Hardly anything is as annoying as a blunt blade when cooking. With these tricks, the knife cuts like new again in next to no time.
The knife is probably one of the most revolutionary inventions in human history. It has become an integral part of everyday life. However, it only serves its purpose if it is sharp. These simple tricks help against dull blades.
Aluminum foil
You need a DIN A4 piece of aluminum foil that is folded up several times. Guide the blunt blade between the layers and carefully cut open the foil, similar to opening a letter. Repeat the process if necessary.
Coasters
Hard cardboard is fine for fine-tuning, but beer felt is even better. Rub the lid with a little toothpaste and position it on the table, for example. As usual, pull the blunt knife blade over the lid several times at an angle of 20 degrees – done.
leather
Leather belts have been used to sharpen knives for centuries. To do this, tighten the belt, rub the leather evenly with a little toothpaste and pull the back of the blade over it at the tried and tested 20-degree angle.
Knife sharpener
Professional grinders for the kitchen, which are available in various designs, are easy to use. Usually, the blade is simply pulled through the device to sharpen it.
porcelain
Cost-saving and effective: turn a flower pot, cup or plate made of porcelain over and guide the knife blade over the unglazed base at an angle of 30 degrees with little pressure. A great method if there is no professional grinder in the kitchen.
Grindstone
Different materials are available for this technique to match the knife model. First put the grindstone in the water for a quarter of an hour. Then pull the blade over the stone at a 15 degree angle and against the cutting edge.
Sharpening steel
Place the knife blade on the sharpening steel at a 20-degree angle. Then pull the blade over the sharpening stick a few times in semicircular movements and with little pressure.
Second knife
The technique with the second knife only works if one of the two knife blades is made of a harder material than the other. Pull the blunt knife blade at an angle over the back of the harder knife.
Bricks
Classic bricks are similar to professional whetstones. Moisten the stone and pull the blunt blade over the stone at an angle of about ten to 20 degrees. Important: only use stones with smooth and even surfaces!
Newspaper
It's hard to believe, but the newspaper trick works. Select a page with a lot of text or a high proportion of printing ink. Then brush the knife blade across the newspaper page several times at a flat angle.