Any recommendations on what stones are best to buy to properly sharpening my kitchen knives?

I’m looking for recommendations on the best sharpening stones for my kitchen knives. I’ve tried the Kitchen IQ knife/scissors sharpener, but it barely gets the job done. I’m leaning towards whetstones since they allow for adjustable blade angles. Right now, my knives are so dull that cutting a tomato feels more like juicing it!

I also want a sharpener that works for my craft knives (like X-Acto knives), scissors, and straight razors, but I’m unsure if I can use the same stones for those.

Ultimately, I need suggestions for reliable sharpening stones that will last. My mom loves cooking but has a packed schedule with cooking, cleaning, and working, so I’m hoping that sharper knives can help her save some time in the kitchen.

Sorry if this is a bit jumbled—I only got about three hours of sleep last night! 😂 Thanks!


Comments

One response to “Any recommendations on what stones are best to buy to properly sharpening my kitchen knives?”

  1. No worries, and I totally get where you’re coming from! Whetstones are a fantastic choice for sharpening kitchen knives, and they’ll give you much more control over the angle and quality of the edge. Here are a few recommendations to get you started:

    1. Grit Sizes: You’ll want a combination of coarse (around 320 to 600 grit) for repairing damaged edges or reshaping, and medium (around 1000 grit) for regular sharpening. A fine stone (over 3000 grit) is great for honing and polishing the edge. A double-sided stone with 1000 and 3000 grits can be a good starting point.

    2. Brands to Consider: Look into brands like Shapton, King, or Naniwa. They’re known for quality whetstones that should last you a long time.

    3. Usage for Other Tools: You can definitely use whetstones for sharpening craft knives and scissors, but for straight razors, you’d want something like a barber’s hone or a specific razor stone that allows for a finer edge. It’s important to ensure you use the right technique for each tool.

    4. Maintenance: Don’t forget to soak your whetstones in water before using them (for water stones) and to flatten them regularly to keep them in good shape.

    5. Time Efficiency: Since your mom spends a lot of time cooking, teaching her to use the whetstone methodically will definitely help enhance her efficiency in the kitchen. It might be a bit of a learning curve at first, but with practice, it’ll save her time down the line.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also guided systems like the KME or Work Sharp that take the guesswork out of the angles while still offering a quality edge.

    Good luck with sharpening those knives! It sounds like a great way to make her cooking experience more enjoyable. If you have any more questions or need help with techniques, feel free to ask!

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