Whetstone Sharpening Mistakes that Most Beginners Make

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  • Опубліковано 1 тра 2024
  • You've picked up your first whetstone, watched 15 different sharpening videos, started sharpening the knife, and have dreams of finally showing that smug paper who's boss, except when you go to slice, it happens again. The paper rips and it feels like your knife is worse off than before. This is a common tale for many beginning freehand sharpeners, so in this video, I'm going to identify 4 sharpening mistakes most beginner's make, and then give you a technique for remedying those.
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    BUDGET WHETSTONES: geni.us/1k6kComboWhetstone
    SOURCES:
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    ► Sharpie Marker Chart: imgur.com/Og8xBV7
    ► Japanese Knife Imports: • Magic Marker/Sharpie T...
    ► Bob Kramer Tips Article: food52.com/blog/16536-9-knife...
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    USEFUL KITCHEN GEAR
    🌡Thermapen Thermometer: alnk.to/6bSXCCG
    🥌 Budget Whetstone for sharpening: geni.us/1k6kComboWhetstone
    🧂 Salt Pig: geni.us/SaltContainer
    ⚖ Scale: geni.us/FoodScale
    🍴 Budget 8-inch Chef's knife: geni.us/BudgetChefKnife
    🔪 Nicer 8-inch Chef Knife: geni.us/TojiroChefKnife
    🧲 Magnetic Knife Rack: geni.us/MagneticKnifeRack
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    MISC. DETAILS
    Music: Provided by Epidemic Sound
    Filmed on: Sony a6600 & Sony A6400 w/ Sigma 16mm F1.4
    Voice recorded on Zoom H4n with lav mic
    Edited in: Premiere Pro #Whetstone #KnifeSharpening
    Affiliate Disclosure:
    Cook with E is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 2,8 тис.

  • @garyskinner2422
    @garyskinner2422 2 роки тому +1564

    Never a dull moment with this guy.

  • @FictionWeLiveIn
    @FictionWeLiveIn 3 роки тому +396

    The sentence "dulled on my sidewalk" sent shivers up my spine and caused me physical pain.

    • @glennbeckner9355
      @glennbeckner9355 3 роки тому +9

      pain from someone else's $15 demo knife? get a grip. I use these cheapies to cut Roxul insulation.

    • @southpark1you0
      @southpark1you0 3 роки тому +8

      like nails on a chalkboard 🥶

    • @summonsays2610
      @summonsays2610 2 роки тому +26

      I just like the mental image of this guy outside his house violently sawing at the sidewalk. Like what the heck would you think if you saw that while walking down the road? lol

    • @RondeLeeuw
      @RondeLeeuw 2 роки тому +1

      @@summonsays2610 Yes! I'd rather use a brick or piece of ceramic to go beserk on, in a shed or backyard.

    • @davidschmidt6013
      @davidschmidt6013 2 роки тому +1

      lol screeeeeeeeccchhh...screeeeeeeeecchhhhh.....

  • @Tweekyronin
    @Tweekyronin 2 роки тому +773

    As a red seal chef. I’m embarrassed to say that I’m still struggling with sharpening my Japanese knives and always paid some ppl to do the sharpening for me. I feel with confidence that I can do it more accurately now cause of this video. Very well done.

    • @BigSmartArmed
      @BigSmartArmed 2 роки тому +55

      Don't be embarrassed, hand skills are just that, hand skills, they are passed on by other HANDS and not by YT videos.
      You can't learn engraving of violin making by remote learning, it requires apprenticeship, and hand tool sharpening is just as much of a hand skill that requires hands on learning.
      The difference is that when you are taught properly by somebody that already knows how to do it right, is in all of the time, energy and nerves wasted on trial and error when you try to do it by yourself.

    • @dutchdrifter8740
      @dutchdrifter8740 2 роки тому +28

      Just buy some cheap knives and start practicing. Thats what I did. I sharpen all kinds of knives now and some friends even brought their expensive knives to be sharpened after they worked with my knives. Got two nice wetstones out of that service.

    • @derekp6636
      @derekp6636 2 роки тому +6

      when I worked in the industry I paid a local to sharpen mine as well, he just did a far superior job ....I'll have to get keep practicing on my kitchen ones..

    • @MonsterPumpkin
      @MonsterPumpkin 2 роки тому +10

      No need to be emberrased, chef knives are expensive, it is terrifying to sharpen them and sharpening is a skill based almost entirely on experience and muscle memory, if you would like to get into sharpening your knives start with some cheap knives and work your way up

    • @knowmenomo
      @knowmenomo 2 роки тому

      Get a file

  • @shanelle1743
    @shanelle1743 4 місяці тому +54

    1:29 Mark edge with sharpie marker
    3:00 Apply correct pressure (use sacle)
    3:51 Use the correct side of the stone
    5:25 Using 1000 grit is sufficient

  • @illegitimate0
    @illegitimate0 3 роки тому +1917

    Tip 5: Don't sharpen on a cutting board and get tiny metal fragments over a surface that will touch food.

    • @gitman3486
      @gitman3486 3 роки тому +301

      metal make you strong comrade

    • @andrewsteier7923
      @andrewsteier7923 3 роки тому +104

      unless said cutting board is not used for food prep.

    • @SuWoopSparrow
      @SuWoopSparrow 3 роки тому +91

      If scrub washing a cutting board doesnt get the tiny metal fragments off, then what makes you think that food sitting on it will?

