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Kitchen Knife Sharpening Basics

Sharpen kitchen knives safely

This guide covers simple knife sharpening: choose a whetstone/grit, set a consistent angle, use light even strokes, raise a burr, and strop or hone after sharpening.

Choose tools

Use a whetstone (1000-3000 grit) or guided sharpener; soak water stones as needed.

Set the angle

Hold 15-20? per side for most kitchen knives; stay consistent.

Raise a burr

Use light strokes until a burr forms along the edge, then switch sides.

Finish and maintain

Use finer grit or strop to polish; hone lightly between sharpenings.

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