Having a well honed blade will not only keep your knife working better, but will also help it last longer. But not all people know how to sharpen their knives, and some even think it is a lost art. Luckily, there are some ways to hone your blade that you can easily learn.
Japanese scrubbing method
Using the Japanese scrubbing method for hand sharpening your blade is a good way to achieve a better edge in less time and effort. The technique combines stropping with a burr to create a sharp edge. You should keep in mind that the most effective methods will require you to have the right equipment.
First, you should get a whetstone. These are made of natural or synthetic materials. There are many types, but the most common are ceramic or aluminum oxide. These stones can be purchased in various grades, which you will likely need to determine according to the size of your blade. The most important thing is to keep in mind that a whetstone should be used with care. They can wear out more quickly than you think. The blade should be stored in a cool, dry place, and should not be exposed to extreme heat or humidity.
Next, you need to soak the whetstone in water for about 10 minutes. You can place an item under the stone to prevent it from moving around, or you can use a towel.
After the soaking, you should do the proper scrubbing to remove any rust that might have accumulated during the sharpening process. You can also try rubbing some oil on the stone. This will help in keeping the surface of the stone smooth.
The best part of the Japanese scrubbing method for hand-sharpening your knives is that it will not damage the blade. In fact, if you’re careful, you might end up with a rust-free knife that you can use for years to come. You should also follow the manufacturer’s instructions and follow all safety precautions. You should also make sure that your Japanese knives are properly maintained. This will help you avoid damaging your knife and losing your warranty.
Finally, you should learn to enjoy the process. Sharpening a blade is a functional and enjoyable activity, and you can even take pride in your accomplishment. A good knife is a worthwhile investment, and will last a lifetime. Remember to store it with the sharable side of the blade away from you.
Man made clay/ceramic stones
Traditionally, sharpening stones have been either natural or man made. Natural stones were mined from the earth, while man made stones were manufactured. Whether natural or man made, the material used must be durable, consistent and provide a smooth surface.
These materials come in several different grit sizes. The coarser grits remove more material, while the finer grits polish the edge. Depending on the matrix, a stone can be used to repair a damaged edge, as well as to smooth an edge.
Oil stones are also popular. These are often used in conjunction with synthetic aluminum oxide or Novaculite to repair a damaged edge. They are softer than Arkansas stones, but still capable of producing a fine edge. The stones are commonly made from Aluminum Oxide or Silicon Carbide. They are marketed by Norton Abrasives.
Japanese Water Stones are a natural sharpening stone. They are made of a clay matrix that is suspended with fine silicate particles. This stone is a sedimentary stone that has been used for hundreds of years to hone knives. They are available in a wide range of grits, from 80 to 12000. Unlike other types of sharpening stones, the Japanese water stones are able to flatten and refinish the edge. They are available in a variety of grades, from coarse to extra-fine.
The main difference between water stones and oil stones is the amount of time that it takes for the edges to be refined. If you are using an oil stone, you will need to lubricate the stone with oil before and during use. This prevents the stones from clogging.
These stones are usually a component of pull-through style sharpeners. They are also available in flat bench-stone style pieces. The base of these stones raises the stone off of the work surface, providing a better angle for working.
Diamond stones are another alternative to traditional sharpening stones. They are available in a variety of formats, including credit card sized diamond plates and double-sided bench whetstones. They offer many advantages over traditional sharpening stones, including the ability to cut faster.
Cost of hand sharpening services
Getting a sharp edge on your knives is a very important aspect of food preparation. Using a dull knife makes simple tasks difficult. You’ll know your blades need to be sharpened if you notice nicks or flat spots. It’s not hard to find a good knife sharpener.
The cost of sharpening a knife depends on the type of knives you have and the service you use. Basic services for honing a blade can range from $5 to $10. Serrated blades are more costly to sharpen.
A professional knife sharpening service can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per blade. They can also clean and refinish wooden handles. Some companies even offer deals for contracting with restaurants.
Mail-in sharpening services are also a viable option. They often have a printable form you can fill out to send in your knives. Most services also accept credit cards. A small fee will usually be added for sending in your blades. These services will also recommend guards to protect your knives. Some services will also charge a small fee for thinning your blades.
One of the easiest ways to find a local knife sharpener is to search the Internet. These services will typically have comparable prices to larger chains. Some offer discounts on a large number of knives.
In addition to the obvious benefits of having your knives sharpened, these companies will also clean and refinish wooden handles. This is especially helpful for chefs who may have an expensive knife set.
Keeping a sharp blade can increase the lifespan of your knives. It’s also a great way to prevent last-minute issues. Depending on the company, a full sharpening of a knife will generally take a few days to a week.
A DIY knife sharpening kit costs around $50. They are readily available for sale in department stores. You can also find a good quality kit online.
For the money, the sharpening stone is a good investment. These stones have a coarse side that hones the edge, and a fine side that polishes it. The stone can be purchased for around $20.
Eytan Zias
Among the many reasons to visit Phoenix Knife House in Arcadia, Arizona is to watch Eytan Zias, the owner, sharpen his knives. Whether you are a home cook or a chef, Eytan can help you find the right knife for your needs. And he can also teach you the art of hand sharpening.
The store has one of the largest collections of Japanese knives in the country. These include everything from a Chef’s Knife to a paring knife. The shop is known for its Japanese water stones, which are used to sharpen the blades.
The knife shop is run by chefs who have cooked at top New York restaurants. Customers come in once a month to have their knives hand-sharpened. The shop sells Misono knives and Japanese water stones. The knives are hand-sharpened in section-by-section, using Japanese-based techniques.
The shop was created eight years ago. The knives are hand-sharpened by chefs, which is a very different process than machine sharpening. And the process is a lot faster. It takes only a couple of minutes to sharpen a knife.
In addition to the kitchen shop, Zias is a wood craftsman. He has a knack for honing rods and sharpening stone. He has sold knives to hundreds of home cooks and chefs. And he has taught classes on the art of knife sharpening.
In fact, he has a passion project – the Portland Knife House. This is a sister store to the Phoenix Knife House. The shop is aimed at industry professionals, and the knives it sells are only a fraction of the inventory in the Phoenix location.
The knives have a 65 Rockwell edge, which is harder than any American knife. This edge is stronger than most Chinese or Japanese cutlery. Besides being more durable, it also exceeds the manufacturer’s specs. The edges are machine polished, which means that they will last longer than a hand-sharpened edge.
The owner of the knife shop, Eytan Zias, has been in the knife business for many years. After working in restaurants for 10 years, he decided to open his own knife sharpening business. He opened his first store in 2007.