What is Sandpaper Sharpening?
Sandpaper sharpening is a technique used to sharpen knives with sandpaper rather than traditional sharpeners like whetstones or honing rods. It involves running the blade of a knife over a sheet of sandpaper several times to remove dullness, restore the blade’s sharpness, and provide a cleaner cut.
The Pros and Cons of Sandpaper Sharpening
The benefits of sandpaper sharpening include its lower cost compared to traditional sharpeners and the ability to sharpen the knife quickly. Sandpaper sharpening also provides better results than using a dull knife, even if it does not sharpen the knife as thorough as traditional sharpeners.
The downsides of sandpaper sharpening are that it can be difficult to maintain the proper angle while sharpening and can potentially remove too much material from the blade, shortening the life of the knife. Users may also need to replace sandpaper frequently to sharpen a single knife adequately.
Choosing the Right Sandpaper for Sharpening
When selecting the grit of sandpaper for sharpening knives, it is crucial to choose appropriately. A low grit number will remove more material from the blade, which is ideal for repairing chips and large nicks. However, a high grit number is better for maintaining sharpness and removing minimal material. It is recommended to use at least 600 grit sandpaper for sharpening knives, but some experts suggest using higher grit sandpaper like 1000-2000 grit.
The Process of Sandpaper Sharpening
To sharpen a knife with sandpaper, start by selecting the appropriate grit number. Next, secure the sandpaper on a flat surface with the grit side up and run the blade repeatedly over the sandpaper at an angle recommended for the type of knife being sharpened. Alternate between sides to ensure a balanced edge. Check the knife’s sharpness by gently running the blade over a piece of paper. If it cuts cleanly, the knife is sharpened; otherwise, repeat the process with higher grit sandpaper.
While sandpaper sharpening may not be as thorough as traditional sharpeners, it is still a cost-effective and practical way to sharpen knives. The key to using sandpaper effectively is selecting the appropriate grit number for the type of knife being sharpened and maintaining the correct angle while sharpening to ensure a balanced edge. While sandpaper sharpening may not be ideal for refining a professional chef’s knives, it’s a fantastic option for occasional home use and maintenance.
