Knife sharpeners

Sharpening steels, sharpening stones, and whetstones: The key to maintaining sharp knives

Maintaining your knives in perfect condition is essential for achieving precise and safe cutting. Honing steels and knife sharpeners are fundamental tools that help you maintain the sharpness of your blades and extend their lifespan.

Honing Steels

Honing steels are used to regularly straighten and maintain the edge of your knives. With daily use, the edge undergoes microscopic bending, which can affect its performance. Using a honing steel before each use ensures the edge remains straight and ready for effective cutting. Honing steels are available in various designs, including ceramic and diamond versions, offering finer or more aggressive edge refinement.

Sharpening stones

Sharpening stones represent a traditional yet one of the most effective methods for sharpening knives. They are available in different grits (coarseness), with coarser stones (e.g. 400–800) used to restore the edge, while finer stones (above 3000) allow for a perfectly smooth blade polish. Sharpening on a sharpening stone requires some practice, but it provides maximum control over the sharpness and angle of the blade. For optimum performance, it is recommended to soak the stone in water or oil before use, depending on the type of material.

Sharpening Stones

Sharpening stones are designed to restore the sharpness of knives that have lost their original cutting performance. There are different types of sharpening stones, from manual to electric, to whetstones. Manual sharpening stones often feature several grades of coarseness for pre-sharpening and fine honing. Electric sharpening stones offer fast and consistent results with minimal effort. Whetstones provide a traditional sharpening method with high control over the process, which is ideal for experienced users.

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Top honing steel and sharpening stone brands

When choosing a honing steel or sharpening stone, it's important to focus on the quality and reliability of the manufacturer. Renowned brands include:

• Dellinger – This brand offers a wide range of honing steels and sharpening stones, including diamond honing steels and sharpening stones of various grits, designed to achieve maximum knife sharpness.
• ZWILLING – This German manufacturer with a long tradition provides high-quality honing steels and sharpening stones, such as a 26 cm diamond honing steel, which enables perfect and quick sharpening of all knives.

Knife maintenance tips

• Regularity – use a honing steel before each use of the knife to maintain optimum sharpness.
• Correct technique – when sharpening, observe the recommended angle and technique to avoid damaging the blade.
• Safety – when handling a honing steel or sharpening stone, pay attention to safety and use protective equipment if necessary.

Investing in a quality honing steel or sharpening stone pays off, as properly maintained knives ensure efficient and safe work in the kitchen. Regular care of the blade not only prolongs the life of the knives, but also enhances your cooking experience.