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Do you have a Shun knife set and are not sure how to sharpen Shun Knives? In this blog post, we will outline the best tips and practices for sharpening your Shun knives. We’ll also provide a few helpful videos to get you started.
- Wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry immediately after each use.
- Hand washes only; do not put them in the dishwasher.
- Do not store your knives in a sheath for extended periods of time; this can cause the blade to dull faster.
- Store your knives in a block or on a magnetic strip.
- Never put your knives in the freezer.
Sharpening Your Shun Knives
In order to keep your Shun knives sharp for as long as possible, we recommend sharpening them every three to four months if you use them on a regular basis. Even if you only use them occasionally, you will be able to get away with pointing them once a year if you use them only occasionally. The following are a few things you need to keep in mind when sharpening your Shun knives.
How To Hone Your Shun Knives?
Honing your knives is a quick and easy way to keep them sharp in between full sharpenings. We recommend honing your knives every time you use them, or at least once a week. To hone your knives, you will need a honing rod or steel. Start by holding the honing rod at a 20-degree angle to the blade. Slowly draw the blade down the honing rod, using even pressure on both sides of the blade. Repeat this process 10-15 times per side.
How To Sharpen Your Shun Knives?
In order to sharpen the knives more thoroughly, you will need to use a sharpening stone if you feel they need a more thorough sharpening. It is recommended that you use a whetstone with two different grits: a coarse grit for sharpening, and a fine grit for honing your knife. You should soak the stone in water for five minutes before you start sharpening it.
How To Sharpen Shun Knives?
Now that you know how often to sharpen your Shun knives, it’s time to learn how to do it.
First, you’ll need to gather a few supplies:
- A sharpening stone (we recommend a whetstone with two different grits)
- A honing rod or steel
- A damp cloth
- A dry towel
To sharpen your knives, start by soaking the stone in water for five minutes. Then, place the stone on a flat surface and hold the knife at a 20-degree angle to the stone. Slowly draw the blade across the stone, using even pressure on both sides of the blade.
Sharpening Shun Knives at Home
Now that you know how to sharpen your Shun knives, you can do it at home anytime they need a touch-up. However, if you find that your knives are getting dull more quickly than usual, or if they seem to be losing their edge, it’s time to take them to a professional for a more thorough sharpening.
Let Shun Sharpen Your Knives
If you’re not comfortable sharpening your own knives, or if you find that your knives are in need of a more thorough sharpening, we’re here to help. At Shun, we offer a knife-sharpening service that will have your knives looking and performing like new ones in no time.
Sharpening Mistakes
It seems that sharpening a knife does not require much knowledge, it is so easy. But most people make mistakes when sharpening, as a result of which knives do not serve as long as they can. Therefore, if you have never sharpened a knife before, then I recommend watching the video below to be sure that your knife will be sharpened correctly.
Conclusion
So, whether you’re looking to keep your knives sharp with a honing rod or steel, or need to give them a more thorough sharpening with a whetstone, we’ve got you covered. At Shun, we offer knife-sharpening services that will have your knives performing like new in no time. Let us help you take care of your most essential kitchen tools – your Shun knives.
FaQ
Q: What is the recommended method to sharpen Shun knives?
The recommended method to sharpen Shun knives is by using a whetstone (also known as a sharpening stone). Shun knives are made of high-quality, hard steel, and using a whetstone allows for precise control over the sharpening process, ensuring the best results and preserving the blade’s edge.
Q: How often should I sharpen my Shun knives?
The frequency of sharpening your Shun knives depends on how often you use them and the type of cutting tasks you perform. Shun knives are made with high-quality materials and are designed to retain their sharpness for an extended period. However, regular maintenance is essential to ensure peak performance and longevity.
As a general guideline, it is recommended to sharpen your Shun knives:
• For Light Use: If you use your Shun knives for light tasks and do not heavily stress the edge, you can typically sharpen them every 6 to 12 months. Regular honing in between sharpening sessions can help maintain the edge.
• For Moderate Use: If you use your Shun knives more frequently and for a variety of tasks, consider sharpening them every 3 to 6 months. Again, regular honing will help extend the time between sharpenings.
• For Heavy Use: For professional chefs or individuals who use their Shun knives extensively on a daily basis, more frequent sharpening may be necessary. In this case, sharpening every 1 to 3 months is recommended.
Remember that proper honing and maintenance can help prolong the time between sharpening sessions. Regularly using a honing steel or ceramic rod to realign the edge and keep it straight can extend the sharpness of your knives.
Q: Is there a difference in sharpening techniques for different Shun knife series?
Yes, there can be slight differences in sharpening techniques for different Shun knife series, especially if the knives have varying blade materials or designs. Shun offers several knife series, each with unique characteristics and purposes. While the overall sharpening process remains similar, some considerations might apply when sharpening specific Shun knife series.
Q: What are the signs that my Shun knives need sharpening?
Several signs indicate that your Shun knives may need sharpening. As knives dull over time with regular use, it’s essential to recognize these signs to ensure they perform optimally. Here are some common signs that your Shun knives need sharpening:
• Decreased Cutting Performance: If you notice that your Shun knife is struggling to cut smoothly through food items, such as vegetables, meat, or bread, it’s a clear indicator that the blade has dulled and needs sharpening.
• Increased Effort Required: Dull knives require more force to cut through ingredients, leading to additional strain on your hands and wrists during food preparation.
• Tearing or Crushing: A dull knife tends to crush or tear food rather than making clean cuts. You may notice this particularly when slicing delicate items like tomatoes or herbs.
• Slipping or Skidding: When a knife’s edge is dull, it can slip off the food’s surface instead of engaging and cutting properly.
• Jagged or Uneven Cuts: Dull knives may create uneven cuts, resulting in food pieces of different sizes or shapes.
• Difficulty in Slicing: Slicing through dense or fibrous foods becomes challenging with a dull knife, as it fails to maintain a clean edge.
• Visible Nicks or Dents: Examine the blade under good lighting for any visible nicks, dents, or rolled edges, as these imperfections can affect the knife’s performance.
• Inconsistent Honing Results: If regular honing with a honing rod or ceramic rod fails to restore the knife’s sharpness, it’s a sign that the blade requires sharpening on a whetstone.
• Catching or Sticking: When cutting through food, a dull knife might catch or stick to the surface, making cutting tasks less efficient and potentially unsafe.
• Time Since Last Sharpening: If it has been several months since your last sharpening, it may be time to bring your Shun knives back to their optimal sharpness.
Q: Can I send my Shun knives for professional sharpening?
Yes, you can send your Shun knives for professional sharpening. In fact, it is often recommended to have high-quality knives like Shun knives sharpened by professionals to ensure the best results and preserve their longevity. Professional sharpening services have the expertise and specialized equipment to sharpen knives accurately and maintain the original bevel and edge geometry.
When you send your Shun knives for professional sharpening, trained technicians will use the appropriate sharpening techniques and tools to bring the blades to their optimal sharpness. They will also ensure that the correct sharpening angle is maintained, which is crucial for maintaining the knife’s performance and longevity.
