The Science of Angles
The angle at which a knife is sharpened plays a pivotal role in its performance.
Here’s a breakdown:
- FireChef Cleaver, Chef, and Machete: These robust knives are sharpened at a 20-degree angle, providing a balance between sharpness and durability.
- FireChef Petty: Also sharpened at 20 degrees, this knife is designed for precision tasks and benefits from a similarly balanced edge.
- FireChef Fillet: Sharpened at a finer 16-degree angle, this knife is optimised for delicate tasks like filleting fish.
Two-Stage Sharpening: More Than Just a Process
Our FireChef Knife Sharpener offers a two-stage sharpening process, each with its unique benefits:
- Coarse Slot (Tungsten): This slot is engineered for knives that have seen better days. It’s excellent for restoring the edge of extremely dull Cleaver, Chef, and Machete knives. However, due to the abrasive nature of tungsten, it is not advisable to use this slot with the Petty and Fillet knives, as it can remove too much material and compromise the blade.
- Fine Slot (Ceramic): Think of this as the finishing touch. It hones and polishes the blade, aligning any microscopic teeth in the edge to provide a razor-sharp finish. This is especially crucial for Petty and Fillet knives, which require a more delicate touch. We recommend taking your knives through the Fine slot every now and again, almost like a butcher using his honing rods before cutting the meat.
The Art of Pressure
Sharpening a knife is not about brute force; it’s about finesse. Applying too much pressure can cause the blade’s edge to roll, become uneven, or even take chunks out of the blade, affecting its cutting ability. A gentle, consistent stroke is all that’s needed.
Why Material Matters
Our sharpener is designed exclusively for knives. Using it on any other tools can cause the tungsten to chip or degrade, which will, in turn, damage any knife sharpened afterward. Obviously, the scissors side is for scissors only.
Ergonomics and Portability
With a non-slip handle and a compact design, our sharpener is built for both comfort and convenience, ensuring you can maintain your knives wherever you go.
In Summary
- Less is More: Minimal pressure yields maximum results.
- Know Your Angles: Different knives require different angles for optimal performance.
- Material Caution: Stick to knives to preserve the integrity of the sharpener.