A knife sharpener is a tool designed to restore the edge of a dull knife blade. It typically features abrasive surfaces that grind against the blade to remove material and create a sharper edge. Knife sharpeners come in various forms, including manual sharpeners, electric sharpeners, and sharpening stones, each offering different methods for achieving a sharp edge. Using a knife sharpener can enhance the performance of kitchen knives, making food preparation easier and safer. Regular sharpening helps maintain the quality of knives, which are essential tools in cooking and food preparation, ensuring they remain effective for tasks like slicing, dicing, and chopping.