A Quick Guide on How to Maintain and Sharpen Your Knives

If you’re a passionate cook, you know that having sharp knives is essential to your success in the kitchen. But keeping your blades sharp is more than just a matter of convenience; it can also help you avoid serious injuries.

In this quick guide, we’ll cover the basics of how to maintain and sharpen your knives. We’ll cover the three main methods of sharpening – honing, stropping, and sharpening – and how to safely store your knives.

Honing

Honing is the process of realigning the knife’s edge with a steel rod or honing steel. This process is vital for keeping your knife sharp and should be done regularly, before and after each use.

Start placing the blade against the steel rod at a 20-degree angle to hone a knife. Then, move the knife in a circular motion, applying light pressure as you go. Repeat this motion on both sides of the blade until you have a sharp edge.

Stropping

Stropping is polishing the blade’s edge with a leather or canvas strap. This process will help keep the blade's edge sharp and smooth.

To strop a knife, hold the blade flat against the strop and pull it away from the blade’s edge in a smooth, circular motion.

Sharpening

Sharpening is the process of honing and stropping with a sharpening stone or sharpening steel. This process is necessary for dull blades and should be done as infrequently as possible.

To sharpen a knife, start by placing the blade flat against the sharpening stone or steel. Then, draw the blade away from the stone in a smooth, circular motion. Repeat this motion on both sides of the blade until you have a sharp edge.

Electric Knife Sharpening

You can choose to use an electric knife sharpener. This is the most accessible and convenient option, and it is excellent for those who don’t have the time or patience to hone steel or sharpen stones. You must place the blade in the sharpener and press a button – it will do the rest.

Safe Storage

Storing your knives safely is just as important as sharpening them. Be sure to use a knife block or guard to protect the blades from damage. Also, be sure to keep your knives away from young children or anyone who may not know the proper handling of a knife.

How Often Should You Sharpen Your Knives

Wusthof sharpening regularly is one of the essential tasks you can do to keep them in good working condition and extend their lifetime. But how often must you sharpen your knives?

The answer to this question hinges on how often you utilise your knives and the type of knives you have. Generally speaking, you should sharpen your knives at least once every 3-4 months, but more frequent Wusthof sharpening may be required depending on the type of knives and how often you use them.

For knives used daily, such as chopping vegetables and meat, it is recommended to sharpen them every couple of weeks. This is because the more you use a knife, the duller it gets. This is why professional chefs often have their knives sharpened every day.

For knives used less frequently, such as for carving or cutting bread, it is recommended to sharpen them every month or two. This is because knives used less regularly do not get as dull as quickly as knives used daily.

Regarding the type of knives you have, some knives require more frequent sharpening than others. For example, carbon steel knives tend to get duller faster than stainless steel knives and need more regular sharpening.

Finally, it is essential to remember that Wusthof sharpening is only one part of caring for them. Regular cleaning and oiling are also necessary to keep your knives in good working condition.

Conclusion

Knife maintenance and sharpening are essential tasks that should be addressed. Keeping your knives sharp and well-maintained will help them last for many years. Following these tips will ensure that your knives are sharp and in good condition for years.

Bronx Homewares is an Australian family-owned business dedicated to providing customers with the best prices from top brands and quality service. We have a wide selection of products, including home decor, kitchenware and Wusthof sharpening. With our guarantee of quality and customer satisfaction, Bronx Homewares is sure to be an excellent choice for all your home furnishing needs.