The key to preparing delicious dishes in every kitchen is the right equipment, and a set of knives is definitely high on the list. Over time, however, you will notice that their blades become dull. How can you sharpen a knife to ensure precise and safe cutting?
The key to preparing delicious dishes in every kitchen is the right equipment, and a set of knives is definitely high on the list. Over time, however, you will notice that their blades become dull. How can you sharpen a knife to ensure precise and safe cutting?
When should you sharpen a knife?
You will quickly know when a blade is dull. Try cutting a tomato with such a knife – you won’t even be able to cut through the skin. In such cases the knife should have been sharpened a long time ago. Is slicing meat a real ordeal, and instead of splitting chicken fillets into pieces with one skilled move, do you literally have to saw through them? If so, then you can be sure of one thing – the knife needs sharpening.
However, in these cases they should have been sharpened a long time ago. If you notice that the blades are not cutting properly, you should sharpen them as soon as possible. You can also check this with a piece of paper – try to cut it with a knife. If the blade cuts smoothly and deeply into the paper, it is still ok for use in the kitchen. However, if the page tears, this is a bad sign. How can you sharpen knives? Read our guide and find out.
Basic rules for sharpening knives
How to sharpen a knife? Before reaching for the appropriate equipment, first find out some of the most important rules regarding the sharpening of knives:
- Always clean the knives thoroughly before sharpening. Food residues could clog the sharpener, making it less effective.
- Try to sharpen your knives regularly. Even if you feel that they are still cutting well enough, but it has been a long time since you last sharpened them, then do it again. Sharpening a completely blunt knife is much more difficult than one that is still sharp enough for basic use.
- Don’t overdo it – knives are supposed to cope with standard kitchen needs, but they shouldn’t be razor-sharp. This is largely to do with your safety, although razor-sharp knives are also more prone to damage.
The most popular methods of sharpening knives
There are many ways to sharpen knives. There are also various types of knife sharpeners available on the market, although there are also other ways to keep your knives sharp. Discover the most popular methods and decide for yourself which one is the most suitable for your needs.
How to sharpen a knife with a whetstone
A diamond whetstone is one of the most popular tools for sharpening knives. There are different grit sizes available – coarser grits are for very dull knives, while the more regularly you sharpen your knives, the less coarse the stone will need to be. The effectiveness of this method is very high, but a disadvantage is the relatively high price of diamond whetstones, and also the fact you will need different stones for different degrees of bluntness.
Other types of sharpeners
Diamond bar sharpeners are a popular choice, and are often included in knife sets. However, they are not suitable for very dull knives, but rather for sharpening them on a regular basis.
Universal knife sharpeners are also quite popular. They are placed on the worktop, and then the knife blade is pulled first through one slot – for sharpening – and then through the other – for smoothing.
You will also come across synthetic or ceramic stones. These are more universal, difficult to clog, and some of them (synthetic ones made of silicon carbide SiC) will grind even the hardest materials, so they can be used on any knife.
How to sharpen a knife on a grinder
If you do not have a sharpener or a whetstone at home, but you do have a bench grinder, then this can also be used for sharpening knives. You can successfully use it instead of other sharpening tools. Skilful use of the grinder will let you achieve a high level of precision when it comes to sharpness. This method can also be used for sharpening axes, cleavers or mower blades.
Can you sharpen a knife without professional tools?
In certain situations, if your knives urgently require sharpening but you do not have access to any of the above-mentioned methods, there are some home methods that can come to the rescue:
- Rubbing two knives together – this method can work, provided it is done skilfully. It is therefore not recommended for people who have never done it before – the knives could slip out of their hands, which could be dangerous, and improperly rubbing the blades could damage them.
- A ceramic mug would be a better option in this situation. How can you use it to sharpen a knife? Turn it upside down and slide the edge of the blade over the edge of the bottom of the mug until the knife is sharp!
- Instead of a mug, you can also use other stone elements lying around at home – e.g. window sills and stairs could work if you don’t have anything else.
Sharpening knives in restaurants
In commercial kitchens, your knives should be professionally sharpened. Therefore, if you run a restaurant or other catering business, make sure you have all the necessary catering equipment for your needs. This should include high-quality diamond whetstones, letting you keep your knives perfectly sharp at all times. Alternative solutions like using a mug or window-sill will not be sufficient here. After all, in order to serve high-quality dishes your chef will require an appropriate level of work comfort and good quality tools. Sharp knives are crucial when it comes to advanced cutting techniques, and especially tasks like cutting raw meat.
How to sharpen a knife – summary
Regardless of whether you are looking for ways to effectively sharpen your knives at home or run a restaurant and want to keep your knives in perfect working condition – knowing different knife sharpening methods is always a good thing. You will be able to find a solution in every situation, and ensure sharp knives regardless of the equipment you have available. However, remember to observe all basic health and safety rules in catering, both when using and sharpening knives, in order to ensure the safety of everyone working in the kitchen.
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