Serrated knives are a bit trickier to sharpen than other types of knives. That's because they have a blade made of multiple "teeth" rather than one continuous edge. This design allows them to easily cut through tough surfaces like meat and bread without tearing or shredding the material.
Because these knives are slightly more complex, it's important to know what you should and should not do when you're sharpening them. These are some dos and don'ts to note when you're sharpening them.
Do Use a Special Sharpener
Some sharpeners are made specifically for serrated knives. This type of sharpener has a groove for each of the teeth and can give them all an even, consistent sharpening. It's important to use this kind of sharpener instead of a regular one to ensure that you don't damage the blade.
Don't Use Too Much Pressure
It doesn't take much pressure to sharpen a serrated knife. Too much pressure can cause the blade to become too sharp and potentially damaged. Instead, use light strokes back and forth in the same direction as the teeth when you're sharpening.
Do Lubricate Your Knife
Using a lubricant such as oil or water can help to reduce friction and make the sharpening process easier. It also helps to protect the blade from getting too hot, which can cause damage.
Don't Forget About Your Safety
As with any knife-sharpening process, it's important to practice safety when you're sharpening a serrated knife. Wear gloves if necessary and keep your hands away from the blade at all times.
It's also important to make sure you have a secure grip on the knife so that it doesn't slip out of your hands while you're working. Always back up quickly if a knife falls, and don't try to catch it.
Don't Forget to Test
Once you've finished sharpening your serrated knife, you should test it on a few different surfaces. This will allow you to make sure that it's as sharp as you need it to be.
The best items to test a serrated knife on include bread, tomatoes, or carrots. You should be able to make a clean cut through these items without any tearing or shredding.
Do Use a High-Quality Knife Sharpening System
Using a high-quality sharpening system can help to give your serrated knife an even and consistent sharpening. It's important to use the right system for the job so that you get the best results.
Contact a company like Edge Pro INC to learn more.
