How to Hone a Knife
Most people mistakenly assume that the steel rod usually sold as part of a knife set is used to sharpen knives. What it really does, however, is hone knives. Whereas sharpening knives removes small pieces of metal from a worn blade and reshapes the edge, honing actually straightens the microscopic teeth along the knife's edge, making it cut more efficiently. Follow a few simple steps to hone a knife. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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1
Hold the steel rod in one hand so that it is pointing down on a nonskid surface.
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2
Place the heel of the knife, which is the end that is closest to the handle, flush against the steel rod. The tip should point out at a 20-degree angle. Draw the knife down slowly in an arc.
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3
Repeat Step 2 two or three times for each side of the knife.
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4
Keep your knife blades working properly and make sure to hone them each time you use them.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure to use a steel rod rather than an automatic sharpener, which can damage and dull the knife blade.
To preserve the integrity of kitchen knives, always wash them by hand. Likewise, make sure to store them in a wooden block or in a protective sheath.
Have your knives professionally sharpened once a year to remove dull pieces of metal and reshape the blade.
Always carry a knife with its point facing down. Store knives away from children, or keep them locked in a cupboard.
