How to Sharpen a Knife Like a Professional
A sharp knife isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working on the kill floor, prepping in a kitchen, or out in the field, a dull blade slows you down and increases risk. But getting a razor edge isn’t just about having a good stone. It’s about the right technique—and the right setup.
I started out as a slaughterman, and like a lot of us, I had to figure things out the hard way. No one wanted to show you how to do things properly—especially when it came to sharpening. That’s changing.
Whetgrip® is more than just a bit of kit—it’s part of helping new starters learn the right way, safely and confidently, from day one.
🔪 Step 1: Start with a Proper Whetstone
Use a stone suited to your blade’s steel. Most professionals start with a medium grit (around 1000) for regular maintenance and move to a finer grit (3000–8000) for polishing.
🔧 Step 2: Lock It Down with a Solid Base
A common mistake? Balancing the stone on a rag or tea towel. It slips. It shifts. It ruins your angle—or worse, sends your hand sliding.
That’s where Whetgrip® comes in.
Our British-made sharpening stone cradle holds your stone in place and grips the work surface beneath it. No movement, no wobble, just rock-solid control. And with a Shore A hardness of 10, it gives just the right amount of resistance to sharpen quickly and accurately.
📐 Step 3: Get Your Angle Right
Most knives are sharpened between 15°–20°. Use a guide or visualise the angle if you’re freehanding, Maintain consistency on each stroke—same pressure, same motion.
💧 Step 4: Keep It Wet
Whetstones need water to work properly. Splash regularly during sharpening to keep the surface lubricated and free of metal build-up.
⚠️ Step 5: Sharpen Safe
Always push the blade away from your body and keep your hands clear of the stone’s edge. A stable platform like Whetgrip® dramatically reduces sharpening injuries.
🧼 Bonus Tip: Clean Up Right
Whetgrip® is made from food-safe, FDA-certified silicone and can be rinsed, scrubbed, or dropped in a steriliser without losing shape. Clean tools = clean cuts.
Ready to Sharpen Like a Pro?
Ditch the wobbly rag. Get the grip your blade deserves.