sharpeners
Quick guide for ZWILLING TWINSHARP and TWINSHARP SELECT knife sharpeners. Learn how to safely sharpen your knives, clean the device, and maintain your blades.
Quick answers from the manual
Quick answer
- The ZWILLING TWINSHARP is a manual knife sharpener. Place it on a flat surface, hold the handle, and pull the knife blade through the slot from heel to tip towards your body. p. 8, 9
Key actions
- Sharpening technique p. 8, 9
- Cleaning p. 6
First start
- Place on a flat, dry, non-slip surface. p. 8, 9
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Problems and fixes
Use ZWILLING sharpening stones or the ZWILLING sharpening service.
p. 7Maintenance and reset
- Cleaning the sharpener p. 6
Where to find it in the PDF
- TWINSHARP Instructions p. 8
- TWINSHARP SELECT Instructions p. 9
Table of contents
Manual images
Click an image to enlargeQuick guide from the manual
The ZWILLING TWINSHARP and TWINSHARP SELECT are manual knife sharpeners designed for western-style household knives. To ensure optimal results and safety, always place the sharpener on a flat, dry, and non-slip surface. Ensure your knife is clean and dry before sharpening. Always pull the knife from the heel to the tip towards your body; never move the knife back and forth.
Product Description
The TWINSHARP series includes two main models:
- TWINSHARP: A standard manual sharpener for quick maintenance.
- TWINSHARP SELECT: Features two modules. Module I is for very blunt knives, and Module II is for maintenance or slightly blunt knives.
Before You Start
Please observe the following safety and compatibility guidelines:
- Only suitable for non-coated knives with a smooth cutting edge.
- Not suitable for scissors or special knives.
- The sharpening angle is set for western household knives. For Asian knives (e.g., Santoku), a different angle may be required.
- Do not use liquids for sharpening.
- Never attempt to open the sharpener.
- Do not drop the sharpener, as this can cause damage.
How to Use TWINSHARP

- Place the TWINSHARP on a flat, dry, non-slip surface.
- Hold the handle with your left hand, ensuring your thumb and index finger meet, and apply light downward pressure.
- Insert the knife into the grinding slot with the cutting edge pointing down.
- Using light pressure, pull the knife from the heel to the tip in a smooth motion towards your body. Do not move back and forth.
- Repeat the process a few times.
- Check the sharpness by performing a cutting test with a piece of paper.
How to Use TWINSHARP SELECT

- Place the TWINSHARP SELECT on a flat, dry, non-slip surface.
- Hold the handle with your left hand, ensuring your thumb and index finger meet, and apply light downward pressure.
- If the knife is very blunt, use Module I first, then Module II. For slightly blunt knives, use only Module II.
- Insert the knife into the grinding slot with the cutting edge pointing down.
- Using light pressure, pull the knife from the heel to the tip in a smooth motion towards your body.
- Repeat the process a few times.
- Check the sharpness by performing a cutting test with a piece of paper.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To clean the knife sharpener, upend the unit to allow any remaining grinding dust to drop out of the rollers. Wipe clean using a soft, dry cloth. Never wash the knife sharpener with water or other liquids, and do not place it in the dishwasher, as this can cause damage.
Troubleshooting
If your knife is overly worn and its sharpness cannot be restored with the sharpener, the knife should be reground. You can use ZWILLING sharpening stones (TWIN Stone Pro and TWIN Finishing Stone Pro) or the ZWILLING sharpening service if available in your country.
Manufacturer information
Zwilling J.A. Henckels
Practical help
Common problems
The knife may be too worn for the sharpener. Use ZWILLING sharpening stones or a professional sharpening service.
Upend the unit to let the dust fall out of the rollers and wipe with a dry, soft cloth.
Before use
- Ensure the surface is flat, dry, and non-slip.
- Ensure the knife blade is clean and dry.
- Verify the knife is non-coated with a smooth cutting edge.
- Do not use on scissors or special knives.
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Specs in practice
- Module I (SELECT)
- Used for very blunt knives to restore the edge.
- Module II (SELECT)
- Used for maintenance or slightly blunt knives.
Images and diagrams
- The sharpener features rubber feet for stability.
- The grinding slot is where the knife blade is inserted.
- The handle is designed to be held with the left hand while applying downward pressure.
Model compatibility
- Designed for western household knives.
- Not suitable for Asian knives (e.g., Santoku) without specific angle adapters.
- Not dishwasher safe.
Manual page author
David Miller
Documentation analyst