Knife Sharpening Guide

Embark on a journey to become a pro at sharpening knives with our easy-to-follow guide. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just love cooking at home, we’ve got simple step-by-step instructions for sharpening knives. Learn about different techniques and tools so you know which knife sharpener best suits your needs. We’ll break down the importance of sharpening angles so that everyone, from experienced cooks to beginners, can understand and improve their knife skills. Get ready to boost your kitchen game!

Sharpening Angles - What do they mean?

Knife sharpening is both an art and a science, and one crucial factor that contributes to a sharp and durable edge is the sharpening angle. The sharpening angle refers to the angle between the knife blade and the sharpening surface. Different knives and tasks require different angles, and understanding these angles is essential for achieving optimal sharpness and performance.

Common Knife Sharpening Angles -

  1. Low Angles (15-20 degrees):

Purpose: Ideal for tasks requiring a razor-sharp edge.

Recommended for: Precision slicing, push cutting, and filleting.

Knife Types: Chef’s knives, paring knives, and utility knives.

  1. Medium Angles (20-25 degrees):

Purpose: A balance between sharpness and durability.

Recommended for: Everyday kitchen tasks, chopping, and general use.

Knife Types: All-purpose knives, santokus, and hunting knives.

  1. High Angles (25+ degrees):

Purpose: Offers durability for heavy-duty tasks.

Recommended for: Chopping through bones, tough vegetables, and butchering.

Knife Types: Cleavers, machetes, and heavy-duty survival knives.

How to use a pull through Knife Sharpener -

A pull-through knife sharpener is a convenient tool designed for easy and quick knife sharpening. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use a pull-through knife sharpener effectively:

Step 1: Choose the Right Sharpener

Select a pull-through sharpener that suits the type of knives you have. Some sharpeners are designed for specific blade types, while others are more versatile. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure compatibility.

Step 2: Understand the Sharpener’s Design

A typical pull-through sharpener consists of two slots with sharpening elements inside. One slot is for coarse sharpening (usually with carbide blades), and the other is for fine sharpening (often with ceramic rods).

Step 3: Begin with the Coarse Slot

  • Place the base of the pull-through sharpener on a stable surface.
  • Hold the sharpener securely with one hand.
  • Insert the knife blade into the coarse slot at the base of the sharpener. Ensure the blade is inserted all the way to the hilt.

Step 4: Pull the Knife Through the Coarse Slot

  • With a firm grip on the handle, pull the knife through the coarse slot towards you.
  • Maintain a consistent and controlled motion, applying moderate pressure.
  • Repeat this process 3-5 times or until you notice a burr or a slight edge on the blade.

Step 5: Switch to the Fine Slot

  • Once you’ve completed the coarse sharpening, switch to the fine slot for honing and polishing.
  • Insert the knife into the fine slot and repeat the pulling motion, this time with slightly lighter pressure.
  • Pull the knife through the fine slot 5-10 times or until you achieve the desired sharpness.

Step 6: Test the Sharpness

  • Carefully feel the edge of the knife with your fingertip to check for sharpness.
  • You can also perform a simple paper or tomato test to assess the knife’s cutting ability.

Step 7: Clean the Knife

  • After sharpening, clean the knife blade to remove any metal particles that may be present.

Tips:

  • Angle Matters: While using a pull-through sharpener, be mindful of maintaining a consistent angle. Many pull-through sharpeners have built-in guides to help with this.

  • Moderate Pressure: Apply enough pressure to ensure effective sharpening, but avoid excessive force, which could damage the knife.

  • Regular Maintenance: Periodically use the pull-through sharpener to maintain the knife’s edge. This prevents the need for more aggressive sharpening in the future.

Using a pull-through knife sharpener is a quick and accessible way to keep your knives sharp for everyday use. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific sharpener model for the best results.

How to use the HORL 2 -

Sharpening your knives with the HORL 2 is a seamless and effective process. Follow our guide for an optimal sharpening experience.

Step 1: Set the Sharpening Angle

  • Place your knife against the magnetic base. Opt for a 15 or 20-degree sharpening angle based on the type of knife. The 15-degree angle suits Japanese kitchen knives, while the 20-degree angle is ideal for Western kitchen knives. This adaptability also makes the HORL 2 suitable for sharpening most pocket knives.

Step 2: Utilize the Diamond-Coated Disc (J400 Grit)

  • Attach the knife to the magnetic base and move the system alongside the blade. Start with the diamond-coated sharpening disc (J400 grit) for approximately one minute per side. This quickly straightens and enhances the knife with a fixed sharpening angle.

Step 3: Switch to the Ceramic Sharpening Disc (J1000 Grit)

  • Flip the sharpener and use the ceramic sharpening disc (J1000 grit) for another minute per side. This step ensures your knife becomes razor-sharp in no time.

