How to sharpen knives: 4 surefire and safe ways

Knives are fundamental tools in any kitchen in the world! And it doesn’t matter if the person is a housewife who cooks daily for her family or a renowned chef who works in a large restaurant, it is important that the knife is always sharp, so that “it can fulfill its function well”.

Sharpening a blade can be a simple act, which anyone can do, for example, at the edge of the sink, or a more complex art, which requires a lot of knowledge and years of practice. Everything depends, basically, on the expected result and, also, a little, on the value of the instrument that is being sharpened.

According to the chef at the restaurant Alessandro e Frederico, the Italian Gennaro Cannone, it is somewhat subjective to talk about knife sharpening, as each professional uses a different type of knife. “The sushi chef, for example, uses knives with thinner blades than those who work with prime meats, which require thicker blades. Each knife has a function, a different point,” he comments.

But, despite the particularities of each knife, below you know some of the most popular ways to sharpen these instruments.

1. How to sharpen a knife on stone

The guidelines and tips below are from Wilson Kano, director of the Japanese lunchbox franchise network ObentôMania. “I use knives a lot in my daily life to slice fish and ingredients according to the requirements of good oriental cuisine. As such, knives are very necessary tools, so they always need to be sharp,” he says.

1. First, it is necessary to wet the stone for about five minutes. A suggestion is to leave it in a container with water.
2. Then, it is worth noting that the stone has two sides: one more porous and the other smoother. Those who sharpen knives regularly can usually only use the thinner (less porous) side of the stone.
3. Slide the knife across the stone. This with her at an angle of approximately 30 degrees.

“It’s like cutting the stone very thin, all along it,” explains Wilson Kano. In the video below you can also see a simple and quick method for sharpening:

2. How to sharpen a knife on the emery

Emery is a “stone wheel” turned by a motor. The part is fixed on a bench. This is a method that requires greater care.

1. Apply lubricating oil to the blade of the machine as it will help protect the blade while sharpening.
2. Turn on the emery, holding the knife at a 45 degree angle to it.
3. Move the knife along the emery, from the base to the tip, carefully.
4. Repeat this process three or four times.
5. Turn the knife over and repeat the process to sharpen the other side.

Wilson Kano points out that sharpening knives with a grinder requires greater skill due to the risk of getting hurt. “I suggest not using this technique if you don’t have full control of the equipment and the act”, he warns.

3. How to sharpen a knife with a sharpener

Wilson also gives his tips on using the sharpener to return the edge to the knife, check it out:

1. Hold the sharpening point up.
2. Slide the knife along the entire length of the chiara at an angle of about 20 degrees, moving from the outside to the inside, always taking care not to injure yourself.
3. Repeat the same movement and number of movements on both sides of the knife.

“The idea is the illusion of taking a very thin slice of the chiara”, comments Wilson Kano. In the video below, Vicente da Silva Filho also teaches ways to use the sharpener to sharpen a knife. It is worth checking:

4. How to sharpen a knife with a sharpener

Knife sharpeners/sharpeners are easily available on sale and the way to use them is also quite simple:

1. Insert the knife into the sharpener.
2. Slide the knife back and forth and let the equipment deliver what it promises.

“I don’t usually use a sharpener, because I consider the other two methods – stone and sharpening – much more efficient. However, for those who want to use it, it’s simple”, comments Wilson.

Sharpening knives: which method to choose?

But, among the options mentioned, what is the easiest/recommended method to sharpen knives?

Wilson Kano explains that the easiest method, without a doubt, is the electric sharpener, as there are no risks for whoever is handling the knife. “However, I prefer to use traditional methods, such as stone and steel,” he says.

Gennaro Cannone, in turn, points out that, particularly in his field, he recommends using stone and water to keep the stone always wet during the sharpening process. In this way, scratching the knife is avoided. Here’s the tip!

How to sharpen ceramic knife?

Do you have a ceramic knife and wonder: how to sharpen it? Know that there is a specific sharpener for this type of knife, however, the price is usually a little high.

Another way is to use a diamond stone to sharpen the ceramic knife:

1. Tilt the knife around 15 to 20 degrees to the stone.
2. Run the knife along the blade.
3. Repeat the movement several times on both sides of the blade.
4. Clean the blade before using it (to cut food).

It is worth adding that some companies that sell ceramic knives already offer customers a sharpening service for these knives.

Where to buy knife sharpening products?

Check out in the gallery where to buy sharpeners and other products for this purpose in online stores in Brazil:

Now you have the main guidelines for sharpening knives. Regardless of the method you use, remember to be careful, after all, you don’t play with a knife. Also always keep them in a safe place (especially if you have children at home).