Posted by Nova Knives on 6/11/2025 to
When it comes to cooking, having sharp knives is crucial for efficiency and safety. A dull knife can make meal prep a tedious task and increases the risk of accidents. A knife sharpener is a tool designed to restore the sharp edge of a blade. There are different types of knife sharpeners available, including manual sharpeners, electric sharpeners, and sharpening stones. Each type has its advantages and is suitable for various knives. This is a detailed guide to sharpening knives using a knife sharpener. So, let’s begin!
Why Do Knife Blades Become Dull?
Before delving into the sharpening process, it's essential to understand why knife blades become dull. Regular use of a knife causes the edge to wear down and fold over, reducing its sharpness. Factors like cutting on hard surfaces, improper storage, and the type of blade steel can also contribute to dullness. Knives can become dull and lose their sharpness due to regular use, as the blade can wear down over time from cutting against hard surfaces or through tough materials. Improper storage or cleaning methods can also contribute to a blade becoming dull. Anyway, if your blade becomes dull, there are some perfect ways to sharpen your knife using a knife sharpener!
How to Sharpen a Knife Using a Sharpener?
Sharpening a knife with a knife sharpener is a straightforward process that can be broken down into the following steps:
- Selecting the Right Sharpener: Choose a sharpener based on the type of knife you have and your sharpening skills. Manual sharpeners are user-friendly, while sharpening stones offer more precision but require practice.
- Preparing the Knife: Before sharpening, clean the knife blade to remove any debris or food particles. This ensures a smooth sharpening process and prevents damage to the blade.
- Setting the Angle: Most knife sharpeners come with guides or built-in angles to help maintain the correct sharpening angle. For beginners, using these guides can ensure consistent results.
- Sharpening the Blade: Run the knife blade through the sharpener, following the instructions provided. Repeat this process several times, alternating sides to ensure an even edge.
- Honing the Blade: After sharpening, using a honing rod can help refine the edge further and remove any burrs left from sharpening.
- Testing the Sharpness: Finally, test the sharpness of the knife by gently slicing through a piece of paper or a tomato. If it cuts effortlessly, your knife is sharp and ready to use.
What are Other Ways to Sharpen Knives?
- Sharpening Stones
One of the most traditional ways to sharpen a knife is by using sharpening stones. These stones come in various grits, ranging from coarse to fine, allowing you to gradually sharpen your knife to the desired level of sharpness. To use a sharpening stone, simply hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and swipe it back and forth across the stone, starting with the coarser grit and finishing with the finer grit for a polished edge.
- Electric Knife Sharpeners
For those who prefer a more convenient option, electric knife sharpeners are an excellent choice. These devices feature built-in sharpening guides and abrasive belts that quickly sharpen the blade with just a few passes. Electric knife sharpeners are easy to use and perfect for those who want to quickly sharpen their knives without the hassle of manual sharpening.
- Honing Rods
Honing rods, also known as sharpening steels, are another popular tool for maintaining knife sharpness. While honing rods do not actually sharpen knives, they help realign the blade's edge, keeping it straight and sharp. To use a honing rod, simply hold the knife at a 15-degree angle and swipe it across the rod in a circular motion, ensuring that both sides of the blade are honed evenly.
- Pull-Through Knife Sharpeners
Pull-through knife sharpeners are simple yet effective tools for sharpening knives. These sharpeners feature two ceramic or carbide sharpening rods set at a fixed angle. To sharpen your knife, simply pull the blade through the slots a few times, allowing the abrasive rods to sharpen the edge evenly. Pull-through sharpeners are ideal for those looking for a quick and easy way to sharpen their knives.
- Whetstones
Whetstones, also known as water stones, are natural or synthetic stones used for sharpening knives. These stones require soaking in water before use and come in various grits for sharpening and honing blades. To sharpen a knife using a whetstone, hold the knife at a consistent angle and swipe it across the stone in a circular motion, alternating sides to ensure even sharpening.
- Knife Sharpening Kits
For those who want a comprehensive sharpening solution, knife sharpening kits are a great option. These kits typically include a variety of sharpening stones, honing rods, and guides to help you sharpen knives of different sizes and types. Knife sharpening kits are perfect for those who want to keep their entire knife collection sharp and ready for use.
How to Keep the Knives Sharpened and Maintained?
Maintaining the sharpness of your knives is essential for their longevity and performance. Here are some tips to help you keep your knives sharp:
- Regular Honing: Use a honing rod frequently to realign the blade and prevent dullness.
- Proper Storage: Store your knives in a knife block or on a magnetic strip to prevent them from knocking against other utensils, which can dull the edge.
- Hand Washing: Avoid putting knives in the dishwasher as the heat and detergent can damage the blade. Instead, hand wash and dry them immediately after use.
- Avoid Hard Surfaces: Refrain from cutting on hard surfaces like glass or granite, as this can quickly dull the blade.
- Use Cutting Boards: Invest in quality cutting boards made of wood or plastic to protect the knife edge while cutting.