How to Sharpen Knives

The Best Methods for Razor-Sharp Blades

A sharp knife is a chef’s best friend. Whether you’re slicing vegetables, carving meat, or prepping ingredients, a dull blade can make cooking frustrating and even dangerous. Learning how to sharpen knives properly ensures clean cuts, reduces effort, and extends the life of your blades.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best methods to sharpen knives, common mistakes to avoid, and when to seek professional sharpening services.

Why You Need to Sharpen Knives Regularly

Over time, knife edges wear down due to regular use. A dull knife requires more force, increasing the risk of slips and accidents. Regular sharpening:
✅ Improves cutting efficiency
✅ Enhances safety by reducing the chance of slipping
✅ Prolongs the lifespan of your knife

Best Ways to Sharpen Knives

1. Using a Whetstone (Sharpening Stone) – Best for Precision

A whetstone is one of the most effective ways to sharpen knives. It offers precise control over the blade’s edge.

How to Use a Whetstone:
1️⃣ Soak the stone in water (if required) for about 10 minutes.
2️⃣ Place the stone on a non-slip surface.
3️⃣ Hold the knife at a 15-20 degree angle and slide the blade across the stone in a sweeping motion.
4️⃣ Repeat on the other side, ensuring even sharpening.
5️⃣ Use a finer grit stone to refine the edge.

🔹 Best For: Chef’s knives, kitchen knives, and high-quality blades.

2. Using a Honing Rod (Sharpening Steel) – Best for Maintenance

A honing rod does not sharpen but realigns the knife’s edge, maintaining sharpness between sharpening sessions.

How to Use a Honing Rod:
1️⃣ Hold the rod vertically on a stable surface.
2️⃣ Position the knife at a 15-20 degree angle.
3️⃣ Swipe the blade down the rod in a controlled motion, alternating sides.

🔹 Best For: Keeping knives sharp between sharpening sessions.

3. Using a Pull-Through Knife Sharpener – Best for Quick Fixes

Pull-through sharpeners are convenient but remove more metal than necessary, shortening your knife’s lifespan.

How to Use a Pull-Through Sharpener:
1️⃣ Place the sharpener on a stable surface.
2️⃣ Insert the knife into the coarse slot and pull it through a few times.
3️⃣ Finish with the fine slot for a polished edge.

🔹 Best For: Quick home sharpening but not recommended for expensive knives.

4. Professional Knife Sharpening – Best for Perfect Results

If you want the sharpest possible edge without the risk of damaging your knife, professional sharpening is the best option.

At Elite Edge, we use expert sharpening techniques to restore your knives to factory sharpness. Our service ensures:
✔️ Precision sharpening tailored to your knife type
✔️ Extended blade life with minimal metal removal
✔️ Convenience with mobile and mail-in options

How Often Should You Sharpen Knives?

• Daily-use kitchen knives – Hone regularly, sharpen every 2-3 months.
• Professional chef knives – Hone daily, sharpen every 4-6 weeks.
• Hunting or outdoor knives – Sharpen as needed, depending on use.

Avoid These Knife Sharpening Mistakes

❌ Using the wrong sharpening angle – Can ruin the blade’s geometry.
❌ Applying too much pressure – Leads to uneven sharpening.
❌ Skipping honing – Causes faster dulling.
❌ Using a pull-through sharpener too often – Removes excessive metal.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Knives Razor Sharp!

A properly sharpened knife makes cooking safer, easier, and more enjoyable. Whether you prefer a whetstone, honing rod, or professional sharpening, regular maintenance is key.

If you want perfect results, let Elite Edge professionally sharpen your knives in Cape Town. Contact us today!