How to Sharpen a Knife at Home

Knives are easy to sharpen at home

Sharpening knives is a simple process that requires only two tools and oil. Sharpening stones are made from one of three materials -- Silicon Carbide, Aluminum Oxide and natural Novaculite stone. All are available in fine, medium or coarse grades.

Every knife has a different bevel on its sharp edge, which determines the angle for sharpening it. Paring and filleting knives have 5 to 10 degree angles, camping and pocket knives have 10 to 15 degree angles and heavy cleavers and chopping knives have 15 to 25 degree angles. Using the correct angle with a simple sharpening stone, you can properly sharpen all of them. Finish with a honing tool and your knives will be like new.

Things You'll Need

• Sharpening stone
• Sharpening oil
• Honing Rod

Instructions

1. Lubricate the stone with the sharpening oil to keep its pores from getting clogged and to help glide the blade.

2. Place the stone on a firm surface.

3. Grasp the handle of the knife with the sharp edge facing you.

4. Set the blade against the stone at an angle matching the bevel.

5. Draw the blade toward you while applying moderate pressure downward about a dozen times.

6. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 on the other side of the blade.

7. Rub each side of the blade lightly against the honing tool to finish the edges.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice holding the blade at the correct angle and drawing the blade toward you.

• Hone your blades periodically to keep them sharp, and use the stone again when honing is no longer effective.

• Sharpening stones are available in hardware stores and online.

• Work slowly when sharpening to avoid injury.

References

• Corner Hardware.com: Sharpening a Knife

Resources

• The Family Handyman: How to Sharpen Knives and Scissors