    • @illegitimate0
      @illegitimate0 3 роки тому +40

      ​@@SuWoopSparrow It probably wouldn't, but there's no reason to risk it. You get super small particles into the grains of the wood and they could get trapped there. Later when using a knife on it it could release the metal. And all you have to do is do it on the counter or over the sink.

    • @SuWoopSparrow
      @SuWoopSparrow 3 роки тому +24

      @@illegitimate0 Yea I wont disagree with you. Id avoid it or have a dedicated board for that like Andrew said. I just think there are far more toxic things to worry about in the kitchen on a daily basis that people dont think about.

  • @Blade56762
    @Blade56762 3 роки тому +159

    I started off watching knife and scissors sharpening videos in the wee hours because I thought they would bore me back to sleep.
    Now I own two sharpening machines, several whetstones, dozens of grades of wet and dry sandpaper, other static sharpening gadgets and a folding pocket diamond sharpening thing just in case I need to sharpen something when I'm away from home.
    I'm a 64 year old woman, how did this happen?

    • @Frilleon
      @Frilleon 3 роки тому +4

      😂😂😂😂😂

    • @giangnguyentranlam5632
      @giangnguyentranlam5632 3 роки тому +2

      😂😂😂😂😂😂

    • @billyray2150
      @billyray2150 3 роки тому +3

      I feel this comment in my core

    • @winterwinter7505
      @winterwinter7505 3 роки тому +6

      Do u have knives also? ;)

    • @gcalvaro
      @gcalvaro 3 роки тому +3

      Better *DON'T* start watching videos of fountain pens, watches, jewelry...

  • @kitchencarvings4621
    @kitchencarvings4621 Рік тому +159

    Very informative. As a woodworker, I've mastered sharpening gouges, chisels, and plane irons, but I've never been good at sharpening knives for the kitchen. I'm working on that now and this video will be a great help.

    • @davidstarkweather7764
      @davidstarkweather7764 Рік тому +4

      Probably won't if you don't already have the feel for it. This video avoided the actual number one mistake which is not sharpening the blade evenly. The hardest part of sharpening a knife is knowing how to pull the blade through so that it sharpens evenly. I'm pretty good at it, but my brother is terrible at it.

    • @dailysneakers_
      @dailysneakers_ 11 місяців тому +1

      My dad knows how to sharp industrial equipment, but he sharpening the knives from the kitchen it's pretty much the same techniques: angle, pressure and movement and the comment above from David it's on point! My dad only sharps in one direction, to keep it consistent.

    • @johnsononza1594
      @johnsononza1594 3 місяці тому

      practice EVERYDAY

    • @ROBCAR30GMAIL
      @ROBCAR30GMAIL Місяць тому

      That's funny... I'm a carpenter, and I can sharpen and almost shave with my kitchen knives, but destroy my chisels in no time...

  • @billyblackie9417
    @billyblackie9417 Рік тому +12

    Very well presented and great hints for beginners. I'm trying to learn freehand sharpening like I was able to do 40 years ago thank you

  • @myluresstuckinatree2111
    @myluresstuckinatree2111 3 роки тому +69

    Snobby chef here. I gained a lot of respect for you when you said “behind salting your food, having a sharp knife is one of the most important things......”
    This is fact.

    • @cr3atur321
      @cr3atur321 3 роки тому

      Is it because of aesthetics? Like, how a slice of a tomato or fish will look awful on a dull knife, but very beautiful on a sharp knife?

    • @myluresstuckinatree2111
      @myluresstuckinatree2111 3 роки тому +6

      @@cr3atur321 I suppose it is aesthetics in some part but mainly because all knife work can be done faster and with less effort, at a higher standard with a sharp knife. In fact Some jobs simply cannot be accomplished with a insufficiently sharp knife. A lot fruits and vegetables not only look better but will stay fresh marginally longer if they are cut cleanly instead of crushed and bruised by a dull blade. Cutting fish thinly for sashimi for example.

    • @cr3atur321
      @cr3atur321 3 роки тому +1

      @@myluresstuckinatree2111 ohh yeah, makes sense haha Thx for explaining

    • @hardmember
      @hardmember 3 роки тому +3

      A sharp edge is safer than a dull blade

  • @johnmartinez7440
    @johnmartinez7440 3 роки тому +3096

    The first 20 seconds were disturbingly accurate

    • @razzed1310
      @razzed1310 3 роки тому +67

      yep yep, first whetstone, check, watched a pile of videos, check, dreams of superknife, check. He's got us dialled in

    • @jayzeejm
      @jayzeejm 3 роки тому +62

      After the first 20 seconds, I’ll listen to anything this man says.

    • @timwarneka5681
      @timwarneka5681 3 роки тому +6

      @@jayzeejm LOL! Me too!

    • @Planerary
      @Planerary 3 роки тому +15

      Just tried to sharpen my first few knives. Can confirm: very accurate.

