How to Sharpen a Knife Razor Sharp

A dull knife is a dangerous knife. A knife is meant to be sharp, so that you do not have to forcefully apply pressure when cutting most materials. Keeping your knife sharp is simple once you get in the habit of checking the edge and touching up the blade. Keep your steel and strop in a convenient place and touch up your blade on a regular basis. Once you get used to having a razor sharp knife, you will not let that blade get dull.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Coarse, medium and fine stones
• Honing oil
• Sharpening steel
• Rag
• Leather strop

1. 
    

   Assess the sharpness of the edge of the knife. Start with the coarse stone if the blade's edge is dull. A semi-sharp edge can start with the medium stone. Set the stone on a tabletop or bench and apply some honing oil to the surface of the stone.

2. 
    
   Honing the edge

   To begin honing the blade's edge, grasp the knife and slide the blade away from you, maintaining constant contact with the stone. Make sure that the blade is inclined to about a 20 to 25 degree angle while you are contacting the stone. Flip the blade over and repeat, drawing the blade towards you. Pretend like you are trying to slice off the top layer of the stone with the blade.

3. Keep in mind that depending on the size of the stone, you may be able to use your other hand to support the back of the blade while honing. This hand will also make holding the 20 to 25 degree angle easier. While you are sharpening, ensure that you also draw the knife sideways across the stone so as to ensure the entire blade comes into contact with the stone. Make sure the entire blade is getting honed.

4. Make five or six strokes and check the blade's edge. A stroke is one out and one back repetition with the knife. If the blade is starting to take an edge, move to the medium stone. Continue with the steps until the knife blade gets sharp. Only move to the fine stone when the blade is sharp.

5. Repeat above using the fine stone. The fine stone does not remove much material. Keep honing with the fine stone until the blade is hair shaving sharp. Keep testing the edge until you are satisfied. Now work it several times with a leather strop. This will polish the edge and give it a straight razor type edge.

6. 
    
   Using the steel

   Use the steel and the leather strop periodically to keep the knife razor sharp.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the stone lubricated with honing oil throughout the process.
• Test the sharpness by cutting a piece of paper with the knife. A keen edge should glide smoothly, without hanging up, through the paper.
• Wipe the blade throughout the honing process to keep the blade clean.
• Use caution when working with knives.

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