The 30-second verdict: When comparing the Chef'sChoice 15XV vs 1520 AngleSelect, the 15XV Trizor XV is the better buy for 85% of home cooks because it uses two full diamond stages plus a stropping stage to put a razor-keen 15-degree triple bevel on both Japanese and Western kitchen knives. Choose the 1520 AngleSelect only if you refuse to convert your thick 20-degree German chef's knives or pocket knives to a 15-degree edge.
Quick Picks: Chef'sChoice 15XV vs 1520
Both models are built in the USA with spring-loaded blade guides and 100% diamond abrasives, but they divide their three sharpening stages very differently:
Chef'sChoice 15XV vs 1520 AngleSelect vs Work Sharp E2
| Product | Best For / Role | Price | Pros | Cons | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Chef'sChoice Chef'sChoice 15XV Electric Knife Sharpener | Winner: Best for Kitchens | $150-180 |
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| Check Price |
| Best Dual-Angle (15° & 20°) | $170-200 |
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| Check Price | |
| Best Under $65 | $50-65 |
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| Check Price |
Decision Table: Chef'sChoice 15XV vs 1520 AngleSelect
| Feature | Chef'sChoice 15XV (Trizor XV) | Chef'sChoice 1520 (AngleSelect) |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Amazon price | $150–$180 | $170–$200 |
| Stage 1 slot | 15° Coarse Diamond (sets main bevel) | 15° Diamond (for Asian/Japanese knives) |
| Stage 2 slot | 15° Fine Diamond (creates second micro-bevel) | 20° Diamond (for European/American knives) |
| Stage 3 slot | 15° Flexible Stropping & Polishing Discs | Universal Flexible Stropping & Polishing Discs |
| Edge geometry created | 3-stage Trizor arch (3 distinct 15° facets) | 2-stage bevel (either Stage 1+3 for 15°, or Stage 2+3 for 20°) |
| Handles 20° Western knives? | Yes — converts 20° knives to sharper 15° edges | Yes — keeps them at their original 20° angle in Stage 2 |
| Check availability | See 15XV on Amazon | See 1520 on Amazon |
The Hidden Tradeoff Most Buyers Miss
At first glance, the 1520 AngleSelect sounds strictly superior because it advertises "both 15 and 20 degrees." However, both machines only have three physical slots on top:
- On the 15XV: Every knife uses all 3 stages (Coarse 15° Diamond → Fine 15° Diamond → Ultra-Fine 15° Strop). That three-step progression builds a stronger, longer-lasting gothic-arch edge.
- On the 1520: Because Stage 1 is reserved for 15° and Stage 2 is reserved for 20°, any single knife only gets two stages total (either Stage 1 + Stage 3 for Asian knives, or Stage 2 + Stage 3 for Western knives).
Why the Chef'sChoice 15XV Is Better for Most Kitchens
Almost every major cutlery brand—including Wüsthof and Zwilling—now ships modern chef's knives from the factory at 14 to 15 degrees per side, not the old 20-degree standard from 20 years ago.
- No guessing which slot to use: Everyone in your household uses the exact same Stage 1 → 2 → 3 workflow without worrying whether a knife is "German 20°" or "Japanese 15°."
- Upgrades older sluggish knives: If you own older, thick 20-degree stainless steel knives, converting them to 15° in the 15XV makes them slice tomatoes and onions effortlessly.
Chef'sChoice 15XV Electric Knife Sharpener
A countertop electric sharpener for home cooks who want fast, repeatable results and do not want a sharpening hobby.
- ✓Three-stage electric sharpening path
- ✓Diamond abrasive stages
When the Chef'sChoice 1520 AngleSelect Makes More Sense
Buy the 1520 AngleSelect if your sharpening routine includes heavy-duty tasks where a thin 15-degree edge is too delicate:
- Thick hunting, pocket, or outdoor knives: Folding pocket knives and field blades hold up better against wood, cardboard, and utility tasks at a sturdier 20-degree angle in Stage 2.
- Rough family kitchen habits: If household members regularly hack through hard squash, crusty frozen items, or poultry bones with Western chef's knives, keeping those blades at 20 degrees in Stage 2 prevents edge rolling.
Chef'sChoice 1520 AngleSelect Electric Knife Sharpener
A dual-angle 3-stage electric sharpener with dedicated 15-degree (Stage 1) and 20-degree (Stage 2) diamond slots for kitchens that do not want to reprofile their Western knives.
- ✓Separate 15-degree and 20-degree diamond sharpening stages
- ✓Shared Stage 3 flexible stropping and polishing discs
Budget Alternative: Want an Electric Sharpener Under $65?
If $160 to $200 is more than you want to spend on a countertop machine, the Work Sharp Culinary E2 ($50–$65) uses gentle flexible abrasive discs and an automatic timed shutoff to sharpen everyday 20-degree kitchen knives and scissors at a third of the price:
Work Sharp Culinary E2 Electric Kitchen Knife Sharpener
A budget-friendly countertop electric sharpener using flexible abrasive discs, timed cycles, and built-in 20-degree angle guides for everyday kitchen knives.
- ✓One-touch timed cycle stops automatically when done
- ✓Flexible abrasive discs remove less metal than harsh grinding wheels
Common Mistakes on Both Chef'sChoice Models
- Running knives through both Stage 1 and Stage 2 on the 1520: On the 1520, never put a 15-degree knife into Stage 2—you will immediately grind off its keen 15° edge and blunt it to 20°!
- Over-using Stage 1 on already-sharp knives: Once your knife has been sharpened or converted, use only Stage 3 (or Stage 2 + 3 lightly) for routine touch-ups so you do not waste blade steel.
- Pulling too fast or pressing down: Follow a steady 1-inch-per-second pull rate (about 8 seconds for an 8-inch chef's knife) and let the spring guides hold the angle.