    • @bornepic1626
      @bornepic1626 3 роки тому +4

      I feel your pain man

  • @MaZFX
    @MaZFX Рік тому +42

    I love the analogy used in this vid. As with most progress being made, consistency is key! I got into cooking from a young age but it's only been a few years since I really got into knifes, specially japanese ones. Sharpening/maintaining knifes can be a huge roadblock/struggle as a hobby chef or knife enthousiast if you wanna keep it traditional. The learning curve into manual sharpening is one that can be compared to learning a technical/mechanical job imo. Being able to perform the movements and actions or actually sort of mastering them is worlds apart. I started off with western sharpening/honing sticks and once I got into whetstones and got used to them, it became therapeutic. Taking your time to take care of your precious tools is something that calms me and became a passion. So glad I got to a point where touching up my knife sets is a pleasure to do even if it takes up a couple of hours!
    Don't be afraid to buy cheaper whetstones and a few cheaper knifes to hone your skills. The practice without the fear of damaging a high end piece, the investement and time spend are absolutely worth it!

    • @davidstarkweather7764
      @davidstarkweather7764 Рік тому

      Some people never get it. But luckily there are people who do it professionally. It's a very tricky skill.

    • @rightbro
      @rightbro 6 місяців тому

      Writing a book?

    • @jeffreyschmidt3997
      @jeffreyschmidt3997 4 місяці тому

      Buying whetstones will sharpen your skills and buying a steel rod will hone your skills 🥁😉

  • @alexgoodwin4894
    @alexgoodwin4894 2 роки тому

    The most useful video about knife sharpening I ever see! No water, no bla-bla, just tips and facts.
    Thank You!

  • @Thedoug369
    @Thedoug369 3 роки тому +656

    If you're not sure of the pressure, just put the stone on the scale and as you sharpen you can see it as you go.

    • @turtleviking1236
      @turtleviking1236 3 роки тому +85

      Make sure to zero out the scale with the weight of the whetstone on it but good tip!

    • @jjbailey01
      @jjbailey01 3 роки тому +32

      @@turtleviking1236 or take the weight of the stone and add the desired pressure to that if you happen to be a neanderthal that has no tare function on their scale.

    • @MrMarkchu
      @MrMarkchu 3 роки тому +4

      Need to tare the stone and knife.

    • @Frilleon
      @Frilleon 3 роки тому +22

      @@MrMarkchu you tare the stone not the knife!!

    • @user-tr2dh4xx6u
      @user-tr2dh4xx6u 3 роки тому +5

      sounds like a good way to get cut

  • @rwandadrives
    @rwandadrives 3 роки тому +2308

    So that's why it's called a sharpie.

  • @jasandper
    @jasandper 8 місяців тому +8

    I gotta say, man your videos are genuinely helpful and packed with quality information. When it can seem like a lot of the same ol’ same ol’ with cooking videos, you manage to put out something that’s different and worth watching. 🍻

  • @OJ-wy5oi
    @OJ-wy5oi Рік тому +11

    As someone who made sushi for five years, my biggest suggestion is that it's not the angle that matters so much as consistency. I was the left-handed, cross-eyed dominate chef trained by a left-handed Filipino who grinded down every last knife to be left-handed. As long as you sharpen a knife the same way, over and over and over again, it will, naturally, conform to your grip because it will sharpen to you. The minute differences will be worn away until the blade sharpens to fit your hand. Everyone holds a knife different in ways that are beyond our own ability to see except by subjective judgements of sharpness.

  • @adamsherman5024
    @adamsherman5024 3 роки тому +880

    the most helpful part was when he said "I REPEAT YOU CAN GET A SHARP WORKEABLE EDGE WITH JUST A 1000 GRIT STONE"

    • @syles286
      @syles286 3 роки тому +33

      You can get a shaving edge off of a 220 grit stone with the correct technique

    • @SuWoopSparrow
      @SuWoopSparrow 3 роки тому +7

      The high grit stone is still nice, especially if you get yourself a straight razor

    • @geoffhuntington7784
      @geoffhuntington7784 3 роки тому

      @@SuWoopSparrowp

    • @mikeries8549
      @mikeries8549 3 роки тому +17

      The leather strap is how you get a final edge that's razor sharp.

    • @hex24
      @hex24 3 роки тому

      Yeee lol i always thought its possible only with 6k

  • @SamohtNox
    @SamohtNox 3 роки тому +324

    my first time experience was so horrible i was contemplating life and how much of a loser i was lmao
    stuck with it, trial and error....now i'm a samurai

    • @woezacardoza5659
      @woezacardoza5659 3 роки тому +7

      Me too

    • @Elleleighbrooks
      @Elleleighbrooks 3 роки тому +4

      I feel the same at the moment! Wish I could get it 😪😆🤣

    • @brandonpadilla1953
      @brandonpadilla1953 3 роки тому +4

      Literally I’m bout to quit all I did was fuck up the stock edge on the knife

    • @guilhermecaiado5384
      @guilhermecaiado5384 3 роки тому +3

      What does a samurai have to do with sharpening a knive?

    • @theperson2346
      @theperson2346 3 роки тому +6

      @@guilhermecaiado5384 samurai’s kept their katanas razor sharp

  • @wesrink800
    @wesrink800 2 роки тому

    In depth fully detailed sharpening videos are great but your video should be the first video anyone watches! Just great, thank you!

  • @lisamc6778
    @lisamc6778 Рік тому

    This is GREAT! I am so glad you took the time to show this to us. I was quite intimidated, but now I'm ready to go. Thank you thank you thank you!

  • @allanman8500
    @allanman8500 3 роки тому +880

    I'm picturing his neighbors faces, watching him as he dulls his knife on the sidewalk outside.

