How to Sharpen a Non-serrated Knife Using a Whetstone

This article will explain how to sharpen most any knife that doesn't have a serrated edge, using a whet stone.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A knife
• A whet stone
• Oil or water
• A rag or towel

1. Step one; Choose a fine / medium fine grit whet stone. A new stone will need to be thoroughly soaked in either water or a light oil (lamp oil or kerosene work well). This will lubricate the stone and keep the porous surface from clogging. Add small amounts of your lubricant as you work, keeping the surface wet.

2. Step two; Holding the stone by the ends with your non-dominate hand and the knife in the other, start by laying the blade flat against the surface of the stone with the edge to be sharpend facing away. Lift the back of the blade to an angle between 15 and 30 degrees, or attempt to match the existing angle of knife edge. Push knife away while drawing it across the stone with an arcing motion. Turn knife over and repeat, using same angle and arc, but pulling knife towards you instead of pushing. Continue alternating sides, adding lubricant as nessacary, until knife is sharp.

3. Step three; Checking the sharpness. Occasionally wipe the blade off and look closely at the edge. You should be able to see if your knife is getting sharp. If you see dark or shiny spots on the edge, keep working. When sharp, the edge will look consistent and defined, when it does, try cutting something.

Tips & Warnings

• There are countless ways to sharpen a knife. Any abrasive surface with components harder than the steel of the knife can be used to sharpen a blade, find the method that works best for you.
• Always use great care and caution when sharpening a knife. When using this method, keep the tips of your fingers below the top surface of the stone.

[elisavietta]

on 8/11/2009 This was an excelent source when I needed to sharpen my kitchen knives! Thank you!