4 Surprising Benefits of Sharpening Your Kitchen Knives
It can have several benefits, including preventing frequent re-sharpening, preventing rust buildup, and removing germs. It can also help to maintain the longevity of your blades. Read on to learn more about sharpening your knives.
Prevents Frequent Re-sharpening
There are a variety of methods for sharpening a knife. One process involves bringing both sides together and grinding the metal evenly from both sides. This creates the bevels and edge of the blade. The angle at which the metal is ground is not as important. However, if your knife is a bit softer, you can sharpen it at a 20-degree angle on both sides.
Another method involves using a honing rod or honing steel. The honing steel guides the blade’s edge back into its original position. In addition, it makes the knife more balanced.
The honing process is an essential step for maintaining a sharp knife. Generally, a blade should be sharpened at least once a week or once a few months. There are sharpening services savannah ga, that you could take advantage of. If you want the sharpening to be well done, you could let professionals do the job instead of you doing it. It is also crucial to protect the knife’s blade by storing it properly.
By storing your utensils properly, you will keep them sharp and prevent frequent re-sharpening.
It Prevents Rust Buildup
One of the best ways to prevent rust buildup on your kitchen knives is to sharpen them regularly. Sharp knives are attractive and functional and more resistant to rust. Iron rusts easily, and stainless steel resists rusting because it contains chromium, which reacts with oxygen before it can react with iron. It also forms an oxide layer that prevents oxygen and water from reaching the iron. Different grades of stainless steel will resist rust more than others.
To prevent rust buildup, you should first clean your kitchen knives. You can use a brush or cloth to clean them. You can also use steel wool to scrub away the rust. Once the rust has been removed, you can dry the blade with a soft cloth.
You can also prevent rust buildup by storing your kitchen knives properly. For example, you can keep your cutter blades in a knife block, magnetic strip, or wooden knife box. Ensure they are stored away from metal objects such as pots and pans, as they can dull the edges.
Removes Germs
There are many ways to clean kitchen knives to ensure they are free from germs. For starters, always clean them thoroughly after using them. To do this, you can use a damp cloth nearby your chopping station. Another effective method is to use vinegar. It will dissolve rust, which will slowly eat away at your knife.
In addition to washing the handle after use, sanitizing your utensils and knives is also essential. Using hard or metal surfaces to cut raw foods is a common problem, and bacteria from these surfaces can transfer to the food. You should also avoid touching raw meat with your knives. This could transfer bacteria from the blade to the food, leading to illness. A cutting board with natural antimicrobial properties is an additional way to keep your knives germ-free.
Sharpening your kitchen knives removes germ-causing bacteria from the blade. It also refines the angle of the blade and removes small metal fragments.
However, you must remember to clean your knife after sharpening to prevent the spread of germs.
Prolongs the Life of a Knife
You can lengthen the life of your kitchen knives by pointing them at least once every three months. Sharpening also restores the V-shape of the blade, ensuring peak performance. However, it is crucial not to over-sharpen knives, which will shorten their lifespan.
A good knife can be sharpened by honing a stone or steel rod. These tools are made of ceramic or steel and are held at a slight angle. A good angle for most kitchen knives is about 19 to 20 degrees on each side. Any other angle can cause the edge to roll over or scratch the surface. Proper honing requires practice but will become easier as time goes by.
During the sharpening process, you should pay close attention to the angle of the edge. Different materials need different sharpening tools. The hardest metals can hold an edge longer than others. For example, a Japanese knife has a 15-degree angle, while a European knife has a 20-degree slope. You should use the right tool for the suitable material. Sharpening your kitchen knives will ensure they are in good condition for a long time.