You do not have to be a Michelin-starred chef to appreciate the importance of sharp kitchen knives. Anyone who has ever done any cooking knows the pleasure of being able to cut fine and be sure of a clean cut, with no rough and ragged edges. The needless efforts, frustration and waste of time that struggling with dull kitchen knives causes do not need elaboration. But even the very best knives will become dull over time, irrespective of how well you care for them. This is when the issue of getting them sharpened arises. You could, of course, try doing it yourself, but even if you do have the basic equipment, knife sharpening is a skill that requires an understanding of the type of knife being sharpened and the material it is made from. The best-intentioned and most careful DIY sharpening can cause serious damage to a costly and often difficult-to-replace knife. Custom knife sharpening services are the way to go.

The DIY Risks

Sharpening errors can ruin a great knife:

• The most obvious DIY risk is breaking the blade or handle. This may seem to be a rare occurrence, but it happens more often than people realize.
• Not sharpening the knife enough is another risk. If this happens, the cutting effort is going to be greater than it needs to be and this will increase the wear on the blade. So, you have to sharpen again and the cycle of needless wear keeps repeating.
• Ensuring that the edge is uniform is not easy. An uneven cutting edge will require extra cutting effort and will also affect the cleanness of the cutting.
• The desire to get the sharpest possible blade can result in over-grinding. This will reduce the life of the blade. Remember that each time you sharpen a knife, a little metal is removed from the blade.
• If the sharpening makes the blade too hot, the material can be compromised and the edge weakened. The steel could lose its strength and ability to remain sharp, so the knife will require frequent unnecessary sharpening which will shorten its life.

---

Also Read: DIY vs. Professional Knife Sharpening: What You Need to Know

---

Proper knife sharpening requires an understanding of the different types of kitchen knives most used in the U.S. Each has to be sharpened differently.

• While Japanese-style knives are becoming more widely used across the world, in America today, the majority of the kitchen knives in use still have German-style blades which are made of softer but durable steel and should be sharpened at an angle of 20 to 22 degrees.
• Japanese blades are thinner and the steel used is harder but more brittle. These blades should be sharpened at an angle of 11 to 15 degrees.
• Hybrid knives which typically have the thinness of the Japanese blade with the shape of the German knife should be sharpened at almost the same angle as Japanese blades, but this needs to be adjusted according to the specifics of the blade shape and material.

These differences in the sharpening process make DIY efforts even more difficult.

Easy Mail-In Knife Sharpening Solutions 

Going to a professional knife sharpening service can be a hassle. That is why mail-in knife sharpening services have come into existence. These are time and effort savers but there is now an even better option. In the Bay Area, Rejuvenated Knives offers convenient doorstep pick-up of your knives and once they have been expertly sharpened, they return them to you at your door at a confirmed date and time. Nothing could be more hassle-free, cost-effective, and simple. Check out the company website to learn more about the expert knife sharpening services and how one phone call to (650) 207-6314 can make your cooking experience easier and happier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose custom knife sharpening services over DIY sharpening?

Custom sharpening ensures precise blade care, avoiding common DIY risks like uneven edges, overheating, or over-grinding, which can damage your knife.

How often should kitchen knives be professionally sharpened?

Depending on use, it’s recommended to have kitchen knives professionally sharpened every 3-6 months to maintain optimal cutting performance.

What types of knives can be sharpened by professional services?

Professional sharpening services can handle various types of knives, including German-style, Japanese-style, and hybrid blades, each requiring specific sharpening angles.

Is mail-in knife sharpening safe for my knives?

Yes, mail-in knife sharpening services ensure your knives are handled with care, using professional techniques to restore their sharpness without damage.

What are the benefits of doorstep knife sharpening services?

Doorstep services, like those offered by Rejuvenated Knives, provide convenience, saving time and effort by picking up and delivering sharpened knives directly to your home.

Become a Member to post Articles Back to Profile