Whether you are a cooking enthusiast or a gastronomy professional , the need for sharp knives is undeniable. A sharp knife is not only more efficient , but also ensures increased safety when using it.
The knife sharpener , also known as a manual knife sharpener, then becomes an essential tool for preserving and restoring the sharpness of your blades, whether for daily or professional use.
Opting for a HORL knife sharpener will bring your knives back to life and efficiency. With options ranging from the manual table sharpener , such as the HORL® 2 sharpener set in oak or walnut, to the professional electric knife sharpener , this article will guide you through the importance of a sharpener in your kitchen and the different alternatives available.
Trend Chef knife sharpener: for always sharp blades
At Trend Chef , we know how important it is to have sharp knives for a flawless culinary experience. That’s why we offer a range of knife sharpeners, specially designed to maintain and restore the sharpness of your blades with unmatched precision and ease.
Our sharpeners are designed to satisfy both professional chefs and home cooks. With a variety of choices including manual sharpeners and electric sharpeners, you’ll find the perfect tool to fit your culinary style and personal preferences. A manual sharpener offers precise control over the sharpening angle, while an electric sharpener offers a quick and efficient way to sharpen your knives in a short amount of time.
Our selection also includes multi-purpose sharpeners, capable of sharpening both straight and serrated knives. These devices, often equipped with multi-stage sharpening systems, allow you to repair and restore damaged or dull blades, making them sharper and safer to use.
By choosing a professional knife sharpener from Trend Chef , you ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your knives, which translates into a significant improvement in the precision and efficiency of your cuts. Whether you are preparing a simple meal or a complex dish, a sharpener is essential to achieve culinary excellence.
Why use a knife sharpener?
Maintaining the performance of your knives
Using a knife sharpener is essential to maintaining the performance of your knives. Over time, they lose their sharpness due to friction with food and kitchen surfaces. A dull knife makes cooking more difficult and increases the risk of injury because it requires more force to cut. This can cause the knife to slip and cause accidents.
A sharpener helps restore your blade to its original cutting angle , restoring its sharpness and precision. This means you can cut faster and with more control, preserving the aesthetics and texture of the food you prepare. Plus, sharp scissors save time and make the cooking process smoother and safer.
The sharpening angle plays a vital role in the performance and longevity of your equipment. If it is too sharp, it will make the cutting edge more fragile and require more frequent sharpening, while a less sharp angle will provide less sharp cutting but a longer lifespan. By using a benchtop sharpener, you can adjust and tilt it to the optimum angle for your type of knife, ensuring consistent performance.
Ease of use
Knife sharpeners are designed to be easy to use , even for beginners. Manual sharpeners, for example, often come with preset systems that simplify the sharpening process.
Simply run the knife through the plates or grindstones several times to restore the sharpness. Electric sharpeners also offer a quick and effective solution, often requiring just a few passes to achieve a professional result. Additionally, sharpening steels, which maintain the edge of the blade, are also simple to use and can straighten the edge that has been distorted by use, making the freshly sharpened blade able to glide effortlessly through food.
In short, using an Opinel sharpener is not only necessary for the performance and safety of your knives, but it is also practical and accessible, even for those who have no sharpening experience.
Our types of knife sharpeners
Manual sharpener
Manual sharpeners are a versatile and popular solution for sharpening your knives. They provide precise control and flexibility, making them ideal for users with some prior sharpening experience. These devices, often of the “pull-through” type, offer multiple sharpening stages with a variety of abrasive materials such as diamond, tungsten carbide or ceramic.
For example, the Skerper Basic manual sharpener offers three sharpening phases, from coarse diamond wheel to fine ceramic wheel, for a gradual improvement in sharpening. Their portability and ease of use are also highly appreciated. As they do not require electricity, they are ideal for travel or in places without easy access to a power source. The referenced brand sharpeners (fischer, victorinox, wusaki, arcos, sabatier, Deglon, etc.) can be a good solution provided that the boxes have good reviews.
In addition, they offer the possibility of adjusting the angle according to the specific needs of each Opinel, a feature particularly beneficial for Japanese knives or other types requiring precise movements. Prices vary depending on the model. However, they can be on sale during the Christmas period. The manual sharpener can be sold in a box and available with kitchen utensils and accessories.
Electric sharpener
Electric sharpeners are designed to provide a quick and efficient method of sharpening. Ideal for those less experienced with manual sharpening, they guide the blade to a predefined edge, simplifying the sharpening process. These devices often incorporate multiple sharpening stages, with tungsten or diamond pads for the first phase and ceramic pads for the final polish.
It is important to note, however, that electric sharpeners can be too abrasive for some knives, especially Japanese knives, removing more metal than necessary. They also require a power source to use, limiting their practicality when outdoors or on the go.
