Knife Sharpeners

Keep Knives in Prime Condition with Knife Sharpeners

A knife sharpener isn't just a tool—it's an essential part of kitchen safety and culinary precision. Over time, even the best knives dull, making cutting not only more difficult but also more dangerous. A dull knife requires unnecessary pressure to cut through food, which can be dangerous and inefficient. Meanwhile, sharp knives reduce the risk of accidents and improve your cutting precision, making your cooking experience more enjoyable and safe. Crate & Barrel offers a range of knife sharpeners and knife sharpening services that ensure your knives are always ready to perform their best. Let's explore how to keep your blades in top condition.

Types of Knife Sharpeners

Honing Steel: Honing steel is crucial for maintaining a knife's edge. Contrary to common belief, honing does not actually sharpen the blade but realigns it, ensuring optimal performance between sharpenings. To use a honing rod, hold both the steel and the knife at arm's length. Gently run the knife blade along the rod at a 20-degree angle, applying light pressure. Alternate strokes on each side of the blade several times and test the blade on a fruit or vegetable to feel the improvement. Frequent honing prolongs the blade's sharpness and delays the need for actual sharpening. Explore Crate & Barrel's selection of honing steels to find the perfect match for your kitchen.

Manual Knife Sharpeners: Manual sharpeners offer more control over the sharpening process. They are simple to use and require you to pull the knife through slots that sharpen the blade. These sharpeners are great for those who want to quickly touch up their blades with precision. Explore a variety of manual sharpeners that cater to different blade types.

Electric Knife Sharpeners: Electric knife sharpeners are ideal for those who value convenience and efficiency. They automatically set the angle and pressure, ensuring your knives are sharpened correctly with minimal effort. While louder and larger than their manual counterpart, its effectiveness is unmatched for keeping both straight and serrated blades sharp. With proper honing, knives only need to be sharpened a few times a year, making an electric sharpener a valuable addition to any kitchen.

Professional Knife Sharpening Services: For those who prefer not to sharpen their own knives or possess particularly valuable cutlery, a knife sharpening service is an excellent option. Crate & Barrel offers professional knife sharpening by mail through Knife Aid to restore your knives to factory sharpness, ensuring longevity and performance.

Tips for Maintaining a Sharp Knife

To maintain a sharp edge, opt for a wood, plastic or composite cutting board and avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or marble, clean your knives immediately after use, and store them properly in a knife block or magnetic strip. Regular honing with a honing rod will keep your knives ready for action, and proper storage will protect their edges. Sharpen your knives once or twice a year with the best electric knife sharpeners or by using a knife sharpening service.

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