Professional chefs rely on proper sharpening techniques and regular maintenance to keep their knives razor-sharp. Here's how they typically approach sharpening and maintaining their knives:
Honing: Honing is the process of realigning the knife's edge between sharpenings. It doesn't actually remove material from the blade but helps to maintain its sharpness. Professional chefs often use a honing rod (also called a sharpening steel) to do this. The rod is made of hard steel, and by running the knife's edge along the rod at a 15-20 degree angle, they straighten any misaligned parts of the blade.
Whetstones: Whetstone sharpening is a skill many chefs master. Whetstones come in different grit levels, which determine how coarse or fine they are. Chefs start with a coarse grit to remove any nicks or damage on the blade, and then progress to finer grits to achieve a sharp edge. They wet the stone with water or oil and maintain a consistent angle while sliding the blade across the stone in a controlled motion.
Professional Sharpening Services: Some chefs prefer to send their knives to professional sharpening services periodically. These services have the equipment and expertise to re-establish a knife's sharpness effectively.
Proper Cutting Surfaces: Chefs use soft cutting boards (wood or plastic) to minimize the impact on the knife's edge. Hard surfaces like glass or stone can quickly dull a knife.
Knife Storage: Chefs often store their knives in knife guards or magnetic strips to protect the edges and prevent them from banging against other utensils.
Regular Maintenance: Professional chefs sharpen their knives regularly, depending on usage. A well-maintained knife will require less effort to sharpen and keep it in optimal condition.
If your current sharpener is not working effectively and you're experiencing issues with your knife's edge, consider investing in a high-quality whetstone or have your knives professionally sharpened. Proper knife maintenance is essential to keep your knives in their best shape, so it's worth learning the correct sharpening techniques or seeking professional help when needed.