Keep Knives Sharp: Five Recommendations from a Sharpening Service

Hiring a sharpening service can add up if you do not take proper care of your knives. Fortunately, it is easy to avoid dulling them too quickly. It just takes extra care and attention, in addition to learning some techniques. Here are five ways to keep your kitchen knives sharp in San Diego, CA:

• Learn to hone: The “sharpening” steel with your knife set is actually a honing steel. It works by realigning damaged blades and restoring their cutting power. While you only need to sharpen kitchen knives a few times a year (assuming you take care of them otherwise), you should hone them before each use. To hone, hold the knife in your dominant hand and the steel in your other. Elevate the rod tip right above the handle. Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and keep your fingers out of the way. Pass the knife through from heel to tip. Do this six to eight times, and take your time—it takes a little while to learn.
• Use the right surfaces: Choosing the right cutting surfaces will add years to your knives. Cutting on stainless steel, granite or aluminum will dull knives much more quickly. However, if you only use wood or plastic cutting boards, you can wait longer between sharpening appointments. Make cutting boards a habit rather than an exception. Your knives and counters will thank you.
• Avoid the dishwasher: The convenience of a dishwasher is actually a torture chamber for your knives. Heat, water and detergent dull them quickly, along with the clanking around that happens during each dishwashing cycle. Rather than take the easy route, wash each knife by hand. It does not take much longer than filling or emptying the dishwasher, and you will not have to spend as much time or money sharpening them.
• Use proper storage: Throwing unsheathed blades in a drawer where they will bang against each other every time you open it will only reduce the life expectancy of your knives. Use wooden blocks to store them on a counter or, if they must have a drawer, give them their own. At the very least, wrap knives in towels or cloth to protect them from other items that may impact and damage them. If your home does not contain young children or curious pets, a magnetic board is also an option for storing knives and keeps them within easy reach.
• Learn to detect shortcomings: If you struggle to cut a tomato, that is a sign that your knife requires attention. Consider keeping a knife sharpening tool or whetstone around for these instances. After all, if you have a dinner party coming up, a professional sharpening service may not be available when you need the knife. Learning rudimentary sharpening techniques can save time and money, but a sharpening service is the best way to ensure your knives stay sharper longer.

If you require a sharpening service or want to learn more about how to sharpen ceramic knives in San Diego, CA, Larson Sharpening, Inc. is here to help. Visit us today to sharpen your kitchen knives, shears and clippers.

Categorised in: Sharpening Service