How to sharpen Kitchen Knives?
GLOBAL knives are crafted in Japan with an ultra-sharp cutting edge. Forged from Cromova 18 stainless steel, this unique material ensures that GLOBAL blades stay sharper for longer than most other knives. However, with regular use, GLOBAL knives will need to be sharpened from time to time to maintain their razor sharp edge.
Which knife sharpener should you use?
The best sharpening tool is the one that you are actually going to use. Each tool is different and may be easy or difficult to use depending on the individual and their level of experience or skill.
GLOBAL recommends periodically sharpening your knives using either a Whetstone or Ceramic Wheel Sharpener. In between stone sharpening, it is recommended that you use a GLOBAL ceramic or diamond Sharpening Steel to keep the edges of your knives aligned.
We do not recommend using electric sharpeners. They tend to strip a lot of metal off the blade, ruin the edge and lower the life expectancy of your knife.
How Often Should You Sharpen Knives?
The frequency of sharpening knives depends on usage. For most cooks, honing knives weekly with a Sharpening Steel and sharpening knives 2 to 3 times a year with a Whetstone or Pull-Through Sharpener will maintain optimum sharpness.
For everyday cooks, sharpen more frequently, around every 1 to 2 months. For occasional cooks, sharpening every 6 months may suffice.
GLOBAL serrated knives do not need to be sharpened.
What's the best angle for knife sharpening?
GLOBAL Japanese knives are factory sharpened to a 10 to 15 degree angle. This angle is designed to create a thinner, sharper edge which is ideal for precision cutting in the kitchen. Maintaining this 10° to 15° cutting angle is crucial for preserving your GLOBAL knife’s performance and preventing damage to the blade.
GLOBAL Pull-Through Wheel Sharpeners are pre-set to the correct cutting angle for GLOBAL knives. To help achieve consistent results when using a Whetstones Sharpener we recommend using a Sharpening Guide Rail to help maintain the correct angle.
How to use a Sharpening Steel?
Ensure consistent, high quality cuts using GLOBAL's diamond and ceramic Sharpening Steels, designed to sharpen any brand of knife.
- Hold the sharpening pole in your non-dominant hand.
- Take the knife in your dominant hand and place it at a 15 degree angle against the steel.
- Slowly drag the blade down the steel from heel to tip, applying even pressure.
- Repeat 10 to 15 times on each side of the blade.
- Wash the knife with hot water and dry immediately.
How to use a Whetstone Sharpener?
There are various types of Whetstones, normally a medium grit stone is sufficient. However, if the blade is blunt or damaged, it may be necessary to start with the rough grit.
- Soak the stone for the required amount of time before use.
- Hold the knife so that the blade meets the stone at a 10-15 degree angle. Push back and forth across the stone in smooth steady strokes, maintaining the same angle. You will know that you are maintaining the angle if you are making the same sound with each stroke against the stone.
- Repeat the stage above on both sides of the blade, going from one side to the other, until your knife is sharp and there are no burrs (raised edges) on either side.
- During sharpening a wet powder will appear, do not wash or wipe this residue as it sharpens the knives.
- After sharpening, your knives should be washed in hot water and then towel dried.
NOTE Achieving the correct angle is sometimes difficult, particular for beginners. MinoSharp Set of 2 Sharpening Guide Rails will help to achieve the correct angle when using waterstones and ceramic stones.
How to use a Pull-Through Water Sharpener?
Explore GLOBAL and MinoSharp's range of easy to use, ceramic 2 and 3 Wheel Sharpeners. Crafted from the finest grit to produce top quality pull-through sharpeners.
- Add water to the wheel compartment to keep the wheels clean and prevent overheating.
- Place and hold the knife in a 90 degree angle on the wheel. Start with the coarse wheel and move to the fine wheel.
- With slight and even pressure, move the knife back and forth 7-8 times.
- Rinse and dry the knife before use.
GLOBAL KNIFE SHARPENERS
Shop GLOBAL's collection of knife sharpening tools and accessories to keep your premium knives razor-sharp and performing at their best. Perfect for home cooks and professional chefs looking to maintain precision, safety and longevity in the kitchen.
How to care for your GLOBAL Knives?
Proper knife care is essential for maintaining the sharpness, durability and longevity of any knife. Learn how to maintain your kitchen knives from washing, to storage and cutting surfaces with GLOBAL's Knife Care Guide.