How to Use a Knife Sharpener: Bring Back the Edge

A blunt knife is more dangerous than a sharp one – it's more likely to slip, because you end up pressing harder to cut. A knife sharpener brings the edge back in seconds. Here's how to use yours properly.

What a Knife Sharpener Is For

It's for quick, everyday touch-ups – on chef's, santoku, all-purpose and bread knives (serrated blades need a sharpener made for them). It's the easy fix for those in-between moments when a whetstone isn't to hand. Take a look at our knife sharpeners.

Getting the Technique Right

Draw the knife through the slot a few times with light, even pressure – always in one direction, from base to tip, never back and forth like a saw. Many sharpeners have a coarse slot for sharpening and a fine one for polishing; start coarse, finish fine.

Common Mistakes

Too much pressure and too many passes wear away more metal than you need to. A few even strokes are plenty. And using a sharpener made for straight blades on a serrated one will damage the teeth – that needs a sharpener designed for the job.

How Often Should You Sharpen?

It depends how much you use your knives, but every few weeks is typical – or as soon as the blade starts to feel like it's dragging rather than cutting. For a really fine edge, a sharpening stone is worth adding to the mix.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I sharpen my knife? As soon as it starts to drag rather than cut – usually every few weeks.

Does it work on serrated blades too? Only with a sharpener designed for them – otherwise you'll damage the teeth.

Which direction should I pull it? Evenly, from base to tip – never back and forth like a saw.

Sharpener or whetstone? The sharpener is quick for everyday use; a whetstone gives a finer, more professional edge.

How much pressure do I need? Not much – too much pressure damages the blade.

Am I wearing the blade away? Every sharpen removes a little metal; keeping the strokes to a minimum keeps this small.

Does it work on all knives? Yes, on straight blades; serrated ones need a sharpener with a dedicated slot.

Where can I find out more about knife care? Our care guide covers everything you need to know.