Hand held V-slot sharpeners

Independent, accurate and unbiased information about kitchen knives used for the preparation of food

and how to sharpen them and keep them sharp

These are compact devices intended to provide a quick sharpening. They comprise two or more abrasive bars or strips arranged in a V-shaped groove.

The knife to be sharpened is held with the blade pointing up and the sharpener is pulled lightly along the blade.

This online knife shop has many examples of the type of sharpener which you can see here >>>

Since the sharpening abrasive elements are pulled along the cutting edge of the blade the small micro serrations are smoothed out in a form of a polished edge. Some sharpening experts claim that this is likely to produce a cutting edge that does not stay sharp very long.

What we like about the hand held V-slot sharpeners

oThe sharpeners are compact and so can be carried easily which makes them ideal for sharpening while on a fishing or camping trip

oNo skill is required except that the sharpeners should be used smoothly and with an even pressure

oThe angle is fixed and constant

oThey are inexpensive

What you might not like about the hand held V-slot sharpeners

oThe knife may not stay sharp for very long

oThe angles are pre-set

oUnless used carefully with a constant pressure the knife blade can, after repeated use, develop a wavy edge

Knife blade shapes

Knife blades and their shapes or profiles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blade