subject: The Difference in Honing and Sharpening Wusthof Knives [print this page] The Difference in Honing and Sharpening Wusthof Knives
While Wusthof knives are known for their amazing and long lasting sharpness, with regular use, like any knife, Wusthof knives will require sharpening. Each edge of the blade has very fine teeth that bend to both sides after a certain amount of cutting which you cannot see without a microscope. These teeth can be realigned with a Wusthof sharpening steel to keep the edge sharp for a lifetime of use.
Honing
Wusthof offers very fine steels to use for honing your Wusthof knives. These are similar to those used by butchers. The finer surface brings out a fine edge, but if used should be used regularly. Japanese chefs are known for honing their knives daily. You simply guide the knife's blade across the steel with light pressure in an arching motion, side to side at about a 20 degree angle. Stroke the blade across the steel only once in succession, and repeat the process six to eight times. Holding the tip down allows you to see the contact point of the knife and the steel.
Sharpening
When your knife's blade becomes dull you will likely need to sharpen it as honing will no longer be effective. Sharpening is done with an abrasive surfaced tool and is designed to reshape the edge to its original shape and sharpness. There are several different types of sharpening tools:
Diamond Knife: This tool is covered with industrial diamonds and allows for the creation of a new edge quickly. It is used similar to the honing tool.
Ceramic: Ceramic is a very hard material which is abrasive, but not as much so as a diamond sharpener. This provides a finer edge. The ceramic rod should also be used like the honing tool. Ceramic wheels, two of which make a ceramic tool, offer the right angle so you can gently pull your knife through for a new, sharpened edge again.
Whetstones: This is an effective and professional way to sharpen your Wusthof knives. You can purchase Wusthof whetstones in different grits for different fineness in the edge of the blade. A coarser grit can be used to remove small nicks from the blade. The finer grit is used to complete the sharpening and polish the edge. The finer the grit, the smoother and sharper the edge of the knife will be.
Taking proper care of your Wusthof knife set will ensure that you have a lifetime of use and pleasure from the Wusthof knives it contains.
