How to Sharpen a Knife With a Sharpening Stick

A dull knife is actually more dangerous than a sharp knife because they are more prone to slip. Using a sharpening stick, sometimes called a sharpening rod, to sharpen your knife makes it a safer instrument. The process is easy and can be done in nearly any setting.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Place the bottom of your sharpening stick on a sturdy worktable or similar setting. The key is that it doesn't slip while you're sharpening your knife. Position your stick straight up and down.

2. Place the blade of your knife against the top of the stick with the cutting edge pointing away from you. The angle between the shaft of the blade and the edge of the stone should be 45 degrees.

3. Angle the back end of the blade, the non-cutting edge, up in order to change the angle between the cutting edge of the blade and the surface of the sharpening stick. Continue angling the back of the blade until the cutting edge is at a 20-degree angle to the stick's surface.

4. Use moderate pressure and push the blade down, creating friction between the blade's cutting edge and the surface of the stone. The friction gently grinds the blade, sharpening it.

5. Repeat the process of pushing the blade down the sharpening stick. The number of times required will vary depending on the dullness of the blade. Try a dozen strokes; if the blade is still dull, try a dozen more.

6. Turn the blade over and repeat the process on the other side. All of the angles remain the same.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your knife immediately after each use to keep its shine and help prevent corrosion.

Resources

• Knife safety

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