If you’re reading this, chances are you have dull knives in your kitchen. Dull knives are inconvenient and can make cooking a chore rather than a joy. Fortunately, there are several ways to sharpen your knife. Knife sharpeners are one of the easiest ways to get that blade back to its original sharpness. With the right knife sharpener, you can restore the edge of your blades in minutes. Here we’ll take a closer look at what knife sharpeners are and how they work. We’ll also explore some of the different types of knife sharpeners available, what features to look for when purchasing one, and some helpful tips on how to select the best one for your needs and budget.
Whetstone
A whetstone is a type of sharpening stone. It’s basically a piece of coarse-grained natural stone that has been chemically treated to increase its ability to sharpen blades. Whetstones provide a more consistent and gradual sharpening ability than other types of knife sharpeners. They use a natural abrasive process to break down the edge of the blade, creating a new edge to get it back to its original sharpness. Whetstones are the oldest and most traditional way to sharpen knives. While they may not be the fastest or easiest way to get your knives back to sharp, they do provide a reliable and consistent sharpening experience every time.
Electric Knife Sharpeners
Electric sharpeners are the most convenient option available. They typically come with a wide variety of settings and allow you to select the ideal blade angle based on the type of blade being sharpened. While convenient, electric sharpeners typically provide a coarser edge than manual or rotary sharpeners. If you’re hoping to achieve a razor-sharp edge, an electric sharpener may not give you the results you’re hoping for.
Handheld Sharpeners
Handheld sharpeners use a combination of abrasive materials (like ceramic, diamond, and/or steel) to grind the blade down to sharpen it. They’re handheld tools that are easy to use and allow for a tremendous amount of control over the final outcome. Handheld sharpeners come in two basic varieties. One variety is a manual sharpener that uses a drawing abrasive surface, like an emery board. The second kind is a manual sharpener that uses a fixed abrasive surface, like a grinding stone or carbide In general, manual sharpeners are much less expensive than electric models. They’re also more portable and easier to store than their electric counterparts.
Professionally sharpened at a price
If your knives are in serious need of sharpening, it’s recommended that you take them to a professional for sharpening. While you can sharpen your blades on your own with the help of a knife sharpener, it’s best to leave them to the experts if the blades are really dull. A professional sharpener can use professional-grade equipment to sharpen your blades and ensure they are sharpened correctly. Professionals typically charge by the amount of time spent sharpening your blades, as well as by the type of material used during the process. Depending on the severity of your blades, you can expect to pay anywhere from $15 to $50 per blade. If you’re interested in professional sharpening, it’s recommended that you contact a kitchen supply store in your area and ask if they offer professional sharpening services.
How to know which is best for you
There are a few key things to look for when purchasing a knife sharpener. Make sure you choose one that is designed to sharpen the type of knives you have in your kitchen. It’s a good idea to purchase a knife sharpener that has multiple slots for different blade sizes. An important factor to consider is the overall ease of use, especially if you’re purchasing a manual knife sharpener. Manual knife sharpeners are easy to use, but there are some models that are much easier (and safer) than others. Consider the overall user experience and ease of use when deciding which one is best for you.
Cleavers and other blades that chop are often sharpened to 30 – 35 degree angles. These blades are strong and durable enough to perform this task, thanks to their 30 – 35 degree angles.
Hunting, pocket, and other outdoor utility knives are sharpened to 25 – 30 degrees. Outdoor blades must be able to slice and cut in difficult conditions, which is why they have such large blade angles.
On the majority of kitchen knives, 18° – 25° angles are commonly found. An ideal balance between sharpness and durability is achieved with these angles when cutting fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Within this range, chef, boning, and cutting knives are common.
Fillet and paring knives, on the other hand, require extremely sharp blades and therefore are produced at 12° – 18° angles. Since these blades are weaker, they are employed for cutting fine foods. Razors have angles below this range.
Important Features to Look for When Buying a Knife Sharpener
– Blade Angle: It’s important to take note of the blade angle when selecting a sharpener. First, select a diamond or ceramic sharpener based on the type of blade you’re attempting to sharpen. Then select one with a blade angle that matches the blade on your knife. If you don’t take note of the blade angle, you may find that the sharpener actually removes more metal from your blade than necessary.
– Speed Settings: Choose an electric sharpener with a few speed settings so you can fine-tune the sharpening process based on the type of blade you’re attempting to sharpen.
– Ease of Cleaning: Look for a sharpener with parts that can easily be removed and cleaned. This will help prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria that can be harmful to both your health and the longevity of your sharpener.
Final Thoughts
Knives are one of the most important tools in any kitchen. They need to be sharp to be effective and safe to use. Dull knives are likely to slip and slide instead of slicing through fruits and vegetables. They can also be dangerous because they require more force to use. Knife sharpeners are a convenient way to restore the edge on your blades. They come in various styles and price points, allowing you to find the one that’s right for your needs and budget. Hopefully, this article has given you a better idea of what to look for when purchasing a knife sharpener and how to get those blades back to sharp in no time.