How to Sharpen Kitchen Knives with Sandpaper

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Get a sheet of #180 grit or #240 grit "Wet-or-Dry" silicon carbide (black) sandpaper.

   These can be found at any home improvement store, or even Walmart in the Paint-Wallpaper section.
   
   Sometimes these are sold in "Variety Packs" with several grits, about $3.
   
   One sheet will last for months.
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   Step 2: Lay the sandpaper grit side up at the edge of a hard flat surface (table

   This will allow you to hold the handle firmly and sharpen the entire edge. , Always move the knife in that direction, "on to" the sandpaper, never backwards, in circles or straight along the edge.
   
   An angle of about 20° is best.
   
   Do not use a lot of pressure, just steady, even strokes—about like slicing a raw Irish potato. , Alternate sides:
   Take maybe three strokes on a side, then change. ,
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   Step 3: counter top

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   Step 4: or cutting board).

5. 5

   Step 5: Firmly hold the knife by the handle and slide the edge across the sandpaper like you are slicing thin layers off the sandpaper.

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   Step 6: Sharpen both sides of the blade the same way and the same amount.

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   Step 7: For knives with curved blades

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   Step 8: raise the handle slightly while sliding the edge across the sandpaper so that you sharpen the entire length.

Detailed Guide

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