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Knife FAQs

What are some ways to sharpen knives other than using a bench stone?

Crock sticks, slot gadgets and electric sharpening machines can all get the job done. In the case of crock sticks and slot gadgets, the applications are narrower than with an electric sharpener. Crock sticks are made of ceramic and only come with one grade so they’re not very versatile. Slot gadgets don’t get many good reviews, though they promise fast, easy sharpening. Basically these are a pair of tungsten carbide tools set at an angle. Sometimes the wheels overlap.

What are some common mistakes of knife sharpening?


Misguided edge angles, failure to establish a new edge, and leaving the edge too rough are all considered the main mistakes people make when trying to sharpen a knife themselves. These mistakes are easily avoided using three easy steps: use angle guides to control the angle of the edge, sharpen until a burr is raised, then hone or polish to finish the job.

What are bevels and which one should I use on my knife?


Bevels are the profile of the main edge of any knife. There are four basic types of bevel that can be applied to a blade: flat, convex, concave and multi-bevel. Blades are always made using one of these bevels. If you want to change the bevel on a blade, there are precise ways to do it, but each one is different. For example, to achieve a multi-bevel, use a Lansky Sharpener and fix the rods at different positions for each grade of stone.

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