Knives are a necessary tool for home cooks, so maintaining a sharp blade is essential for kitchen success. This guide provides an overview of how to sharpen Victorinox knives and answers vital questions about keeping them in top condition.

Introduction

High-quality knife sets are invaluable kitchen tools for home cooks, which is why they’re considered a worthy investment. Each brand of knives has its own unique properties, which means maintaining and sharpening them requires some specific techniques. Victorinox knives, for example, have a special combination of steel and PTFE coating that makes them strong while providing additional protection against rust.

Although these knives remain sharp for longer than most other brands, over time they still need to be sharpened to maintain their edges. Properly caring for Victorinox knives will ensure that they last for many years to come. In this guide, we’ll provide a detailed overview of the best ways to sharpen Victorinox knives, what tools you need, and the steps involved.

Why is it Important to Sharpen Your Knives Regularly?

Having sharp knives is essential for safety as well as efficiency in the kitchen. Dull knives require more pressure to cut through foods, which can lead to slips and potential injuries. Sharpening them regularly keeps the blades in optimal condition and reduces the risk of injury.

Sharp knives also make meal preparation easier and more efficient. With a sharp blade, you can quickly and easily cuts fruits, vegetables, poultry, and meats, thus making meal prep faster and more enjoyable.

What Equipment Do I Need To Sharpen Victorinox Knives?

Sharpening requires the proper equipment for optimal results. The best way to sharpen Victorinox knives is to use a whetstone, a flat block of stone that comes in a range of grades and grits. Whetstones come in coarse, medium, and fine grits; the coarser stones are used for sharpening and the finer stones are used for polishing.

You’ll also need a sharpening angle guide to ensure that you’re getting the same precise angle every time you sharpen. The angle guide rests on the blade and the handle and is designed to help you maintain a constant angle during the sharpening process.

Finally, it’s important to use a quality honing oil when sharpening Victorinox knives. The oil forms a lubricating film between the whetstone and blade and reduces friction, making it easier to sharpen the knife.

How To Sharpen Victorinox Knives with a Whetstone

Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you’re ready to get started sharpening Victorinox knives. Begin by setting up a stable workstation where you won’t be disturbed and where you have easy access to running water.

Fill a bowl with lukewarm water and immerse the whetstone in it for 5 minutes. This will improve the effectiveness of the honing oil and ensure that the surface of the stone remains free from debris. After the 5 minutes has elapsed, remove the stone from the water and place it on a damp towel.

Next, place the sharpening angle guide on the edge of the blade and the handle, making sure to keep a consistent angle throughout the entire process. (The best angle to use for sharpening Victorinox knives is 20-25 degrees.)

Gently press the blade against the whetstone and move it back and forth, following the coarsest side of the stone until the desired sharpness is achieved. This should take 3-4 minutes.

Turn the blade over and repeat the process on the other side of the blade. Then, repeat the sharpening process using the finer side of the stone for another 3-4 minutes.

Once both sides of the blade are sharpened, rinse the blade in cold water and use a dry cloth to pat it dry. You’re now ready to put your Victorinox knife back into use!

Conclusion

Sharpening Victorinox knives is a simple process that requires only a few pieces of equipment and a few minutes of your time. By following the steps outlined above, you can keep your knives in excellent condition and achieve optimal results when cutting and slicing.

Also, don’t forget to clean and oil your knives after each use to keep them in top condition and extend their lifespan. With proper care, Victorinox knives are designed to last for many years.

This article was written by Avi Green and is republished here with permission.