    • @MrRourk
      @MrRourk 3 роки тому +7

      Bottom of coffe cup works great

    • @shanewilliams02
      @shanewilliams02 3 роки тому +41

      Neighbor: "Something just ain't right with that boy."

    • @MrIgottap
      @MrIgottap 3 роки тому +5

      What'd that sidewalk ever do to you man!?

    • @winterwinter7505
      @winterwinter7505 3 роки тому +1

      (while not seeing the camera) thinking the dudf is making all those faces whule talking to himself :D

    • @stoopidhaters
      @stoopidhaters 3 роки тому

      @@MrRourk Not if the blade is really dull.

  • @hbarwickjr
    @hbarwickjr 3 роки тому +132

    Getting into really seriously sharpening knives and this video did teach me something I wasn't aware of which is the blade is really sharpened from the mid range (1000) stone and not the fine polishing stones. To check the sharpness first before moving to the final stones. Lots of good tips, thank you.

    • @repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3
      @repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 Рік тому +1

      Repent to Jesus Christ
      ““Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
      ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭5:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬
      G

    • @brake_4_cake
      @brake_4_cake Рік тому

      @@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 Jesus never existed, fool

    • @jamesharris5156
      @jamesharris5156 Рік тому +10

      @@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 gross

    • @ivangrbavac242
      @ivangrbavac242 Рік тому

      @@repentandbelieveinJesusChrist3 repent to the cock of satan

    • @Gk22632
      @Gk22632 Рік тому

      Yea the most time is spent on the lower grit stones, after you get a good burr it’s easy from there

  • @user-tn8sc9jy3d
    @user-tn8sc9jy3d Місяць тому

    Great tips- great delivery. No hype, just straightforward talk. I appreciate it.

  • @3LPDM
    @3LPDM Рік тому +7

    That were some great tips! I just put my whetstone at the scale while sharpening my knife to have full control while learning 👌 easy to say the sharpest knife I produced so far!

  • @Kraftyjoker
    @Kraftyjoker 2 роки тому +68

    I've never absorbed so much information in a knife sharpening video. This is ONLY the sharpening video that has taught me in the way that i need to learn! You're amazing.

  • @A_Final_Hit
    @A_Final_Hit 3 роки тому +9

    I learned more from this video than I did in probably the other dozen or so knife sharpening videos I saw before this one. Thank you!

  • @lurklingX
    @lurklingX 2 роки тому +7

    Great video! The graphic for whetstone grits, especially useful and worth the price of admission. 👍 I just tried sharpening a knife like yesterday, got really disheartened. So having that break down was really helpful. I need some seriously coarse grit.

  • @JAYTEAM187
    @JAYTEAM187 16 днів тому

    This is by far the best tutorial on knife sharpening. When i first started out i watched tons of videos, just like you stated, and none of them taught how to get a burr on your edges first. Sharpening knives is truly an art and not everyone can do it. But if they watch this video they'll be fine with a little practice. Great job my friend on making the most informative knife sharpening video out there.

  • @busybird7149
    @busybird7149 3 роки тому +21

    Tried out the sharpie trick, and it turns out I'm pretty good on keeping my angle. I worked a little on my technique and put a little more pressure on my edge trailing strokes, and now i have a sharp knife. Not sharp enough to pass that standing paper test, but plenty sharp enough to cut anything in my kitchen :)

  • @jeffcarpenter8000
    @jeffcarpenter8000 4 роки тому +3

    Thank you. I was starting on too coarse a stone. I have just sharpened my favorite knife and its made me happy.

  • @geoffm.6842
    @geoffm.6842 Рік тому +2

    This is THE BEST VIDEO on knife sharpening! Forget all of the other ones!

  • @bobintexas9972
    @bobintexas9972 2 роки тому

    One of the most practical and succinct videos on the topic I've ever seen

  • @SchnookieC
    @SchnookieC 3 роки тому +7

    This is much better explanation than the ones I’ve received both in culinary school and working in the industry, I generally get someone else to sharpen mine but it would be nice to learn that vital skill I missed out on

  • @soundboy89
    @soundboy89 3 роки тому +14

    I actually have watched 15 sharpening videos and this is by far the clearest and friendliest one I've seen. I feel like I _finally_ understand the process.

    • @gooddaysahead1
      @gooddaysahead1 9 місяців тому

      see Burrfection sharpening vids. They are longer and more detailed.

  • @limestonelizard
    @limestonelizard 6 місяців тому

    Clears some confusion I had about the higher grits. Great vid thank you!

  • @ElementsMMA
    @ElementsMMA Рік тому

    Brilliant, thank you. Loved it. Asked for knife sharpener for Christmas, had never even heard of a whetstone. Now I am ready to start sharpening

  • @cameronmeister5944
    @cameronmeister5944 3 роки тому +22

    I’ve been sharpening my knives for a while and have gotten decent at getting them to a razor sharp edge and I still found this extremely helpful.

    • @firebubble5911
      @firebubble5911 3 роки тому +1

      How many strokes does it take you on the 1000 on average?

  • @Raje617
    @Raje617 3 роки тому +38

    Thank you. I just got a whetstone kit in today and I was in fear of messing up my new knives. I'm 48 and my father was the certified chef, not me and he lives a tad bit too far for me to come running to him to sharpen blades. Funny but true story.
    I feel as though your video is spot on to us beginners and really calmed my anxiety on this task. Thank you so much!

