How to sharpen knives: 4 surefire and safe ways

Knives are fundamental tools in any kitchen in the world! And no matter if the person is a daily housewife who cooks for the family or a renowned chef who works in a large restaurant, it is important that the knife is always sharp so that "it can do its job well".

Sharpening a blade can be a simple act that anyone can do, for example, at the edge of the sink, or a more complex art that requires a lot of knowledge and years of practice. It basically depends on the expected result and also a little on the value of the sharpening instrument.

According to restaurant chef Alessandro e Frederico, Italian Gennaro Cannone, it is somewhat subjective to talk about knife sharpening, as each professional uses a different type of knife. The sushiman, for example, uses knives with thinner blades than those working with noble meats, which require thicker blades. Each knife has a function, a different point?

But despite the particulars of each knife, below you know some of the best known ways to sharpen these instruments.

1. How to sharpen knife in stone

The guidelines and tips below are from Wilson Kano, director of ObentôMania's Japanese lunchbox franchise network. “I use knives a lot in my daily life to slice the fish and ingredients according to the requirement of good oriental cuisine. Thus, knives are very necessary instruments, so they always need to be sharp?

Also read: 10 Granny Tricks To Use In The Kitchen

1. First, it is necessary to wet the stone for about five minutes. One suggestion is to leave it in a container with water.
2. Then it is worth noting that the stone has two sides: one more porous and one smoother. Regular knife sharpeners can usually use only the thinner (less porous) side of the stone.
3. Slide the knife all over the stone. This with her at an angle of about 30 degrees.

"It's like cutting the stone very thinly all along it," explains Wilson Kano. In the video below you also check out a simple and fast method for sharpening:

2. How to sharpen a grinder

Emery is a? Stone wheel? turned by a motor. The piece is fixed to a workbench. This is a method that requires further care.

1. Apply lubricating oil to the machine blade as this will help protect the blade while sharpening.
2. Turn on the grinder by holding the knife at a 45 degree angle on it.
3. Move the knife through the grinder from the base to the tip carefully.
4. Repeat this process three or four times.
5. Turn the knife over and repeat the process to sharpen the other side.

Wilson Kano points out that sharpening knives with a grinder requires greater skill due to the risk of injury. "I suggest not using this technique if you do not have full control of the equipment and the act," he warns.

3. How to sharpen knife with chaira

Wilson also gives his tips on using the chaira to return the knife edge, check out:

1. Hold the kettle upside down.
2. Slide the knife the full length of the chiara at an angle of about 20 degrees, making movements from the outside in, always being careful not to hurt yourself.
3. Repeat the same movement and number of movements on both sides of the knife.

"The idea is the illusion of taking a very thin slice of chiara," comments Wilson Kano. In the video below, Vicente da Silva Filho also teaches ways to use the knife sharpening chaira. It is worth checking:

4. How to sharpen knife with sharpener

Knife sharpeners / sharpeners are easily available for sale and the way to use them is also quite simple:

Read also: 4 tips to make everyday kitchen easier

1. Insert the knife into the sharpener.
2. Slide the knife back and forth and let the equipment deliver on its promise.

? I do not usually use sharpener as I consider the other two methods? stone and chaira? much more efficient. But for those who want to use it, is it simple? Comments Wilson.

Sharpening Knives: Which Method to Choose?

But among the options mentioned, what is the easiest / recommended method for sharpening knives?

Wilson Kano explains that the easiest method is undoubtedly the electric sharpener, as there are no risks to those handling the knife. "However, I prefer to use traditional methods such as stone and chaira," he says.

Gennaro Cannone, in turn, points out that, particularly in its branch, indicates the use of stone and water to keep the stone always wet during the grinding process. This avoids scratching the knife. Here's the tip!

How to sharpen ceramic knife?

Do you have a ceramic knife and wonder how to sharpen it? Be aware that there is a specific sharpener for this type of knife, but the price is usually a little high.

Read also: Learn how to cook in the dishwasher

Another way is to use a diamond stone to sharpen the ceramic knife:

1. Tilt the knife about 15 to 20 degrees from the stone.
2. Pass the knife along the blade.
3. Repeat the movement several times on both sides of the blade.
4. Clean the blade before using it (to cut the food).

It is worth adding that some companies that sell ceramic knives already offer customers a sharpening service of these knives.

Where to buy knife sharpening products?

Check out the gallery where to buy sharpeners and other products for this purpose in online stores in Brazil:

Tramontina Knife Sharpener for R $ 64.15 on Americanas

Read also: How to eliminate bad smell from the kitchen

Ceramic Knife Sharpener for R $ 369 at Casadicor

Tramontina Double-sided Knife Sharpener for US $ 42.99 on Americanas

Whetstone for $ 5.37 at DX

Diamond chaira for R $ 107,41 on ViaInox

Emery for R $ 109,90 at Walmart

Knife sharpening stone for R $ 251,90 at Konbini

You now have the main guidelines for sharpening knives. Regardless of the method you use, remember to be careful, after all, with a knife does not play. Always store them in a safe place (especially if you have children at home).