Perhaps, steaks are arguably the best protein in the food chain, period. No wonder people spend a hell of a lot of fortune to get the right one! A fine cut is worth appreciating. Such an eye-catchy piece will only be possible if you know how to sharpen a steak knife properly.
I still remember Uncle Duffy used to show us his steak cutting skills. Alice used to watch it with awe! He was a good chef, indeed. He introduced me to the world of premium steaks. Who was your inspiration?
You see, steaks are the ultimate indulgence of a meat lover. Maintaining the integrity of one is very crucial. A delicious serving might be spoiled if you have dull knives. It will wreck the whole mood.
World of Steak Knives
Steak knives are perhaps one of the most common equipment. You can easily find one in a kitchen. But there is a difference. If you are more into meat-eating, then I am pretty sure that these are your favorite toys!
There are different criteria by which we can separate the knives. Judging by the nature of the blade, they come in two options; Straight Edge and Serrated. Straight edges are simply blades with straight and flat sharped edges. The latter one contains small ridges on the bottom of the rim.
Now, the big question is, which one is ideal? This is a tough question to answer. The main aspects lie in your choice. If you want fine cuts, then straight ones are the go-to tool. But if you want something with a much more robust cutting texture, the latter one will do just fine.
Based on the material, the blades can come in three possible options. The first one will be the all-time favorite stainless steel. Another viable option is cold steel, great for handling. The last one is carbon steel. These toys are pretty light yet very strong.
So, as we come forward in the discussion, a question arises. Can you sharpen steak knives? The answer is yes. Moreover, it is essential to sharpen your blade for better results because the last thing you want is a dull knife to ruin your beautiful piece of protein!
Now, we will be exploring all the possible ways of sharpening. So, pay close attention. And trust me when I tell you, this is very easy. Just play along with us!
8 Steps to Sharpen a Steak Knife
Sharpening a steak knife is a straightforward process, but it requires some care and the right tools. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you sharpen your steak knife effectively:
Tools Needed:
- Sharpening stone (whetstone)
- Honing rod (optional, for regular maintenance)
- Cloth or towel (to clean the knife)
- Water or honing oil (depending on the type of sharpening stone)
Steps:
1. Prepare the Sharpening Stone
- If you’re using a whetstone, submerge it in water for about 10-15 minutes (if it’s a water stone) or apply honing oil (if it’s an oil stone) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Position the Stone
- Place the stone on a stable surface with a towel or non-slip mat underneath to prevent it from sliding.
3. Determine the Angle
- Most steak knives should be sharpened at an angle between 15-20 degrees. If you’re unsure, consult the manufacturer’s instructions or use an angle guide.
4. Sharpen the Knife
- Hold the knife at the desired angle against the stone.
- Starting at the heel (the part closest to the handle), draw the knife down and across the stone in a sweeping motion, finishing at the tip. Imagine you are trying to slice a thin layer off the stone.
- Maintain the same angle throughout the motion.
- Repeat this process 5-10 times on one side of the blade.
5. Switch Sides
- Flip the knife and repeat the process on the other side of the blade. Ensure you maintain the same angle.
6. Alternate Sides
- After you’ve sharpened both sides, alternate strokes on each side of the blade, 2-3 times per side, to ensure an even edge.
7. Hone the Edge
- If you have a honing rod, use it to fine-tune the edge. Hold the rod vertically with the tip on a stable surface.
- Starting at the base of the knife, run the blade down the rod at a 15-20 degree angle, moving from heel to tip.
- Alternate sides with each stroke, performing 5-10 strokes per side.
8. Clean the Knife
- Wipe the knife with a clean cloth or towel to remove any metal filings or residue.
Pro Tips to Maintain the Sharpness!
So, there are specific ways that will keep your weapons battle-ready all the time. You will have to take good care of those. Avoid cutting or chopping on hard and metal surfaces. Try to store the knives in blocks. Keep them nice and dry. You can also use magnetic shelves.
Keep them away from the reach of children. These are lethal weapons. So, pay extra attention to safety measures. Try not to wash them in dishwashers. Avoid contamination of any sort. In this way, the sharpness will last longer.
To test the sharpness, run the blade through a piece of paper or magazine. If it cuts effortlessly, then it is sharp. Another chef’s technique is to cut an onion. The Onion layers are slippery. If the blades cut through effortlessly, you got a great weapon there!
Wrapping Things Up!
That was all you need to know on how to sharpen a steak knife. I hope this article has fulfilled its cause. Now, it’s up to you then. Keep your blades clean and sharp. Remember, the key prospect of a good steak knife is the care you give to it.
I recommend you buy a good quality set. Those will stay sharp for a more extended time. Knives are dangerous. So, please keep those in a safe place, out of the reach of children. That is all for today. Always be safe and sound!
I am Luna L. Rusk, a passionate content writer. Always I provide accurate product reviews and information for quicker shopping. I love to cook for my family. In my leisure time, I love spending time with chefs for learning new cooking.