How to Use an Angle Grinder for Sharpening Your Kitchen Knives

Introduction:

Kitchen knives are among the essential tools in any kitchen. They are used for different purposes, including chopping vegetables, slicing meat, and preparing fruits. However, after using them for an extended period, they tend to lose their sharpness, which limits their functionality. There are different ways to sharpen a kitchen knife, with one of the most popular being using an angle grinder. In this article, we will discuss how to use an angle grinder to sharpen your kitchen knives.

Why use an angle grinder:

Before we dive into the method of using an angle grinder for sharpening your kitchen knives, let's first understand why we should use an angle grinder instead of other sharpening devices. There are many reasons, including:

- An angle grinder is portable and can be used anywhere; thus, you don't have to visit a knife sharpener or carry your knives elsewhere.

- It is versatile, meaning it can be used for different purposes, including grinding, sanding, and polishing, among others.

- It is easy to use, and you don't need any special skills to sharpen your knives using an angle grinder.

- Angle grinders work fast, and thus, you can sharpen your knife within minutes, unlike other sharpening tools, which may take hours.

Step by step guide on how to use an angle grinder for sharpening your kitchen knives:

Now that we have understood why an angle grinder is the best sharpening tool let's deep dive into the main purpose of the article, that is how to sharpen your kitchen knives using an angle grinder.

1. Set up your working area:

To avoid any accidents, you need to set up your working area. This includes wearing protective gear, including gloves, safety goggles, and a face mask. Also, place your angle grinder on a stable surface, so it doesn't move during the sharpening process. Ensure the area is well lit, and there is enough working space to avoid any distractions.

2. Prepare your knife:

Before starting the sharpening process, you need to prepare your knife. This includes cleaning it using soap and water to remove any dirt or rust on the blade. After cleaning, dry the knife using a towel or a cloth. This step is crucial as it prevents dirt particles from scratching the blade during the sharpening process.

3. Choose the right grit:

The next step is to choose the right grit for your angle grinder depending on how dull your knife is. Grit refers to the coarseness of the grinding surface, and it ranges from fine to coarse. If your knife is very dull, you need a coarse grit. If it's just slightly dull, you can use a fine grit.

4. Adjust the angle on your angle grinder:

This is arguably the most important step in the sharpening process. Adjust the angle of your angle grinder by adjusting the tool rest. An ideal angle for sharpening your kitchen knives is between 20 and 30 degrees. You need to sharpen both sides of the blade evenly to ensure the knife is well balanced.

5. Sharpen your knife:

Finally, it's time to sharpen your knife. Hold the knife at the right angle and position it against the grinding wheel. Ensure you apply light pressure and use consistent strokes to achieve an even and polished blade. Remember to sharpen both sides of the blade, alternating as you go.

Conclusion:

Sharpening your kitchen knives doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and procedures, you can quickly sharpen your knives to regain their sharpness and functionality. An angle grinder is an ideal sharpening tool for your kitchen knives, and the above step-by-step guide will help you sharpen your knives like a pro. Remember to always put on protective gear and create a safe working environment to avoid any accidents.