There's nothing more annoying than chopping vegetables for dinner with a dull knife. Luckily, you can solve this problem easily with a manual or electric knife sharpener. In just a few minutes, your knife will be sharp again. If you don't have a manual or electric sharpener at home, you can try using a sharpening stone, sharpening rod, or sending the knife to a sharpener.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Sharpening Blunt Knives with Manual Tools
Step 1. Test the sharpness of your knife by slicing a piece of paper
You may be sure the knife is dull, but to be sure, take a piece of newsprint and fold it in half (or use a regular sheet of HVS paper). Hold the paper, then cut with a knife. If the knife can't tear the paper, it's time to sharpen it again.
A knife in sharp and prime condition should be able to tear the paper smoothly without stopping in the middle
Step 2. Use the “coarse” setting to sharpen very dull knives
Most knife sharpeners have 2 settings, namely “coarse” and “fine”. The “coarse” setting is used to grind the steel on the blade to reshape the sharp edges, while the “fine” setting is used for everyday knife maintenance.
You can also find this setting on electric sharpeners, but electric tools usually have an extra slot between the two options
Step 3. Pull the knife through the sharpener from near the handle to the end 3 to 6 times
Insert the knife into the sharpener starting at the base near the handle. Gently pull the knife toward your body. Repeat this process 3 to 6 times. 3 strokes for moderately blunt blades and 6 strokes for very dull blades.
- This method will restore the original sharpness of the knife.
- Apply firm enough pressure as you pull the knife through the sharpener until you hear a clear scraping sound. If you're using an electric sharpener, there's no need to push the blade down – the rotating mechanism on the machine will do this automatically.
Step 4. Pull the knife while following its contour
Whenever you insert a knife into a sharpener, you shouldn't just pull it straight. However, follow the curve of the knife so that the handle is higher than the tip when you pull it out. In this way, the entire edge of the knife can be sharp again.
If you press it, you can hear a sound and feel the friction against the blade being pulled. If no sound is heard or there is no friction, you may not be following the contours of the blade carefully
Step 5. Sharpen the knife on the “fine” setting 1 to 2 times to complete the process
Once you've finished sharpening your knife to the coarse setting, you'll need to do some finishing touches to smooth out the edges. You don't need to press the knife too hard when sharpening it on the “fine” setting. The friction sound will not be as loud as the previous process.
If your knife sharpener has more than one setting, sharpen the knife to a setting between coarse and fine once or twice, then end the process with a fine setting. These additional settings are just options to make your blade sharper even better
Step 6. Rinse the knife thoroughly, then dry with a lint-free towel
Use warm, soapy water to rinse off the metal chips before using the knife again. Use a sponge or kitchen rag to wipe the surface of the knife. Dry the item completely so it doesn't rust, then put it back in the knife holder or kitchen storage area.
Do not wash knives in a dishwasher (dishwasher). The knife can be hit or damaged by other objects
Step 7. Treat the knife by sharpening it on the “fine” setting every day
In general, you need to sharpen the knife after using it for 2 hours. Depending on how often you cook, this may not need to be done every day. Just remember that the knives in the kitchen need to be kept sharp.
If you're used to sharpening your knives every day or nearly every week with a manual sharpener, you may not need to do this to maintain sharpness
Method 2 of 2: Using Other Methods to Sharpen Knives
Step 1. Purchase an electric sharpener if you frequently cook with expensive knives
Electric knife sharpeners are more expensive than manual tools, which is around IDR 400,000 to IDR 1,000,000, depending on the brand chosen. However, this tool is more powerful and easier to use because it can sharpen knives automatically. This tool is faster and easier to use than a manual knife sharpener.
Make sure you find out the information you need before buying an electric knife sharpener. Some sharpeners from certain brands are made for certain types of blades. There are also tools that are sold with additional features, such as a lifetime warranty
Step 2. Purchase a mini sharpener or handheld sharpener for home use
This is a great option for those of you who enjoy cooking at home, but don't spend more than 2 hours in the kitchen each day. This tool is smaller than an electric sharpener so it's easier to store, but can be used for daily knife maintenance or sharpening a dull knife. The price ranges from IDR 100,000 to IDR 600,000, depending on the brand chosen.
The sensation of manually sharpening a knife should also be taken into account. Many cooks enjoy the physical sensation of sharpening a knife. You have more control of the movement when using a manual knife sharpener than an electric one
Step 3. Consider using a whetstone as a smoother, more controlled sharpening tool
The whetstone is usually just a lump that can be used to rub the knife to make it sharper. Soak the whetstone in water for 5 to 10 minutes before using it. Hold the knife at a 22-degree angle, then slide the blade against the surface of the whetstone. Swipe 5 to 10 times to sharpen the knife.
- Soaking the whetstone in water helps prevent the blade from overheating when sharpening. A blade that is too hot can cause a chemical reaction so that the material becomes brittle and warps easily.
- Check the directions for using the whetstone one more time before soaking it. While most whetstones need to be soaked before use, there are some brands and types of whetstones that shouldn't be exposed to water.
Step 4. Use a sharpening rod to straighten the blade
Sharpening rods are also known as “sharpening irons” and are usually sold with a set of knives. This tool can't actually change the shape of the blade and technically doesn't make it sharp, but it can smoothen the blade so that the cuts made are more accurate and sharp. You don't need to use a lot of energy. This is a tool that makes it easy for you to keep your knife sharp every day.
Do not use this item as a substitute for a knife sharpener as it can cause the blade to warp, making it dangerous to use
Step 5. Take your knife to a professional if you can't sharpen it at home
Rates for this service range from Rp. 20,000 to Rp. 35,000 per inch of blade. Some companies allow customers to send knives to them in the mail if they live far away (customers have to pay for shipping).
Check the warranty! Some knife brands offer a lifetime of free knife sharpening services. You can make the best use of this policy
Tips
- In a pinch, you can even sharpen the blade using the bottom of a ceramic glass.
- While knife sharpeners are usually designed specifically for sharpening kitchen knives, they can also be used for a variety of other types of knives, including pocket knives and all-purpose knives used by hunters and anglers. However, especially for this type of knife, manual sharpeners are more effective than electric tools.
