How to Sharpen a Knife with a Stone, by Howcast on YouTube. 2 min 43 s.
- Video length
- 2 min 43 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Soak the water stone in a bowl of water for 5 minutes. Use enough water to cover it.
Remove the stone and put it on a towel on a stable surface. Check that the coarse side faces up.
Hold a chef's knife semi-parallel to the stone at a 20-degree angle. Put one hand on the handle, the other on the top of the blade, and keep your fingertips on the top edge to hold the angle.
Start at the heel of the blade. Draw the blade sideways along the stone while pulling it toward you, so the contact point slides from heel to tip. Use moderate pressure.
Repeat the stroke 10 times on each side, then 5, then 3. Finish with 6 single strokes, alternating sides. Feel carefully with a fingernail for a rough burr.
Turn the stone over to the fine side. Repeat the sharpening motion with a lighter touch to polish the edge.
Rinse the blade under running water to remove grit and metal particles. Dry it before you continue.
Make a few light draws along a honing steel. Use the same angle and a similar motion to finish the edge.
Tips and common mistakes
Keep the angle steady by using the width of a matchbook as a rough guide for 20 degrees.
Knives with thinner edges and harder carbon steel may take a little longer to sharpen.
A coarse edge cuts tomatoes and fish well but wears faster, so polish the edge for longer life.
Feel for the burr with your fingernail, not your fingertip, and keep your fingers clear of the edge.
Questions
How do I know the knife is sharp?
You should feel a rough burr along the edge after the coarse strokes. After polishing and rinsing, the knife should slice cleanly.
Can I use oil on the stone instead of water?
Use water for this method. Oil stones are harder to use correctly, even for experienced cooks.
Do I have to use a honing steel?
No. The steel gives a more polished edge, but the knife is usable after the fine stone and rinse.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
