How do I sharpen my Global Knives correctly?Updated a year ago
General Information about Sharpening
GLOBAL knives are shipped from the factory in Japan with very sharp blades and the material used, CROMOVA 18, which is GLOBAL's unique blade material, ensures that this sharpness will be maintained longer than most other knives. However, GLOBAL knives need to be re sharpened from time to time to maintain their keen edge. As a general rule, the best sharpening tool for use is an individual choice. Each tool performs differently but the end result is basically the same and may be easy or difficult for the user depending on the individual and their level of experience or skill.
GLOBAL recommends periodically re sharpening your knives using either a Waterstone or ceramic stone. In between stone sharpening, it is recommended that you use the GLOBAL fine ceramic or diamond rod to keep the blade of your knife sharp. (GLOBAL serrated knives do not need to be sharpened).
It is recommended that you view the individual videos to understand which may be your best personal choice.
Sharpening options for your Global Knives
Waterstones and Ceramic Stones
There are various types and sizes available. Normally, a medium grit is sufficient to start. However, if the blade is blunt or damaged, it may be necessary to start with a rough grit stone. There are several differences between Waterstones and ceramic stones. A water stone must be placed in water and allowed to soak for 10-15 minutes to allow it to absorb sufficient moisture. A ceramic stone also requires water and soaking in water for 1-2 minutes. A ceramic stone is harder than a Waterstone, so it will sharpen your knives more quickly. A ceramic stone will last longer and will not develop valleys or grooves as easily as a Waterstone.
Regardless of knife size or type of stone you are using, the procedure for sharpening are as follows:
- The ceramic stone should be soaked in the water for 1-2 minutes before you use.
- Hold the knife so that the blade meets the stone at a 10-15 degree angle and then push back and forth across the stone in smooth steady strokes maintaining the same angle. A special knife guide is available to hold the knife at the correct angle if necessary.
- Repeat (above) on both sides of the blade going from one side to the other until your knife is sharp and there are no burrs on either side.
- During sharpening, a certain amount of whet powder will appear as the stone abrades but do not wash or wipe off this residue and just continue sharpening. This residue actually sharpens the knives.
- After sharpening, your knives they should be washed in hot water and then towel dried.
Ceramic or Diamond coated rods
Stone sharpening is the best way to sharpen not only GLOBAL knives but any knives. In between stone sharpening or in place of stone sharpening, if you so desire, you can use GLOBAL’s ceramic or diamond rods. These sharpeners are made from the two hardest materials known to man. They are suitable for sharpening all good quality knives. The diamond rod is harder than the ceramic rod and will bring back an edge quicker, but both are quite acceptable for sharpening your GLOBAL knives. The angle of 10-15 degrees must be maintained.
Water Wheel Sharpeners
For some people, learning the skill of intermediate sharpening with a ceramic or diamond rod is difficult to master due to the necessity of maintaining the correct sharpening angle of 10-15 degrees.
It is important that you keep your GLOBAL knives sharp as it will be easier to maintain them for the long term. A simpler method of intermediate sharpening is to use a water wheel sharpener from MinoSharp or MinoSharp Plus. These are hand held ceramic sharpeners and no experience or skill is required to use them. Simply fill the reservoir with water and run your knife backwards and forwards a few times as instructed on the packaging that comes with the product. The revolutionary ceramic wheels ensure the blade is sharpened at the correct angle.