Always keep kitchen knives sharp. Using them to cut, slice, and dice will yield more uniform results in the kitchen while saving time and effort. If you do not know the right techniques, keeping your blades razor-sharp can be a real hassle. Here, you will discover the most effective methods for sharpening and maintaining kitchen knives.
Why Do Kitchen Knives Need Sharpening?
We will discuss several essential reasons why you need to sharpen knives before diving into the details of how to do it. A few factors can cause a knife’s edge to dull over time.
- Regular use: The blade of your knife will become dull and less effective the more you use it.
- Cutting on hard surfaces: When using a knife to cut on a hard surface, such as a ceramic plate or glass cutting board, the edge might wear down more rapidly.
- Poor storage: A common cause of dull blades is careless storage. If you keep them in a drawer with other cutlery, for instance, they could get bent or broken from banging around against each other.
How to Sharpen Your Kitchen Knives
Now that we have discussed why kitchen knives must be sharp, let us dive into the exact methods for sharpening them.
1. Choose the Right Sharpener
Use various sharpening instruments, such as sharpening stones, electric sharpeners, and manual sharpeners, to keep kitchen knives in tip-top shape. Choosing the best sharpener for your needs is crucial because each model offers unique advantages and disadvantages.
- Sharpening stones: While they are not for the faint of heart, sharpening stones may give your blades a razor’s edge if used correctly.
- Electric sharpeners: Sharpening with an electric sharpener is quick and convenient, but it may cost more and take more material from the blade than hand sharpening.
- Manual sharpeners: Although manual sharpeners are inexpensive and simple to operate, their results may not be as sharp as those of electric or ceramic sharpeners.
2. Determine the Angle of Your Knife’s Edge
Pay attention to the edge angle when sharpening knives. The angle indicates how much the blade inclines, varying based on the knife type and its function.
Kitchen knives typically feature a standard bevel angle of 20 degrees. Some blades, such as those crafted in the Japanese tradition, feature a sharper edge.
Use a sharpening guide or angle finder to identify the exact angle at which your knife’s edge sharpens. These aids help you hone your knife’s edge to perfection and maximize its effectiveness.
3. Sharpen Your Knife
Choose the right sharpener and set the correct edge angle as the initial steps in sharpening a knife. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the procedure:
- Secure your sharpener: Make sure the sharpening stone you’re using is anchored to something solid. Follow the directions provided by the maker of the sharpener, whether it be electric or manual.
- Start with the coarsest grit: Start with the coarsest grit of your sharpening stone. This will aid in fixing the blade by removing any nicks or scratches.
- Hold the knife at the correct angle: Make sure you’re holding the knife at the right angle by using your sharpening guide or angle finder.
- Apply pressure: When moving the blade back and forth across the sharpening surface, apply moderate pressure. Take control to sharpen at the right angle at all times.
- Move to finer grits: Starting with the coarsest grit, sharpen your knife to the necessary degree by moving to the finer grits.
- Strop the blade: A leather strop is used to further polish the edge of a knife after sharpening.
4. Hone Your Knife
Hone your knife to maintain a sharp edge by realigning its edge between sharpenings. Most people use an honing steel, which is a long, thin rod made of steel or ceramic, to achieve this. Hone your knife by following these steps:
- Hold the honing steel vertically: Keep the honing steel vertical, with the tip resting on a steady surface, in your non-dominant hand.
- Hold the knife at the correct angle: Go out your angle finder or sharpening guide and check to see if you’re holding the knife at the right angle.
- Swipe the blade across the honing steel: Use minimal pressure while swiping the knife at a slight slant across the honing steel, beginning at the base of the blade. Go to the other side of the knife and do it again.
- Repeat several times: Do the action multiple times on both sides of the blade, switching sides after each stroke.
Keeping Your Knives Sharp
Take measures to maintain the sharpness of your kitchen knives in between sharpening, now that you know how to do so. To keep your blades in tip-top shape, consider the following:
- Use a cutting board: Always use a plastic or wooden chopping board to avoid damaging the knife. Don’t use glass or ceramic plates as cutting surfaces.
- Store your knives properly: Keep your blades from clanging together by keeping them in a knife block or on a magnetic strip.
- Wash your knives carefully: Knives should be washed by hand in warm, soapy water after each use. To avoid rust, dry them right away after washing.
- Avoid dishwashers: Do not use the dishwasher, since the combination of harsh detergents and excessive heat will ruin your knives.
Check The Related Articles Here:
- Understanding the Importance of a Sharp Knife for a Chef
- The Ultimate Guide to Kitchen Knives: Types, Uses, and Maintenance
- Acquaint yourself with your knife
- What Are The Basic Equipment Needed When Starting A New Kitchen?
- 10 Essential Kitchen Techniques to Simplify Cooking
To Wrap It Up
Any home cook must maintain razor-sharp cutting tools. Sharpen and hone your knives properly to ensure they retain their edge and work optimally for as long as possible. Keep the following in mind when sharpening knives: the type of sharpener you need, the angle for sharpening your blades, and the care required between uses. Put in the time and effort to maintain their sharpness, and your knives will serve you well for many years of efficient, safe, and enjoyable meals. Thank you all for reading this entire post. Share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below. Visit www.thehomecookbible.com for helpful information and recipes about cooking and the restaurant business.
