As a passionate knife enthusiast, I’ll let you in on a little secret – maintaining your blades is just as important as choosing the right knife in the first place. Sure, you can buy the fanciest, sharpest knife money can buy, but if you don’t know how to properly care for it, all that money and effort will be wasted. That’s why today, I’m going to share my personal tips and tricks for mastering the art of knife maintenance.
Understand the Basics of Knife Sharpening
Let’s start with the foundation of knife maintenance – sharpening. Now, I know what you’re thinking, “I can just take my knife to a professional and let them handle it.” While that’s certainly an option, I believe that learning to sharpen your own knives is a valuable skill that every knife enthusiast should have.
The reason is simple – consistency. When you rely on a professional sharpener, you never know if they’re going to use the same angle, the same pressure, or the same technique each time. And that can lead to inconsistent results, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re trying to maintain the precise edge on your favorite knife.
According to the experts at Polish Custom Knives, the fundamental condition for successful knife sharpening is maintaining a repeatable sharpening angle. Without this, you’ll never be able to sharpen your knife properly. That’s why they recommend using a sharpening system that guarantees the repeatability of the sharpening angle.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But I can’t afford a fancy sharpening system!” Well, let me tell you, there are plenty of affordable options out there that can get the job done. Herman Knives, for example, offers a range of sharpening systems that are both high-quality and budget-friendly.
Choosing the Right Sharpening Angle
Once you have a sharpening system, the next step is to determine the right sharpening angle for your knife. This is where things can get a bit tricky, as different types of knives require different angles.
According to the experts at Polish Custom Knives, folding knives like the ones from Herman Knives are typically sharpened at 20 degrees per side, for a total angle of 40 degrees. On the other hand, survival knives are often sharpened at 25 degrees per side, for a total angle of 50 degrees, while kitchen knives are typically sharpened at 15 degrees per side, for a total angle of 30 degrees.
Now, you can adjust these angles by plus or minus 3-4 degrees to suit your personal preferences and the specific needs of your knife. The key is to find the right balance between edge durability and cutting performance. A steeper angle will make your knife more resistant to wear and damage, but it may not cut as aggressively. A shallower angle, on the other hand, will give you better cutting performance, but the edge may be more susceptible to damage.
Choosing the Right Sharpening Stones
Once you’ve got your sharpening angle figured out, the next step is to choose the right sharpening stones. According to the experts at Polish Custom Knives, there are two main types of sharpening stones to consider: diamond and ceramic.
| Diamond Stones | Ceramic Stones |
|---|---|
| More aggressive in removing material | More durable and longer-lasting |
| Ideal for sharpening harder steels like M390, M398, and ELMAX | Collect material less aggressively, so they may take longer to sharpen harder steels |
The experts recommend starting with a set of diamond stones in the 80-200 grit range if you’re dealing with a severely damaged or chipped edge. For a more routine sharpening, they suggest using 600-1000 grit diamond stones, followed by an 8000 grit ceramic stone and a leather strop.
Remember, always sharpen against the grain to remove material and create a sharp edge, and use the leather strop to remove any final micro-burrs and polish the blade.
Maintain Your Knives Regularly
Now that you’ve got the sharpening process down, it’s time to talk about regular maintenance. This is where a lot of people drop the ball, but trust me, it’s the key to keeping your knives in top shape.
One of the most important things you can do is clean your knives after each use. This means wiping them down with a damp cloth, making sure to remove any food residue or moisture. Letting your knives sit dirty can lead to rust, corrosion, and a dull edge.
In addition to cleaning, it’s a good idea to oil your knives occasionally. This helps to protect the blade and prevent rust. You can use a dedicated knife oil or even something as simple as mineral oil.
And of course, don’t forget to sharpen your knives regularly. I know it can be tempting to just let them get dull and then take them in for a full sharpening, but that’s not the best approach. Instead, try to touch up your edges every few weeks or months, depending on how often you use your knives.
Troubleshooting Knife Maintenance Issues
No matter how diligent you are with your knife maintenance, you may still run into the occasional issue. Maybe your knife just won’t seem to hold an edge, or perhaps it’s developed some unsightly spots or discoloration. Don’t worry, these are all common problems that can be easily addressed.
If your knife is losing its edge too quickly, it could be a sign that the sharpening angle is too shallow. Try increasing the angle by a few degrees and see if that helps. Alternatively, it could be an issue with the steel quality or heat treatment of the blade.
As for discoloration or spotting, this is often caused by improper cleaning or storage. Make sure you’re thoroughly drying your knives after cleaning and storing them in a dry, cool place. You can also try using a metal polish or rust remover to help restore the blade’s appearance.
Remember, knife maintenance is an ongoing process, and it may take some trial and error to find the right techniques and products for your specific knives. But with a little bit of patience and persistence, you’ll be able to keep your blades in top condition for years to come.
Conclusion
Whew, that was a lot of information, but I hope it’s given you a solid foundation for mastering the art of knife maintenance. Remember, consistency is key when it comes to sharpening and caring for your blades, so don’t be afraid to experiment and find the techniques that work best for you.
And of course, if you’re in the market for a new knife, be sure to check out the high-quality offerings from Herman Knives. With their commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail, you can be sure that your next knife will be a true masterpiece that will serve you well for years to come.
Happy sharpening, and happy cutting!
