Ultimate Guide To Keeping Your Knives Sharpened

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of a razor-sharp knife slicing through whatever you’re cutting. Whether you’re chopping vegetables or carving a roast, a sharp knife just makes the process easier and more enjoyable. Of course, like anything else, knives need to be properly maintained in order to stay sharp. That’s where knife sharpening comes in. 

Introduction To Knife Sharpening

There are three main types of sharpeners: manual, electric, and water. Manual sharpeners are the oldest type and use a honing rod to remove metal from the blade. Electric sharpeners use an electrical current to do the same thing and water sharpeners use either water or oil to do the same job as electric sharpeners but with less risk of injury.

  • Manual sharpeners come in two styles; American style, which uses a curved honing rod, and Japanese style, which uses a straight honing rod. American style knives are typically better suited for cutting meats while Japanese style knives are better suited for precision work. 
  • Electric sharpening is by far the most popular type of sharpening because it is easy to use and doesn’t require any training or expertise. Simply plug in your sharpener and you’re good to go 

The Benefits of a Sharp Knife

The benefits of having a sharp knife really cannot be overstated. Not only is it safer to use, but it also cuts food more efficiently and with less effort. Additionally, a sharp knife is less frustrating to use because it eliminates the need for excessive force. So why not take advantage of these benefits and get yourself a quality knife? There are many options available on the market today, so you are sure to find the perfect one for your needs.

sharpening knife with a whetstone

Importance of sharpening outdoor knives

Outdoor knives are the most indispensable pieces of equipment for anyone who wants to go on a hiking trip or camping. Not only can you use them for cutting rope or food preparation, but it can also be used to fight off wild animals and provide protection against potential hazards.

Sharpening outdoor knives will enable them to perform better and longer, creating a safer outdoor experience overall. Dull knives require more force when being utilized for demanding tasks and can cause some slips in concentration due to the effort exerted, therefore increasing the potential of accidents and injuries. Ensuring that outdoor knives are honed appropriately will ultimately help maintain comfort and peace of mind while outdoors.

How To Use a Knife Sharpener

It’s important to keep your knives sharpened in order to avoid injuring yourself or others. A knife sharpener can help you do this quickly and easily. Here are instructions on how to use a knife sharpener, as well as guidelines for when you should sharpen your knives.

When using a knife sharpener, you will need to place the knives on the sharpener in the correct position. The sharpener should be placed so that the blade is lying flat against the stone. You should also use your hand to support the knife and keep it straight.

To sharpen your knives, put water or oil into the dishwasher-safe holder and turn on your machine. Be sure to use a mild soap if necessary to clean your blades after use. Insert one of your knives into the holder and slowly adjust it until it cuts smoothly through a piece of paper towel placed below. Repeat with other knives.

How Should You Sharpen Your Knives?

While you are the best to gauge when to sharpen your knives, experts recommend that kitchen knives must be sharpened once a week.

There are also different factors to consider when sharpening knives, such as:

  • Blade material – knives come in different types of material makeup. For instance, knives made of stainless steel do not require sharpening before use, compared to knives made of carbon steel.
  • Frequency of usage – there are knives that we use more often than others. These knives therefore need to be sharpened before each use, since they are more at risk of getting dull due unlike the knives that we use only sparingly.
  • Type of cutting surface – Using a knife on a wooden cutting board instead of glass or metal can be beneficial for preserving the sharpness of your knives. This is due to the fact that hard surfaces like glass and metal dull knives more quickly, causing them to require more frequent resharpening. Instead, wooden cutting boards are softer so that there is less abrasion against the blade when slicing, thereby reducing its wear and tear. 

How to Store Your Knives

Storing knives properly can extend their life and usability. First, be sure to let them dry completely after washing before putting them away. This prevents the growth of bacteria or bad smells from developing due to dampness. 

It is also important to store your knives in a dry place. This will prevent them from becoming corroded, and it will also keep them free from dust and other particles that could damage the blade.

Furthermore, coating the blades with oil can also lengthen their life and keep them functioning better for longer periods of time. 

Common Mistakes People Make When Sharpening Knives

Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when sharpening knives:

  • Not honing your knife often enough – If you don’t sharpen your blade every time it gets dull, it will become more difficult to do so and eventually require a higher degree of sharpness. In addition, using a stone that is too coarse will actually wear down the blade faster than using a finer stone.
  • Not using the right sharpening stone – Different stones can be better or worse at sharpening specific types of blades. For instance, if you have a Japanese-style knife, you should use a Japanese-style sharpening stone to get the best results. Other stones that are commonly used for knife sharpening include Arkansas stones and Turkish stones. However, not all stones are effective for all knives.
  • Not stropping your knife after every use – This is especially important if you tend to use your knife heavily or frequently encounter tough material with which to slice or dice. Stropping helps keep the edge on your blade keen by removing any metal chips or other residues from the blade.

man sharpening a knife

Conclusion

It is important to know how to sharpen your knives and keep them sharp. Not only will this make them safer to use, but it will also help them last longer.