No matter what type of knife you own, it's essential to keep it sharp for the best results. Sharp knives make food prep easier and require less pressure to achieve your desired cuts, contributing to a safe kitchen environment. If you aren't familiar with knife sharpeners, it can be difficult to determine the sharpener that best fits your needs. In this guide, we'll introduce the different types of sharpeners, bevels, and knife angles so that you can make an informed decision.
Use the following links to learn more about the types of knife sharpeners:
There are five main types of knife sharpeners to choose from. Each offers unique features that set it apart from the next, and some can even be maintained using knife sharpener parts and accessories. Using the wrong sharpener can decrease efficiency and damage the knife. We've listed each type of sharpener below:
An electric knife sharpener is a convenient device that simplifies the sharpening process. It allows you to achieve quick and consistent results, saving your staff valuable time in the kitchen. These sharpeners work by running a knife through a slot, which exposes it to spinning miniaturized sharpening stones. Many electric knife sharpeners even feature a guide, allowing you to achieve the perfect sharpening angle.
Types of Electric Knife Sharpeners
Though electric knife sharpeners can include many different features, they come in two main styles:
A sharpening stone, sometimes called a whetstone, uses its abrasive surface to sharpen knives. It's important to note that many people use cutting fluid with their sharpening stone for the best results. Sharpening stones can be made from natural or artificial materials and feature different grit sizes.
Types of Sharpening Stones
There are three main types of sharpening stones:
Sharpening steel, also called honing steel, is a type of rod used to restore dull blades. While some sharpening steel varieties can improve knife sharpness, that isn’t their intended function. Instead, they hone the edges of your knives to maintain consistent results.
Types of Sharpening Steels
In general, there are four main types of sharpening steels:
A serrated knife sharpener is designed specifically for use on serrated knives. Because of their unique edges, serrated knives are difficult to sharpen with a stone or a traditional sharpener. Using the wrong sharpener on a serrated knife can damage the blade and your equipment.
Types of Serrated Knife Sharpeners
There are two main types of serrated knife sharpeners:
Though limited in terms of output, a handheld knife sharpener allows you to simplify the sharpening process. Their small size and manual operating method make them perfect for cooking professionals in fast-paced environments or chefs that travel for work.
Types of Handheld Knife Sharpeners
In general, there are two types of handheld sharpeners:
Bevel is the surface that has been ground down to create the edge of the blade. It determines how sharp, strong, and durable a knife will be. Knives can feature different bevels depending on where they were made, their material, and their intended use. A standard bevel forms when there is an angle on one side of the blade, while a double bevel forms when there is an angle on both sides. Below, we'll outline the different types of knife bevels and their distinguishing characteristics:
When sharpening a knife, angle measurements represent the angle of a knife's edge. The most important thing to remember when determining the angle of your knife is how you want to use it. Lower angles correlate with increased sharpness, while higher angles represent a strong and more durable blade. Below we'll introduce the most common blade angles and their characteristics:
If you're unfamiliar with knife sharpeners, it's important to familiarize yourself with them before you make a purchase. Below we've defined some key terms to remember:
If you don't have a sharpener on hand, it's possible to sharpen a knife with another knife. It's important to note that this process could damage the knives and should only be done if necessary. Follow the steps below to sharpen your knife without a sharpener:
Coarse knife sharpening is meant to grind down rough edges, removing any damage to the blade and leaving a dull edge. Fine knife sharpening is meant to hone the blade, producing a sharper edge.
The lifespan of a knife sharpener depends on how often you use it and the quality of the sharpener. A high-quality knife sharpener can last many years if it is properly maintained.
Sharpening is the process of making a dull blade sharp, and honing is the process of maintaining a sharp blade. Honing your knives regularly helps to keep them maintained. Conversely, a knife should only be sharpened when it becomes dull or damaged.
Some chefs take their kitchen cutlery to a professional to have them sharpened, but it is much more cost-effective to invest in a sharpening stone or knife sharpener and do it yourself. You can use our calculator below to learn just how much money your business can save by sharpening your knives yourself:
Hiring a Knife Sharpening Service | |||
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Purchasing an Electric Knife Sharpener | |||
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