When it comes to knife care, many of us rely on what we've heard or picked up along the way. A headline, a quick YouTube short, or a 30-second TikTok video, and suddenly we feel like professionals. Unfortunately, a lot of that information isn’t entirely accurate. Whether you're a knife enthusiast, sharpening aspirant, home cook, or professional chef, understanding the truth about knife sharpening is crucial. In this article, we’re setting the record straight and debunking some of the most common myths about knife sharpening.
Myth #1: "Only Dull Knives Need Sharpening"
Many people believe that as long as a knife feels sharp, there’s no need to sharpen it. This is one of the biggest misconceptions in knife care. The truth is, even sharp knives benefit from regular sharpening.
Why Sharpening Matters—Even for Sharp Knives
When customers ask, "How do I know if my knife needs sharpening?" my answer is simple: When it’s dull! But the truth is, waiting until your knife is dull can lead to bigger problems. Keeping your knives sharpened regularly isn’t just about performance—it’s about safety.
According to World Coppersmith, kitchen knives injure 350,000 people annually, making them the fourth leading cause of kitchen injuries. Dull knives are a major contributor to these incidents, as they require more force to cut through food, increasing the risk of slipping and causing severe cuts.
A sharp knife is not only easier to use but also much safer. It requires less effort and gives you better control, reducing the likelihood of dangerous accidents. In addition, regular sharpening helps maintain the blade’s structure. Even knives that seem sharp lose their fine edge over time due to daily use, and regular sharpening restores that edge, ensuring the knife performs optimally with every cut.
Pro tip: Try using a quality whetstone at home. Start by soaking the stone in water for 10-15 minutes, then gently run your knife at a 20-degree angle across the stone in a sweeping motion. This method will help maintain your knife’s edge and keep it performing well without removing too much material from the blade.
Myth #2: "Electric Sharpeners Are Just as Good as Professional Sharpening"
This is a common belief, but let’s be real—even though we admit we’re a bit biased, this is a fact. It’s easy to fall into the trap of handheld knife sharpeners, thinking they offer a quick fix. But what most people don’t realize is that these gadgets often do more harm than good. Off-the-shelf handheld sharpeners, whether 2 or 3 stage, might seem convenient, but they’re basically the fast food of knife care—quick, but ultimately damaging. These devices act like blunt instruments, aggressively scraping away precious metal from your blade. Instead of precision, they leave behind a rough, uneven edge that dulls faster than you’d expect. Worse yet, they often grind down your knife at the wrong angle, making your blade a shadow of its former self—less sharp, less durable, and far more prone to chipping.
We can’t even tell you how many customers send us knives after they’ve "attempted" an at-home sharpening. We've seen some serious damage—nothing beyond our fixing ability, of course, but still, nothing a quality knife should ever have to go through. If you truly care about the performance and longevity of your knives, these sharpeners are best left on the shelf.
If you’re not quite ready to send your knives for professional sharpening, consider investing in a sharpening stone—they’re affordable (and we have no bias since we don’t sell them). Check out a few YouTube videos, read some articles, or even take an online course. We live in a digital age, and there’s no skill that can’t be learned. The satisfaction of sharpening your own knives is truly indescribable.
By maintaining your knives regularly, you’re doing more than just keeping them sharp—you’re also preventing injuries and extending the life of your tools. Knife care isn’t just for professionals; it’s a crucial practice for anyone who spends time in the kitchen.
On the other hand, professional sharpening services (like those offered at Sharpen Up 365) use advanced techniques that are gentle on your knives. Experts can sharpen your blades to the precise angle needed for optimal cutting performance, prolonging the life of the knife and ensuring that each slice is smooth and clean.
Key takeaway: While off-the-shelf 2 or 3-stage sharpeners might seem like a convenient option, they simply pale in comparison with the meticulous care, unmatched precision, and lasting quality that professional sharpening provides. However, with the right tools and some practice, you can also achieve impressive results on your own.
Myth #3: "A Honing Rod Sharpens Knives"
This is a widespread misconception. Many people use honing rods, thinking they’re sharpening their knives when, in reality, they’re not.
Honing vs. Sharpening: What’s the Difference?
A honing rod, also known as a honing steel, is designed to align the edge of your knife, not to sharpen it. When you use your knife, the fine edge of the blade can bend out of shape slightly. Honing realigns the edge so the knife cuts better, but it doesn’t actually remove metal or sharpen the blade.
Sharpening, on the other hand, involves removing a small amount of metal from the blade to create a new, razor-sharp edge. This process restores the knife’s original cutting power, something honing rods cannot do.
Bottom line: Use a honing rod to maintain your knife’s edge between sharpenings, but don’t mistake it for a substitute for actual sharpening.
Why Proper Knife Care Matters
Understanding the difference between myths and facts about knife sharpening can completely change your kitchen experience. Proper knife maintenance doesn’t just keep your tools performing their best—it ensures safety, precision, and longevity. Whether you’re prepping for a weeknight dinner or a special event, a sharp knife makes all the difference.
If you're looking for expert sharpening services, Sharpen Up 365 offers professional, kosher sharpening by mail. Your knives will come back sharper, safer, and ready for action. Why wait until your knife is too dull to use? Stay sharp and keep your tools in top shape.