How to Sharpen a Knife: Discover All the Best Techniques
When it comes to owning a beautiful set of knives in the kitchen, you always want your collection to be on the cutting edge, so to speak. Not only is using a dull knife for your cooking preparations annoying, but it can also be unsafe. The utensil can actually cause accidents because you’re putting more pressure on the blade to do its work, and it can slip.
You can effectively sharpen a knife at home to bring back that awesome precision. A sharp blade will always make an even cut and also cook evenly in whatever you prepare. So, if you’re wondering how to sharpen a knife, keep reading along. The experts are showing you the best knife-sharpening tools on the planet and the no-fault methods to try.
HOW TO USE A WHETSTONE
This popular technique on how to sharpen a knife with a stone has been used for generations. A whetstone comes in a block shape and is usually made of abrasive materials featuring ceramic, natural stone or aluminum oxide, etc. When you learn how to sharpen a knife with a stone, it allows good control and an abundance of sharpening angles to make.
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Step 1
Begin by soaking the whetstone in water for several minutes. A coarser grit may need a 20-minute soak. The block will remain wet during this technique
Step 2
Position the whetstone horizontally, coarse side up. Professionals recommend the best angle to sharpen a knife is 10- to 20-degrees while sliding the knife’s blade across the stone back and forth (10 times on each side)
Step 3
Turn the whetstone over on its “fine” grain side, and slide the knife back and forth to finish the process.
You can choose from a number of individual whetstone grits. Or make the job simpler by considering a Professional Whetstone Set, Knife Sharpening Stone Kit. This beautiful boxed set has everything you need for bringing dull knives back to life.
Find Out How To Sharpen Your Knife at Seido Knives!
HOW TO USE A HONING ROD
Another excellent technique that results in a razor-sharp edge can be achieved through the honing method. The honing rod includes a long, steel blade and a handle with a secure, comfortable grip. A fine example of this would be the Rosewood Diamond Sharpening Rod. This beauty includes a handle made of rosewood and cast iron, highly durable materials that can last a lifetime.
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Step 1
Grab the handle of the sharpener rod, and hold it vertically. Stand it on a solid surface.
Step 2
Place your knife edge on the sharpener rod at a 20- to 25-degree angle. Begin using steady strokes. Draw the knife down the full length of the honing steel applying moderate pressure and pulling across the full length of the knife blade. Do this until the tip of the knife and the tip of the honing steel meet.
Step 3
Alternate the blade side, and use that same even, consistent angle. Use about six passes on each side of the knife’s blade.
HOW TO USE A 3-STAGE KNIFE SHARPENER
Here’s another option for sharpening a knife that’s handy to have in your kitchen. The Professional 3-Stage Knife Sharpener is easy to use whether you’re right- or left-handed.
Shop Professional 3-Stage Knife Sharpener →
The 3-stage sharpening settings accommodate fine and coarse grinding. Use the diamond, tungsten steel and ceramic slots to get the cutting-edge polish you desire.
Step 1
Place the sharpener device on a flat, sturdy surface. Hold the knife with your dominant hand and the sharpener with your other hand.
Step 2
Place the blade into slot 1 at the knife’s end. Gently pull the knife through a few times for swift, effective sharpening.
Step 3
Repeat the process for slots 2 and 3. Each slot sharpens, polishes and refines. You can get sharp, smooth knives in about 10 seconds.
Final Thoughts
A knife should always glide through the food you’re prepping no matter how dense the ingredient may be. A dull knife costs time and effort in the kitchen. A sharp knife cuts the quickest, and you’ll see and taste the difference!
