Sharpening Technique and Angle (How to Do It)

The correct sharpening angle and how to maintain it One of the most common questions we hear from people who are just starting with knife sharpening is: “What is the correct sharpening angle?” Right behind it comes a second, often even more important question: “How do I keep that angle consistent throughout the entire process?” And it is precisely these two questions that make the difference between a good result… and a truly professional one. 1. What Is the Correct…

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Should I Buy a Waterstone or a Diamond Stone?

When deciding between a waterstone and a diamond stone, consider sharpening speed, cost, maintenance, and the type of steel you are sharpening. Each type has its advantages and limitations. Waterstone – Pros and Cons Advantages: Fast sharpening due to the formation of slurry (a paste-like abrasive layer). Wide range of grits, allowing for fine polishing. Easy to clean – just use water. Disadvantages: Stones wear over time and require flattening. Often need soaking before use (some stones 10–15 minutes). Diamond…

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What Grit of Whetstone Do I Need?

Choosing the right grit for your sharpening stone is crucial for effective sharpening and achieving a high-quality edge. Different stages of sharpening require different grits to achieve optimal results. Basic Grit Categories Low (coarse) grit: for fast material removal and repairing blades. Medium grit: for regular sharpening and edge maintenance. Fine grit: for polishing and achieving a sharp, smooth edge. According to experts, typical ranges for whetstones are: coarse stones around 120–400 grit, medium stones 800–2000 grit, and fine stones…

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Kaizen in Knife Sharpening

Why the EdgeON Goniometer Is More Than Just an Angle Gauge I wouldn’t want to live in Japan. But I deeply admire their life principles—especially discipline, respect for craftsmanship, and the constant pursuit of improvement. The Japanese have a single word for this: Kaizen. It means “continuous improvement through small steps, every day.” This very principle—even in today’s fast-paced world—makes Japan a global leader that remains practically unmatched in many fields. Not because of speed. Not because of marketing. But…

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What Is the Best Tool for Home Knife Sharpening?

(Stone vs. Honing Rod vs. Electric Sharpener vs. V-System) Home knife sharpening is a skillful art – and it doesn’t matter whether a man or a woman takes it up. There are certain principles based on physics that are rarely explained, which is why it makes sense to expand your knowledge and learn to sharpen knives or scissors smartly and efficiently. Keeping a sharp edge can also be very satisfying. Tool Comparison WhetstoneThe most traditional sharpening method. It allows precise…

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What Is the Difference Between Honing and Sharpening?

Many people confuse honing with sharpening. Although both processes are related to knife sharpness, they serve completely different purposes. What Is Honing Honing is a process in which a honing rod (steel) is used to realign microscopic deformations (micro-burrs) along the knife edge. A honing rod does not remove a significant amount of material; instead, it smooths and straightens the edge to maintain sharpness between full sharpening sessions. You can think of it like repairing the surface of an asphalt…

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