  • @willieboy3011
    @willieboy3011 2 роки тому +38

    Good basic info for beginners. In time the proper angle and pressure will come naturally. Good tip about not rushing up the grit scale too soon. Sharpen well with 1000-3000 grit. Once the knife is really sharp, you do not have to sharpen that often. But hone regularly.

    • @ratansharma951
      @ratansharma951 Рік тому +3

      There is a wonderful phrase in your comment-'in time the proper angle and pressure will come naturally....Yes 'naturally'! Mother Nature is the best Teacher. Invisible, yet right inside and always with us.

    • @RodMcConnell
      @RodMcConnell 2 місяці тому

      ​7
      @@ratansharma9510:58 biJinnah😮

  • @michaelmilsom9518
    @michaelmilsom9518 5 місяців тому

    I have actually watched waaay over 14 videos on sharpening and ths one was by far the most helpful. Thank you!

  • @adamschaafsma5839
    @adamschaafsma5839 3 роки тому +39

    Thanks this is right where I'm at in my sharpening journey, hard not to get discouraged when you work on an edge and it only gets marginally sharper.

  • @multidimensionaltraveler806
    @multidimensionaltraveler806 3 роки тому +30

    Thank you so much for this video. I was having trouble using my stone as it is my first, I usually use the hand held sharpener with the carbide. I am using your technique with the marker and it works great.

    • @luisgilbert6826
      @luisgilbert6826 2 роки тому

      .Miguel gallaldo

    • @smievil
      @smievil 2 роки тому

      think pull through sharpeners sometimes causes knife edges to get slightly concave or excessively worn at some parts or it may not keep the original shape well.
      or sharpening a scandi grind or anything that tapers could make it a lot more thick behind the edges than it's expected to be.
      fixing that with a 1k grit stone would likely be a major pain, wouldn't necessary be all that bothersome to improve the condition of a fairly new knife or a knife that hasn't been sharpened.
      would probably feel a lot nicer or more rewarding to start with easier knives if possible, might be hard to tell whats easy or why things aren't working out when starting out.

  • @TheSharmanova
    @TheSharmanova Рік тому

    Easily the most helpful video of the hours of beginner videos I’ve watched. Well done & thanks!

  • @willemvergouwen
    @willemvergouwen 2 роки тому +2

    This is by far the best sharpening video out there, thanks a lot Ethan! My knives are just like new again!

  • @mozza7189
    @mozza7189 3 роки тому +3

    I knew that my problem was with the angles I was using. This has helped a lot, thanks

  • @oliferous
    @oliferous 3 роки тому +7

    Holy crap!! Thanks man, this was this most helpful video I’ve seen on sharpening!! I realized i was not using the correct angles consistently and switching stones too soon. Waaaay too soon!! Great video, you rock!🤘

  • @iamivolella
    @iamivolella 2 роки тому

    One of the most educative videos I saw to this day, regarding this topic.
    Congrats!

  • @martinschulz1524
    @martinschulz1524 Рік тому +43

    I watched quite a few sharpening instructions so far (including all this high tec Tormac stuff): this will be in the top of my list. It supports my point of view: keep it simple an practical. Thanks a lot.

    • @Diplorable
      @Diplorable Рік тому

      Keep it simple stupid kiss is what they say! 😂

  • @chuckieboy343
    @chuckieboy343 3 роки тому +9

    Something I did that helped me a bunch was when beginning I paid a professional and asked for his opinion on knives I had practiced on. Not the most financially sound but of advice but an experienced eye spots mistakes before you make them,

  • @comol9392
    @comol9392 3 роки тому +28

    (I pass on something I learned, for those who are interested).
    (Sorry for my English).
    A long time ago, those who taught me told me that after the # 1000 stone, if the knife does not shave, it is not worth going further.
    2 possibility:
    1- The knife has a poor quality of steel.
    2- We haven't practiced sharpening enough.
    With training, a # 300 stone and a leather (+ paste) stuck on a piece of wood, we can manage to shave.
    (Starting with a dull knife). In 5 minutes.
    Good video and good stones ^^

    • @MrRourk
      @MrRourk 3 роки тому +3

      Sometimes even cheap steel can be made razor sharp. I tried the Green Brick of Joy on some Dollar Tree Knives. The results where amazing!

    • @comol9392
      @comol9392 3 роки тому +5

      @@MrRourk
      Hello, you are absolutely right. And very often I get a razor sharp with $1 or $2 knives.
      Just because they're $ 1 doesn't mean they're bad.
      Poor quality can also affects blades at + $ 80, I've seen it, I've tested it, but I can't remember the model I had in my hands.
      The real problem is to achieve a precise heat treatment, on a specific steel.
      For example the first versions of the Benchmade pukko with a cpm3v had an hrc of 56 ... While the cpm3v has specifications, in which there is written that it must be from 59 to 61 hrc.
      Apart from this hardness, this steel is much less efficient.
      (Usually. For a knife that must cut). The "poor quality of a steel" is explained by a set of processes not carried out well in the heat treatment, for a specific steel. (A 1095 can be used for the butter. Or the reverse, it will be too hard and it will break at the slightest impact).
      As a result, the steel has too large grains in its structure. With a very poor grain boundary structure as well.
      Results: The blade will never become like a razor. When sharpening, the grains jump. They do not break or polish (unlike well treated steel). I have a knife like that at home. It was offered in a pack of cold cuts ... that it never managed to cut lol !
      Heat treatment is very important to bring the steel to its maximum capacity.
      ^^

  • @mrfelix2510
    @mrfelix2510 2 роки тому

    Like your sharpie tip, I use knives a lot at my job so I do a lot of sharpening. Because of some of the things I cut they often times get gumming on the blades, I use the gumming to help me get the right angle on the sharpening before I clean it off the blade. Great video and great tips. Thanks for sharing.

