How to sharpen a knife with household objects

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A sharp knife is a safe knife, as the saying goes.

Even though some of us boasting kitchen war wounds might not appreciate the counterintuitive phrase, a sharp knife can cut with ease and precision in skilled hands. Dull blades are more difficult to use, the risk of slippage is higher and they can require more cutting to get the meal prep job done.

But what can you do when faced with a dull blade and no proper whetstone or sharpening surface?

Many assume the rod or knife "steel" that comes with most knife blocks is a sharpener, but knife experts actually contest that it should be used that way. In a YouTube video, knife maker Walter Sorrells says the knife steel is more of a "tune up" tool between sharpenings that can make a knife cut better by scratching up the edge and raising "microscopic teeth" along the blade. But overuse will round the edge too much and will require more sharpening on a stone-like surface.

With that in mind, we tried some hacks gleaned from camping survivalist web pages and kitchen expert blogs for some simple alternatives to a genuine sharpening stone. Use a piece of printer paper to test the sharpness of the knife to ensure the blade can cut with ease. End each sharpening session by "stropping" the knife with a leather belt or nylon straps of a backpack to help remove burrs and enhance the sharpness.

Test 1: Ceramic plate or mug

The test: Flip over an empty ceramic mug or plate and position the knife along the unglazed ceramic edge. Run the blade edge along the mug or plate a few times per side.

The result: Since you are working with a curved sharpening surface that is very thin — around 1/4 of an inch depending on mug size — this method doesn't allow for much range of motion. But it is otherwise effective and most kitchens will have ceramics on hand.

The rating: 7/10

Test 2: Another knife

The test: Carefully holding two knives, run the blade of the dull knife along the spine of a second knife. Repeat several times until the knife can cut a piece of paper.

The result: If you have more than one knife on hand and an audience to impress, this method has a distinct cool factor. It actually works too, though the knife might require a few extra passes over the other's spine because it is a smoother surface than other abrasive sharpening alternatives.

The rating: 8/10

Test 3: File

The test: Using an emery board or a similar type of file, run the knife blade along the board a few times per side.

The result: Though the extra abrasive ridges of some files may not meet the preferences of all knife experts, the results are undeniable for a quick alternative to a genuine sharpening stone.

The rating: 9/10

Conclusion

In a pinch, the rod or knife steel that comes with your knife block will do the job even if it isn't proper, but make sure to bring extra nail files or knives when you’re on the road and may want to hone your blades. If you are serious about long-term knife care, invest in genuine sharpener stones, which are less than $15 at some outlets.

Jonathan Forani is a Toronto-based freelance journalist in search of ways to make everything a little easier. Still looking for a life hack to six-pack abs.

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