Whether you’re a chef or an amateur cook, a sharp knife is crucial. A sharp knife will slice fruits and vegetables with more precision.
Moreover, a sharp knife reduces the chances of accidentally slipping and cutting yourself. To sharpen a knife, it’s necessary to have a decent knife sharpener.
Using a dull knife sharpener to sharpen your knife is ineffective and will further blunt your knife. If your knife sharpener is old and dull, it’s probably time to purchase a new one.
This article details the four things you need to know about how to decide when you need a new knife sharpener.
How to Decide When I Need a New Knife Sharpener
1. The Sharpener is Damaged or Rusted
First, you need to determine the state of your current knife sharpener. Usually, these materials are made of high-grade ceramic material, making them durable and long-lasting.
The need to buy a new knife sharpener arises when the old one becomes rusty or damaged. In addition, you may need a new one if the blade of the knife is stronger than the blade of the sharpener.
Although knife sharpeners are durable, using one that is dull or damaged is dangerous. If you need a new knife sharpener, buying one sooner rather than later will save you some frustration.
2. The Sharpener Is Too Old
Most knife sharpeners have a minimum life duration of six years. However, with proper care, they can last you up to a decade or more.
An easy way to identify if your knife sharpener is too old is by looking at its grooves. The knife sharpener is probably too old if they look dull or rusted.
Moreover, check to see whether or not the sharpener can effectively sharpen your knives. If your knives remain dull after multiple passes, it’s time to get a new tool.
3. The Sharpener Is Difficult to Use
A dull or damaged knife sharpener won’t sharpen your knives. Rather, it can produce the opposite effect by blunting them.
Moreover, using a rusted knife sharpener can be a serious hazard. If the device doesn’t work efficiently, you risk hurting yourself by mistake.
4. The Sharpener Doesn’t Sharpen Your Knives
Dull knives affect the quality of your food, and the time it takes to prepare it. For example, perhaps you’re cutting fries using a knife. If the blade is dull, you’ll have a harder time cutting your potatoes into even slices.
As a result, some fries will be thicker than others. Thus, your fries will cook unevenly. On the one hand, some fries will be cooked perfectly. Some of the fries may be under or overdone.
Should I Go to any Professional for Knife Sharpening or DIY?
There are several factors to consider when deciding whether to sharpen your knives yourself or to bring them to a professional.
One key consideration is whether you have the time and patience to learn how to properly sharpen a knife. Although there are many instructional videos and articles available online, it can still be challenging to master the technique.
If you’re not confident in your ability to sharpen a knife correctly, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.
Another thing to keep in mind is that professional knife sharpeners have a lot of experience and know exactly how much metal to remove from the blade.
This ensures that your knives will stay sharp for longer. However, professional services can be costly, so it’s important to weigh your options and choose what’s best for you.
How Often Should I Sharpen My Knives?
Ideally, it would be best to sharpen your knives every one to two months. The more frequently you use your knives, the more often you should sharpen them.
Thus, a professional chef will need to sharpen their knives more frequently than a home chef.
You can check if your knives need sharpening by using a tomato. First, place your tomato on the cutting board.
Put your knife on the tomato and hold its edge, using no force. Then, move your knife in a swift backward motion. If the knife is sharp, it will slice through the tomato. If not, it might only cut the skin.
What is the Best Way to Sharpen Kitchen Knives at Home?
There are a few different ways to sharpen kitchen knives at home, but some methods are better than others. One popular method is to use a honing rod.
Honing rods are made of steel and have a fine grit surface that helps to realign the blade of the knife. To use a honing rod, simply hold the rod in one hand and the knife in the other.
Then, Run the blade of the knife along the length of the rod, moving from the base of the blade to the tip. Repeat this process several times until the blade is sharp. Another popular method for sharpening kitchen knives is to use a sharpening stone.
Sharpening stones are made of abrasive materials, such as diamond or ceramic, and can be used to grind away metal from the blade of a knife.
To use a sharpening stone, simply place the stone on a flat surface and run the blade of the knife over it in a back-and-forth motion.
Again, repeat this process until the blade is sharp. Either of these methods will help to keep your kitchen knives sharp and in good condition.
What to Look for Before Buying a Knife Sharpener
Type of Sharpener You Want
There are three main types of sharpeners: Sharpening stones, manual sharpeners, and electric sharpeners. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
For example, stones are the most versatile type of sharpener, but they can be difficult to use if you don’t have experience. Manual sharpeners are relatively easy to use, but they require a bit more effort than electric sharpeners.
Electric sharpeners are the easiest type of sharpener to use, but they tend to be more expensive than the other two types.
Grit
Grit refers to how much metal is removed from the knife during sharpening. Coarse grit is best for damaged knives, while medium grit is best for dull knives that aren’t damaged.
Fine grit is similar to a honing steel and is used to refine your knife’s edge. Finally, you need to decide what features you want in your knife sharpener.
Some features, such as adjustable settings, can be helpful if you plan on sharpening different types of knives. Other features, such as nonslip bases, can help to make sharpening easier and more comfortable.
Size
When purchasing a knife sharpener, one of the main considerations should be size. While the size of the sharpener doesn’t affect its ability to sharpen, it will affect how you store it.
Most electric sharpeners are large and bulky, making them difficult to store. Stones and manual sharpeners, on the other hand, are small enough to be stored inside a drawer.
Another consideration is how you’ll use the sharpener. If you plan on using it frequently, an electric sharpener might be a better option.
However, if you only need to sharpen your knives occasionally, a manual sharpener will suffice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what will work best for your needs.
Cost
Before breaking out your wallet to buy a knife sharpener, it’s important to consider the price. First, think about how often you plan to use the sharpener.
If you’re a professional chef who uses knives every day, you’ll want to invest in a higher-end model that can withstand heavy use.
On the other hand, if you only need to sharpen your knives a few times a year, you can get by with a less expensive model.
It’s also important to read online reviews before making your purchase. Look for sharpeners that have received high marks for ease of use and effectiveness.
And finally, consider your budget. Knife sharpeners can range in price from $10 to $200. By taking these factors into account, you can be sure to find the best knife sharpener for your needs.
Time
When it comes to sharpening knives, speed is not the only important factor. In fact, taking your time to sharpen your knives with a whetstone can actually result in a finer edge.
However, if you are not a professional chef and do not want to spend 5 minutes per knife, there are other options available.
Manual and electric sharpeners require only a few passes through the sharpener and will get the job done much more quickly. Whichever method you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging your knives.
Conclusion
A knife sharpener is essential, especially if you use your knives frequently. A knife sharpener will restore your kitchen knives, giving them a sharp and effective edge. Ideally, it would be best to sharpen your knives every one to two months.
There are four ways to determine when you need a new knife sharpener. For example, you should replace your knife sharpener if it’s rusted or damaged, older than ten years, or if it poses a safety risk.
Most importantly, you should purchase a new knife sharpener if your current one fails to sharpen your knives. Working with a blunt knife is dangerous and negatively impacts the quality of your food.
