Connor Merritt

In the woods or at home, a dull knife is just useless. To keep your blade cutting smoothly, learning to sharpen it properly is essential. Sharpening a knife is a skill that requires plenty of practice, and with the right tools and techniques, anyone can master it. 

The Basics of How to Sharpen a Knife 

A sharp knife edge is formed by evenly grinding the blade at a specific angle until both sides converge into a point. Common angles are around 15-20 degrees for most knives. Achieving this requires focus and the right tools, so let’s look at the essentials to help keep your blade razor-sharp. 

How to Sharpen a Knife: Tools You’ll Need 

Whetstone or Sharpening Stone

A whetstone is the most traditional tool for sharpening a knife and provides the best control. Typically, whetstones come with two sides: a coarse grit (for reshaping) and a fine grit (for refining). Soak the stone in water for 5-10 minutes, then hold your knife at a 15–20-degree angle and draw it across the stone, alternating sides. 

• Recommended Product: Sharp Pebble Premium Whetstone – This two-sided whetstone provides the perfect mix of grit levels and includes an angle guide for beginners. Purchase yours for $42.99. 

SUBSCRIBE TO THE iSPORTSMANUSA NEWSLETTER FOR MORE STORIES LIKE THIS

Honing Steel

A honing steel doesn’t technically sharpen but realigns the knife edge between uses. For those with high-carbon steel knives, a few swipes across the steel will keep your blade honed. Hold the knife at around 15 degrees and gently stroke it down the steel, alternating sides. 

• Recommended Product: Utopia Kitchen Honing Steel – This affordable honing steel is a fantastic option to keep your edge aligned. Purchase yours for $9.99. 

Knife Sharpening System

If sharpening angles and techniques feel overwhelming, a guided sharpening system might be perfect. Systems hold the blade at a specific angle, making sharpening easy for beginners and experts alike. 

• Recommended Product: Lansky Deluxe 5-Stone Sharpening System – This kit includes multiple stones, each held at a precise angle for consistent results. Purchase yours for $48.26. 

Sharpening Process in a Few Steps 

1. Prep Your Stone: Soak your whetstone or lubricate the sharpening system. 
2. Set Your Angle: Aim for a 15–20-degree angle for most outdoor knives. 
3. Draw and Alternate: Swipe each side of the blade across the stone evenly. 
4. Test the Edge: Use light pressure on a piece of paper to see if the knife slices smoothly. 
5. Hone Regularly: Maintain the edge with a honing steel between sharpening sessions. 

With patience and practice, you’ll keep your knives cutting cleanly in the field and at home, ready for any task. 

Find more about knives on iSportsmanUSA.