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.