How to Sharpen a Knife With Household Items?
There is no denying that a sharp knife can be useful for many purposes in the kitchen, from slicing meat to dicing vegetables.
As any user knows, knives can quickly become dull due to regular use, making them difficult and even dangerous to use.
However, what should you do if you have no sharpening tool? Can you sharpen a knife using household items? If yes, how to sharpen a knife with a household item? Keep reading this article since we will discuss this topic in detail, which may be beneficial for you.
1. Can Knives Be Sharpened Without Professional Sharpening Equipments?
Just like with anything else, there are always going to be different ways of doing things.
The same holds true for sharpening a knife, and there are a variety of ways to do it without using professional sharpening equipment. For instance, you can use household items for knife sharpening.
1.1: Is It Harmful to Sharpen Knives With Household Items?
This will depend on the item that you are using to sharpen your knife. If you use something that is too abrasive, then yes, it can damage the blades.
It is important to make sure that you are using the proper technique and the right household item to avoid damaging your knife.
1.2: When Do You Sharpen Knives With Household Items?
If you don’t have an actual sharpening stone or other professional knife sharpening tools, then you can use household items to sharpen your knife.
Just make sure that you are using the proper technique and the right item to avoid damaging your blades.
2. Instructions on How to Sharpen a Knife with Household Item?
Knowing how to sharpen a knife with a household item is helpful if you do not possess a sharpening stone or other professional tools for knife sharpening.
You can sharpen your knife with many household items. In the following section, we will discuss what items can be used and how to use them.
2.1: How to Sharpen a Knife with Nail File
Another item that can be used to sharpen your knife is a nail file. Nail files are typically made from a variety of materials, such as metal, emery, glass, ceramic, and crystal. Thus, they have rough surfaces that can be used to sharpen a knife.
The first step is to find a nail file that has a medium-grit surface. Place the nail file on a flat surface. Next, take your knife and place the knife at an angle of 10 degrees against the nail file.
After you have the blade in place, apply pressure and move the knife back and forth along the surface of the nail file. You should do this 10-15 times on each side of the blade. This will help to create a sharper edge on your knife.
2.2: How to Sharpen a Knife with Coffee Mug
One item that can be used to sharpen your knife is a coffee mug. The first step is to find a coffee mug that has a slightly rough surface.
A good way to test the roughness of the surface is to rub your finger along it. If it feels smooth, then it will not work as well for sharpening your knife.
Place the mug upside down. The next step is to take your knife and place the blade at a 10-degree angle on the lip of the mug.
After you have the blade in place, apply pressure and move the blade back and forth along the lip of the mug. You should do this 10-15 times on each side of the blade.
2.3: How to Sharpen a Knife with Car Window
A car window can also be used to sharpen your knife. The windows of cars are made from silica sand, soda ash, dolomite, limestone, and cullet.
All these materials are effective in removing metal from surfaces. So they can be used to sharpen your knife. To utilize this technique, first open half of the window.
Next, you should place the blade of your knife at a 10-degree angle against the window. Car windows can serve as a sharpening rod in this case.
You should then use pressure to move the blade along the window surface back and forth. Repeat this 10-15 times on each side. This will assist in sharpening your knife.
2.4: How to Sharpen a Knife with Sandpaper
Sandpaper is another item that can be used to sharpen the blades. Sandpaper is composed of abrasive materials, including ceramic, aluminum oxide, garnet, silicon carbide, and flint.
These materials are effective in removing metal from surfaces. So you can use it to sharpen your knife. The first step is to find some medium-grit sandpaper. The next step is to place the sandpaper on a flat surface.
To proceed, you will need to place your knife’s blade at a 10-degree angle against the sandpaper.
Once the blade is in place, apply pressure and move the blade back and forth along the surface of the sandpaper. If necessary, you should repeat this 15-20 times on each side of the blade. Doing so will help to sharpen the blade.
