Sharpening your knives is essential for maintaining their cutting edge and ensuring that your culinary endeavors are a breeze. With Smith’s Knife Sharpener, you can achieve professional-grade sharpness in the comfort of your own home. Unlike traditional honing steels, which only realign the blade’s edge, Smith’s Knife Sharpener employs a unique sharpening system that actually removes metal to create a new, razor-sharp edge. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking to elevate your kitchen skills, Smith’s Knife Sharpener is the perfect tool to keep your knives performing at their best.
Using Smith’s Knife Sharpener is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and expertise. The sharpener features two sharpening slots: one for coarse sharpening and one for fine honing. For severely dull or damaged blades, start with the coarse slot. Hold the sharpener firmly on a flat surface and insert the knife blade into the slot at a 90-degree angle. Pull the knife through the slot in one smooth motion, applying light pressure. Repeat this process several times on each side of the blade until you feel a noticeable improvement in the sharpness.
Once you have achieved a coarse edge, transition to the fine honing slot. This slot is designed to refine the edge and create a razor-sharp finish. Follow the same procedure as with the coarse slot, but apply even less pressure. Pull the knife through the slot a few times on each side until the blade feels polished and extremely sharp. To ensure optimal performance, it’s recommended to clean the sharpener after each use with a damp cloth to remove any metal shavings.
Assembling the Sharpener Components
To assemble the Smith’s knife sharpener, follow these steps:
1. Insert the Base into the Sharpener Body
Align the base with the corresponding slot in the sharpener body and push it down until it clicks into place.
2. Attach the Grinding Wheel Assembly
To attach the grinding wheel assembly, follow these detailed steps:
- Locate the two clamps on the sharpener body.
- Lift the clamps and slide the grinding wheel assembly onto the rails.
- Push down on the clamps to secure the assembly in place.
- Ensure that the grinding wheels are aligned in the center of the rail slots.
- Tighten the screws on the clamps using a screwdriver to secure the assembly further.
3. Install the Angle Guide
Position the angle guide on the sharpener body and insert it into the slots provided.
Ensure it fits snugly and is aligned correctly.Understanding the Sharpening Angles
1. Basic Angle Considerations
The sharpening angle refers to the angle at which the blade’s edge meets the sharpening stone. Different knives require specific sharpening angles to achieve optimal performance.
2. Common Sharpening Angles
Typical sharpening angles fall between 15 and 25 degrees for most knives. The higher the angle, the more durable the edge will be, but the less sharp it will be. Conversely, a lower angle creates a sharper edge but can make it more susceptible to damage.
3. Determining the Correct Angle
The recommended sharpening angle for your knife is often provided by the manufacturer. Consult the product packaging or documentation to determine the ideal angle for your specific blade.
4. The Impact of Sharpening Angles on Different Knife Types
The ideal sharpening angle can vary significantly depending on the type of knife. Here’s a table summarizing the recommended sharpening angles for different knife categories:
Knife Type Sharpening Angle Chef’s Knife 17-20 degrees Utility Knife 14-17 degrees Paring Knife 10-15 degrees Serrated Knife 30 degrees (serrations) Preparing Your Knife
1. Ensure that your knife is clean and dry.
2. Assemble the sharpener according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Sharpening Single-Beveled Blades
1. Angle the knife against the coarse-grit side of the whetstone at about 15-20 degrees.
2. Apply gentle pressure and move the knife in a smooth, circular motion.
3. Continue sharpening until you can feel a burr along the edge.
4. Flip the knife over and repeat the process on the other side.
5. Switch to the fine-grit side of the whetstone and follow the same steps, but apply less pressure. This will remove the burr and polish the edge.
Sharpening Double-Beveled Blades
1. Angle the knife against the coarse-grit side of the whetstone at about 15-20 degrees on one side.
2. Apply gentle pressure and move the knife in a smooth, circular motion.
3. Continue sharpening until you can feel a burr along the edge.
4. Flip the knife over and repeat the process on the other side, but angle the knife at the same angle in the opposite direction.
5. Switch to the fine-grit side of the whetstone and follow the same steps, but apply less pressure. This will remove the burr and polish the edge.
Grit Size Purpose Coarse Remove material and create a burr Fine Remove the burr and polish the edge Honing and Finishing the Blade
After sharpening the blade, it’s essential to hone and finish it to refine the edge further. This process helps create a smooth and durable cutting surface.
Honing
Honing involves using a fine-grit stone or ceramic rod to remove any burrs or irregularities left behind from sharpening. Here’s how to hone a knife:
- Hold the knife at an angle of 12-15 degrees to the rod or stone.
- Slide the blade back and forth in a circular motion along the entire length of the edge.
- Repeat on the other side of the blade.
- Continue honing until you feel a smooth and consistent edge.
Finishing
Finishing involves giving the edge a final polish using a leather strop or ceramic honing rod. This helps align the micro-serrations on the edge, creating a razor-sharp and long-lasting cutting surface.
To finish a knife:
- Hold the knife at a 15-degree angle to the strop or rod.
- Draw the blade towards you in a smooth, sweeping motion.
- Repeat on the other side of the blade.
- Continue finishing until the edge is extremely sharp.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for honing and finishing a knife:
Tip Benefit Use a fine-grit stone or rod for honing. Removes burrs and refines the edge. Maintain a consistent angle throughout the process. Ensures an even and sharp edge. Avoid applying too much pressure. Can damage the edge or warp the blade. Check the sharpness regularly. Adjust the honing or finishing technique as needed. How to Use a Smith’s Knife Sharpener
Smith’s is a well-known brand in the knife sharpening industry, and their products are known for being high-quality and easy to use. If you’re looking for a way to keep your knives sharp, a Smith’s knife sharpener is a great option.
Here’s how to use a Smith’s knife sharpener:
1.
Start by selecting the correct sharpening angle for your knife. The angle will vary depending on the type of knife you’re sharpening.
2.
Hold the sharpener steady on a flat surface. Place the knife in the sharpening slot, making sure that the edge of the blade is against the sharpening stone.
3.
Draw the knife through the slot in one smooth motion. Apply gentle pressure as you draw the knife through the slot.
4.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the knife is sharp. You may need to make several passes through the slot to achieve the desired sharpness.
5.
Once the knife is sharp, clean the sharpener with a damp cloth.
People Also Ask
How often should I sharpen my knives?
The frequency with which you need to sharpen your knives will depend on how often you use them and what you use them for. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen your knives every 6-12 months.
What is the best way to clean a Smith’s knife sharpener?
The best way to clean a Smith’s knife sharpener is to use a damp cloth. Do not use soap or detergent, as this can damage the sharpening stones.
Can I use a Smith’s knife sharpener on serrated knives?
No, Smith’s knife sharpeners are not designed to be used on serrated knives. Serrated knives require a specialized sharpener.
