A Serrated knife is a versatile tool that is very useful in a variety of situations. One of its most important uses is for cutting food, although it is also used for other things such as cutting paper, opening the packaging, and more. It is important to know how to sharpen micro-serrated knives, otherwise, you might just spend a ton of money on sharpeners that won’t be as effective as they could be.
For the same reason that you sharpen any other knife, you need to have a good set of tools. In this article, we’ll be covering how to sharpen micro-serrated knives.
Can you sharpen micro-serrated knives?
Before jumping on to ways to sharpen micro-serrated knives, let’s check if we can really sharpen them or not. Well, consumers have different perceptions regarding it. Some are of the view that you should immediately throw it off once it gets blunt. While others argue that apart from the micro-serrations or edges, the micro-serrated knives should be sharpened.
These micro-serrations are what give the knife its functionality. Therefore one needs to be extremely careful while sharpening it.
How to sharpen micro-serrated knives?
Although sharpening a micro-serrated knife is difficult, many people choose to leave it to specialists who have the best knife sharpening tools to handle any type of blade.
Check out this guide on How to sharpen a serrated knife?
By using a ceramic sharpening rod you’ll be able to sharpen the micro-serrated knives effectively. Sharpening a serrated blade correctly entails dealing with each serration separately. There is a flat side to every serrated knife. The opposite side features chisel ground serrations that are supposed to be sharp but will become blunter with wear.
Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay
The flat side doesn’t require sharpening but each of the recessed areas will require some care at some point. Make sure you sharpen your knife at least five times to make sure that you get a sharp edge. You should sharpen your knife until you can see the edge of the blade when you hold it at a 90-degree angle to the sharpening rod.
Best way to sharpen micro-serrated knives?
The most accurate way of sharpening micro-serrated knives is mentioned below. We have explained the step-by-step guide to help you out.
Step 1: Set up your workplace
To begin sharpening a micro-serrated knife, you will need to set up your workspace. Make sure that your workspace floor is clean and dust-free. You can use a broom to sweep up any dirt and dust that might be on your table. You will need a good work surface and sharpening steel. A good work surface is a flat surface, but you can use steel to achieve the same effect.
Step 2: Gather your resources
You will need a variety of tools for sharpening a serrated knife. You will need a sharpening stone, a sharpening rod, and a micro-serrated knife.
Step 3: Blade placement
Place the knife on the work surface and the blade will be at the same angle as the work surface. If you place the blade too close to the edge, you will end up with a knife that is too dull.
Step 4: Practice safe kitchen handling
Before you begin sharpening your serrated knife, you will need to practice handling the knife safely. Don’t cut yourself and don’t try to sharpen the knife if it’s not ready to be sharpened.
Step 5: Sharpening the serrated knife
Insert the sharpening rod into the serrated knife. Fit the width of the rod into the serrated knife. Fit the width of the rod into the serrated sharp edge to determine which section of the rod is suitable for you.
Step 6: Sharpening action
Pull the sharpening rod back and forth within the serration in quick yet delicate strokes. This action should be repeated at least five times for each serration.
Step 7: Remove the burrs
Once you have completed with serrations, use a sharpening stone to rub the flat side of the knife blade a few times. This maintenance procedure removes any burrs that may have formed on the knife.
Step 8: Wash and dry it
After completing the whole sharpening process, wash and dry the knife.
How ‘not’ to sharpen micro-serrated knives: Common mistakes to avoid
Following are the common mistakes people do while sharpening serrated knives:
Not removing the burrs
If you don’t remove the burrs, they will end up on the knife’s edge. This will make the knife duller and it will be harder to sharpen.
Not using the right sharpening angle
When sharpening a micro-serrated knife, you need to use a specific angle. The angle should be such that the blade is held parallel to the sharpening rod. If the angle is not accurate the blade will not be sharpened evenly.
Not holding the knife properly
Holding the knife properly is important. Make sure that you are holding the knife with both hands and that you are holding it firmly enough so that it won’t move during the sharpening process.
Not using the right sharpening stone
A sharpening stone that is too hard will damage the knife’s blade. It will also make the sharpening process take longer.
Sharpen micro-serrated knives with these useful tips
Keep it short
More of the stroke will be on a too-thin section of the rod, moving more material from the center of serration and leaving you with a serration within your serration. So use short strokes with a tapered rod.
Watch your fingers
Try not to push too hard when sharpening. If you do, you could easily hurt yourself. So when you are using the micro-serrated knife, make sure you have the right grip. The knife should be held at a slight angle to the surface you are sharpening.
Always use the right stone to sharpen micro-serrated knives
The type of stone you use to sharpen a serrated knife depends on the type of serration on your knife. A diamond stone is best for the outer edges of a serration, whereas a smooth stone is best for the center of a serration. The best way to choose a stone is to hold the knife in your hand and look at the serration. Then you can use a stone that is the same size as your knife.
Final Thoughts: How to sharpen micro-serrated knives
Sharpening a serrated knife is very easy and requires no special skills. Without a doubt, the best way to sharpen a micro-serrated knife is to use a ceramic sharpening rod. But the process can be dangerous.
If you are using a sharpening stone, you will need to be very careful. Make sure that you are correctly holding the knife and not using too much pressure.
Hence in this article, we have explained the method to sharpen serrated knives and also suggested some tips so that you can sharpen your serrated knife in the best possible way. If you have any queries or suggestions for this article, feel free to leave a comment below.
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