A knife sharpener is a tool designed to restore the edge of a dull knife blade. It works by grinding or honing the metal to create a sharper edge, making cutting tasks easier and more efficient. There are various types of knife sharpeners, including manual sharpeners, electric sharpeners, and sharpening stones, each offering different methods for achieving a sharp blade. Using a knife sharpener regularly can prolong the life of your knives, such as chef's knives and paring knives. Proper sharpening techniques can enhance safety in the kitchen, as a sharp knife is less likely to slip and cause accidents.