Understanding Your Kitchen Knife
Before you start sharpening your electric kitchen knife, it’s essential to understand the tool you’re working with. Kitchen knives consist of two parts; the blade and the handle. The blade comprises the back, edge, point, spine, and heel. The handle holds the tang, which is the portion of metal that runs through the handle of the knife. The tang can be full, half, or rat-tail, depending on the knife. Understanding your kitchen knife is crucial when it comes to sharpening electric knives.
Materials Needed to Sharpen Electric Kitchen Knives
Once you’ve understood your electric kitchen knife, the next step is to gather all the necessary materials for sharpening. You’ll need an electric knife sharpener, kitchen towel, water, and a pair of gloves to protect your hands while handling the blades. Electric knife sharpeners come in a range of models and styles, but they all serve the same purpose, which is to sharpen and grind the blades of your kitchen knife.
Sharpening the Blades of an Electric Kitchen Knife
When sharpening the blades of your electric kitchen knife, it’s essential to follow the manual that comes with it. Each electric knife comes with a guide that instructs the user on how to sharpen the blade. The first step is to plug in the electric knife sharpener. Once it’s on, insert the blade into the sharpener with the tip of the blade facing downwards. Press the button, and the knife sharpener will start sharpening the blade. Repeat the process on the other side of the blade to ensure both sides are sharpened evenly.
Cleaning and Storing Your Electric Knife
Cleaning your electric knife after sharpening it is an essential step to ensure it remains hygienic and durable. Use a kitchen towel to wipe the blade, removing any dirt and debris. Dip the same kitchen towel in water and use it to clean the blade further to remove all the metal shavings left after sharpening. Once you’ve cleaned it thoroughly, store it in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it with other kitchen utensils, as this could damage the blade.
Maintaining Your Electric Kitchen Knife
Maintaining your electric kitchen knife is essential to ensure it remains sharp and durable. Avoid using it to cut hard surfaces such as bones, as this could damage the blade. Also, avoid putting it in the dishwasher, as the detergent could cause corrosion to the blade. Instead, clean it manually with a damp kitchen towel and store it appropriately. Sharpening your electric kitchen knife regularly, at least once every six months, helps maintain its sharpness and durability.
