Hey guys! Today I'm going to share with you a super practical and efficient technique to sharpen knife using a simple sharpening stone. This is a valuable tip for those who love a good barbecue or for those who simply need a very sharp knife in their kitchen. Let's go?
In this tutorial, I’ll show you step by step how to turn a dull steak knife into a sharp, ready-to-use tool. We’ll use an affordable, inexpensive sharpening stone that can be easily found in hardware stores or supermarkets. Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Guide to Sharpening Your Knife
Preparing the Sharpening Stone
First, we need to prepare our sharpening stone. It has two sides: a thicker one and a thinner one. Start by filling a bowl with water and leaving the stone submerged for about 10 minutes. This helps the stone absorb the water, making the sharpening process easier.
While the stone absorbs the water, I would like to give you a tip: keeping the stone well moistened during sharpening helps to obtain better results. This is because the water acts as a lubricant, reducing friction and preventing the blade from wearing excessively.
Initial Sharpening with the Coarse Part
After 10 minutes, remove the stone from the water and place a cloth underneath it to prevent it from slipping during use. The tip is to keep the surface of the stone always moist while sharpening the knife.
Let’s start with the thick part of the stone, which is ideal for knives that have almost no cutting edge. Maintain a constant angle, which you can find by placing your thumb on the base of the knife. Run the knife across the stone as if you were taking a fillet, in a back-and-forth motion, respecting the established angle. Repeat the process several times on both sides of the blade.
As you sharpen, test the knife's cutting edge lightly against your nail. If the blade grips your nail without forcing it, it's a sign that the sharpening is working. If not, keep sharpening until the entire length of the blade is sharp.
Refining the Cut with the Thin Part
When you feel that the knife is already cutting, it's time to use the fine side of the stone to finish it off. Repeat the same movement, now with the fine side of the stone, to align the knife's edge and make it perfect for use.
This step is crucial to ensure that the knife edge is even and without irregularities. Remember to maintain the same angle used on the thick part of the stone and to wet the stone frequently.
Using the Chaira
Finally, use a sharpening steel to align the knife's edge. Using the same angle you used on the stone, pass the knife over the sharpening steel in smooth movements, as if you were taking a filet from it. This ensures that the knife's edge is well aligned and sharp.
A sharpening steel is an essential tool for keeping the knife's edge aligned, especially after the sharpening process. It does not sharpen the knife, but it corrects any deformation in the edge, ensuring a precise cut.
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Knives Sharp
- Correct Storage: Store your knives in a suitable holder or block, avoiding them being loose in the drawer, which can damage the edge.
- Proper Use: Use cutting boards wood or plastic, as hard surfaces such as glass or marble can damage the knife's edge.
- Regular Maintenance: Sharpening your knives regularly prevents the edge from becoming too worn, making the maintenance process easier.
Top 5 Best Knife Sharpeners of 2024
Looking for the perfect knife sharpener to keep your blades sharp? Don’t worry, I’ve tested several models and brought you a list of the five best knife sharpeners of 2024. Let’s explore each of them and find out which one is ideal for your kitchen needs.
1. Humor – The Best Value for Money
If you are looking for a good and affordable knife sharpener, Humor is the perfect choice. It keeps your blades sharp and has an ergonomic design that fits your fingers, providing safety during use. In addition, its non-slip base and stable grip ensure safe handling. It is sold between R$38 and R$45.
2. Anshar – Efficiency with Tungsten Carbide
The Anshar is ideal for those who want an efficient sharpener with tungsten carbide sharpening edges. With a pre-set angle of 20º, it sharpens your knives precisely and without complications. Just slide the blade a few times to get an extremely sharp cut. This model is sold between R$142 and R$148.
3. Westers – Professional and Versatile
The Westers is perfect for those looking for a professional sharpener. With a rubberized handle and non-slip base, it is ideal for sharpening knives, pocket knives, scissors, and even serrated knives. Made with high-quality materials, it offers durability and superior performance. It is available from R$42 to R$58.
4. Humor – Knife and Scissor Sharpener
This model from Humor is multifunctional, capable of sharpening knives and scissors efficiently. It also has a polisher to ensure the utensils shine. Its non-slip base and stable handle provide safety during use. It is sold between R$71 and R$89.
5. Tramontina Prof – The Best Value for Money
The Tramontina Prof sharpener is ideal for both professional and home use. Equipped with diamond discs and an ABS support with stainless steel details, it offers high sharpening capacity. Its non-slip base and ergonomic handle ensure comfort and safety. This model is available between R$147 and R$226.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to sharpen a knife?
The time may vary, but it usually takes 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the initial condition of the knife.
2. What is the best stone for sharpening knives?
Double-grit stones, with one coarse and one fine side, are excellent for a complete sharpening process.
3. Do I need to use water or oil on the stone?
It depends on the stone. Some stones use water, like the one shown here, while others require oil. Check the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Can I sharpen any type of knife with this technique?
Yes, this technique works for most kitchen and barbecue knives, especially those made of carbon steel.
5. What is the function of the steel?
The sharpening steel aligns the knife's edge after sharpening, ensuring that it cuts efficiently. It does not sharpen the knife, but it corrects small deformations in the edge.
6. How often should I sharpen my knives?
It depends on your usage, but generally, sharpening your knives every few months is enough to keep them in good condition. If you use your knives daily, you may need to sharpen them more often.
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