Sharpening your knives with a knife sharpening whetstone is one of the best ways to maintain a razor-sharp edge. Whether you own a best Japanese chefs knife, a chef knife 20cm, or a paring knife, using a whetstone correctly can extend the life of your blades and improve your overall cooking experience. However, many people make common mistakes that lead to poor results, unnecessary wear, or even damage to their knives.
In this guide, we will cover the most frequent whetstone sharpening mistakes and how to avoid them to ensure your best kitchen knives in Australia stay in top condition.
Choosing the Wrong Whetstone Grit
One of the biggest mistakes when sharpening a knife is using the wrong grit. Whetstones come in different grit levels, each serving a specific purpose. Using the wrong one can lead to ineffective sharpening or excessive wear.
Understanding Grit Levels:
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Coarse Grit (200-800) – Best for repairing chipped or very dull blades.
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Medium Grit (1000-3000) – Ideal for general sharpening and maintaining edge sharpness.
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Fine Grit (4000-8000) – Perfect for honing and polishing the blade for a razor-sharp edge.
For those using a best Japan knife set, selecting the right grit ensures your knives remain in peak performance. Investing in a high-quality best whetstone will help you achieve the best results.
Using the Incorrect Sharpening Angle
Each knife type requires a specific sharpening angle. Many knife owners unknowingly sharpen their blades at the wrong angle, leading to a dull edge or uneven sharpening.
Recommended Sharpening Angles:
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Western Knives (20-22 degrees per side) – Common for European-style chef knives.
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Japanese Knives (12-15 degrees per side) – Ideal for the best Japanese kitchen knives set.
Applying Too Much Pressure
Many beginners believe that applying more pressure speeds up sharpening, but excessive force can cause uneven edges, damage to the blade, and unnecessary wear on the whetstone.
The Right Technique:
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Use light, controlled strokes.
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Let the whetstone do the work.
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Keep an even pressure across the blade.
A high-quality best Japanese chef's knife or chef knife professional is designed for precision cutting, so maintaining its sharp edge properly is crucial for longevity.
Not Soaking the Whetstone Properly
Some whetstones require soaking before use, while others (such as ceramic or diamond stones) do not. Failing to properly soak a whetstone can lead to ineffective sharpening and potential blade damage.
Proper Soaking Guidelines:
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Water Stones – Soak for 5-10 minutes until air bubbles disappear.
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Oil Stones – Use honing oil instead of water.
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Diamond Stones – Do not soak; use dry or with water.
Before sharpening a chef knife damascus or a best Japanese knives set, ensure your whetstone is adequately prepared for the best results.
'Whetstone Sharpening Mistakes that Most Beginners Make' by Ethan Chlebowski
Neglecting to Flatten the Whetstone
Over time, a whetstone develops an uneven surface, which affects sharpening results. Many people overlook flattening their whetstone, leading to inconsistent sharpening.
How to Flatten Your Whetstone:
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Use a whetstone flattening stone or a diamond flattening plate (or sandpaper).
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Rub the flattening stone in a circular motion.
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Ensure the surface is even before sharpening.
This is particularly important when maintaining a best kitchen knives set Australia, as a flat whetstone ensures precise sharpening.
'How to Flatten a Whetstone - Easiest/ Cheapest Method' by Kyle Noseworthy
Skipping Honing After Sharpening
Sharpening alone isn’t enough; honing is necessary to realign the blade edge. Many people forget this crucial step, leading to knives that dull quickly.
Best Honing Practices:
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Use a knife set quality honing rod or leather strop.
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Lightly run the knife along the honing tool at the correct angle.
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Hone regularly to maintain a sharp edge.
A chef knife sharpener or honing rod is a great addition to any kitchen, ensuring your best kitchen knives Australia stay sharp between sharpening sessions.
How do honing rods work? by Ethan Chlebowski
Improper Storage of Sharpened Knives
After putting in the effort to sharpen your knives correctly, improper storage can dull the edge faster than expected. Many people toss their knives in a drawer, causing the blades to rub against other utensils.
Proper Storage Solutions:
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Knife Set Magnetic Strip – Keeps knives easily accessible and prevents dulling.
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Knife Set in Box – A compact storage solution for protection.
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Knife Block – Keeps blades safe and secure.
For those who buy chefs knives, proper storage ensures your investment lasts longer.
How to Store Knives: Bob Kramer Knife Storage Tips - Sur La Table
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these common whetstone sharpening mistakes will extend the life of your best knives in Australia and improve their performance. Whether you own a Japanese knife set, a chef knife, or a kitchen knife sharpener, mastering proper sharpening techniques is essential.
At Ryda Knives AU, we offer premium knife sharpening whetstones and high-quality kitchen knives for sale to help you achieve professional-level sharpness. Browse our collection today and take your kitchen experience to the next level!
