Let’s finally debunk the myth: electric knife sharpeners don’t ruin your blades!
Same as it’s the case with manual sharpeners, the electric ones need to be used adequately so that you reap their benefits and preserve your knives.
Therefore, the answer to the question “do electric knife sharpeners ruin blades” is “no!” After all, they’re made for blades and won’t damage it in any way.
Still, there are no benefits to using an electric sharpener over a manual one if you don’t know how to perform the sharpening.
You also need to be aware of the pros and cons of each sharpener and make the best decision possible and keep your blades in top-notch condition, without any worries about damage.
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Electric Knife Sharpeners Ruin Blades: True or False?
When an electric knife sharpener isn’t used with optimal care and following the recommended steps, they can remove more metal from the blade than necessary.
This is because they have abrasive wheels that work fast, much faster than manual options, and if you press the blade too hard or pass it through the wheel more times than needed, your blade may suffer.
This is why it’s always best to read the instructions that come with the model of electric sharpener you have so that you know you’re not doing anything bad to the blade, but rather bringing it back to life.
However, all types of sharpening, including that with a manual sharpener, will remove some amount of metal, so this isn’t something exclusive to electric sharpeners.
Namely, when you sharpen blades, the blade is passed over an abrasive which will grind the metal to refine and reshape the edge to make it sharp again.
All types of sharpeners will eliminate metal from the knife and this is why sharpening is recommended to be done only when it’s really necessary. The duller the blade is, the more aggressive sharpening it will require and thus, more metal will be removed.
The rough slots on electric sharpeners are best when you need to revive a very dull blade and to avoid it and use the other which is often labeled as “fine” if you only want to refresh the blade or maintain it daily.
Some models of electric sharpeners may also include an extra slot between the coarse and fine slots.
How to Use an Electric Knife Sharpener without Damaging the Blades?
By learning how to use an electric sharpener properly, you help prolong the longevity of your knives. Once you turn the device on, hold the knife well, but don’t overdo it or press it too hard.
Remember that the machine is doing the job for you, unlike with a manual sharpener where you need to do the work yourself.
Start pulling the blade through the needed slot. Ensure you’re doing it slowly and gradually. It’s also recommendable to hone your blades.
When you do this before or after use, it helps prolong the blade’s edge and decrease the sharpening sessions that the blade will require! Below, learn more about the types of sharpening options available on the market and how each of them affects your blades:
- Pull-through carbide or ceramic slots
These sharpening systems usually grind a lot of material from the edge and they come with one grit only and you have no options for a finer slot, which may be an issue.
Namely, most knife owners agree that these slots can be too aggressive on the blade and are only used when the blade is really in bad shape and very dull.
- Commercial sharpening systems
These are great since you can adjust the coarseness level that’s necessary for the blade.
Most of these sharpeners are designed to have a more aggressive slot, a lighter one, and even a slot for honing. You choose the appropriate slot according to the needs of the blade.
- Whetstones
Manual sharpening blocks are designed with various grits so users can choose the right level of coarseness for the task. They’re affordable, compact, and perform optimally when you know how to use them properly.
Electric vs. Manual Knife Sharpeners
Every sharpener has its pros and cons. Electric ones are praised for their ease of use and speed. It’s also great for the less experienced sharpeners because it does the job for you.
On the other hand, the manual options are considered the good old way, but many say they require more time, better skills, and knowledge about the sharpening process.
But, the ease of use that an electric sharpener undoubtedly offers comes at a price.
They’re more expensive than the manual options. When choosing a sharpener, there are certain factors to be considered such as the type of knives you have (more or less expensive), your budget, as well as your sharpening skills.
The electric knife sharpeners are excellent for people who want to finish the sharpening fast, without worrying too much about the details like proper angle, using wetting agents, etc.
They’re also suitable if you have more expensive knives or knives with different types of blades that can benefit from the various grids that these devices offer.
Otherwise, if you have the experience and sharpening skills, there’s nothing more soothing than setting up the blade at the right angle and sharpening it all by yourself using a quality whetstone!
Final Thoughts
Sharpening, no matter the type of sharpener you’re using, will remove some amount of metal from the blade, so there’s no need to think that electric knife sharpeners ruin your blades.
The key is to use the sharpening slot only when the blade is extremely dull and needs to be revived.
With this in mind, to ensure proper use of your electric knife sharpener and less metal removed from your precious blades, follow the recommendations for safe use.
That is, use the sharpening slot only when it’s really necessary (the blade is very dull) and follow the instructions by the manufacturer for the sharpening process!
Electric knife sharpeners are one of the most popular sharpening options today, praised for their speed, efficiency, and ease of use so they’re always a good investment!
