How to sharpen knives correctly: from mechanics to stones

Is knife sharpening an art? Depends on the approach and degree of skill proficiency. For some, an ordinary mechanical knife for home use is enough, but a professional can give a multi-hour lecture on the types of steel, sharpening stones and the intricacies of the process. I'll take the middle path. I will tell you how an ordinary person can learn to sharpen a cutting surface correctly at home. Metal, after all, requires respect.

Without unnecessary complications

Mechanical sharpeners can be seen in almost every kitchen. Due to their ease of use, they are extremely popular among ordinary people. Their appearance varies. However, the principle of operation is always the same: abrasives are located in special recesses, between which the blade is rolled. The main advantage is simplicity. Well, the downside is the extremely mediocre quality of sharpening.

To a large extent, a mechanical knife is only suitable for light editing of kitchen knives. It cannot sharpen a completely dull blade. And it will not be possible to remove the resulting chips or nicks. After such edits, the instrument very quickly loses its sharpness again.

Dear electrician

Some devices operate from the network. It makes no sense to describe their mechanism in detail - it is still the same, just even more automated. The only thing worth noting is that due to the automatic angle setting, the efficiency of such a sharpener is much higher.In addition, it can be used to sharpen scissors and any other small blades.

The only downside of the device is that worn-out abrasives often cannot be replaced. The entire device will have to be replaced. Or you need to buy a more expensive disassembled model in advance.

For edits only

Outwardly, this curious object resembles an ordinary file. It consists of a ceramic (sometimes diamond or metal) rod attached to a handle. The grain size of its grinding particles is divided into three categories: coarse, medium and smooth.

The technique of sharpening a blade with musat is also quite simple. To begin with, take the knife in one hand and the tool in the other. The “heel” of the blade is applied to the tip of the musat, the desired angle is determined and the blade is guided to the end of the rod. Movements are performed until the desired result. After this, the knife is turned over and the procedure is repeated. The main thing is that the sharpening side passes along the entire cutting edge. However, you can only “correct” the blade with musat. If you need normal sharpness, you will have to use sharpening stones.

I found a braid on...

The process of sharpening knives using special abrasive stones is the quintessence of philosophy and meditation. Ritual and skill honed over the years. However, you don't have to be a pro to make a blade sharp.

The basic principle is simple - you need to maintain the correct angle. In most cases it is 20-25 degrees, although it may vary for some knives. The smaller, the sharper the cutting edge will be, but the cut will be thinner. Accordingly, the knife will become dull faster. This pattern also works in the opposite direction. The best thing to do would be to first “train” your hand on an old, unnecessary blade.

The first movements of the blade on the stone should be performed slowly and smoothly, without much pressure. The main thing is muscle memory. The hand needs to remember the position of the knife. The rest is not so difficult. The blade is placed across the sharpening stone and guided along it from base to tip. The same must be done in the opposite direction. This should be repeated until a “burr” appears on the cutting edge on the side being sharpened. Finding it is quite easy: just gently run your finger along the blade. Repeat similarly on the reverse side.

For smoother operation, it is advisable to moisten the block with water or special mixtures. Besides, you can’t take the first stone you come across and sharpen only on it! You need to start with fine-grained abrasives, and then gradually move on to fine ones. It is marked with a certain number. The smaller it is, the rougher the result should be expected from the tool.