10 Best Knife Sharpener Cooks Illustrated, Top Picks

Most chefs prefer to use whetstones (waterstones) to sharpen their knives. Whetstones offer precise control over the sharpening process and allow chefs to achieve razor-sharp edges on their knives. Additionally, honing rods (sharpening steels) are commonly used by chefs to realign the edge of the knife between sharpening sessions, helping to maintain its sharpness during regular use. Whetstones and honing rods are essential tools for maintaining sharp and functional knives in a professional kitchen environment.

What is the best knife sharpener on the market?

The best knife sharpener on the market depends on factors such as your sharpening preferences, budget, and the type of knives you own. Some popular knife sharpeners include:

1. Whetstones (Waterstones): Whetstones offer precise control over the sharpening process and are favored by many professionals for achieving razor-sharp edges on knives. They come in various grit levels to accommodate different sharpening needs.

2. Electric Knife Sharpeners: Electric sharpeners are convenient and efficient, with built-in sharpening stages and adjustable angles for different types of knives. They are suitable for maintaining sharp edges with minimal effort but may remove more metal from the blade compared to other sharpening methods.

3. Manual Pull-Through Sharpeners: These sharpeners feature abrasive wheels or rods set at fixed angles, making them user-friendly for beginners. They provide convenient and quick sharpening but may not offer the same level of precision as whetstones.

4. Honing Rods (Sharpening Steels): Honing rods are used to realign the edge of a knife between sharpening sessions, helping to maintain its sharpness. While they don't sharpen the blade, they are essential for regular knife maintenance.

Ultimately, the best knife sharpener for you will depend on your specific sharpening needs, preferences, and the type of knives you own.

What does Gordon Ramsay use to sharpen his knives?

Gordon Ramsay reportedly uses whetstones (waterstones) to sharpen his knives. Whetstones offer precise control over the sharpening process and allow users to achieve razor-sharp edges on their knives. Ramsay, known for his culinary expertise and attention to detail, likely appreciates the level of control and precision that whetstones provide for maintaining sharp and functional knives in his kitchen.

How do professional kitchens sharpen knives?

Professional kitchens often use whetstones (waterstones) to sharpen knives. Chefs and kitchen staff are trained to use whetstones effectively to maintain the sharpness of their knives. Additionally, honing rods (sharpening steels) are commonly used in professional kitchens to realign the edge of the knife between sharpening sessions, helping to maintain its sharpness during regular use. Some professional kitchens may also use electric knife sharpeners for convenience and efficiency, especially in high-volume kitchen environments.

How do you sharpen an expensive chef knife?

To sharpen an expensive chef knife, follow these steps using a whetstone:

1. Prepare the Whetstone: Soak the whetstone in water for about 10-15 minutes before use to ensure it's fully saturated.

2. Choose the Grit: Select the appropriate grit level based on the condition of your knife. Coarser grits (lower numbers) are used for repairing or reshaping dull or damaged edges, while finer grits (higher numbers) are used for polishing and refining the edge.

3. Sharpening Motion: Hold the knife at the correct angle (usually around 15-20 degrees) and use consistent and controlled strokes to sharpen the entire length of the blade on both sides. Start with the coarse grit and progress to finer grits for a polished edge.

4. Honing: After sharpening, use a honing rod to realign the edge of the knife and remove any burrs or imperfections.

5. Test Sharpness: Test the sharpness of the knife by gently slicing through a piece of paper or a tomato. If the knife cuts cleanly and smoothly, it's sharp and ready for use.

By following these steps and using proper technique, you can sharpen an expensive chef knife effectively and maintain its sharpness for optimal performance in the kitchen.

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