Sharpening Fixed Blade Knives: Avoiding Common Mistakes

Sharpening a fixed blade knife is an essential skill to have, but it can be difficult to master. If you're not careful, you can end up damaging your knife or making it less effective. To help you sharpen your knife correctly, here are some of the most common mistakes people make when sharpening a fixed blade knife.

Incorrect Tools

One of the most frequent errors people make when sharpening a fixed blade knife is using the wrong tools. You need to use a sharpening stone or rod that is specifically designed for sharpening knives.

If you use a regular sharpening stone, it won't be able to sharpen your knife properly. Additionally, you must make sure that you use the right type of oil or water when sharpening your knife.

Improper Knife Handling

Another mistake people make when sharpening a fixed blade knife is not holding it correctly. You need to hold the knife at the correct angle and apply even pressure when sharpening. If you don't hold the knife properly, you won't be able to sharpen it effectively and you could end up damaging the blade.

Neglecting Edge Maintenance

When you sharpen a fixed blade knife, you need to maintain the edge.

This means that you should sharpen both sides of the blade evenly and make sure that the edge is straight. If you don't maintain the edge, your knife won't be as effective and it could end up being more difficult to use.

Not Cleaning the Knife

Another mistake people make when sharpening a fixed blade knife is not cleaning it properly. You need to make sure that you clean off any debris or dirt from the blade before you start sharpening it. This will help ensure that your knife is as sharp as possible and that it will stay sharp for longer.

Not Testing the Edge

Finally, one of the most important steps when sharpening a fixed blade knife is to test the edge.

You should test the edge by running your finger along it and making sure that it's sharp enough for your needs. If it's not, then you need to sharpen it some more until it's as sharp as you need it to be. Sharpening a fixed blade knife can be tricky, but if you follow these tips, you should be able to do it without any problems. Just remember to use the right tools, hold the knife properly, maintain the edge, clean off any debris, and test the edge before using your knife.