A Better Edge

By The Mother Earth News Editors
Published on February 1, 2001
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Knife sharpening can keep a good knife working for years.
Knife sharpening can keep a good knife working for years.
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How to Use a Sharpening Steel

If you’re going to invest in a good knife, you’ll want to hone it frequently. The sharpening steel is a maintenance tool that, if used correctly, will restore your blade’s tiny teeth. A steel doesn’t really sharpen, but hones or trues the edge, returning the blade to its original sharpness. Using a steel takes a light touch and a little skill. Practice the following steps in slow-motion.

1. Hold the sharpening steel point down on a table or cutting board.

2. Place the heel of the blade (the cutting edge near the handle) against the top of the steel and point the tip slightly upward, holding the knife at a 20° angle away from the steel, which is about a quarter of an inch away.

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