When you were young, you’re probably one of the kids who dreamt of becoming a chef after seeing a skilled chef cut the onions and tomatoes fast and quick. One of the reasons they can do it that fast is because they use super sharp knives. You can also achieve that if you have a good sharpener like the ones from Smith’s. And in this article, we will teach you how to use Smith’s knife sharpener! Read till the end if you want your knife to become sharp and fast cutting.
History of Knife Sharpening
Before going to the steps on how to use Smith’s knife sharpener, let’s find out about the history of knife sharpening. When humankind discovered the use of knives, the sharpening process followed. And if we are to dig in history, you’ll be surprised to know that the sharpening of knives started 75,000 years ago. And here’s more:
- These so-called “moletas” in northern Italy travel to different places to offer sharpening services to every household they encounter.
- They are from the Dolomite Alps of Italy, specifically from the valley of Val Rendena.
- They are known for their distinctive look. They wear a floppy hat and position on different street corners.
- If you’re curious how they sharpen knives, the answer is by pedaling. They have invented the simple machine that is pedal-operated. It has a grinding wheel that is fixed in the wheelbarrow of the machine.
- Now, if you’re wondering how the Americans learned how to sharpen their knives, well, the moletas settled for more than three decades in America.
- They arrived in America in 1886 and have been offered sharpening services.
- To honor the contribution of the moletas in sharpening knives, a monument in Pinzolo, Italy was dedicated to them.
- After several years, people had learned to sharpen their own knives using the manufactured sharpeners.
But what is the proper way of using Smith’s knife sharpener? Read more below to get the answer.
For the 10 Second Knife Sharpener
There are many sharpening tools offered by Smith’s. But let’s start with how to use Smith’s knife sharpener featuring its 10-second knife sharpener. This sharpener can be used on knives, tape measures, hooks, and scales.
What to do:
- Hold the other side of the sharpener.
- Align your knuckles and make sure that your fingers are positioned inside the handguard.
- For your thumb, place it on top of the sharpener where the thumb rest is.
- Get your knife and lay it on a flat but solid surface.
- Make sure that the cutting edge is in a face-up position.
- Hold the knife tight and start sharpening by maintaining a 90-degree angle.
- Make sure that you are putting nice downward pressure across the blade.
- Do this four times, and you will get the right sharpness for your knife.
- Remember not to use hard pressure because it may cause the knife to slip in your hand and cause you a painful injury.
- Wash the knife before using it for cutting.
- Make sure you also rinse the sharpener to terminate all fine dust.
For the Diamond Combination Sharpener
Next, how to use Smith’s knife sharpener featuring the diamond combination sharpener? This sharpener is designed with the latest sharpening technology. It has a coarse and fine grit diamond texture that makes the sharpening process quick and easy.
What to do:
- Hold the handle of the sharpener.
- Get your knife and make sure your other hand is holding it well.
- For your thumb, place it on the opposite side of the blade so you can put pressure when you start sharpening.
- Place the blade across the sharpener.
- Start sharpening by pushing away the blade from you with medium pressure.
- Pretend like you are carving something so you can feel the resistance from the sharpener.
- Push it four times with the same stroke.
- Remember not to use hard pressure because it may cause the knife to slip in your hand and cause you painful injury.
- This time flip your knife to sharpen the other side.
- Secure your fingers and your thumb again on the opposite side of the blade.
- This time the blade is facing you, so make sure that you are only applying medium pressure because one slip from your hand can make you acquire a deep cut.
- Start sharpening and push it four times.
- When you’re done, wash your knife as well as the sharpener to eliminate the fine dust left.
Conclusion
A dull blade can make your cutting time longer. The result is, you don’t get to eat on time, plus your schedule for the day gets affected. But thanks to the sharpener from Smith’s, dull blades are no longer a problem. And now that you already know how to use Smith’s knife sharpener, there will be no dull knives in your kitchen! Find out more about knife sharpeners.