How to Sharpen a Santoku

Bench stones can be used to sharpen santoku knives.

Santoku knives have been growing in popularity and now every major knife manufacturer offers a version of the Japanese style knife. The knives typically are 5 to 7 inches long, and feature a granton or scalloped edge on both sides of the blade which releases sticky or thin slices of food after slicing. Renowned for their chopping, dicing and mincing abilities, santoku knives must be kept sharp and well-maintained.

Instructions

Sharpening Stone

1. Sharpening or bench stones come in every price range and style. They all will work with a santoku knife. First, lubricate the stone with the required liquid - either water, oil or dishwashing liquid mixed with water.

2. Match the angle of the stone to the bevel edge of the knife, which is the actual cutting edge of the blade.

3. Placing one finger on top of the blade to apply pressure, work the bevel edge along the surface of the stone several times, keeping the blade at the desired angle. Do this in either a circular or back and forth motion.

4. Flip the knife over and repeat on the other side, taking care to re-lubricate the sharpening stone once metal shavings cover the surface.

5. Use a smooth steel to hone the edge by gently rubbing the steel along each side of the blade. This will remove the burrs left by sharpening and maximize the blade's keenness.

Electric Sharpener

1. Before purchasing, check with the manufacturer to make sure the electric sharpener will not strip the granton edge of the santoku knife. To sharpen, guide the blade into the sharpening slot and pull back.

2. Repeat four to five times.

3. Use a cloth to wipe off the burrs left by sharpening before using the knife or storing in a block.

Professional Services

1. Professional sharpening services are a good idea for anyone wary of sharpening a knife.

2. Good butcher shops will sharpen knives for a fee as will some specialty hardware stores and cookware shops.

3. Manufacturers of some high quality knives will include free annual sharpening in the purchase price. Shun offers free sharpening for life. Send the knife, insured, to Shun and they will send it back a few weeks later, professionally sharpened.

References

• Cornerhardware.com: Sharpening a Knife
• Gardenweb.com: How to Sharpen a Santoku