Abstract: A knife sharpener is disposed adjacent a second electrical appliance of a design family. In an inoperative position, the knife sharpener includes design features mimicking the remainder of the design family. When moved to an operative position, the knife sharpener makes its sharpening wheel accessible to the edges of a knife blade. An energizing switch is coordinated for actuation as the knife sharpener reaches its operational position. In a combination that uses the same electric motor to drive the knife sharpener and a second appliance, different motor speeds are produced appropriate for the two functions to be performed. A bi-directional spring loading assembly permits deflection of the sharpening wheel in opposed lateral directions from a positively controlled neutral position to maintain substantially uniform application of sharpening force on the knife edges. An articulating knife guide permits the use of a single guide slot which can be inclined on either side of the sharpening wheel.