How to Sharpen a Knife
A sharp knife is a safe knife. A dull knife is more likely to slip and cause an injury. Sharpening your knives regularly will help you to stay safe in the kitchen.
There are many different ways to sharpen a knife. Here are a few of the most popular methods:
- Whetstone: A whetstone is a block of sharpening material, usually made of stone or ceramic. Whetstones come in a variety of grits, or abrasiveness levels. For most kitchen knives, a medium-grit whetstone will be sufficient.
- Honing steel: A honing steel is a long, rod-shaped tool that is used to align the microscopic teeth on a knife blade. Honing does not actually remove any material from the blade, but it can help to keep the blade sharp and prevent it from dulling quickly.
- Electric knife sharpener: Electric knife sharpeners are a convenient way to sharpen knives. However, they can be more aggressive than other methods and can remove too much material from the blade if not used properly.
No matter which method you choose, there are a few basic steps involved in sharpening a knife:
- Clean the knife: Before you begin sharpening, it is important to clean the knife thoroughly. This will remove any food particles or debris that could clog the sharpening stone or hone.
- Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle: Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle to the sharpening surface. This angle will help to create a new, sharp edge on the blade.
- Apply pressure: Apply firm pressure to the knife as you move it across the sharpening surface. Do not apply too much pressure, or you could damage the blade.
- Sharpen each side of the blade: Sharpen each side of the blade for the same amount of time. This will help to ensure that the blade is evenly sharpened.
- Test the blade: Once you have sharpened the knife, test it to make sure that it is sharp. You should be able to easily slice through a piece of paper.
- Wipe down the knife: Once you have tested the blade, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove any debris.
With a little practice, you will be able to sharpen your knives like a pro. A sharp knife is a safe knife, so sharpening your knives regularly is a great way to stay safe in the kitchen.
Here are some additional tips for sharpening knives:
- Sharpen your knives regularly: The more often you sharpen your knives, the easier it will be to keep them sharp.
- Store your knives properly: When you are not using your knives, store them in a safe place where they will not be damaged.
- Avoid using dull knives: Dull knives are more likely to slip and cause an injury. If your knives are dull, sharpen them immediately.
By following these tips, you can keep your knives sharp and safe.