  • @renealbaladejo3698
    @renealbaladejo3698 2 місяці тому

    This is the cream of the crop with it comes to knife sharpening tutorial. A must watch. Great learning tool!!!

  • @macmccartney5760
    @macmccartney5760 2 роки тому +15

    Im getting decent at sharpening, I found that simply going by the feel of the knife on the stone i hold my angle better than constantly trying to look and see if the edge is about were I want it

  • @Shadowassasin3
    @Shadowassasin3 3 роки тому +20

    The production quality of these videos is really quite good. Good pacing, good advice, good visuals. Quality video.

  • @jcw5002
    @jcw5002 2 роки тому +1

    Just the video I was looking for. Such a great introduction to sharpening. Thank you!

  • @harbinger-9277
    @harbinger-9277 Рік тому

    What an incredibly clear and helpful video! Thank you!

  • @Migs3
    @Migs3 3 роки тому +3

    Excellent video. Thanks for taking the time to film and edit it and of course for positing it for our benefit. Keep up the good work! -Migs

  • @fishinjunky
    @fishinjunky 3 роки тому +215

    Get yourself a $20 jewelers loupe16x. Inspect your edges. Ensure you’re wiping away previous grit scratches and reaching the apex. Seeing the cutting edge up close and what you are or are NOT doing will tell you a lot. It made a huge difference in my sharpening success

    • @fishinjunky
      @fishinjunky 3 роки тому +1

      Really? What is that setting on the iPhone? I’d like to know!!! Thanks in advance

    • @theonetojump
      @theonetojump 3 роки тому +4

      Exactly what I did when I started. I still sometime look at the edges under magnification just because its beautiful

    • @smievil
      @smievil 3 роки тому

      jewelers loupe sounds interesting

    • @charlottewalnut3118
      @charlottewalnut3118 3 роки тому +2

      Your a damn genius

    • @fishinjunky
      @fishinjunky 3 роки тому +4

      Lol. Thx but not a genius. I have some sharpening vids on my channel I’d that helps.

  • @mikefrisby9233
    @mikefrisby9233 2 роки тому +1

    I grew up in a house with an Arkansas Tri-stone, and got one myself as soon as I got my own serious kitchen knives. Still learned something from this. Thanks

  • @beardiemom
    @beardiemom Рік тому

    Thank you, this video gave me the confidence to try to sharpen my expensive kitchen knives at home, which I did today and turned out great!

  • @mindbomb2000
    @mindbomb2000 2 роки тому +22

    THAT was a great beginners guide. I was doing 3 of the 4 things incorrect. The only thing that I think I was doing correct was not moving to a higher grit too early. Anyway, thanks for the video!

  • @matthewkesterson
    @matthewkesterson 3 роки тому +32

    Handy tip, you can get rid of sharpie marks by going over a small part of the mark with the same sharpie and wiping it immediately. There is solvent in the marker allowing the ink to flow but it dries quickly. Small sections, wipe quickly.

    • @justvin7214
      @justvin7214 3 роки тому +9

      This is also the trick for getting permanent marker off a dry wipe board.

    • @Joshuacliftojm
      @Joshuacliftojm 2 роки тому +7

      Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol, or even ethyl alcohol (liquor), will also remove it. I've used that for years to, for instance, allow me to make a correction when labeling a CD-R.

    • @fredflintstone5208
      @fredflintstone5208 2 роки тому

      I learned to use that technique with spray paint

  • @OffensiveJestr
    @OffensiveJestr 2 роки тому

    Excellent video. I love spending time in the kitchen, and I have a tough time getting that sharp edge on my blade. I will definitely give this a try.

  • @HandcraftedHomeKitchen
    @HandcraftedHomeKitchen 5 місяців тому

    Great tips and clarity on the process! Thanks for sharing!

  • @rrkred3561
    @rrkred3561 3 роки тому +4

    this really helped. my first time like months ago I was successful beginner's luck. but then after that, I failed and failed. this video helped me tremendously now my knives are near barbershop razor-sharp, not quite yet but near that point which is great for food.

  • @CTINA--NguyenHongPhuc
    @CTINA--NguyenHongPhuc 3 роки тому +324

    Simple, we just meed sharpness V enchanted book and an anvil

    • @thomasleecallahan4977
      @thomasleecallahan4977 3 роки тому +7

      meed: A merited reward

    • @asdasdasdasd8970
      @asdasdasdasd8970 3 роки тому +7

      If only my zero-tick green dye farm still worked

    • @surprisemc1669
      @surprisemc1669 3 роки тому +1

      I see you are a man of culture

    • @firstnamesurname2482
      @firstnamesurname2482 2 роки тому

      @@asdasdasdasd8970 Just hunt some chicken, there should be an abundance amount of them everywhere.

    • @xbiggdogg
      @xbiggdogg 2 роки тому

      Thanks for the video dude. Next do a video on shaving...and start witstack. cheezy stach.

