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    Knives and sharpeners, explained

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    How to Use a Knife Sharpener: A Simple Guide

    Updated

    A knife sharpener block and a kitchen knife on a wooden cutting board beside a small bowl
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    QUICK ANSWERTo use a knife sharpener, keep the knife at the angle the maker recommends, use light even strokes from heel to tip, and stop when the edge catches paper cleanly. Go slowly. A steady angle matters more than pressure.
    Key takeaways
    • Always follow the maker’s instructions for your sharpener first.
    • Light pressure and a steady angle beat hard pressure.
    • Wash and dry the knife afterwards and test it on paper, not on your fingers.

    Before You Start

    Wash and dry the knife. Put the sharpener on a flat, non-slip surface, and clear the space around you. Read the maker’s instructions, because each type of sharpener works a little differently.

    Five Steps to a Sharper Knife

    1. Find the angle. Check the maker’s page for the angle your knife is made for.
    2. Start at the heel. Place the part of the blade nearest the handle on the sharpener.
    3. Pull with light pressure. Move the knife smoothly from heel to tip in one even stroke.
    4. Repeat evenly. Use the same number of strokes on each side of the blade.
    5. Test and clean. Slice a sheet of paper, then wash and dry the knife.

    Real-World Checks Before You Cook

    • Look at the edge. A bright line along the edge usually means a dull spot.
    • Slice a sheet of paper. A sharp edge cuts it cleanly without tearing.
    • Keep your fingers behind the blade. Never test sharpness on your skin.

    Skip it if your knife is chipped or bent. A damaged blade needs repair by a professional, not a home sharpener.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How many strokes should I use?

    It depends on how dull the knife is. Start with a few strokes per side, test the edge and repeat.

    Can I sharpen a serrated knife?

    Most standard sharpeners are not made for serrated edges. Check the maker’s page first.

    Our Verdict

    Go slowly, hold a steady angle and test the edge on paper. Those three habits matter more than the model of sharpener you own.

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    Where the facts come from

    Product facts come from each maker’s own page and can change, so the label on the item you buy has the final word.