Sharpening knives is essential for keeping them in good condition and ensuring that they stay sharp and perform well in the kitchen. The right sharpening technique depends on the type of knife, but itâs especially important when it comes to Victorinox knives. The Swiss Army Knife manufacturer puts a lot of effort into producing high-quality knives that retain their sharpness, but even Victorinox blades will eventually require sharpening. This step-by-step guide will take you through the process of sharpening and maintaining your Victorinox knives.
1. Gather Sharpening Materials and Tools
The first step is to collect all the necessary tools and materials for sharpening your Victorinox knives. Youâll need an appropriate sharpening stone, such as a whetstone, honing stone, or diamond stone, depending on the level of sharpening youâre looking to achieve. Additionally, youâll need a lubricant or honing oil, which will ensure that the sharpening stone does not become clogged with metal particles. Finally, youâll need a non-slip surface, such as a chopping board or a non-slip mat, which will help to prevent your knives from slipping while youâre sharpening them.
2. Test the Sharpness
Before you start sharpening your Victorinox knives, itâs a good idea to test the sharpness of the blade. This will help you determine the level of sharpness youâre aiming for and how much sharpening is required. To test the sharpness, take a piece of paper and hold it up to the blade. If the blade is sharp, it should easily slice through the paper. If it doesnât, then it needs to be sharpened.
3. Prepare the Sharpening Stone
Once youâve gathered all your materials, you need to prepare the sharpening stone. Start by soaking the stone in a container of honing oil for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the oil to penetrate the stone, which will help to keep it from becoming clogged with metal particles during the sharpening process. Once itâs been soaked, use a soft cloth to remove any excess oil from the stone.
4. Start Sharpening
After the sharpening stone is prepared, itâs time to begin sharpening your Victorinox knives. Start by positioning the knife on your non-slip surface. Make sure that the blade is positioned at a 20-degree angle, with the beveled edge facing up. Place the stone on top of the blade and carefully move it back and forth, in a âsee-sawâ motion. Make sure to keep the angle of the blade consistent and apply an even pressure. After a few passes, check the sharpness of the blade and continue until youâve achieved the desired level of sharpness.
5. Clean the Knife
Once youâve finished sharpening, itâs important to clean the knife thoroughly to remove any of the metal filings from the sharpening process. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the blade, then rinse it off with warm water. Finally, dry the knife with a clean cloth and store it in a dry place.
Sharpening your Victorinox knives doesnât have to be a difficult or time-consuming process. With the right materials and a bit of patience, you can get your knives back to their former sharpness in no time. So, the next time your Victorinox knives are getting dull, why not give sharpening a try? Youâll be glad you did.