Keeping your knives sharp

[funksouljon]

Was mostly thinking about cutlery, but how do you keep your knives sharp?

I have a Chef'sChoice that does a pretty good job. However was wondering if anyone uses a pro. As if in knife sharpening service. Are the better? Just give an edge for a longer time? I don't think they are that much, only like a starbucks coffee each.

I have been better about my blades, but know I need to sit down and do them all again. Dexter, any advice?

 

[KitingHigh]

Using a pro is never a bad idea, regardless of any manufacturer claims sharpening a knife properly is a skill that takes practice. If you want to sharpen your own then practice often and don't expect the first few times to be perfect.

I use the honing steel with every use of my steel knives and a Lansky diamond system to hand sharpen them when needed.

https://lansky.com/index.php/products/3-stone-standard-diamond-system/

I use my ceramics most of the time though in the kitchen and use the sharpener mostly for my work knife. (Riggers knife for boating)

 

[Formerly Rockymtnole]

By shaving daily.

 

[DFSNOLE]

The best way to keep a good edge is by buying good knives. A blade made from quality metal should only need honing under normal use.

Sharpening vs. Honing: The Rule of Thumb
Here’s an easy way to remember the difference.

If metal is being removed from the blade, it’s sharpening.
If metal is not being removed from the blade, it’s honing.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Shun sharpens their knives for free as long as you own them. Global doesn't seem to though. I haven't had to send mine in yet though, as I try to be real careful about not cutting into things like bone that could dull the blade. I've got separate cheaper knives for hacking through bones - those I sharpen with an electric knife sharpener.

 

[SeaPA]

You don’t have one of those grinder things on your can opener?

 

[F4Gary]

The bottom of a coffee mug works pretty good.
Or buy a Ginsu knife!

 

[Fijimn]

Buy a wet stone.

 

[DFSNOLE]

Buy a wet stone.

Is that similar to a whetstone?

 

[TexSkills]

I have Wusthofs and the sharpening thing that comes separately works great

 

[catanole]

Ken onion worksharp and a leather strap. Perfect angle and up to 1000 grit belt, makes razor blades out of even the cheapest knife .

 

[EconSean]

Have the help do it?

 

[LesClaypool]

Knives Out!



One of the best Radiohead songs ever, IMO.

 

[billanole]

Ken onion worksharp and a leather strap. Perfect angle and up to 1000 grit belt, makes razor blades out of even the cheapest knife .

Nice.

 

[mcgrawfsu]

Shun sharpens their knives for free as long as you own them. Global doesn't seem to though. I haven't had to send mine in yet though, as I try to be real careful about not cutting into things like bone that could dull the blade. I've got separate cheaper knives for hacking through bones - those I sharpen with an electric knife sharpener.

I have a set of Shun knives. How do I get them to sharpen them? Send them in?

 

[NDallasRuss]

Check their website. You pay $5 for the first knife, $2 for each subsequent knife for handling, and send them in. They sharpen them and send them back to you.

 

[helmetnuts]

Confirmation on Russ' post. I have a 10 inch Premier that I send to them once a year...usually back in 2-3 weeks.

I have a 2nd cheap chef's knife that I keep sharp while my Shun is out of service. Go online and you should be able to find a sharpening service. Found one here in Jax who does sharpening for most of the barbers in town and they do knives as well. Was $15 and they actually picked it up and delivered it back to my house in about a week.

 

[cmanole]

I have a stone on the work bench in the garage. One beer later a couple knives a magically sharp again...

 

[Gonolz]

I deal with my knives like girlfriends. When they get dull and aren't really meeting my needs anymore, I guess I could put a lot of effort into it to improve things, but it is much easier just to get new ones.

 

[DFSNOLE]

I deal with my knives like girlfriends. When they get dull and aren't really meeting my needs anymore, I guess I could put a lot of effort into it to improve things, but it is much easier just to get new ones.

You don't keep that dependable knife in the drawer for certain occasions?

 

[62Nole]

I bought a set of Cutco knives about 25 years ago. They will sharpen them at no charge. (I only pay to ship them to Cutco

I have sent two or three at a time every few years. Very good results.

 

[NoleInNC]

This guy does good work. he sets up at festivals and events and sharpens on the spot or you can mail them to him.

https://www.thatsharpeningguy.com/