I tried sharpening with moderate success at best until i ran across this video (sorry for youtube). The creator does a good job going clearly explaining the process. Now my knives are sharp as hell.
I say keep practicing!
this post was submitted on 14 Mar 2025
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Sharpening
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The problem with a lot of the sharpeners that are intended to be "idiot proof" is that they understandably have a fixed angle. If that fixed angle is off compared to how your knife has already been sharpened, it's possible that you are basically just regrinding the edge to a new angle. That involves removing more material than you would otherwise want/need to for "maintenance" sharpening. One way to check this is by using a marker to draw on the edge so you can see where material is removed.
Another tip is to pay attention to pressure. You can use a scale to help get a feel for the right amount of pressure.
I've got a Lansky kit I've been using for years; it does the job pretty well: https://www.lansky.com/sharpeners.html?page=1
Have you tried angle guides for your knives? These can be bought, or just as simple as taping some cardboard to each side.
You may enjoy it, you may not. If you don't take your knives to be professionally sharpened, and in between, use a Steel. There are very nice and expensive ones, but you can also just go to a metal shop and ask for a steel rod. For years I used a rod I got for free, stuck in an old screwdriver handle.
Steeling your knives makes a huge difference, it's easy and takes almost no time. I do it every time I use a knife. My knives stay sharp, and I have to sharpen them less frequently.
If you can do a nice edge on a chisel, you can do knives.
Mundial is usually Ok, Victorinox is a pain in the ass to sharpen. They go for a high chromium alloy that has great rust resistance, but makes for a shit edge.
The Thai brand Zebra is very good and inexpensive. I'm a big fan of cheap stamped stainless knives.
Watch this: https://youtu.be/pagPuiuA9cY It's 6 minutes long and explains everything explicitly. It's all you need
If money is no object, wicked edge.
Also YouTube project farm for alternativs. He did a big review
If money is no object, wicked edge.
I thought it would be obvious from my collection of knives - money is a problem.
Also YouTube project farm for alternativs. He did a big review
Thanks - I find him yelling at me for the whole video a bit annoying, but his content is generally good - I'll have a look
Maybe it'll click if you use a steel instead?