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BladeSharpeningTips & Tricks

Sharpening a knife effectively requires more than just technique—it also involves key precautions and best practices to ensure safety and precision. This guide highlights essential tips and tricks to sharpen your knives safely and efficiently while prolonging the life of your tools.

Sharpening a knife involves working with sharp edges and abrasive surfaces, so it's important to prioritize safety. If you're using a benchtop system, such as whetstones or a guided sharpening system, be sure your work surface is stable. Regardless of what product or method you use to sharpen or touch up your blade’s edge, use slow, deliberate motions to avoid losing control.

Black Marker Test

Before you start sharpening, use a colored Sharpie® to mark the edge of the blade. As you sharpen, the marker will wear away, revealing where you're removing material. This simple trick helps you maintain a consistent angle and ensures you're sharpening evenly across the entire edge.

Using too much pressure can remove more material than needed and may even damage the edge, so try to keep it consistent. It’s a little like sanding wood—gentle, even strokes will yield the best results, ensuring the sharpening process is controlled and reducing the risk of uneven edges.

If you're new to sharpening, angle guides can be a game-changer—they’re like training wheels on a bike. These handy tools attach to the blade or sharpening stone to help you maintain the correct angle as you sharpen. Some knife sharpeners even come with a built-in angle guide.

Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents clogging, and enhances the sharpening process. Think of it like oiling a machine—it keeps things running smoothly and prevents wear and tear. Water is a great option for diamond and water stones because it’s mess-free and usually easy to access. You can even use water on an oil stone, but note that if you’ve previously lubricated the stone with oil, it will repel the water.

Blades aren’t the only thing that needs maintenance—your sharpening stones do too. Over time, they can become clogged with metal particles, so clean them periodically to keep them in top condition. Use a stone cleaning solution or a specialized stone flattening tool to remove debris and keep the surface level.

Stay Sharp With CRKT

From tapered diamond knife sharpeners to blade grinding belts to precision sharpening systems, CRKT has the tools you need to keep your blades performing at their best. 

Turn to CRKT’s expansive knife collection for your next blade, and trust our range of accessories to prepare, repair, and protect it.

Next: Back To Knowledge CenterThe CRKT Knife Sharpening Guide