Want to keep you cooking skills sharp?
It all starts with the best kitchen equipment, including extra sharp knives.
Since we know getting a whole new block of knives is a real investment, we are working with what you have, as many of your chopping and slicing tools may just need some TLC.
To help get your knives in tip-top shape, a knife sharpener may be the best solution, as you can use and reuse it over and over, each time your set starts to feel dull or your cuts look less precise.
Even though we love home cooking at The Post, we wanted to get an expert’s advice, so we chatted with chef Viet Pham, founder and CEO Pretty Bird Hot Chicken in Salt Lake City. He also notably beat Iron Chef Bobby Flay not once, but twice, on “Iron Chef America” and appeared on “Extreme Chef” and “The Next Food Network Star,” on The Food Network.
Read on for Chef Pham’s picks for at-home knife sharpeners as well as tips and tricks for keeping you on point when in the kitchen.
Expert picks for at-home knife sharpeners:
1. KING K1000#1000 WHET Stone, $22, original price: $33
For an easy and budget-friendly knife sharpener, Chef Pham chose this block, which we found on Amazon. It is on sale now, making it even more affordable, plus its small size makes it easy to store behind your knife block or in the drawer.
2. Double-Sided Medium-Grade And Finishing Whetstone, $40
For a high-quality sharpener, our expert turns to the Japanese, recommending a whetstone made of all natural stone.
3. Wüsthof Classic Ikon Sharpening Steel, $25
Our chef also recommended to have a good quality honing steel to give your knives a touch up at least every week.
Other knife sharpeners:
1. 3-Stage Knife Sharpener, $15, original price: $30
This kit comes with a knife sharpening and polishing block, plus a glove to wear to protect your hand from accidental cuts while sharpening.
2. Chef’sChoice 15XV EdgeSelect Professional Electric Knife Sharpening System, $160
For a splurge that is worth it, this professional sharpener is electric and does all the hard work for you. This can be used with both straight and serrated knives without fear.
Knife sharpening FAQ:
Why is it important to have sharp knives when cooking? “Having sharp knives allows you to work, faster, more efficiently, and it is safer,” said Pham. “Dull knives tend to bruise vegetables and often times you’re exerting more force which in turn can cause accidents.”
How often should one sharpen their knives? “Depending on how often you use your knives and ingredients that you are cutting I would recommend to lightly sharpen them on a weekly basis to maintain sharpness. If you wait too long to sharpen your knives it will take longer to regain that knife edge,” recommended Pham.
Do you have any tips for keeping your knives sharp? “Have a good quality honing steel or ceramic steel and depending on usage sharpen at least once a week!” said Pham.
Any other tips for sharpening knives at home? “Sharpening knives can be very meditative,” explained Pham. “Pay attention to you strokes and your breathing. At the end of the day it will elevate your sharpening experience.”
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