Let's start by clarifying the difference between sharpening and grinding. We sharpen knives when they are really dull and we use a whetstone or sharpener to do it. Sharpening on a whetstone, on the other hand, is regular maintenance that helps keep an already sharpened knife sharp for as long as possible.

What's the difference?
Sharpening vs. grinding

- When to sharpen the knife?
Ideally before each use. Regular sharpening keeps your knife sharp and ready to work. - Why is knife sharpening important?
Thanks to regular focusing knife lasts longer in its original condition. - What do I use to sharpen my knives?
Sharpeners are ideal, but require a bit of skill. If you don't feel up to it, then you can opt for manual sharpeners. These have finer slots designed specifically for sharpening and are easy to work with.

Grinding is a deep process that removes some of the blade material to create a new sharp edge.
- When to sharpen the knife?
Start sharpening when sharpening is no longer sufficient and the knife is still dull. Usually this happens once or twice a year. - Why is knife sharpening important?
Sharpening can fully restore the knife's edge and bring it back to its original sharpness. At the same time, it will also rid the blade of unevenness. - What do I use to sharpen my knives?
For precise and gentle grinding, the grinding stones or grinders. It is ideal if they have several degrees of coarseness - coarser will remove roughness, finer will fine-tune the edge. If pounding with stones is difficult for you, reach for a manual or electric sharpener. In case you don't feel up to it or you own high-quality knives, opt for professional sharpening instead.
Favourite sharpeners
Quality grinding stones

How do I know a dull knife?
If the knife squeezes, crushes, tears or slides over the surface of the food rather than cutting smoothly, it is probably dull. For example, you can do a test on a tomato - a sharp knife will easily cut through it, while a dull knife will tear the skin and squeeze the inside.
Reliable grinders

- Recommended tools: Grinding wheel (steel, ceramic), grinding stone (medium to fine grit).
- Frequency: Regular sharpening, grinding as needed several times a year.

- Recommended tools: Ceramic sharpener, grinding stone (fine grit for a precise edge).
- Frequency: Sharpening less often, grinding is rarely needed.

- Recommended tools: Water grinding stones (fine and very fine grit). No electric grinders!
- Frequency: Sharpening occasionally, sanding as little as possible - professional care is ideal.

- Recommended tools: Diamond grinder or professional grinder. Ordinary whetstones and stones are not suitable!
- Frequency: Sharpening very rarely, sharpening is usually not necessary.

Knife dulling is a natural process that cannot be completely stopped - knives are not indestructible and every use leaves a mark. The main reason for dulling is mechanical wear. When you cut, the blade comes into contact not only with food, but also with hard surfaces such as cutting boards, bones or even ceramic plates. These contacts gradually erode the blade's edge. Factors that contribute significantly to blade dulling include:
- Inappropriate cutting boards: Glass or marble cutting boards may look stylish, but they are a nightmare for your knives. Always use wooden or plastic cutting boardswhich are much gentler on the blade.
- Dishwasher: High temperatures, aggressive cleaning agents and movement in the dishwasher can result in faster wear and tear as well as corrosion. Therefore, always wash knives by hand.
- Improper storage: A knife left in a drawer where it rubs against other tools will quickly lose its sharpness. Magnetic bar or wooden block are the ideal solution.
- Too much force: If you push the blade more than necessary when slicing, the blade edge is deformed. A sharp knife should work for you, not you for it.
The best knife blocks and knife stands according to our customers' reviews
