How to Sharpen a Knife With a Cardboard Grinding Wheel

Keep your knives sharp with a cardboard grinding wheel.

Knives will dull over time and knife owners need a sharpening tool that works well and quickly. Cardboard is not thought of as a sharpening tool but with the right cardboard grinding wheel and technique you can sharpen your knives. Use caution when sharpening your knives with a cardboard grinding wheel. The cardboard is usually coated with something rough so that the knife can be sharpened quickly.

Instructions

1. Turn the grinder on. Using the side of the grinding wheel that is rough, gently place the knife on an angle so that it makes contact with the wheel. The wheel will make the edges sharper as you slowly move the cutting-edge blade of the knife down the grinder.

2. Turn the knife over (you will still be holding the handle) and repeat the first step for the other side of the knife. The grinding wheel will make it easy to determine what angle the blade needs to be brought to the grinding wheel.

3. Use the smooth wheel to buff the blade after you've used the rough wheel to sharpen the blade.

4. Test the sharpness of your knife by attempting to slice a piece of paper. Hold the piece of paper upright in your left hand (if you are right handed) and hold the knife in your right hand. Attempt to slice from the top of the piece of paper, downward. The paper should cut easily. If it does, you know your knife is sharp enough. If not, return to step one.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have questions about which cardboard grinding wheel will be best for your knives ask a store clerk or do research online before making a purchase. Make sure one of the grinding wheels is coated with something rough like silicone carbide or aluminum oxide. The other wheel should be smooth.

References

• Razor Sharp Knife Service: About Our Products
• Scribd: Sharpening a Knife