How To Sharp Serrated Knife?

Serrated Knife: Do you have a serrated knife that is no longer sharp? In this detailed guide, we will teach you how to sharpen it using a variety of methods like an electric sharpener, Dremel, or whetstone, etc.

Slicing bread, tomatoes, and other kinds of food require a sharp serrated knife. During this discussion, we will also answer a few common questions regarding serrated knives. Below is a complete guide on how to sharpen a serrated knife with different means.

Serrated Knife

Every home cook should have a proper serrated knife
Every home cook should have a proper serrated knife

The blade of a serrated knife seems like saw teeth. These saw teeth-like structures are known as serrations. These serrations make it easier to cut through tough or crusty surfaces like bread, tomatoes, and meat. A serrated knife is a knife with a saw-toothed blade, which can be used for a variety of tasks such as slicing bread or cutting through tough meat.

It is easier to slice through food without crushing it because the teeth of the blade help hold onto the food. Tough materials like rope or plastic can also be cut through a sharp serrated knife. While they are not always the sharpest knives around, their unique blade design helps to make up for this lack of precision. Every cook knows that a serrated knife is an essential kitchen tool.

In contrast to traditional knives, serrated knives are more difficult to sharpen. However, with a little patience and the right tools, you can easily sharpen your serrated knife at home.

Different Methods to Get A Swifty Sharp Serrated Knife

Serrated knives can be sharpened with a rod or with a flat edge sharpener
Serrated knives can be sharpened with a rod or with a flat edge sharpener

Serrated knives can be sharpened in many ways, but the best way is with a honing rod. The best and recommended way to sharpen a knife is by using a honing or sharpening rod manually rather than using an electric sharpener or a Dremel.

Sharpen a Serrated Knife with a Honing Rod

You can maintain your knives like a professional at home with the Honing Rod
You can maintain your knives like a professional at home with the Honing Rod

Here’s what you’ll need to get a sharp serrated bread knife:

– A honing rod (also called sharpening steel)

– A serrated knife

– A cutting board

– A towel or cloth

First, find a honing rod that’s the right size for your knife. The rod should be about as long as the blade of your knife. If you’re not sure which length of the rod to use, go with a longer rod.

Next, set your cutting board on a towel or cloth to keep it from slipping. Hold honing rod and the knife in alternative hands. Set the knife blade at a 20-degree angle against the rod.

For right-handed people, this means holding the rod in your left hand and the knife in your right. For left-handed people, it’s the reverse.

Now, using even pressure, run the blade of the knife down the length of the rod. Ensure the 20-degree angle while sharpening throughout the whole process. Repeat the above process on each side of the blade about 15 times.

If you’re having trouble keeping a consistent angle, try using a sharpening guide. This is a tool that helps you keep the blade at the right angle as you sharpen.

If you aren’t sure the blade has been sharpened, put it to the test by cutting a piece of bread or tomato with it. Until you get the desired sharpness, repeat the process.

Take advantage of the knowledge you gained about sharpening a serrated knife with a honing rod now! Practicing a few times will make you a pro at slicing bread and tomatoes.

Sharpen a Serrated Knife with an Electric Sharpener

User-friendly and fast, electric knife sharpeners can sharpen a variety of blades
User-friendly and fast, electric knife sharpeners can sharpen a variety of blades

Electric sharpeners are quite easy and the best ones to sharpen serrated knives. The instructions that come with your electric sharpener can also tell you how to sharpen a serrated knife. Most sharpeners have multiple slots for different types of blades, so be sure to choose the one that is meant for serrated knives.

Once you have selected the right slot, hold your knife at a 90-degree angle to the sharpener and run the blade through. Be patient while sharpening because going hurry can be useless.

After a few passes, your knife should be nice and sharp. If it is not as sharp as you would like, simply run it through the sharpener a few more times. It’s important not to damage your blade by overdoing it.

Sharpen a Serrated Knife with Dremel

A Dremel is too aggressive to use to sharpen a knife
A Dremel is too aggressive to use to sharpen a knife

First, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:

– Dremel rotary tool

– Dremel sharpening stone

– Serrated knife

Now that you have everything you need, let’s get started.

Step # 1: Turn on your Dremel rotary tool and hold it against the side of the serrated knife blade.

Step # 2: Slowly move the Dremel up and down the length of the blade, being careful not to apply too much pressure.

Step # 3: After a few passes, you should start to see a burr forming on the edge of the blade.

Step # 4: Once you’ve created a burr all along the edge of the blade, it’s time to move on to the next step.

Step # 5: Turn off the Dremel and use a sharpening stone to remove the burr from the edge of the blade.

Step # 6: Start by holding the stone against the side of the blade and moving it up and down.

Step # 7: Once you’ve gone over the entire edge of the blade, it’s time to test it out.

Step # 8: Try slicing through a piece of paper or cutting something with your newly sharpened knife. If it feels sharper than before, then you’re done!

How to Tell if a Serrated Knife is Sharp?

Sharpen your serrated knife at home by giving it a few tests
Sharpen your serrated knife at home by giving it a few tests

If you are not sure if your serrated knife is sharp, there are a few tests you can do at home. One is to try slicing a paper. If the blade tears the paper or leaves jagged edges, then it is time to sharpen your knife.

Another test you can do is to slice through a tomato. A sharp serrated knife should be able to effortlessly glide through the skin without squishing the fruit. If your knife is struggling to make it through the skin, or if it leaves behind a ragged edge, then it is time to sharpen the knives blade.

How to Keep a Serrated Knife Sharp?

Regular use and care can stable the knife sharper
Regular use and care can stable the knife sharper

The best way to keep your serrated knife sharp is to use it regularly. This may seem like common sense, but it is important to remember that knives are like any other tool – the more you use them, the sharper they will stay.

In addition to using your knife regularly, you should also clean and oil it after each use. To clean your knife you can soak the knife after use in warm water or simply wash it with soap. Then air-dry it or clean it with a cloth.

Once your knife is dry, you can apply a few drops of oil to the blade. Any type of cooking oil will do – just make sure it is food-safe. You can use anyone from olive oil or vegetable oil. After applying oil, use a cloth to remove any excess. However, if your knife is already rusted read a complete guide on how to remove rust from knives.

Conclusion | How To Sharpen A Serrated Knife?

With a little practice, you can easily sharpen a serrated knife at home. Just remember to use a honing rod or electric sharpener designed specifically for serrated knives, and to sharpen it more frequently only if necessary. With a sharp serrated knife, you’ll be able to tackle any bread or tomato with ease!

Did you find this guide helpful in sharpening your serrated knives? Let us know in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other guides for more tips on how to keep your knives in top shape.

FAQs | Sharp Serrated Knife

When should I sharpen my serrated knife?

Serrated knives usually don’t need to be sharpened more frequently unlike traditional knives. If you use it more frequently like daily, sharpen it once every month. Otherwise, they need to be sharpened only once a year.

Can I sharpen my serrated knife with a regular knife sharpener?

Yes, but it’s not good practice to sharpen a knife with a regular knife sharpener. If you use a regular knife sharpener, you’ll need to be very careful not to damage the teeth on the blade. It’s best to use a honing rod or electric sharpener designed specifically for serrated knives.

Is there any forever sharp serrated knife?

No, all knives will eventually need to be sharpened. Even if you buy the best quality knives, they’ll become dull and will need to be sharpened

My knife is still not as sharp as I’d like. What should I do?

If your knife is still not as sharp as you’d like, try using a finer grit honing rod or electric sharpener, Or try sharpening it again and more often.