What’s the Difference Between Honing and Sharpening Services in San Diego, CA?

Some words in the English language are interchangeable. Their meanings are similar enough that either word will suffice for most situations. Honing and sharpening are not two of those words! While many people use these terms interchangeably, they are actually quite different. Sharpening services in San Diego, CA involve a different process than honing knives.

What exactly is the difference? Both the process and the goal of these terms are distinct. Here’s an overview of each.

Sharpening vs. Honing

Sharpening involves removing material from the blade of the knife. By grinding the knife’s edge against a sharpening tool, you take away slight pieces of material from the edge of the blade. This effectively sharpens the knife.

Honing is the process of maintaining a blade that is already sharp. This involves polishing the surface of the edge. By smoothing out the rough surface of the blade edge, you keep the blade in top condition for cutting.

Techniques

To sharpen, use a sharpening stone. This abrasive material will grind the metal of the blade to a precise angle and restore the knife’s sharpness. This is similar to sharpening a pencil. The technique should bevel the edge so that the sides meet to form a sharp edge. Sharpening stones should have a rating of 200 to 800 grit.

To hone a blade, you can use a honing steel. Dragging the blade along this tool keeps the blade in good alignment and maintains its sharp edge. Use finer grit stones for honing, between 1,000 and 10,000 grit.

Frequency

How often should you hone your knives or use sharpening services in San Diego, CA? That mostly depends on use. Regular honing will reduce the amount of sharpening needed. Honing is recommended each time you use your knives. If you hone your knives often, you can usually sharpen just once or twice each year.

Services

Should you try to sharpen your knives yourself or send them to a knife sharpening service in San Diego, CA? While some chefs have mastered the technique of knife sharpening, many prefer to leave this task to the experts. Keep in mind, electric knife sharpeners can do more damage than good. They often wear away too much of the blade and fail to create a sharp edge. For best results, a sharpening stone is recommended.

Of course, you may not want to invest in tools for sharpening or honing, or may not have the time or desire to complete these tasks. Fortunately, professional sharpening services in San Diego, CA are available. These services make it easy to keep your knives in top shape.

Stay Sharp

To maintain high-quality knives for your kitchen, partner with the pros at Larson Sharpening, Inc. We are the go-to source for sharpening and repair services for professionals who rely on precision cuts.

From medical practitioners, to vets, to barbers, we keep tools of the trade in top condition. Family-owned and -operated, we pride ourselves in delivering superior service, every time. Contact us today to find out about our mobile on-site services, mail order and pick-up/drop-off options.

Categorised in: Sharpening Service