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How Should I Sharpen My Knives? Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Sharpener
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. That’s right—when your blade is dull, you have to press harder to cut, which means more slips, more frustration, and possibly more bandages. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, keeping your knives sharp is a must. But with so many sharpening options out there, how do you know which one to choose? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s break down the different types of knife sharpeners so you can find the perfect match for your kitchen.
Types of Knife Sharpeners
There’s more than one way to get your knife back in top shape. Here’s a look at the main types of knife sharpeners and what makes them different.
Electric Knife Sharpeners
These are the easiest to use—just slide your knife into the slot, and let the machine do the work! Electric sharpeners use rotating abrasive wheels to restore your blade’s edge. Perfect for busy kitchens where speed and consistency are key.
Pros: Quick, easy, and gives a consistent edge.
Cons: Less control over sharpening and can remove more metal than necessary.
Sharpening Stones (Whetstones)
For those who love a hands-on approach, sharpening stones are the gold standard. They come in different grit levels, so you can start with a coarse grit for dull blades and finish with a fine grit for a razor-sharp edge. It takes practice, but once you master it, you’ll get the best edge possible.
Pros: Precision sharpening, customizable edge.
Cons: Requires skill and patience.
Sharpening Steels (Honing Rods)
A honing rod doesn’t technically sharpen your knife—it straightens out the edge, keeping it sharp between sharpenings. It’s best used regularly to maintain your blade.
Pros: Quick touch-ups, extends time between sharpening.
Cons: Doesn’t actually sharpen a dull knife.
Handheld Knife Sharpeners
Think of these as the middle ground between stones and electric sharpeners. They usually have pre-set angles and slots you pull the knife through. They’re simple and effective for quick maintenance.
Pros: Affordable, portable, easy to use.
Cons: Not as precise as stones or electric sharpeners.
Nella Electric Hook Eye Knife Sharpener
Nella's Electric Hook Eye Knife Sharpener is a a commercial-grade sharpener for all blade types, offering durable performance with minimal effort. Ideal for busy kitchens, it quickly restores knife edges with precision.
Pros: Precise, durable, minimal effort.
Cons: Higher investment and requires electrical power.
Professional Knife Sharpening Service by Nella
If sharpening your knives yourself sounds like too much work, we’ve got you covered! Nella Toronto offers a professional knife sharpening service designed for restaurants, cafés, hotels, and commercial kitchens.
How It Works:
- Our team will travel to your location weekly or bi-weekly to exchange dull knives with freshly sharpened, sanitized replacements.
- No need to take time out of your busy schedule—our delivery service ensures your knives stay in top shape without disrupting your workflow.
- We also offer same-day walk-in knife sharpening at our North York location, perfect for home cooks and chefs needing a quick turnaround.
- Need sharpening but can’t make it in? Take advantage of our mail-in knife sharpening service—simply send in your knives, and we’ll return them with a razor-sharp edge.
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Final Thoughts
Keeping your knives sharp doesn’t have to be a chore. Whether you go for a high-tech electric sharpener, a classic whetstone, or let Nella’s professional sharpening service handle the job, ensuring your knives stay razor-sharp means better results in the kitchen.
So, grab your sharpener—or give us a call—and keep those blades in top form!