How to Sharpen Damascus Steel

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Damascus steel has been forged for two thousand years, and its beautiful appearance, combined with impressive functionality, make it an excellent choice for upgrading your knife set. Damascus steel requires careful cleaning, but its sharp blade is very resistant to wear and tear. You will still need to sharpen your knives every so often, and the process is quite easy.

Advertisement

Sharpen Your Damascus Blade

Video of the Day

Step 1

Hold the ceramic rod in your left hand, if right handed, or your right hand, if you are left handed.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Take the blade in your other hand. Hold the blade up to the rod at a twenty degree angle. The blade will only be slightly turned toward the rod.

Advertisement

Step 3

Slowly and with a gentle pressure, move the knife from the bottom of the rod to the top. You don't need to press very hard. Repeat until the edge of the knife is smooth and sharp.

Step 4

Repeat on the other side of the blade.

Tip

For serrated knives, it is best to purchase a special sharpening rod in order to better deal with individual serrations.

Warning

Exercise caution when sharpening any knife, but particularly one made of Damascus steel, as it is extremely sharp.

Advertisement

references & resources

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...