Knife Sharpening 101

Knife Sharpening 101

When you bought your kitchen knives, we bet you were amazed by their ability to slice through even the toughest of foods. New blades make cutting through pineapples, hard cheeses and meat look like a piece of cake. But if you've had your kitchen knives for a while now and find it harder to slice and dice your favorite foods, they're probably in need of a quick sharpening session. You might need to learn how often you should sharpen your knives. Using a dull knife is not only frustrating, but they can also be dangerous to use. Cutting with a dull blade can cause the knife and your hands to slip or catch during the meal prep process turning your kitchen into a danger zone. To keep your fingers out of harm's way and your meals sliced to perfection, the Bob's Red Mill team is here to walk you through how to sharpen knives properly. We'll discuss conventional methods like using whetstone and touch on how storing your utensils can affect the blade's lifespan. Let's get started!

Sharpening vs. Honing

If you've seen someone using a honing rod to "sharpen" a knife, you're likely wondering what the difference between that and an actual knife sharpener is. Though a valuable kitchen tool, a honing rod doesn't sharpen a knife. Instead, it works to straighten the knife edge of a slightly dulled blade. Sweeping the blade along the edge of a honing rod will allow for smoother, safe cuts. Which means you won't have to sharpen your knife blade as frequently. Unlike a honing rod, using a tool to sharpen your knife removes a bit of metal from the blade, forming a new sharp edge. To keep your kitchen knives cutting flawlessly, you'll want to hone your knives weekly and sharpen them every few months. There are several simple ways to sharpen your knives. Let's review some of the easiest and most cost-effective methods below.

Sharpening Knives with a Whetstone

A sharpening stone or a whetstone is a rectangular block that works like sandpaper to sharpen the blade of your kitchen knife. Why is it called a whetstone? Though we don't use the word often anymore, whet means "to sharpen," and the term has been used for centuries, especially in the kitchen. The material used to make whetstones varies depending on what kind you purchase. Some are made from aluminum oxide, whereas others are made from ceramics. Most whetstones have a fine grind and coarse grind side, which you'll want to be aware of when sharpening your knives.

How to Use:

Using a whetstone is relatively simple. All you have to do is glide the cutting edge of your blade across the stone. Depending on which type of whetstone you purchase, some require being soaked in water before every use. Before using your whetstone:
  1. Check the instructions that came with it and follow them correctly.
  2. If your wet stone requires soaking, immerse it in water until it is entirely soaked. You'll know this process is complete when there are no longer air bubbles arising from your stone.
  3. Use your whetstone by positioning your knife at a 20-degree angle against the stone.
  4. Next, slide each side of the knife against it several times while applying even pressure.
  5. If your knife is exceptionally dull, we recommend starting with the dull side and repeating the process on the fine side of your whetstone.

Sharpen a Knife with a Pull-Through Sharpener

Pull-Through Sharpener A pull-through sharpener, also called a "manual knife sharpener," is the easiest and cheapest way to sharpen your kitchen knives. A quick fix for a dull knife, a pull-through sharpener features two different slots: a coarse slot to sharpen your knife and a fine slot to polish it. To use a manual sharpener, begin by pressing the blade into the rough side and pulling it towards you a few times. Once you feel your knife has been properly sharpened, repeat the same process using the fine slot of the sharpener. Because pull-through sharpeners are extremely easy to use, they're often the preferred method for sharpening knives at home. Especially useful for novice cooks, a manual sharpener automatically provides you with the correct angle, which is crucial for the sharpening process of your knife. While you may not end up with a blade as fine as one sharpened on a whetstone, your chef knife will be significantly sharper than before and able to handle all your at-home kitchen tasks.

Sharpen a Knife with an Electric Sharpener

If you're looking for a hands-off knife sharpening method, then you'll want to invest in an electric sharpener. Most electric sharpeners perform the three-in-one task of sharpening, polishing and honing the edge of a blade. Like a manual sharpener, an electric sharpener has multiple fine and coarse stones. When turned on, it will begin rotating those stones, using them to sharpen the blade. Though a primarily hands-off process, electric sharpeners still require you to guide the blade edge into the slots. When using your sharpener, be sure to review the manufacturer's instructions to ensure your knife is sharpened at the correct angle. Simple and easy to use, electric sharpeners allow you to sharpen all the knives in your kitchen quickly and accurately.

Sharpen Serrated Knives with a Sharpener

A serrated knife can be a bit tricky to sharpen. With the many edges and different blade levels, you might be wondering how to sharpen kitchen knives without damaging them in the process. Because sharpening stones only offer one shape, you'll want to refrain from using them for serrated knives. Additionally, both manual and electric knife sharpeners can also cause damage to a serrated blade if the correct equipment is not used. When sharpening the serrated knives in your kitchen, check to ensure that your knife sharpener accommodates serrated edges. When purchasing your sharpening system, manufacturers will state whether a serrated blade can be used on the sharpener or not. Make sure you are buying one that's safe to use on all your kitchen knives.

Maintain Knife Edges with Regular Honing

Chef cutting vegetables on a wooden board Now that you know how to sharpen a knife properly, it's important to learn how to maintain its sharp blade for as long as possible. As we mentioned before, honing is a process that keeps the cutting edge of the blade straight. Honing your knives weekly will help provide you with a more precise cut and keep your blades well-maintained. And because honing doesn't remove any metal from your knives, you don't have to worry about damaging your blade by doing it often.

When Should You Hone Your Knives?

Are you wondering when you should hone your knives? We recommend weekly honing for knives that you regularly use. For blades that you don't use as often, only bust out the honing rod when you notice that they're not slicing as smooth as usual. If you find that it's hard to cut through something soft like a tomato while using your knife, then the knife likely requires honing and sharpening.

How to Properly Store Knives

Kitchen knives with wooden block on the kitchen desk Now that you've taken the time to sharpen and hone the knives in your kitchen, you must store them properly. Proper knife storage will help keep your kitchen tools maintained for longer. There are three main ways to store knives: drawer storage, countertop storage and wall storage. When used correctly, each type of storage can be safe and effective for knives.

Drawer Storage

Drawer storage is the safest of all knife storage options, especially if you have children who frequently cook in the kitchen with you. Keeping your knives in a drawer will keep them out of harm's way while also providing your blades a safe place to reside. However, putting knives in a drawer doesn't mean just tossing them into an empty space. Doing so can damage the blades and put you in danger when reaching for a knife to use. Instead, invest in drawer inserts that are specifically made for knives. This will ensure that the blades are protected and each knife has its place.

Countertop Storage

The most popular method of knife storage is a countertop block. Because many knife sets are sold in their own blocks, you've likely owned or used one before. While knife blocks are an excellent storage choice, they limit you from expanding your collection of kitchen knives. If you do decide to purchase more kitchen knives, you'll need another storage option.

Wall Storage

If you have limited countertop or drawer space, then a wall strip is an excellent option for storing your knives. By mounting a magnetic knife strip above your countertop, you can keep knives within arm's reach without having them take up additional space in your kitchen. Wall storage also allows you to see each blade, making it easier to choose the knife you need. When selecting a knife strip, it's essential to select one with an adequate amount of strength. You'll want the magnet to be strong enough to hold the knife but not so strong that it grabs the knife from your hand. Too strong of a knife strip could end up damaging the blade and your fingers. The next time your knives need a little TLC and you're in search of a proper sharpening tool, reference this guide to decide which knife sharpening method will best suit your needs. From honing and sharpening your knives regularly to storing them properly, there are several steps you can take to ensure your kitchen knives remain in tip-top shape!  
Bob's Red Mill
July 13 2021

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