There are a few different ways to sharpen your knife. You can use a stone, steel, or honing rod. We will go over all three methods so that you can choose the best one for your situation.
Sharpening with a Stone
Sharpening with a stone is the most traditional way to do it. It is also the most versatile and effective method. You can use any type of stone, although we recommend using a medium-grit or fine-grit stone.
Start by soaking the stone in water for 5-10 minutes. This will help to keep it from drying out and will make it easier to use. Next, place the stone on a flat surface and hold your knife at a 20-degree angle.
Run the blade along the stone, using even strokes. Be sure to keep the same angle throughout the entire process. After a few strokes, you should start to see a burr forming on the edge of the blade.
Once the burr has formed, flip the blade over and repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides have been sharpened, use a honing rod or steel to remove the burr.
Sharpening with a Steel
Sharpening with steel is a quick and easy way to sharpen your knife. It is also the least expensive method. Start by finding a honing rod or steel that is the same width as your blade.
Hold the steel in your non-dominant hand and the knife in your dominant hand. Place the tip of the knife against the top of the steel, at a 20-degree angle.
Slide the blade down the length of the steel, using even strokes. Be sure to keep the same angle throughout the entire process. After a few strokes, you should start to see a burr forming on the edge of the blade.
Once the burr has formed, flip the blade over and repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides have been sharpened, use a honing rod or steel to remove the burr.
Sharpening with a Honing Rod
Sharpening with a honing rod is similar to sharpening with steel. Start by finding a honing rod or steel that is the same width as your blade.
Hold the honing rod in your non-dominant hand and the knife in your dominant hand. Place the tip of the knife against the top of the honing rod, at a 20-degree angle.
Slide the blade down the length of the honing rod, using even strokes. Be sure to keep the same angle throughout the entire process. After a few strokes, you should start to see a burr forming on the edge of the blade.
Once the burr has formed, flip the blade over and repeat the process on the other side. Once both sides have been sharpened, use a honing rod or steel to remove the burr.
Now that you know how to sharpen your knife, you can keep it in good condition and always be prepared for whatever comes your way.