  • @homiegibiotch7915
    @homiegibiotch7915 2 роки тому

    Good video. I learned to sharpen a knife years ago in the Boy Scouts, but forgot everything i learned. Now I am trying to regain that knowledge. You are correct, I could sharpen a knife by "feel" alone back in the day. Good tips. Thank you for your time.

  • @Mike-sh2cb
    @Mike-sh2cb Рік тому

    Amazing!!
    Just collected my first whetstone! tonight.
    It's a 1000,6000.
    Will follow your lesson.
    Many thanks Ethan!!

  • @RoscoPColetraneIII
    @RoscoPColetraneIII 3 роки тому +13

    Excellent video, nice editing, and very sound advice from a clear expert.
    It took me a while to understand the easiest way (for me) to determine the angle of your grind. Here are my own notes on how to determine grind angle (it's all based off the "width", or distance from the knife spine to the cutting edge):
    Shaving: 15°=0.26 x blade width
    Slicing/pocket knife: 20°=0.34 x blade width
    Slicing/general use : 25°=0.42 x blade width
    General use: 30°=0.50 x blade width
    Chopping: 35°=0.57 x blade width
    Chopping: 40°=0.64 x blade width
    Chopping: 45°=0.71 x blade width
    So if you want a 20-degree angle, the spine of the knife (i measure at the widest part near the handle) should be about 1/3 the width of the knife above the stone surface.
    Not sure if this makes sense without pictures, but I hope it will help some.

  • @masterix4021
    @masterix4021 3 роки тому +15

    tip that helped me the most... don't push with the arms but with your shoulders. Lock the wrists and elbows into position and use the shoulders for the actual strokes.

    • @Crazyknives
      @Crazyknives 2 роки тому

      I have to try this, make sense, thanks

  • @philcamp9663
    @philcamp9663 2 роки тому +1

    Fantastic teacher ,thanks so much ,simple but direct with well spoken English. 10 out 0f 10

  • @kyuushin84
    @kyuushin84 7 місяців тому

    that really helped me, i'm still learning and practicing to sharpening my knife, i'm still bad at it but as time goes by i'm getting better results everytime

  • @magnificentmuttley2084
    @magnificentmuttley2084 3 роки тому +6

    Great video! Actually, probably ‘the’ most useful knife sharpening video I have watched. You pack a lot of solid, great information into this video. Thank you for posting. Best regards from Northern Ireland. ☘️

    • @ekspatvos6264
      @ekspatvos6264 2 роки тому

      I echo your sentiment. Awesome video with very helpful info.

  • @hannostadler7224
    @hannostadler7224 3 роки тому +31

    I feel personally attacked by the intro. 100% the best introduction/basics video for newbies, mate. Very well done. Simple yet informative. No time wasting. No BS. Just solid advice. Cheers from South Africa.

  • @VictorSanchez-bt7fj
    @VictorSanchez-bt7fj Рік тому +1

    Thank you sir that was a fantastic video concise straight to the point. No bollocks no BS. Most of the time I get discouraged from even watching UA-cam videos because a lot of guys like to take their time go slow and just really put a lot of unnecessary crap in their videos you did exactly the opposite subscribed thanks bro

  • @yoelperez3890
    @yoelperez3890 7 місяців тому

    after 3 years of not trying the stone i will try again!
    its really hard, but you gave me hope.

  • @vincemontanez3947
    @vincemontanez3947 3 роки тому +3

    Just ordered my first whetstone. Am glad I saw this video before I really mess up my blades haha. Wish me luck

  • @anabelle6880
    @anabelle6880 3 роки тому +164

    "have dreams of finally showing that smug paper who's boss" 😂

    • @smievil
      @smievil 3 роки тому +4

      running a bit low on papers to show who's boss

    • @MrMarkyr1000
      @MrMarkyr1000 3 роки тому

      I just have dreams.

  • @vger2
    @vger2 Рік тому

    This video was like... the 3000 grit finish to the 400 grit kinda-sharper mess I was achieving today with a different technique I had been shown. Thank you!

  • @cryzz0n
    @cryzz0n 2 роки тому

    This is much better explanation than the ones I’ve received both in culinary school and working in the industry, I generally get someone else to sharpen mine but it would be nice to learn that vital skill I missed out on

  • @MrMZaccone
    @MrMZaccone 3 роки тому +118

    Having been raised by a mechanical engineer, familiar with machining techniques. I've been using the marker trick for about 40 years. I figure if "layout fluid" has been used in machining practically forever, it might be a good idea.

    • @MrMZaccone
      @MrMZaccone 3 роки тому +3

      @Usa mabaho Yup. That all sounds perfect. Even when flattening stones, I mark the surface with pencil. I use a straight edge to check but when the pencil is gone, the stone is flat. I don't use marker on stones because porous stones will absorb it and force you to remove too much material.

    • @alex-E7WHU
      @alex-E7WHU 3 роки тому +1

      Blueprint.. 🤣

    • @glennrishton5679
      @glennrishton5679 3 роки тому +3

      I was sharpening irons freehand and couldnt tell for sure where I was hitting to thought of the sharpie trick. Then later saw that trick in a book. Dammit I thought I invented it.

    • @user-tr2dh4xx6u
      @user-tr2dh4xx6u 3 роки тому +11

      @@glennrishton5679 you did invent it just werent the first

  • @davidpaylor5666
    @davidpaylor5666 2 роки тому +7

    If only I'd seen this fifteen years ago it would have saved me countless frustrating hours of making nice steel blunter. Good stuff Ethen, anyone following your advice here will be a competent sharpener in hours rather than months.

