How do you sharpen a knife without damaging it?
Table of Contents
Top 3 Methods to sharpen a knife
Whenever you notice your knife is dull and failing to cut through fruits or papers, it’s time to sharpen it. As discussed above, you can follow several methods to sharpen your knife. All the methods are explained below with step-by-step instructions:
Method 1. Sharpening a knife with a whetstone
Let’s know how you can Sharpen your knife with a whetstone.
How to sharpen a knife with a whetstone: Top 3 Steps to follow:
Step 1: Find the ideal sharpening angle
First, you need to find the ideal sharpening angle for your particular knife. You can find it on the manufacturer’s website. Usually, the 20-degree angle is suitable for most knives.
Step 2: Submerge the stone
Whetstones are often required to be oiled or soaked in water before use. Depending on which whetstone you are using, submerge the stone in water or oil it.
Step 3: Sharpen the knife
Hold the knife on the stone at a 15 to 20-degree angle. The sharp edge should face you, and place the fingers on the other side.
Now, push it to start sharpening the knife. Drag one side of the knife ten times and another side at the same time. Once you are satisfied with the sharpness, finish the process.
Method 2: Sharpening a Knife with an Electric Knife Sharpener
With an electric knife sharpener, you can sharpen your knife by the following methods.
How to sharpen a knife with an electric knife sharpener: 4 Steps to Follow
Step 1: Adjust the blade selector
First, place the knife sharpener on a flat surface and adjust the blade selector to your preferred category, which is thin, medium, or thick.
Step 2: Assess the stage
Depending on the condition of your knife, you need to assess the stage. For instance, a knife in good condition will only require a polish, while dull ones will require the coarsest settings.
Step 3: Begin sharpening the knife
Follow the user manual to place the knife in the correct slot and start pulling slowly.
Most sharpeners have two slots, one for the right side and another for the left side of the knife. Repeat the process as long as you need.
Step 4: Wash & dry
Once you are satisfied with the sharpness, stop sharpening and wash the knife. Then dry it properly and test it by slicing it through fruits.
Method 3: Sharpening a knife with a manual knife sharpener
A manual knife sharpener could be one of the best options to sharpen your knife. How to sharpen a knife with a manual knife sharpener: 2 best steps to follow
Step 1: Coarse
Every manual knife sharpener has at least two settings: coarse & fine. Insert your dull knife into a coarse slot for sharpening. Pull the knife at least 5 to 6 times or more if the knife is too dull.
Step 2: Fine
After that, insert and pull the knife to the fine settings 2 to 3 times to finish the process. If your knife is not too dull, then you only can use the fine slot to make it sharper without following the first step.
How many times Can a Knife be Sharpened? Experts Thought
If you sharpen your knife too much, it can ruin it. You must be careful about how often you are sharpening your knife.
Experts suggest sharpening a knife at least once or twice a year. The time varies on how often you are using your knife. If you use it daily, then you will need to sharpen it more frequently.
Instead of following the time frame, focus on the condition of your knife. Whenever it feels dull, go for the sharpening.
