Knifestyle | BUSA Edition 2022

SHARPENING
Of course, modern technology is catching up
with the subject of sharpening, but many of the
"experts" on this subject are traditionalists. And
that usually means: you use stones.
Such stones can be very different in nature; they
can be natural stones, synthetically produced, or
even hybrids. Stones are generally not used dry.
Depending on the stone, you need water (such as
Japanese water stones, which need to be watered,
or the Belgian Chunks, which only moisturizes
the surface), or oil, as in the centuries-proven
Arkansas stones.
While the oil in the oil stone only has the task
of ensuring the sliding on the stone and wash
away worn steel particles from the stone, the
water forms a grinding sludge, especially in the
Japanese water stones, which is instrumental in
sharpening.
Especially for very fine cutting, the highest qualities
of the Arkansas oil stones have tremendous
potential, but here as well, it's generally a matter
of personal preference.
There are different methods of sharpening with
the bench stone - some prefer a circular motion
or "8" trajectory with the edge (i.e. with the
spine of the blade ahead), sharpening one side
of the blade until a burr emerges and then
changing sides. In particular, in the case of the
fine print, the respective mutual pull against the
cutting edge (i.e. with the cutting edge ahead) is
a popular method. And as so often in life, there
is not one correct method here - trying out and
finding the personally preferred method is the
way to go.
When sharpening, it is essential to maintain the
correct angle. When sharpening on the stone, on
the one hand, it has to be determined correctly and,
on the other hand, to be constantly maintained
during the entire sharpening process, which of
course requires some practice and experience.
If you appreciate the traditional method but are
open to more modern materials, you can of course
also consider ceramic or diamond coated bench
stones. While the handling is identical to water
or oil stones, it can usually be dispensed with oil
or water, and the wide range of grits also offers
all options.
It is important that after creating a burr, depending
on the grinding method, it is removed cleanly.
For this purpose, a leather strop will do, which,
possibly also treated with abrasive paste, represent
the final step and the cutting edge "meets the
finishing touch."
The finely tapered edge that can bend when
coming in contact with a bone or a hard cutting
surface is straightened with a sharpening steel.
The knife is carefully placed on the steel and
pulled across on alternating sides with light
pressure and with the spine first (important!).
This straightens the bent edge and refreshes the
knife's cutting power.
The steel should not be confused with its similar
half-brother, the rod sharpener. Though they
look very similar, the difference is that the rod
sharpener is made with abrasive materials, such
as ceramic, synthetic ruby or diamond-coated
steel. Since these rods are used for sharpening,
they are also handled differently.
Perfect for quick touch-up sharpening, the
sharpener is used by pulling the knife along
the rod, edge first, until the desired level of
sharpness is reached. Unlike the steel, the rod
sharpener does take material off the edge; this
is a true sharpening process. You need to know
that neither of the two tools is suitable for
replacing the function of the other.
3 - 5 | BOKER WHETSTONES
These high quality combination whetstones are a
must for your valuable kitchen knives. The excess
width provides plenty of work surface, and the
sturdy rubber base ensures a secure footing while
sharpening. Dimensions: 7.00" x 2.50" x 1.25".
Available in three versions:
3 | BOKER WHETSTONE 600/1500
Features two grits, 600 and 1500, for sharpening/
shaping and honing.
Item No. 09BO195 $ 49.95
4 | BOKER WHETSTONE 2000/5000
Features two grits, 2000 and 5000, for refreshing
the sharpness and fine honing. Ideal for regular
maintenance, offering a particularly fine finish.
Item No. 09BO196 $ 64.95
5 | BOKER WHETSTONE 3000/8000
Features two grits, 3000 and 8000. Ideal for the
demanding user, offering maximum fineness for
smooth, precise cutting.
Item No. 09BO197 $ 69.95
6 | ARBOLITO SHARPENING STEEL
Traditional sharpening steel for any kitchen knife.
Also ideal for our Arbolito Series (shown on pages
16-17).
Item No. 03BA8301 $ 19.95
3
Boker Whetstone 600/1500
Item No. 09BO195
$ 49.95
4
Boker Whetstone 2000/5000
Item No. 09BO196
$ 64.95
5
Boker Whetstone 3000/8000
Item No. 09BO197
$ 69.95
1
Belgian Whetstone Blue
Item No. 09BB001
$ 139.95
2
Magnum Whetstone 240/1000
Item No. 09TT852
$ 37.95
1 | BELGIAN WHETSTONE BLUE
Exclusive traditional whetstone from a
small area in the Belgian Ardennes. Proven
for generations, and famous for the unique
material used, efficiency, and perfect results.
The blue Belgian whetstone features a content
of garnet of 30% and sharpens a little slower
than the yellow whetstone (below). The thicker
natural layers allow larger whetstone sizes.
Individual shaping is possible. 5000 grit. Comes
in an attractive wooden box.
Length: 8.00" | Width: 2.50" | Thickness: 0.75".
Weight: 23 oz.
Item No. 09BB001 $ 139.95
2 | MAGNUM WHETSTONE 240/1000
This combination whetstone features two grits,
240 and 1000, for sharpening/shaping and honing/
finishing. The sturdy rubber base ensures a secure
footing while sharpening. Length: 7.00". Weight:
21.5 oz.
Item No. 09TT852 $ 37.95
7 | SIEGER LONG LIFE SHARPENER
This sharpener, made of synthetic ruby, is 20 times
harder than hardened steel (20,000 Knoop hardness,
which is roughly a 200 hardness in Rockwell units)!
The most unusual aspect of this sharpener is the
high efficiency (taking less time for sharpening), in
combination with an extraordinarily fine edge, allowing
superior edge retention. In addition, this sharpener will
last longer than a diamond sharpener, as it is not a
coated instrument but one of bulk material. Can be
used either wet or dry, and can be simply cleaned with
a dish sponge. Length: 8.00".
Item No. 09SR001 $ 129.95
8 | BOKER STROP TOP FINISH
The Boker Strop Top Finish features specially treated
cowhide on both sides, for an especially long life.
It gives any blade the perfect finish after the knife
has been sharpened on a stone like the Belgian
"Brocken." Both surfaces are perfect for working
with the grinding pastes from the Boker lineup. Work
surface: 1.62" x 10.25".
Item No. 090508 $ 109.95
6
Arbolito Sharpening Steel
Item No. 03BA8301
$ 19.95
7
Sieger Long Life Sharpener
Item No. 09SR001
$ 129.95
8
Boker Strop Top Finish
Item No. 090508
$ 109.95
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