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Knife Sharpener - Keeping Sharp with Tools and Options

When it comes to keeping your kitchen knives sharp what type of knife sharpener do you really need? The answer is: One that will keep your cutlery sharp and safe! Whether you have a serrated blade, flat edge blade or one that states "never need sharpening," you will in short time need to sharpen.

Why? Because all knives become dull; they loose their edge. Not by wearing away, as is commonly thought, but by the edge folding over on itself from the impact of cutting.

Fortunately, there are many knife sharpeners and honing options available.

What Does a Knife Sharpener Do?

1. Straightens and conditions the knife's edge
2. Creates a sharper new edge by using abrasives

The confusing part is which ones to buy? Here are your choices:

• Diamond or Ceramic Steels
  Pros: If used correctly these tools can be very good at straightening and reconditioning the edge of an already sharp knife. (Will not sharpen blunt/ dull knives).
  Cons: Unfortunately, these sharpeners require a good amount of practice and skill. If you buy one, take time to learn so that you don't damage the blade.
  
• Sharpening Stones, Whetstones, Japanese Waterstones
  Pros: Useful for grinding and honing the edges of cutlery. Japanese knife manufacturer Global, makes a ceramic whetstone in fine, medium, and rough grit stones. Kershaw makes a combination whetstone.
  Cons: Similar to sharpening steels, these tools take significant skill and require a steady hand. To sharpen must use a consistent and accurate angle from bolster to tip. Stones can be messy.
  

  For a complete selection of knife sharpeners, visit Amazon

• Electric Knife Sharpeners
  Pros: Easy to use, no skill required! A quality multistage sharpener that comes with a built-in angle guide makes sharpening a breeze. Some sharpen both serrated and flat blades.
  Cons: A Bad quality sharpener can distemper and weaken your knife's blade.
  Best Brands: # 1 Chefs Choice. Other good brands? Presto EverSharp, Russel Hobbs, Waring, Kershaw and Shun.
  
• Manual Sharpeners
  Pros: Quality diamond abrasive 1, 2 and 3 stage sharpeners are effective, safe and easy to use. Some sharpen both serrated and flat blades.
  Cons: Vary in quality.
  Best Brands: Chefs Choice, Global Mino Sharp Plus, Wusthof Carbide, Henckels and Furi TechEdge Pro.
  
• Professional sharpening services
  Pros: Restores and regrinds edge for sharpness.
  Cons: Not all offer good quality sharpening services. Stay away from pro machines where sparks fly, these too-hot machines will distemper and weaken your blade.

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