How to Sharpen a Carving Knife At Home?
Is your carving knife dull or not giving you the precise cut you want? No worries, we have got you. In this unique article, we will discuss how you can sharpen your carving knife at home in easy steps. A well-sharpened knife is essential to perform cutting and slicing beef, lamb, veal, ham, and poultry precisely and effectively. Without any further delay, let’s begin with our article!
This piece of writing will cover the following headings:
● Introduction of a carving knife
● Sharpening process of carving knife
● Care and maintenance tips of carving knife
What is a Carving Knife?
A type of kitchen knife that is designed for cutting cooked meat into thin slices is called a carving knife. Normally, they are 7-15” (20-38 cm) in size. If you have a bunch of knives, then you can easily recognize a carving knife because it features a thinner blade that is perfect for more thinner and precise slices. Besides dealing with meat, some home cooks also use a carving knife for carving precise and clean pieces of large vegetables or fruits, like watermelon and vegetables.
Methods for Sharpening a Carving Knife:
Generally, carving knives can be sharpened by different methods. Some methods are listed hereunder:
● Whetstone sharpening
● Sharpening via honing rod
● Sandpaper sharpening
● Knife sharpening via sharpeners (for example, electric sharpeners)
In this article, we will discuss the sharpening of a carving knife via whetstones.
Step-by-Step Guide for Sharpening a Carving Knife via Whetstones:
Materials Required:
● Sharpening stone (Whetstone)
● Honing oil or water
● Towel
Procedure:
1. Understanding the Whetstone Grit:
Before beginning the process, you have to understand which type of whetstone is perfect for sharpening your knife. If finishing and polishing is your ultimate purpose, then it is best to use fine grit (3000+) for this job. However, for regular sharpening of carving knives, medium grit (800-1000) is preferred.
Wait? Is your knife severely damaged or extremely dull?
Well, in that case, you should choose coarse grit (200-600). Once you have got the appropriate whetstone grit, then proceed to step 2, which is the preparation of whetstone.
2. Soaking:
Soak the whetstone in water for a few minutes. Typically 10-15 minutes of soaking is preferred. After soaking, place the whetstone on the towel or non-slip base so that you can start the sharpening process.
3. Selecting the Right Angle:
To start the sharpening process, it is essential to begin by selecting the perfect sharpening angle. It is best to hold the knife around 15-20 degrees.
4. Apply Oil or Water to the Stones:
Some stones need oil, whereas some need water to float the swarf from the knife's surface. As you are ready to start the sharpening process of your carving knife, simply add a few drops of either water or oil to the stone. However, it should be noted that the use of lubricant is decided by the stone you are using. Diamonds and water stones require water as a lubricant. On the contrary, oil stones such as Crystolon, India, and Arkansas stones use oil as a lubricant.
5. Start the Sharpening Process:
Carefully and gently place the knife on the sharpening stone. When the knife and stones are in contact, apply a little pressure and slide the knife down and across the sharpening stone. Make sure that the entire surface of the blade makes contact with the stone.
Repeat this sweeping motion at least 10-20 times for a few minutes. Carving knives are double-bevel, that’s why you should sharpen both sides of the knife.
6. Sharpness Checking:
How will you come to know that your carving knife is perfectly sharpened? Well, you can test it by slicing a piece of meat. If it precisely slices it, then congratulations you are done with sharpening your carving knife.
7. Edge Polishing (Optional Step):
If you want a finer edge of a knife, then you should use a higher grit stone and repeat the sharpening process with it. If your knife will have any burrs, the higher grit stone will make it even smoother.
What are Care and Maintenance Tips for Carving Knife?
A proper and well-maintained knife is essential for any chef. No doubt, regular sharpening of any knife is a daunting task. Therefore it is important to properly care for carving knives to avoid regular sharpening. Some care and maintenance tips for carving knives are listed below:
● Regularly clean the carving knife after every use.
● Use hot water and mild soap for thorough cleaning of knives. Do not soak your carving knife in the water for too long. It is important to wash the carving knife immediately after use to improve hygiene and avoid corrosion.
● Immediately dry your knife with a cloth instead of air dry. Air drying can assist in the building-up of germs or can cause rusting.
● Prefer the right chopping board.
● Regularly sharpen the carving knife once a month.
● Never ever wash any knife (including a carving knife) in a dishwasher.
● Always keep your carving knife magnetic knife rack or knife block.
The Bottom Line:
Different types of knives play an important role in managing different cutting tasks in the kitchen. If you love steaks or deal with meat every day, then it is important to have a well-sharpened carving knife. Due to frequent use, the blade of the carving knife may become dull. Luckily, the carving knife can be sharpened by various methods. Sharpening carving knives via whetstone is the perfect method for achieving a precise edge.
FAQs
When sharpening a carving knife is important?
When you notice that your carving knife is not slicing precisely, then it’s time to sharpen your carving knife. Moreover, you can regularly sharpen carving knives to protect the knife edge.
Is edge polishing an important step in sharpening a carving knife?
It may or may not. Edge polishing further enhances the sharpness of the carving knife.
Can I sharpen my carving knife with a coffee mug?
Yes. It is an instant technique for sharpening any knife including a carving knife. Simply place the coffee or any ceramic mug upside down and begin the sharpening process.