2.5: How to Sharpen a Knife with Ceramic Plate
A ceramic plate can also be used as a sharpener. Get yourself a ceramic plate, and you’re good to go. If you have a broken or chipped plate, you can use that to sharpen your blades.
This will be effective because the edges of the plate are usually very sharp. To begin, place your ceramic plate on a hard surface.
It is now necessary to place the blade of your knife at a 10-degree angle against the ceramic plate.
After you have positioned the blade, apply pressure and move the blade back and forth across the surface of the ceramic plate. Repeat this process 10-15 times on each side of the blade. Your knife will become sharper as a result.
2.6: How to Sharpen a Knife with Glass Bottle or Jar
Another item that can be used to sharpen your knife is a glass bottle or jar. If you have unused glass bottles or jars in your home, you can use them to sharpen the blades. To begin the job, first, open the cover of the glass bottle or jar.
Secondly, position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the bottle or jar. Press firmly and move the blade back and forth. By doing so, your knife will be sharpened.
2.7: How to Sharpen a Knife with Smooth Stone
The use of a smooth stone is the preferred method for sharpening. Smooth stones are effective in sharpening blades.
Furthermore, it can be used on a variety of knives, including kitchen, hunting, and pocket knife. The first step is to find a smooth stone. Once you have found this, soak it in water for 30 minutes.
After the stone has been soaked, place it on a flat surface. Take your knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle against the stone.
Apply pressure and move the blade back and forth along the surface of the stone. The process should be repeated 10 to 15 times. You will obtain an edge that is razor-sharp.
2.8: How to Sharpen a Knife with Nylon Strap
A nylon strap can be an effective tool in making the blades sharp. Nylon is a polymeric material that is composed of repeating units of amides.
It is known for its toughness and resilience. To sharpen the blades, you should hold the nylon strap in your hand and place the blade at a 10-degree angle against the strap.
Move the blade back and forth by applying pressure. Repeat the process ten to fifteen times. Consequently, your knife will obtain a sharp edge.
2.9: How to Sharpen a Knife with Brick
Brick is yet another common household item that can be used as a knife sharpener. It is made from clay and shale. It is a very hard and durable material.
Knives can be effectively sharpened by using brick. Soak brick in water for a few minutes before using it.
Next, place it on a hard surface and position the blade of your knife at a 10-degree angle to the brick. Move the blade back and forth across the brick surface, applying pressure as you do so.
Remember to do this process ten to fifteen times on each side. In this way, your knife will be properly sharpened.
2.10: How to Sharpen a Knife with Concrete
Concrete is a material that is used in construction. It is made from cement, sand, water, and aggregate. Concrete can also be used to sharpen your knife. In order to sharpen a knife with concrete, you should first wet the concrete surface.
After wetting the surface, take your knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the concrete.
Apply pressure and move the blade back and forth across the surface. Remember to do this process on both sides of the blade. Doing so will result in a sharper knife edge.
2.11: How to Sharpen a Knife with Shovel
Additionally, you can use a shovel to sharpen the blades. Almost all homeowners who like to garden have shovels. The process of using a shovel to sharpen your knife is very easy.
Start by holding the shovel vertically, blade facing down, with your left hand. In your right hand, take the knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the shovel.
Now, apply pressure and move the blade back and forth across the surface of the shovel. It is important to repeat this process on both sides of the blade ten to fifteen times. Once you are done, your knife will be razor-sharp.
2.12: How to Sharpen a Knife with Slate
Slate is another household item that can be used to sharpen your knife. The use of slate for roofing and flooring is widespread.
It is also commonly used on chalkboards. The following steps can be used to sharpen your knife using slate.
To begin, wet the slate. Then, take your knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the slate.
Apply pressure and move the blade back and forth across the surface. Ensure that the blade is moved on both sides. Such action will produce a sharp edge.
2.13: How to Sharpen a Knife with Leather Belt
You can also use a leather belt to sharpen the blades. Leather belts are commonly used as a fashion accessory.
They are also used in many industrial applications. The following steps can be used to sharpen the blades with a leather belt.