  • @rossbj138
    @rossbj138 7 місяців тому

    Man this is just so helpful, thank you

  • @scottrandall2019
    @scottrandall2019 Рік тому +1

    Love you channel Ethan! Keep up the great work! I would very much like to see more 'kitchen equipment' type videos' like this one.

  • @andrewhernandez9674
    @andrewhernandez9674 3 роки тому +32

    You've clearly put the effort into cultivating the necessary skills that make you a good video presenter. Your channel will grow, for sure. It always takes time, but if you're patient it will pay off.

  • @AaronSchwarz42
    @AaronSchwarz42 2 роки тому +7

    Well done tutorial for someone new to sharpening. Greatly appreciate it! Used the 1000/6000 stone combo $~20 on Amazon, to sharpen my SOG auto-clip black painted blade with drab-green polymer handle (blade) (Chinese) & cleaned up the blade edge & bevel really nice & made it a lot sharper ^^ on my first slow careful go, mostly on the wet soaked 1000 grid stone on a wet kitchen towel &, only a little on the 6000 side to polish it / worked great!

  • @Jimgoodwin846
    @Jimgoodwin846 2 роки тому

    very interesting video. I've never heard of creating a burr...like several of the videos do. I will continue using my technique I learned from my dad...I do agree with the tomato cut, that's usually how I tell if my knives need sharpened. I hate dull knives. Great video and thanks for explaining your technique. I do use the burr on my wood scrapers...🙂

  • @Truecolorsjoshua
    @Truecolorsjoshua Рік тому

    You did a great demonstration of this. Great video.

  • @mattedwards4533
    @mattedwards4533 3 роки тому +11

    You pretty much covered everything a person needs to know to sharpen a knife! I do something similar! I also have a sharpening machine like knife factories use. With all this the one thing rarely mentioned that works extremely well for me is stropping my blades on a leather strop! A knife that just starts getting dull can be revived with a few strokes across a leather strop! This save me a tremendous amount of time! Your video was very informing!

  • @micknoname6466
    @micknoname6466 3 роки тому +17

    Thank you UA-cam 😊 You never fail to capture my attention with something semi useful or interesting 😁
    And thank you, Ethan 👍 I’ve been buggering around with a stone for a while now 🤔 but I think I’ll step up my game after seeing how it’s supposed to be done 👌

  • @MMFrommelt
    @MMFrommelt 7 місяців тому

    The marker trick is great - Thanks!

  • @pel666
    @pel666 2 роки тому

    Nice video...very informative and covers all aspects. I like the two hand fingergesture representing the metal surface. I needed a touch up, this vid was perfect!

  • @henrybucher1190
    @henrybucher1190 3 роки тому +10

    Also for getting a good angle you can use two or three quarters stacked on top of each other on the whetstone and set the back of the knife on them to get a good angle

  • @lacanuck1
    @lacanuck1 Рік тому

    Great video - easy to follow and no wondering off topic. Tight. Thank you, Carl

  • @chrisjohnson-nq7sx
    @chrisjohnson-nq7sx 2 роки тому

    Great video thank you for taking the time to show us!!!!

  • @daveylawson364
    @daveylawson364 3 роки тому +5

    I'm a fish filleter and still struggle to keep it how i want .i have picked up some good tips thanks

  • @Universal_Craftsman
    @Universal_Craftsman 3 роки тому +6

    20 years old Captain Stottlemeyer is teaching me how to sharpen a knife, great!

  • @PbA941
    @PbA941 Рік тому

    This video was a huge help. My angle was fine but it was my pressure that was too light. I still need more practice but a was able sharpen my knives. Thank you so much.

  • @eurblasianhoney8429
    @eurblasianhoney8429 Рік тому

    Very helpful and very easy to understand, thank you!

  • @twinwankel
    @twinwankel 2 роки тому +17

    I've been sharpening knives with waterstones for 30 years. The first you should do is examine the edge with your eyes. If the edge is damaged, i.e., the edge looks like there's small chips, then you should use 1000 grit. If the edge is simply distorted, i.e., edge looks wavy, then you should use a high grit stone. If the edge is heavily chipped, then you need a low grit stone. There are times where, the owner has severely damaged the blade by improper sharpening, taking out too much steel at one area. Then you need to grind the knife down til you get a balanced edge with an electric grinder. After which, you use the low grit, medium grit and fine grit waterstones. Number one rule of sharpening, NEVER take off too much metal. Use the highest grit you can to accomplish your task. My personal knives are honed once a year with the highest grit waterstone. And it never takes more than a few passes cos I never abuse my knives and they are Rockwell hard about 58-60. I can even use a strop to hone the knives but I like the feel of sharpening my knives. Never take your knives to a pro knife sharpener, they will certainly use an electric sharpener cos they want to spend the minimum amount of time on your knives. They will kill your knives over time.

    • @airwilliam24
      @airwilliam24 2 роки тому +3

      I guess I'm one of the few pro sharpeners who sharpens by hand using whetstones and diamond stones nowadays. It seems to be the case that most people use machines since many of my customers said they couldn't find a service that uses whetstones until they had me sharpen their knives.

    • @jacob_1866
      @jacob_1866 2 роки тому +1

      No such thing as abusing knives, they are made to be tools. my opinion