Whether you’re a sushi chef slicing thin slivers of fish or an art student cutting bits of paper into a complex collage, you likely know the importance of having a good knife sharpener. Not only does it make them considerably easier to use, but it also prevents you from potentially ruining your project or cutting yourself. Don’t put yourself at risk by using a dull blade. Here are a few examples of the types of sharpening tools to consider.
With so many different sharpeners to choose from, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed, especially as everyone seems to have a different opinion regarding what kind of knife sharpener is the best. When it comes to learning this, it’s best to discover it for yourself. Some prefer hand sharpeners, while others swear that electric sharpeners are the only way to go.
A distinct advantage of using a knife sharpener by hand is that you are given considerably more control over the blade. It’s a bit more time consuming, but many see this as a necessary part of the sharpening process. Typical hand sharpeners are made from a variety of different materials. The type of material used often depends on the type of knife used and how dull it’s become. Some use a thick leather strip, while others prefer whetting their knife against certain gritty stones or ceramic. Others sometimes use steel to sharpen their blades when they only need a light touch up. It’s also not uncommon to find knife sharpeners using honing oil as well.
While sharpening a blade by hand has its advantages, there is something to be said about the efficiency of an electric knife sharpener. This involves simply inserting the blades into the chambers and let the machine do the work. Many such devices come with a pre-sharpening chamber that serves to clean the blade and remove small grooves and flecks that appear with frequent use. Once the blade is smooth and polished again, the real sharpening begins.
However, unlike hand sharpening methods, it’s sometimes difficult to observe just how much sharpening you’ve done without checking the blade frequently. However, if you use your knives on a regular basis and want a fast, easy way to keep them properly honed, an electric knife sharpener is an ideal addition to any kitchen or workshop.
Which is the best? Often this depends on many things, such as the type of blades being sharpened, their overall condition, and the different materials used. You may find that hand sharpening your blade with a quality stone is enough to keep them keen, or you may decide that an electric sharpener is more convenient. Learn more about the best knife sharpener for you today!