Keeping your knives sharp is essential for efficient and safe cooking. A dull knife not only makes slicing and chopping difficult, but it can also be dangerous. One of the easiest and most effective ways to sharpen your knives is by using a Smith’s handheld knife sharpener.
The Smith’s handheld knife sharpener is designed to provide professional-grade results with minimal effort. It features two stages: a coarse stage for restoring the edge of a dull knife and a fine stage for refining and finishing the blade. The sharpener also has a non-slip grip, ensuring stability and safety during use.
To use the Smith’s handheld knife sharpener, begin with the coarse stage. Hold the sharpener firmly in one hand, ensuring a comfortable grip. With the other hand, hold the knife securely and position the blade in the sharpening slot at a 90-degree angle. Apply light pressure as you pull the blade towards you, from heel to tip. Repeat this motion several times, alternating between both sides of the blade.
Once you have restored the edge of the knife, move on to the fine stage of the sharpener. Follow the same process as before, but this time, apply slightly less pressure. The fine stage will refine the blade and give it a razor-sharp finish. After a few passes on both sides of the blade, you will notice a significant improvement in the knife’s cutting ability.
The Smith’s handheld knife sharpener is a versatile and user-friendly tool that allows you to maintain the sharpness of your knives without the need for expensive equipment or professional training. With a few simple steps, you can ensure that your knives are always ready for any culinary task, making your cooking experience more enjoyable and efficient.
Step 1: Proper Grip and Positioning
Before you start using a smith’s handheld knife sharpener, it is important to have a proper grip on the sharpener and position your knife correctly. Follow the steps below to ensure a safe and effective sharpening process:
- Hold the sharpener: Position the smith’s handheld knife sharpener securely in your hand, making sure your fingers are wrapped around the handle for a firm grip. This will provide better control during the sharpening process.
- Position the knife: Place the blade of the knife on a flat and stable surface, such as a cutting board or countertop. Make sure the cutting edge of the knife is facing away from you.
- Angle the blade: Hold the knife at a 20-degree angle to the sharpener. This angle will allow the blade to make proper contact with the sharpening surface. It is important to maintain a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process for optimal results.
- Prepare for sharpening: Use your free hand to steady the sharpener by placing it on the surface next to the knife. This will provide additional stability and help you maintain control while sharpening.
By following these steps, you will have a proper grip on the sharpener and position your knife correctly for effective sharpening. Next, you can move on to the next steps to sharpen your knife.
Step 2: Setting the Angle
Once you have prepared the sharpening surface, it is important to set the correct angle for the knife blade. The angle will depend on the type of knife you are sharpening, so it is crucial to refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines or research the correct angle for your specific knife.
Most handheld knife sharpeners, like the Smith’s handheld knife sharpener, have an adjustable angle feature. This feature allows you to set the desired angle for sharpening your knife.
To set the angle, start by determining the angle recommended for your knife. This information can usually be found in the knife’s user manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Once you have the recommended angle, locate the angle adjustment knob or screw on your knife sharpener.
Rotate the knob or screw until the indicator matches the desired angle. Keep in mind that some sharpeners may have preset angles, so make sure to align the indicator with the appropriate angle setting.
If you are unsure about the correct angle, it is best to start with a higher angle and gradually decrease it until you achieve the desired sharpness. Remember, it is better to start with a higher angle as you can always adjust it later.
- Refer to the knife’s user manual or manufacturer’s website to determine the recommended angle.
- Locate the angle adjustment knob or screw on the knife sharpener.
- Rotate the knob or screw until the indicator matches the desired angle.
- If unsure, start with a higher angle and gradually decrease until desired sharpness.
Setting the correct angle on your handheld knife sharpener is crucial for achieving a sharp and precise edge. Take your time to ensure the angle is set accurately before moving on to the next step.
Step 3: Sharpening the Blade
Once you have prepared the handheld knife sharpener and positioned it securely on a stable surface, you are ready to begin sharpening the blade of your knife. Follow these steps to achieve a sharp and effective cutting edge.
1. Hold the knife handle: Firmly grasp the knife handle with your dominant hand. Make sure you have a secure grip to maintain control throughout the sharpening process.
2. Position the knife: Place the blade against the coarse sharpening slot of the handheld sharpener. Ensure that the edge of the blade makes contact with the sharpening stones or rods.
3. Maintain the correct angle: Hold the knife at a consistent angle against the sharpener. This angle may vary depending on the specific sharpener you are using, so refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for guidance. Generally, a 20-degree angle is a good starting point for most knives.
4. Start sharpening: Apply moderate pressure and pull the knife through the sharpener using a smooth and controlled motion. Move the blade from the base to the tip, ensuring that the entire edge comes into contact with the sharpening stones or rods. Repeat this motion for several passes, gradually working towards the tip of the blade.
5. Switch to the fine slot: Once you are satisfied with the sharpness achieved in the coarse slot, switch to the fine sharpening slot of the handheld sharpener. This step helps refine the edge and remove any burrs or imperfections from the blade.
6. Repeat the sharpening process: Follow the same technique described in step 4, pulling the knife through the fine slot several times to further sharpen and polish the blade. This step enhances the cutting performance and ensures a smoother cutting experience.
7. Test the sharpness: Carefully run your finger across the blade’s edge or gently slice through a piece of paper to assess the sharpness of your knife. If the blade feels dull or fails to cut smoothly, repeat the sharpening process until the desired sharpness is achieved.
Remember to always exercise caution when handling sharp objects and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for optimal results. With practice, using a smith’s handheld knife sharpener will become a convenient and efficient way to maintain the sharpness of your knives and improve your culinary skills.
Step 4: Honing the Edge
After you have sharpened your knife using the coarse slot, it’s time to hone the edge using the fine slot. This step will help refine and polish the edge to make it even sharper.
Start by inserting your knife into the fine slot of the handheld sharpener. Hold the sharpener firmly in one hand, making sure to keep your fingers away from the slot. Then, in a smooth and consistent motion, pull the knife through the slot from base to tip. Repeat this process 3 to 5 times, depending on the dullness of your knife.
Make sure to apply gentle pressure while pulling the knife through the slot, as too much pressure can remove more metal than necessary. The fine slot is designed to delicately hone the edge, so a light touch is all you need.
Finally, wipe any metal shavings or residue from the knife blade with a clean, dry cloth. Your knife should now be sharp and ready to use. Remember to always exercise caution and use proper techniques when handling sharp objects.
Step 5: Cleaning and Maintenance
Proper cleaning and maintenance of your smith’s handheld knife sharpener will help ensure its longevity and optimal performance. Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
1. Regularly clean the sharpening slots
After using the handheld knife sharpener, it is important to clean the sharpening slots to remove any metal shavings or debris. You can use a soft brush or a damp cloth to wipe away the residue.
2. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasives
When cleaning the sharpener, avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the device. Stick to mild soap and water solutions for gentle cleaning.
3. Dry the sharpener thoroughly
After cleaning the sharpener, make sure to dry it thoroughly before storing it. Moisture can cause corrosion or rust, which can affect the sharpener’s performance.
4. Store in a dry place
It is essential to store the handheld knife sharpener in a dry place to prevent moisture buildup. Moisture can lead to rust and corrosion, compromising the sharpener’s effectiveness.
5. Check for any signs of wear or damage
Regularly inspect the handheld knife sharpener for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any loose parts, cracks, or other issues, discontinue use and contact the manufacturer for repairs or replacements.
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your smith’s handheld knife sharpener stays in good condition and continues to provide you with sharp and efficient knives.
