If you're like most home chefs, you take pride in your cooking. There's nothing quite like the satisfaction of preparing a meal from scratch and knowing that you did it all yourself.
But as any good cook knows, having sharp knives is essential to the process. And if you're not careful, sharpening your knives can be a dangerous task.
We’ll show you how to sharpen knives like a pro to get the perfect edge every time. Read on for tips and tricks on how to keep your knives razor-sharp.
Choose the Right Sharpening Stone
First, let's talk about how to choose the correct sharpening stone. There are a few different types of stones available on the market, but the home cook will want a medium-grit whetstone.
You can find these at most hardware stores or online retailers. The grit is essential because it will determine how much material you need to remove from your knife.
A medium-grit stone is perfect for everyday sharpening, and it will keep your knives in good condition with regular use.
Soak Your Sharpening Stone
Now that you have your stone, it's time to get started. First, soak the stone in water for about 5 minutes. This will help to keep the stone from drying out too quickly.
If the stone starts to dry out, sprinkle a little water on it to keep it moist.
Position Your Knife at the Correct Angle
Next, position your knife at the correct angle. For a standard edge, you'll want to hold the knife at a 20-degree angle.
If you're unsure of how to do this, there are a few ways to find the correct angle. First, you can use a sharpening guide.
These devices attach to your knife and help keep it at the correct angle. Or, you can hold the knife in your hand and position it so that the blade forms a 20-degree angle with the stone.
Once you have the knife in position, apply gentle pressure to the blade and move it across the stone in a sweeping motion.
Be sure to keep the angle consistent as you move the knife back and forth.
Work Slowly and Evenly
As you sharpen your knife, it's crucial to work slowly and evenly. Don't press too hard on the blade, as this can damage the edge.
Instead, let the weight of the knife do the work for you. And be sure to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly.
If you only sharpen one side, it will create an uneven edge that will make cutting difficult.
Test the Edge
After a few strokes, it's time to test the edge. Run your finger along the blade to check for sharpness.
If the edge is still dull, continue sharpening until it is nice and sharp.
Once you're satisfied with the edge, rinse off the knife and stone with water and dry them both off.
Sharpening Serrated Knives
Now, let's talk about how to sharpen serrated knives. These types of knives have a saw-toothed edge that is perfect for cutting through tough materials.
But because of their unique edge, they can be challenging to sharpen. The best way to sharpen a serrated knife is to use a sharpening rod. You can find these at most hardware stores or online retailers.
To use a sharpening rod, start by holding the knife at a 45-degree angle to the rod. Then, use a back and forth motion to run the blade along the rod. Be sure to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly.
After a few strokes, test the edge by running your finger along the blade. If the edge is still dull, continue sharpening until it is nice and sharp. Once you're satisfied with the edge, rinse off the knife and rod with water and dry them both off.
Wrap Up
That's it! Now you know how to sharpen knives like a pro. With practice, you'll be able to get the perfect edge every time.
