Curious about the secret to sharpening a knife with a sharpener? While using a whetstone is a common practice, it can be time-consuming. That's why an easy-to-use sharpener is a great option.
In this article, we'll provide a detailed explanation of how to sharpen a knife with a sharpener. We'll also share important tips for using sharpeners and recommend some fantastic products. So, make sure to read till the end.
Now, let's talk about sharpeners, the magical tools for restoring knife sharpness!
What is a sharpener, a tool for sharpening knives?
A sharpener is a popular tool that effortlessly brings back the sharpness of knives.
Traditionally, we think of using a whetstone to sharpen a knife, but it requires practice and time. On the other hand, sharpeners are incredibly convenient as they can sharpen your knife in no time.
However, it's essential to use sharpeners with caution as excessive use can harm the blade.
Let's explore the four main types of sharpeners together!
The characteristics of each are as follows.
|
Types |
Features |
|
Roll Type |
Sharpens like a whetstone, but the blade tends to become jagged. |
|
Cross type |
Many products are reasonably priced, but only the tip can be polished, damaging the blade. |
|
Electric type |
Sharpens quickly and easily, but is noisy |
|
Sharpening Rod |
It is difficult to use until you get used to it, but it can also be used as a peeler or scissors. |
The four types of sharpeners can be divided into two groups: stationary type and sharpening rod. The stationary type is easier to handle.
Moreover, stationary sharpeners can be further divided into electric sharpeners, manual roll, and cross-type sharpeners. Electric sharpeners are faster and more convenient for sharpening, but they can be noisy and slightly expensive.
The difference between the roll type and the cross-type sharpener lies in their structure. The cross-type sharpener is V-shaped, allowing it to sharpen only the tip where the blade hits, while the roll type has a rounded surface for more thorough sharpening. By rotating the blade, you can achieve more comprehensive sharpening.
Each type has its own unique characteristics, but if you're looking for your first sharpener, it's best to choose a roll type or cross-type sharpener based on price.
Advantages and disadvantages of using a sharpener to sharpen knives
Now, let's explore the benefits and drawbacks of using sharpeners.
- Advantages: Easy and quick polishing
The major advantage of sharpeners is that they make knife sharpening easy and quick.
When using a whetstone, it's not uncommon for the process to take around an hour from preparation to maintenance. However, with a sharpener, you can complete the task in just 5 to 10 minutes.
While a whetstone is ideal if you have an hour to spare for each knife sharpening session, sharpeners are appealing because they are incredibly user-friendly and time-saving.
- Disadvantages: Potential for blade spillage and damage
The downside is that there is a possibility of the blade spilling or getting damaged.
To begin with, a sharpener sharpens the tip of a knife by scraping it, which can result in the blade becoming uneven or chipped.
Another drawback is that it only focuses on the tip of the blade, so although it temporarily restores sharpness, it tends to lose it quickly.
How to make your knife extra sharp with a sharpener
Let me show you a fantastic way to sharpen your knife using a sharpener.
Today, we'll explore two types: a stationary sharpener and a sharpening stick.
For the stationary type:
First, let's learn how to sharpen your knife using a stationary sharpener.
If your knife has multiple indentations, start by sharpening it on a "coarse" surface about 10 times.
When sharpening, remember to pull the knife with a gentle force in one direction. This will give you a beautifully smooth blade.
After sanding it with the coarse grain 10 times, move on to the "finishing" stage. Pull and sharpen the knife about 5 times, and voila! Your knife is ready!
Sometimes, there might be a slightly rough area between the coarse grain and the finish. In that case, use the coarse grain first, then the intermediate, and finally the finish.
For sharpening sticks:
When using a sharpening stick, place the blade on the stick and move the knife from the root to the tip while sharpening.
The key here is to maintain an angle of around 15 degrees between the blade and the stick. Make sure to sharpen both sides of the blade separately.
To make sharpening easier, try standing the tip of the sharpening rod on a desk. This will stabilize the rod and make the process a breeze.
Points to remember when sharpening your knife with a sharpener
Now, let's go through some important points to keep in mind when using a sharpener.
First and foremost, sharpeners have their limitations, so it's crucial to be cautious if you want your knives to last a long time.
Remember the tips we've discussed here and give the sharpener a try!
Watch out for the tip of the blade hitting the table.
When using a sharpener, be mindful not to let the tip of the blade hit the stand or desk.
Especially with stationary sharpeners, when you pull the blade all the way, it can often hit the stand forcefully, potentially causing damage.
Since the sharpener is an easy-to-use tool, handle it with care.
Don't overuse it.
You can easily sharpen your knife with a sharpener, but be careful not to overdo it.
As we mentioned earlier, sharpeners can sometimes gouge the tip of the blade, making it susceptible to damage. If you use it excessively, the blade might even come off.
Moreover, the sharpness restored by a sharpener tends to deteriorate quickly. You might find yourself wanting to sharpen it frequently, so be cautious not to overuse this tool.
Try to use the sharpener no more than once every 1 to 2 months.
Consider using a whetstone if possible.
Instead of solely relying on a sharpener, try using a whetstone to sharpen your knife regularly, if you can.
By using a whetstone, you can achieve a proper sharpening that will maintain the knife's sharpness and prolong its lifespan without causing any damage, unlike a sharpener.
Granted, sharpening with a whetstone might take a bit more time, but by doing it at least every few months, you can keep your blade in excellent condition. So, give a whetstone a try too!
Seek professional help if needed.
Using a whetstone will keep your knife sharp for an extended period, but if you find it challenging to do it yourself, consider seeking the assistance of a professional sharpener.
You can take your knife to a nearby specialized knife store or even to the store where you originally purchased it if it's a high-quality knife.
In reality, using a whetstone can be a bit tricky and time-consuming for beginners, so hiring a sharpener to maintain your knife's perfect condition is definitely worth considering.
Restore your knife's sharpness with the help of a sharpener!
Here are the key points of this article:
- Sharpeners are amazing tools that can effortlessly and swiftly sharpen your knives.
- However, it's important to note that using a sharpener could potentially cause damage to the blade and lead to chipping.
- There are different types of sharpeners available, including the roll type and the cross type.
- Sharpeners offer the advantage of quickly restoring the sharpness of your knives, but it's essential to be aware of their drawbacks, such as the possibility of blade damage and quick dulling.
When using a sharpener, remember to be gentle and avoid applying excessive pressure to your knife. Whether you're using it with a whetstone or seeking professional sharpening services, take care to ensure the best results.