How to Sharpen a Knife

Sharp knives make for safer and easier cooking.

1. Prepare a sharpening stone by soaking it in mineral oil or water before you begin.
2. Place the stone on a damp kitchen towel with the rough side facing up.
3. Holding the blade at a 20 degree angle, slide the knife across the stone in an even arched motion, guiding the tip from the bottom to the top of the stone. Repeat this a few times on each side (4-6 strokes) and make sure to go in the same direction the whole time.
4. Flip over the stone and repeat on the smoother side.
5. Finish, or fine tune, the edge with a steel. Hold the steel away from you and start with the knife in a vertical position.
6. Pull downward at a 20 degree angle for 4-6 light even strokes on alternate sides of the steel. Work from the base of the knife up to the tip of the blade.
7. Wipe blade clean with a thick kitchen towel.