How to Pick the Best Knife Sharpener for Serrated Knives
No matter how high-quality the stainless steel on your serrated knife is, there will always come a time in its lifespan where it could benefit from a simple and precise sharpening.
Whether it's from the friction of colliding with the cutting board, or simply normal dulling due to age, no knife will ever retain the exact sharpness it had when you first bought it without a little bit of help every once in a while.
Thankfully, there are plenty of great knife sharpeners out there for sharpening all types of knives. When it comes to sharpening serrated knives, though, a special type of sharpener is preferred that's a little different than many of the kinds you'd normally use.
In this article, we'll take a look at what type of knife sharpener is preferred for sharpening serrated knives. We'll also take a look at a few specific examples representing some of the best serrated knife sharpeners available and try to find the absolute best knife sharpener for serrated knives there is.
By the time you're done reading, you'll know everything you need to know about choosing the right sharpener for your serrated knives!
What Type of Knife Sharpener Is Best for Serrated Knives?
Most knives are sharpened on a traditional sharpening stone, whether the sharpening stone is set up in a cutting-edge device or simply lying flat on your counter.
While the traditional sharpening stone is perfect for the even and smooth edges that are found on most common kitchen knives, it will simply dull the serrations when used on a knife that is serrated. For this reason, when it comes time for a chef to sharpen their serrated knives, they will opt for what is known as a "sharpening steel".
Carl Schmidt TROMSO Stainless Diamond Honing Steel 9.75 x 20.5 cm
What Is Sharpening Steel?
Sharpening steel is a long, thin rod that is slightly conical in form, which allows for it to have different widths over the length of its shaft. This varying width makes it so that you can find the exact right size to match the form of the individual serrations on your knife.
The sharpening steel will fit to the exact specifications of each serration, giving them the perfect sharpening.
Sharpening Steels Can Utilize Different Materials for Finer Sharpening
There are sharpening steels made using a few different materials, such as ceramic, steel, and diamond. Although the body of the rod itself will generally always be stainless steel, these other materials can be used as a coating to allow for different levels of sharpening.
Of course, the harder the material and finer the grit, the sharper your sharpening steel is liable to make your serrations. Be sure that you keep this in mind when choosing the best sharpening steel for you!
The Right Handle Can Allow for More Comfort and Better Precision
On top of the quality of the rod of the sharpening steel itself, the comfort and durability of the handle is also important. Most handles you'll see on sharpening steels are made out of plastic, but they can feature different designs that may be more ergonomic and comfortable than others.
WSC M3 Manual Kitchen Knife Sharpener & Honing Rod Package
The Best Knife Sharpeners for Serrated Knives
Now that we've discussed some of the things to look for when choosing the correct sharpening tool for your serrated knives, let's take a look at some of the best sharpeners currently available!
You will definitely find the perfect fit for you in this list! This will also provide you with great ideas about what to look for when choosing the ultimate sharpening steel for your serrated knives!
F DICK Red Spirit Sharpening Steel Regular Cut Round 25cm
This sharpening steel is made from a stainless steel alloy which has been optimized for creating the perfect sharp serrated edges on your serrated knives. It features careful and even weight distribution for easy and careful strokes. It also has a nice non-slip plastic handle for comfort and precision.
The steel is crafted using laser-tested cutting edge geometry, which allows for perfectly polished edges on your serrated knives. It also has a perfectly symmetrical and balanced design for some of the most harmonious sharpening possible. On top of all of this, it can give you the utmost surface protection with its uniquely galvanized coating.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Ceramic Sharpening Steel 23cm
This sharpening steel features a blade with a ceramic coating that is perfect for sharpening your knives finely and gently, allowing you to bring all of your high-quality serrated knives back to life.
The ceramic coating sharpens evenly and gently, with a fine grit that is perfect for even the most sensitive serrated blades. As well, the sharpening steel features a plastic handle that allows the user exceptionally easy handling.
ZWILLING J.A. Henckels Oval Diamond Coated Steel 26cm
Here is a sharpening steel with a diamond coating, meaning it can offers some the finest and sharpest edges you'll see.
This features a sturdy and ergonomic handle, as well as a uniquely oval-shaped rod. As with many other sharpening steels, this one features a plastic handle with a suspension eye for easy handling and lasting durability.
Tojiro Sharpening Steel 30cm
Here's a long sharpening steel that's chrome-plated for some exceptionally fine sharpening. For those looking for an extra-long sharpening steel that will give you a fairly fine cut, this may be the ideal sharpening tool for your serrated knives.
There Are Many Great Knife Sharpeners Available for Your Serrated Knives!
As you can see, there are many different sharpening steels to choose from when it comes to looking for the best knife sharpener for serrated knives.
It is often advised that you have a traditional flat sharpening stone on hand in additional to your sharpening steel to even out the flat side of your serrated knives after you're done with your sharpening.
Whether you require the fine grit of the diamond coating or think you'll be okay with a galvanized stainless steel rod, one of the above sharpening steels could prove to be the best knife sharpener for you and your serrated knives!
Go ahead and take a look at our huge collection of Honing Rods and Steels here!
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