Maintain Kitchen Knives Sharpness Without Professional Sharpening

Keeping your kitchen knives sharp is not only crucial for food preparation but also for safety and efficiency in the kitchen. While professional sharpening is beneficial, there are several methods you can use to keep your knives sharp on your own.

Essential Tools for Sharpening

Firstly, having the right tools can make a significant difference. You will need a sharpening stone, a sharpening steel, and a good honing steel. I prefer a diamond impregnated hone, which is surprisingly affordable and widely available at hardware stores or tool shops. It is much quicker and creates a finer edge compared to a traditional stone hone. With practice, you can even shave your arm hair with your knives!

Common Materials and Methods

Materials like wood cutting boards are preferable for using your knives, as they avoid dulling the edge. Instead of chopping, slice through ingredients to reduce the chance of dulling the knife's edge. Only use heavy instruments, like a cleaver, for bones or hard cartilage. After use, hand wash your knives immediately and store them in a block or other protective device.

Regular Maintenance and Care

Regular use of a sharpening block and a sharpening steel can extend the life of your knives significantly. Remember, the dullness in knives is often due to the edge rolling over, not the actual dulling of the edge. Use a sharpening steel and move the knife away from its edge to bring the rolled edge back into alignment.

When to Sharpen

Most knives will only require honing before use, not actual sharpening. There are many good knife sharpeners available. Use one to get a good edge, and hone it with a fine carborundum nail file if necessary. Always dry and store your knives as soon as you finish using them to prevent rust and maintain their sharpness.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can keep your kitchen knives sharp and in excellent condition, saving you money and time in the long run. Just remember, taking care of your knives properly is key to maintaining their performance and longevity.