Whetstone
Sharpening stones are a traditional and extremely effective method for sharpening knives. Their grain creates a perfect edge for scissors. They offer great precision and allow manual choice of sharpening angle, making them ideal for all types of knives, including Japanese knives. Available in a variety of grits, from the most abrasive (200-800 grit) to repair damaged edges to the finest (1000 and more) to refine and polish the Opinel. The referenced brand, Fischer, sells good products in stock for Christmas.
Using a sharpening stone requires some training but guarantees long-lasting and high-quality results. Japanese sharpening stones, such as the Suehiro Cerax , are particularly renowned for their efficiency and longevity. The price of the accessories available can vary from brand to brand. Brands such as Arcos or Wusaki are examples.
Pocket sharpener
Pocket sharpeners are portable and convenient tools for quick touch-ups. Perfect for hunters, campers, or anyone who needs to keep their scissors sharp while on the move, they are lightweight and compact, easily transportable. These sharpeners can include sharpening rods, mini sharpening stones, or pull-type systems, offering a quick and effective solution for maintaining an optimal edge, even outdoors. It should be noted that depending on the brand (fischer, victorinox, wusaki, arcos, sabatier, Deglon, etc.)
Sharpening steel
Sharpening steels , also called honing steels, are essential tools for maintaining the edge of your knives. They are used to straighten the deformed edge of the blade and maintain its sharpness.
These tools come in a variety of materials, such as steel , diamond , and ceramic , each offering varying degrees of finesse and abrasiveness. Steel sharpening steels, the most common, are suitable for regular touch-ups. On the other hand, diamond or ceramic sharpening steels, which are much more abrasive, are recommended for restoring shape to a seriously damaged or blunt edge. These instruments are easy to use and require a minimum of practice for convincing results. Depending on the stock, the price of a sabatier sharpening steel may be on sale. However, opinions vary on sabatier cases versus other brands.
Conclusion
Knife sharpening is essential to ensure knife performance , safety, and longevity . Whether you choose a manual sharpener, an electric sharpener, a whetstone, a pocket sharpener, or a sharpening steel, each method has unique benefits, aligning with your specific needs and experience.
By sharpening them regularly, you benefit from more precise cuts, reduced effort during use, a reduced risk of injury, and you contribute to the preservation of the quality and flavor of food.
It is therefore wise to invest in a sharpener that is suited to your preferences and needs. Take the time to perfect your sharpening technique to significantly improve your cooking experience. With practice and patience, you will master this art and fully enjoy the benefits it offers to your daily cooking.
Depending on the brands referenced, such as Victorinox, Fischer, Deglon, Trend Chef or Deglon, delivery is made within 15 working days. Delivery is free for baskets over 50 euros. Accessories from our referenced brands benefit from fast delivery, especially during the Christmas period.
FAQ
What is the difference between sharpening and honing a knife?
Sharpening a knife involves removing metal to restore the blade to its original shape and restore its sharpness, often using abrasive materials such as ceramic or diamond. Honing , on the other hand, focuses on straightening the edge of the blade without removing metal, usually using a steel rod to align and polish the cutting edge, which maintains its effectiveness without excessive wear.
How do I choose the right sharpening angle for my kitchen knife?
To select the proper sharpening angle for your kitchen knife or kitchen utensil, start by consulting the manufacturer's specifications for specific recommendations. Japanese knives, such as the gyuto, are often sharpened to 15 degrees per side, while European knives may require sharpening to 17 to 20 degrees per side.
Using an angle guide helps maintain a consistent slope and make sure it is appropriate for the use you intend for the knife. A sharper angle makes the blade sharper but more fragile, while a more obtuse angle makes it stronger but less sharp.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a pull-through sharpener versus a whetstone?
Pull-through sharpeners offer simplicity and speed of use , with slots that automatically guide the blade, making them ideal for those looking for a practical solution without spending a lot of time sharpening. However, they are not suitable for all types of knives, especially Japanese or ceramic ones, and can be too abrasive, removing an excessive amount of steel and offering a less precise and durable result than sharpening on a stone.
How to maintain and restore a knife with a broken or bent tip?
To maintain and restore a knife with a broken or bent tip, there are several steps to follow. In the event of breakage, it is necessary to reshape the tip by removing material, often with a water stone or a diamond plate to sharpen the cutting edge. If the tip is bent, avoid straightening it yourself to avoid the risk of breaking it permanently.
It is advisable to take the knife to a professional who can attempt to straighten the tip with a hammer and anvil. It is essential to ensure that the edge of the blade does not become too thick after repair, which could affect cutting efficiency. After the tip has been restored, a leather hone can help to further refine the cutting edge.
