5

I have finally invested in a nice Wusthoff Santoku and a Mac paring knife and I want to keep them up and running well! The knife shop I bought from taught me how to hone my santoku, so that's fine, but I was wondering if a)do you hone a paring knife? and if so, b)is there any differences in the technique for honing a paring vs a santoku?

Thanks!!

2
  • When you say hone, I assume you mean using the steel, as opposed to actually sharpening on a whetstone or drystone? Hone seems to be often used in the sense of sharpen as well....
    – SAJ14SAJ
    Sep 4, 2013 at 18:19
  • Yes I meant use a steel, not sharpening on a whetstone!
    – user20022
    Sep 7, 2013 at 22:14

1 Answer 1

3

Yes, you should hone your paring knives. The technique is much the same, except that paring knives are smaller.

Since physical skills are hard to describe in text, and you have already had in-person coaching, won't try to describe the technique; just use the one that you are most comfortable with.

Note that some santukus may have a different bevel angle than a paring knife, but given that honing is about straightening the microscopic burrs, not about sharpening or removing metal, this tends not to matter very much.

1
  • Great thanks! I know that you should use more like a 17-18 degree for Santokus as opposed to the 22-23 that seems common for chefs knives. Should the paring also be done at 22-23?
    – user20022
    Sep 7, 2013 at 22:14

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.