First, lay down the leather belt on a hard surface like a table. Then, take your knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the belt.
Apply pressure and move the blade across the belt surface back and forth. Remember to do this process on both sides of the knife blade. It will provide a sharper blade’s edge.
2.14: How to Sharpen a Knife with Angle Grinder
An angle grinder is a powerful tool that is used for grinding, polishing, and cutting. It consists of a rotating disc that is abrasive. Angle grinders can be used to make knives sharp.
To begin the sharpening process with an angle grinder, you should first attach the grinding wheel to the tool.
Next, power on the angle grinder and hold it in one hand. With the other hand, take the knife and position the blade at a 10-degree angle to the grinding wheel.
Slightly touch the blade to the wheel and move it back and forth. Remember to do this process on both sides of the blade.
It is important to use caution when working with an angle grinder. The grinding wheel is very abrasive and can cause serious injury if not used properly.
2.15: How to Sharpen a Knife with Another Knife
If you don’t have any of the items mentioned above, another knife can be used to sharpen your knives. Take two knives and place them against each other so that the blades are facing each other.
Make sure that the first and second knife is at a 10-degree angle. Apply pressure and move the blades back and forth along each other’s surfaces. Do this about 15 times. The knife will be sharpened.
Want to follow other ways to sharpen a knife, Read How To Sharpen Your Pocket Knife To Be Razor Sharp – 8 easy steps
3. Potential Problems When Sharpening Knives with Household Items
Although household items can be used to sharpen your knife’s blades, there are some potential problems that can arise.
One such problem is that the blade can become damaged if the angle is not correct. Another problem is that the blade can become nicked or scratched if not handled properly. Additionally, using household items to sharpen the blades is time-consuming.
During the process, items such as car windows may also be damaged, resulting in additional costs.
So, while household items can be used to sharpen the knife blades, it is always best to use a sharpening stone. The sharpening stones are the most accurate and provide the best results.
However, if you are in a bind, the methods mentioned above can be used to get the job done. Just be cautious and take your time.
4. How Can You Test Your Knives Sharpness?
There are a few ways that you can test the sharpness of your blades. One way is to use a piece of paper. Hold the paper with one hand and take the knife in the other hand. Cut the paper with a slicing motion. If the knife is sharp, it will cut through the paper easily.
Another way to test sharpness is to slice through a tomato. A sharp knife will make a clean cut without tearing the skin of the fruit.
You can also try chopping an onion. A sharp knife will make a clean chop and not crush the onion.
5. How to Store Knives to Keep Them Sharp?
If you are not going to use your knives for an extended period of time, it is best to store them in a safe place. One way to do this is to place them in a knife block. This will protect the blades from becoming dull.
You can also store knives in a drawer, but make sure that they are placed in a protective sheath. This will keep them from becoming scratched or nicked.
Wall-mounted knife holders may also be used to store knives. Make sure that the knives are completely dry before storing them. If they are wet, they can rust.
6. Frequently Asked Questions:
There are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to sharpening the blades with household items. Below are some of the most common questions and their answers.
6.1: Is WD-40 Safe to Use on My Knife?
The use of WD-40 on your knife is safe as long as you wipe it off afterward. It should only be used for cleaning purposes. Also, it acts as a lubricant and prevents the knife from rusting.
6.2: How Long Should It Take to Sharpen a Knife?
It depends on the method you’re using to sharpen the knife. Generally, it should take about 5 to 10 minutes to sharpen a knife.
6.3: Should You Wash a Knife After Sharpening?
Yes, you should always wash a knife after doing knife sharp. This will remove any debris that may have been left behind on the blade.
Conclusion
With the information provided in this article, we hope you now have a better understanding of how to sharpen a knife with a household item. There are many ways to do it, but the best way is still to use a sharpening stone.
Sharpening stones give the most accurate results and are the easiest to use. However, if you’re in a bind, the sharpening methods mentioned above can be used as a last resort. Just be cautious and take your time. Have fun and happy sharpening.
