If you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you’ve probably been frustrated by overly dull knives from time to time. Dull knives are not only inconvenient and ineffective, they’re also a safety hazard. Although it seems counterintuitive that a knife would become more dangerous as it becomes less sharp, it’s true. Dull knives require you to apply greater pressure when making a cut, which increases the likelihood the knife will slip and you'll injure yourself.
To ensure you never have to worry about dull knives, it's important to invest in product protection. With an extended warranty plan, your knives will be covered if they wear down or become damaged, so you'll never have to worry about paying extra to repair or replace them. Subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to get coverage for all your knives and other kitchen necessities under the same product protection plan.
How do I sharpen kitchen knives?
So how do you sharpen kitchen knives, and where can you find the best knife sharpeners? In this article, we’ll cover all of this and more. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your knives razor sharp:
Knife sharpening stone
Knife sharpening stones, also known as whetstones, have been around for ages–literally! If you’re looking for a way to sharpen your knives that has stood the test of time, a knife sharpening stone will do the trick, and for an affordable price, with plenty of options for less than $20 on Amazon.
To use a knife sharpening stone, simply place it on a slip-free surface, wet your knife, and place the knife on the stone at a slight angle (between 15 and 20 degrees). Then, simply drag the knife across, keeping the angle constant.
Electric knife sharpener
If you’re looking for a quick, fool-proof way to sharpen your knives, it might be worth investing in an electric knife sharpener. With wheels positioned perfectly inside to sharpen your knives at the right angle, electric knife sharpeners make the job painless, quick, and easy.
Ceramic mug
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have a knife sharpening stone or electric knife sharpener, try using the bottom of a ceramic mug. Have you ever noticed that almost all ceramic mugs have a rough-textured ring around the bottom that hasn’t been glazed like the rest of the cup? This surface can work well for sharpening a knife–simply flip the cup over and get to sharpening!
Are cheap knife sharpeners bad for knives?
As you can see, when it comes to keeping your knives sharp, there are several ways to get the job done. But what is the best way to sharpen kitchen knives? And will using one of the cheaper knife sharpener options damage your knives?
While using a ceramic mug or purchasing a whetstone are undoubtedly less expensive ways to get your knives sharp, keep in mind that if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s possible to damage your knives while manually sharpening them.
An electric knife sharpener, on the other hand, is the most foolproof, albeit expensive, way to sharpen your knives. Thanks to their perfectly-positioned wheels, electric knife sharpeners can guarantee your knives will be placed at the right angle to sharpen them without damaging them.
Best knife sharpeners
Now that you know the basics about sharpening knives, let’s take a look at some of the best knife sharpeners on the market.
- Chef’s Choice knife sharpener. With over 500 positive reviews on Amazon, the Chef’s Choice knife sharpener is a great pick if you’re looking for an affordable yet reliable way to keep your knives in top condition. This knife sharpener uses diamond abrasives to keep your knives as sharp as possible, and has options starting at $70.
- Wusthof knife sharpener. This Wusthof knife sharpener allows you to easily and seamlessly sharpen your knives from home with 3 speeds, an internal vacuuming system that collects the shards from the knife, and an easy to use system. You can get it on Amazon for $160.
- Cutco knife sharpening. The Cutco knife sharpener is easy to use, crack and chip resistant, and built to last, allowing you to easily sharpen your knives anytime you need to. It comes in at $62.
Final thoughts
If you spend any amount of time in the kitchen, having freshly-sharpened knives is a must for creating a smoother, faster food preparation process and safer cooking environment. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep your knives razor sharp without even leaving the comfort of your home.
And if you decide to invest in a good quality knife sharpener, be sure to subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited to get product protection for your new purchases. With great coverage for all your kitchen essentials under the same product protection plan, there's no need to worry about expensive repairs or replacements!
