How to Sharpen a Kitchen Knife?

A dull kitchen knife makes cooking tasks tedious and time-consuming as every cut becomes a struggle. Luckily, learning how to sharpen a kitchen knife is a skill that is within everyone’s reach.

In addition to making cooking frustrating, a dull blade poses a greater danger by requiring more pressure to cut. You’ll be stunned to know that over 33% of kitchen injuries are caused by knives. That is why, in this article, we’ll put forward a step-by-step guide on how to sharpen a kitchen knife like a pro.

Step 1: Gather the Essential Tools

Start by gathering the essential tools required to sharpen your kitchen knife. This includes a sharpening stone or whetstone, readily available at kitchen supply stores.

You’ll need a lubricant like water or honing oil to facilitate smooth sharpening. Lastly, keep a towel for stabilising the stone as you work through the sharpening process.

Step 2: Differentiating Knife Bevels

Different knives have different bevels that define the angle of the blade's edge. Most kitchen knives come with a double bevel. It’s easy to recognise a knife with double bevels as its blade tapers on both sides to form a cutting edge.

However, Japanese-style knives deviate from this norm by showcasing a single bevel. Differentiating knife bevels plays a crucial role when learning how to sharpen a kitchen knife with a stone.

Step 3: Prepare the Sharpening Stone

To facilitate a smooth sharpening experience, prepare the sharpening stone by soaking it in water or applying honing oil.

Once adequately prepared, position the stone on a towel to establish a stable foundation. This step will enhance overall control during sharpening while preventing the stone from clogging up.

Step 4: Start Sharpening

Hold the knife vertically with the edge against the stone and tilt it slightly so that a sharpening angle of 15 to 20 degrees is established.

Maintain a consistent angle and start sharpening by sliding the blade along the stone. Use a smooth and controlled motion. Apply a little pressure and repeat the process several times before switching to the other side of the blade.

Step 5: Test the Knife

Following the completion of the sharpening process, it’s essential to evaluate the sharpness of the knife. Test the blade’s effectiveness by placing a piece of paper between your fingers. Then cut that paper by drawing the knife in a downward direction.

A sharp knife will effortlessly cut through the paper. If the paper rips or tears, it means that the blade is still dull, and you need to repeat the sharpening process.

Step 6: Maintain the Sharpness

Proper maintenance is essential for preserving the sharpness of a kitchen knife over time. It can be easily done by doing periodic touch-ups on the sharpening stone every few months.

Also, avoid the usage of glass cutting boards or other hard surfaces like metal. These materials can quickly dull the blade. So, opt for boards made of wood or bamboo, as they are gentle on the knife’s edge.

Conclusion

In conclusion, learning how to sharpen a kitchen knife is valuable for any home cook. Apart from using sharpening stones, an effortless and best way to sharpen kitchen knives is by using an electric kitchen knife sharpener.

That’s where Devices You Love comes in. Our USB electric knife sharpener is all you need to turn your knives into brand-new ones within a few minutes. It’s safe, fast, and easy to use. Give it a try now!