How To Sharp Your Knives Like A Professional Chef

If you want to cook like a professional chef, one of the most important skills you need to master is how to sharp your knives. A dull knife can ruin your dishes and make your cooking process more frustrating. On the other hand, a sharp knife not only makes cooking easier, but it also ensures your food is cooked evenly and looks more appetizing. In this article, we will share with you some tips and tricks on how to sharp your knives like a professional chef and take your cooking skills to the next level.

Why Sharp Knives Are Essential for Cooking

Before we dive into the techniques, let’s first understand why sharp knives are essential for cooking. The main reason is that a sharp knife will glide through your ingredients with ease, saving you time and effort. With a dull knife, you need to apply more force, which can lead to accidents and injuries. Moreover, a sharp knife ensures that your cuts are clean and precise, resulting in a more professional-looking dish.

Choosing the Right Sharpening Tools

The first step towards sharpening your knives like a professional chef is to have the right tools. While there are various methods and tools for sharpening knives, we recommend using either a whetstone or a honing steel. A whetstone is a flat stone used to sharpen and polish the blade, while a honing steel is a rod that is used to straighten and align the blade. Both are easily available in most kitchen supply stores.

Whetstone Sharpening

If you are using a whetstone, the first thing you need to do is soak the stone in water for about 10-15 minutes before using it. This will prevent the stone from getting damaged and will also help in lubricating the blade during the sharpening process. Once the stone is ready, hold the knife at a 20-degree angle and slide it back and forth on the stone in a circular motion. Repeat this process on both sides of the blade until you achieve the desired sharpness.

Honing Steel Sharpening

If you are using a honing steel, start by holding the knife at a 20-degree angle against the steel. Slowly draw the knife down the steel, starting from the heel to the tip of the blade. Repeat this process on both sides of the blade, applying light pressure and making sure to maintain a consistent angle. The key here is to hone your knives regularly, as this helps to maintain the sharpness and prolong the life of your knives.

Additional Tips for Sharpening Knives

Aside from using the right sharpening tools, there are a few other tips and tricks that professional chefs use to sharpen their knives:

Sharpen After Every Use

To prevent your knives from becoming dull, make it a habit to sharpen them after every use. This will not only ensure that your knives stay sharp, but it will also prevent any accidents while cooking.

Use Proper Technique

The technique used for sharpening your knives is crucial. As mentioned earlier, maintaining a consistent angle is vital for achieving a sharp edge. Additionally, using light pressure and making sure to sharpen both sides of the blade will result in a more even sharpness.

Strop Your Knife

Stropping is the process of polishing the blade after sharpening. This helps to remove any burrs or rough edges and gives your knife a smooth and sharp finish. You can either use a leather strop or a piece of cardboard for this process.

Store Your Knives Properly

How you store your knives can also affect their sharpness. We recommend storing them in a knife block or a knife roll to prevent them from banging against other utensils. Also, make sure to clean and dry your knives before storing them to avoid rusting and dulling the blade.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Becoming proficient at sharpening your knives takes practice. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Keep practicing, and you will soon find a technique that works best for you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, sharp knives are essential for anyone who wants to cook like a professional chef. A dull knife can ruin your dishes and make your cooking process more frustrating. By using the right sharpening tools and techniques, you can ensure that your knives stay sharp and make your cooking experience more enjoyable. Remember to sharpen your knives after every use, use proper techniques, and store them properly for best results. With these tips, you’ll be sharpening your knives like a pro in no time.