Knives Sharpening: Keep your Skills and Kitchen Experience Sharp

SHARPENING KNIVES: KEEP YOUR SKILLS AND KITCHEN EXPERIENCE SHARP

It is extremely important to have sharp knives in the kitchen to prepare meals and achieve perfect results. However, over time, knives become blunt due to use and wear and tear. A good knife sharpening will help your knife regain its sharpness and be safe to use. Here is a guide on how best to perform the knife sharpening process:

STEP 1: COLLECT THE RIGHT TOOLS

The essential tools you need to sharpen your knives are:

A knife sharpening stone or knife sharpening stick Knife oil (optional) A clean cloth

STEP 2: TAKE SAFETY MEASURES

The process of sharpening knives requires attention and a careful approach. Take the following safety measures to protect yourself:

Keep your hands and fingers away from the path of the knife while sharpening. Perform the process on a stable surface and make sure the knife stays firmly in place. Use a non-slip mat to prevent slipping. Clean your knife before sharpening and make sure it is dry.

STEP 3: CHOOSE THE RIGHT ANGLE

The sharpening process starts with giving your knife the right angle. This angle can vary depending on the type of knife and its intended use. Generally, an angle of 15 to 20 degrees is recommended.

STEP 4: SHARPEN THE KNIFE

You can follow the following steps to make your knife sharp:

Place the knife at the correct angle on the sharpening stone or stick. Move the knife over the stone or stick first towards the tip and then towards the base of the knife. Repeat this process an equal number of times on both sides. Lightly moisten the stone or stick with each pass, but avoid over-oiling.

STEP 5: TEST AND CORRECT

After you have completed the sharpening process, test the sharpness of the knife. You can do this by cutting paper or chopping vegetables to check the knife's sharpness. If the knife is still not sharp enough, repeat the process.

The skill of sharpening knives develops over time with practice. Patience is important in the beginning and doing the sharpening process carefully improves both your cooking experience and your safety. Remember, sharp knives are safer because they offer better control and cut more easily.