Honing vs. Sharpening Your Knives - What is The Difference?

As proud owners of SEKKIN knives, it's essential to understand the key difference between honing and sharpening to maintain the cutting edge and precision of our beloved blades. Both techniques serve distinct purposes in ensuring your SEKKIN knife stays at its best performance. Let's dive into the world of honing and sharpening to unleash the full potential of your culinary companion.

Honing:

When you use your SEKKIN knife on a cutting board, natural wear and tear occur over time. This can lead to a "rolled edge" where the thin blade curls, reducing the knife's optimal sharpness during cutting. Fear not! The honing process comes to the rescue. A honing rod allows you to realign and uncurl the edge, bringing back that razor-sharp cutting experience. Simply follow these steps to hone your SEKKIN knife effectively:

1. Align the flat side of the blade with the 16° angle guide on the hand guard of your honing rod.
2. Gently pull the blade down the rod from heel to tip while maintaining the angle.

Remember to hone your SEKKIN knife regularly, depending on your usage. Whether it's once a week or monthly, honing enhances your cutting experience and ensures precision in the kitchen.

Sharpening:

Honing can work wonders, but there comes a time when real sharpening is necessary. If honing fails to restore the sharpness you desire, it's time to opt for sharpening. Unlike honing, sharpening involves removing a bit of metal from the blade to achieve a keen edge. But don't worry! Your SEKKIN knife is designed to withstand multiple sharpening sessions over its lifetime.

To sharpen your SEKKIN knife effectively:

1. Ensure it is sharpened at the correct 16° angle.
2. Sharpen only when truly needed, as it involves the removal of metal.
3. For most home cooks, once a year should suffice, while professionals may require more frequent sharpening.

For easy and professional sharpening, you should find a professional in your area. If you prefer a hands-on approach, we recommend learning how to use a Japanese whetstone, which ensures precision and consistency in sharpening.

Understanding the distinction between honing and sharpening empowers you to care for your SEKKIN knife with utmost precision. Regular honing keeps your knife performing at its best, while sharpening, when needed, ensures it remains a cherished kitchen companion for a lifetime. Discover the art of honing and sharpening with SEKKIN knives and embark on an elevated culinary journey like never before.

Happy cutting!