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How can I maintain my knife’s edge between sharpening?

Even when you follow the steps discussed elsewhere to protect your knife’s edge, eventually it will begin to wear.

A high-quality fine grit ceramic rod 10 or 12 inches long is a simple tool for lightly honing the edge when it starts to cut less efficiently.  This tool can help maintain the edge of your knife between sharpening episodes.

Firmly hold the ceramic rod at one end and place it vertically on your cutting board at 90 degrees to the surface.

Holding the knife in the other hand, lightly stroke the blade from the top of the ceramic rod down toward the bottom as if you were trying to shave a thin sliver off of the rod.  The spine or back of the blade should be approximately 1/2” from the rod with the edge angled toward and touching the rod’s surface.

Complete several swipes on one side of the blade and then switch to the other side of the blade repeating the same process.

It may help to place a dry dish towel or similar under the tip of the rod against the cutting board to keep it steady.

There are more advanced techniques that help to maintain your knife’s edge.  If you are interested in learning more about caring for your knives, or have any questions about the above material, feel free to send me an email.

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