A sharp knife makes cooking more enjoyable. It makes cutting easier, which allows for more precise cuts and makes it easier for you to master your knife skills. A sharp knife is also safer because it gently slices through food rather than using brute force to cut. This results in less slips of the knife and fewer accidents.

Knife sharpening may seem like a daunting task…What are the different types of sharpeners? How do I use a knife sharpener? What method is right for me? How much time will this take? These are just some of the questions that probably come to mind when it comes time to sharpen your knives.

Types of Knife Sharpeners

There are many options available to sharpen your knife. Sharpening stones, electric and sharpeners using rotating wheels are just some of the options.

Electric sharpeners are convenient when sharpening knives that are frequently used. However, these sharpeners tend to be much bulkier than the other choices and the user has less control of the sharpening process.

Sharpening stones can be somewhat difficult to use because they require some practice and are pricey depending on the type of stone purchased.

Knife sharpeners that use rotating wheels are very simple to use. These sharpeners have two specially hardened wheels that intersect and rotate when a knife is slid through creating the angle for sharpening the blade’s edge. Manual sharpening methods provide the most control and are sometimes considered the best knife sharpener.

How to Sharpen a Knife

Learning how to use a knife sharpener is a skill that every home chef should master. The process varies depending on the type of sharpener you choose to use.

Electric sharpeners work in steps. There are usually three slots in the machine to run knives through. The first slot shaves off the knife creating a fresh edge and the other two shapes the knife. The downside to this method is the user has no control over the amount of knife that is shaved off.

When using a sharpening stone run the blade over the stone at a 22.5 degree angle while applying moderate pressure. The angle needs to stay constant as you repeat this process about 10 times. Then turn the blade over and repeat. Next flip the stone over and use the fine grit side to repeat the process. Finally, finish by using sharpening steel. This can be a time-consuming process so be prepared to dedicate some time to practice.

Knife sharpeners with rotating wheels are very easy to use. It is not as time-consuming and you have complete control over the sharpening process. First take a damp washcloth and place it on the counter. This prevents the sharpener from sliding. Hold the sharpener at the edge opposite the rotating disks and slowly run your knife through the wheels at a 90 degree angle. Start at the end of the knife and pull towards yourself ending with the tip. Repeat this step four to six times. This will leave your knife with a nice sharp edge again like it just came from the factory. Be sure to wipe your knife every time after sharpening to avoid knife shavings.

Rada Cutlery offers a Quick Edge Knife Sharpener that is ideally suited to both left and right-handed users. The sharpener’s use is not limited to Rada knives. Archery enthusiasts even use this sharpener for sharpening the blades of their arrows. The sharpener itself is very small and can fit in a tackle box nicely or in your kitchen drawer. Like Rada knives, the sharpener also comes with a lifetime guarantee on base, wheels and assembly.

Visit our online Rada Kitchen Store to have the Rada Quick Edge Knife Sharpener delivered to your door!

To best learn how to use the Rada Quick Edge Knife Sharpener, check out this video featuring Chef Jere.

For for a quick and helpful rundown of the most common cutting techniques, check out this video featuring Chef Blake.

Made in America

Rada Cutlery is manufactured in Waverly, Iowa and uses 100% Made in the USA materials and construction. Rada Cutlery products include kitchen knives and utensils as well as stoneware, cookbooks, and quick mixes. Rada Mfg. Co. has been manufacturing Rada Cutlery fundraising products and helping non-profit groups fund raise since 1948. Last year we worked with over 19,000 churches, schools, teams and clubs. Fundraising with us is fun and easy to do. There are no upfront costs and your group will make a 40% profit!

Visit our website to learn how you can get a successful Rada Cutlery fundraiser started!  

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