Do you want to take your kitchen knife skills to the next level? Dull knives can be dangerous and make cutting tedious, so it’s important to keep all of your Shun knives sharp.
Fortunately, with a few helpful tips and some practice, you can easily learn how to sharpen Shun knives at home.
In this blog post, we’ll go through everything you need to know about sharpening effectively—from time estimates and tools required, to step-by-step instructions on how to sharpen shun knives.
Whether you’ve been using chef’s knives for decades or are just starting out in the world of cutlery, let’s get started learning how to make sure your Shun blades stay as honed and precise as possible!
Tools and Materials You Will Need to Sharpen Shun Knives
1. Whetstone or sharpening stone
2. Honing rod
3. lapping plate (for creating a micro-bevel)
4. A towel or cloth
5. Water and/or oil for lubrication
6. Optional: Knife sharpening guide (for extra precision)
Step-by-Step Guidelines on How to Sharpen Shun Knives
Step 1: Preparing the Stone
Before you start sharpening your Shun knife, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. The most important tool is a whetstone or sharpening stone. If you don’t have one already, choose an appropriate size—an 8-inch stone will work for smaller knives like paring knives, while larger stones are best suited to longer blades like chef’s knives or Santoku knives.
Once you have your stone, it needs to be soaked in water for 10 minutes before use. If you have an oil-based sharpening stone, then instead of water you can use a few drops of mineral oil as a lubricant.
Step 2: Setting the Angle
Next, set the angle guide or sharpening guide to the appropriate angle for your Shun knife. Most Shun knives have an angled edge of 16-20 degrees; you can use this as a reference for setting your angle guide. If you don’t have an angle guide, then just make sure to keep a consistent 20-degree angle while sharpening your blade.
Step 3: Sharpening Your Knife
Once your stone is prepped and your angle guide is set, it’s time to start sharpening. Begin by placing the blade flat against the whetstone with one hand on the handle for control. Make sure to keep a consistent 20-degree angle while running the blade across the surface of the stone in an even back-and-forth motion.
Continue sharpening the blade in long strokes until you reach the desired level of sharpness—for most knives, it should take at least 3-4 minutes. As you sharpen, add more lubricant if needed, and make sure to keep checking your progress by running a finger along the blade.
Step 4: Honing Your Knife
Once you’ve achieved the desired level of sharpness, it’s time to hone the blade. This helps realign and straighten out any microscopic bends in the knife edge caused by use and sharpening. To do so, take your honing rod or steel and run it along the length of the blade at a consistent angle—the same one that you used when sharpening.
Step 5: Finishing Touches
Finally, use a lapping plate to create a micro-bevel on the blade edge. This helps reinforce and protect your knife’s edge and will maintain its maximum sharpness for longer. Run the blade along the lapping plate at an angle slightly lower than what you used when honing.
Once complete, be sure to wipe your blade down with a towel or cloth and store it safely away.
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully sharpened your Shun knife—and you’re well on your way to becoming a professional chef in the kitchen. With regular honing and sharpening, you’ll be able to keep your knives sharp and ready for any culinary task. Enj
Additional Tips and Tricks to Sharpen Shun Knives
1. Use honing steel regularly. A honing steel is an essential item for maintaining sharpness in your Shun knives. It helps realign the edge of your blade and allows you to remove minor chips and burrs that may have formed during regular use. Make sure to hold the honing steel at a 20-degree angle to the length of the blade.
2. Avoid using a sharpening stone on Shun knives that aren’t serrated. Sharpening stones are most effective for serrated blades as they require more abrasive care than other types of knife blades. For smooth, straight-edge knives, use honing steels instead to keep the edge in shape and remove minor chips from the blade.
3. Use a whetstone for sharpening and honing Shun knives. A whetstone is an effective tool for sharpening Shun blades as it provides the right level of abrasive material needed to remove burrs and sharpen the knife’s edge while also restoring its original factory angle. Always soak the stone in water prior to use and keep it wet while sharpening.
4. Store your Shun knives carefully for optimal performance. Make sure that your knives are stored in a safe, dry place when not being used. A wooden knife block is an ideal storage solution as it provides ventilation and prevents the accumulation of moisture which can cause rusting or corrosion on the blade. Additionally, make sure that the knife block isn’t too close to a heat source such as a stove, oven, or radiator.
By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure that your Shun knives are sharpened effectively and stay in top shape for many years!
Precautions Need to Follow for Sharpening Shun Knives
- Always wear protective gear when sharpening Shun knives, such as safety glasses and protective gloves.
- Keep the sharpener’s belt at a low speed to prevent damage to the blade.
- Follow the instructions given for your particular knife sharpener; different sharpeners may have slightly different requirements or processes for their use.
- Use a light touch when sharpening Shun knives; too much pressure can damage the blade and ruin its edge.
- Clean all burrs left by sharpening with a felt or leather polishing wheel.
- When finished, wipe down the blade to remove any debris caused by the sharpener’s belt, and take a moment to inspect the blade for any problems.
- Finally, store Shun knives in an appropriate knife block or sheath to protect the edges from dulling.
By taking the necessary precautions and following the instructions, you can ensure that your Shun knives are sharpened safely and correctly. With proper maintenance, your knives will remain sharp and ready to use for many years to come! So remember: be safe, follow the directions, and enjoy all of the delicious meals you prepare with your Shun knives! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Best Way to Sharpen a Shun Knife?
The best way to sharpen a Shun knife is with a whetstone or honing rod. Start by soaking the whetstone in water for 10-15 minutes, then hold the blade at an angle of 15-20 degrees against the stone, and draw the blade across in a smooth, circular motion. Repeat the same action on the other side of the blade until it is sharpened to your desired level.
What Type of Steel do Shun Knives Use?
Shun knives are crafted from proprietary VG-MAX super steel that is then clad with 32 layers of Damascus stainless steel for added strength and durability. The core VG-MAX stainless steel is Japanese, Rockwell hardness rated at 60-61, and offers superior edge retention.
Do Shun Knives Require Special Care?
Yes, a little extra care is required to keep your Shun knives in top condition. When cleaning the knife, always hand wash with mild detergent and dry immediately after use. To protect the blade, never store the knife in a drawer, and try to avoid putting it in the dishwasher. Additionally, Shun recommends honing your blades regularly with a honing rod or sharpening stone.
Can I Send My Knife In for Sharpening?
Yes, Shun offers a sharpening service that will sharpen your knives back to factory specifications. The service includes professional sharpening and honing before the knives are returned to you. The cost of this service varies depending on the number of knives being sent in.
Is There a Warranty on Shun Knives?
Yes, Shun offers a limited lifetime warranty that covers any defects in materials or craftsmanship for the life of your knife. To take advantage of this warranty, customers must register their knives upon purchase. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear, abuse, misuse, or alterations.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to sharpen Shun knives, invest in the right tools and apply the techniques provided and you’ll be able to create a long-lasting sharp edge. Don’t forget – keeping your knives sharp not only keeps them looking great and prolongs their lifespan but it also means much safer cutting with less pressure exerted when using them.
So make sure you take the time necessary to ensure your knives are always at their original sharpness for maximum performance. And if you ever have any other problems or questions regarding your Shun knife collection, don’t forget that we’ve got a wide array of support options available to help keep your knives in prime condition!