Step 4: Clean and Protect

  • After sharpening, clean the silicone rubber and the knife to prevent scratches. This simple step ensures your equipment stays in pristine condition.

Adapting to Different Angles

  • The magnetic base secures your knife at 15 or 20-degree angles. If your knife has a different angle, no worries! You can still sharpen it with the HORL 2. By sharpening at a specific angle for a sufficient duration, your knife adopts that angle. However, we recommend sticking to the supplier-listed angle for optimal results.

Sharpening Serrated Knives

  • Serrated knives, like bread knives, can also be sharpened with the HORL 2. Hold the knife in hand, rotate the sharpener, and ensure only the edge of the stone hits the blade. Rotate the knife while rolling the sharpener alongside it. Hold the sharpener at an angle for effective sharpening.

Exchanging Sharpening Discs

  • The HORL 2 comes with two sharpening discs: a diamond-coated disc (J400 grit) and a ceramic disc (J1000 grit). Easily exchange discs based on your needs. Save them in a stunning HORL sharpening stone holder, available separately.

How to use the Sharp Pebble -

Ensuring that your knife is sharpened with finesse requires a nuanced understanding of the Sharp Pebble stone, preventing any mishaps that could dull the blade. Follow this comprehensive guide to master the art of knife sharpening with the Sharp Pebble.

Step 1: Prepare the Whetstone

  • Before you begin, ensure the whetstone is thoroughly soaked in water for about 10-15 minutes. A well-hydrated stone is crucial for effective sharpening. Submerge the stone in water, allowing it to absorb moisture and preventing any potential damage to the blade during the sharpening process.

Step 2: Clip the Guide onto the Knife

  • When gearing up to sharpen your kitchen knife, the Sharp Pebble Sharpening Guide becomes an invaluable companion. This user-friendly guide simplifies the process. Simply clip the guide onto the back of the knife, ensuring a secure and firm attachment of the ceramic part to prevent any slippage during sharpening.

Step 3: Place the Guide on the Wet Sharp Pebble Stone

  • Position the knife, attached with the guide, onto the Sharp Pebble knife sharpening stone. Begin with the ceramic bar, ensuring it makes initial contact with the stone. Remember to keep the whetstone constantly wet during sharpening. Slide the knife in a sweeping motion along the length of the stone, raising the handle slightly when nearing the tip to maintain consistent contact between the edge and the sharpening stone.

Step 4: Achieve Burr on One Edge

  • Move along one grit until a burr is felt on the opposite side of the edge. Once a burr is detected, flip the blade and repeat the process on the other edge. Continue this cycle until a fine burr is consistently established, signifying the desired sharpness.

Step 5: Stropping Technique

  • During stropping, always move the blade away from its edge. Multiple strokes may be needed to achieve the desired burr. The guide provides assistance in determining the recommended strop size.

Guide Details: Non-Adjustable Precision

  • Once attached, the sharpening guide becomes non-adjustable. The width of the knife dictates the sharpening angle, with wider knives requiring a lower angle. For traditional kitchen cutlery with ¾ or more blade height, the guide is most effective. This makes it ideal for a variety of knives, such as fillet or pocket knives. For example, a knife with a width of 1 1/4 inches enables sharpening at a 17-degree angle, showcasing the versatility of the Sharp Pebble sharpening guide.

By following these steps, ensuring a thoroughly wet whetstone, understanding the nuances of the Sharp Pebble sharpening guide, and consistently maintaining hydration during the process, you can confidently achieve precision and sharpness, transforming your knife into a reliable tool in the kitchen.

Abrasives in pull through Knife Sharpeners -

The selection of abrasive plays a pivotal role in shaping the knife sharpening process, and each type comes with its distinct characteristics. It’s crucial to comprehend the function of each abrasive to make an informed decision about the most suitable knife sharpener for your needs. Here, we explore the primary abrasives commonly used:

Ceramic Abrasives: Precision Polishing Many pull-through sharpeners boast ceramic sharpening wheels or stones. Ceramic abrasives excel in providing a polished edge, offering a refined finish to your blades. If you prefer knives with a smooth and polished outcome, a ceramic version is your ideal choice. These abrasives work methodically, ensuring a precision-polished edge for your blades.

Diamond Abrasives: Swift and Aggressive Diamond-coated sharpeners take the lead in speed, working swiftly to bring your knives to razor-sharp precision in no time. Their aggressive nature makes them highly effective for quick sharpening. If you’re aiming for sharpness with efficiency, a diamond abrasive is an excellent option. However, be mindful of their speed and aggressiveness, especially if you desire a more delicate touch on your blades.

Carbide Abrasives: A Balanced Approach Some pull-through sharpeners incorporate carbide abrasives, offering a balanced approach between speed and precision. Carbide abrasives strike a middle ground, providing efficient sharpening without compromising on the quality of the edge. This makes them a versatile choice, suitable for those who seek a combination of speed and a reasonably refined finish.