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Gorilla1969 t1_j7mag5v wrote

Would you be using a stone? If so, I learned how to do it by watching YouTube videos. The Japanese master chefs have good instructional videos, and their technique is not difficult.

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MCHammerCurls t1_j7mb15n wrote

Did you buy cheap knives or use something similar to practice on? I bought a set of stones, but I'm hesitant to attempt teaching myself on my nice (but getting dull) knives.

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Gorilla1969 t1_j7mbmuo wrote

I bought a 40 dollar chef knife on Amazon the same time I bought the stone. Turns out it's a very good knife. When I was learning, I also sharpened every shitty knife I owned and they were like brand new.

Just practice on whatever you have. I never ruined anything with the whetstone, only with the cheaper sharpening tools.

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TheNightmareOfHair t1_j7mc0qe wrote

You're not going to be removing a ton of material at once with a stone, so personally I don't think it's a high risk thing to attempt on your own knives. (That said, YMMV and please don't come after me with said knives kthx.) Just don't do anything crazy, like running the knife 90 degrees to or along the corner of the stone, and you'll be very unlikely to ruin anything.

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Capable_Okra OP t1_j7mdhdy wrote

You could also see if any thrift stores or buy nothing groups have a knife, then you can practice on it.

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Capable_Okra OP t1_j7mamm0 wrote

Yes a whetstone! Do you have any links or username recommendations for youtube? I'd rather learn in person but can at least start with some videos

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TheNightmareOfHair t1_j7mdkpn wrote

First thing to do is check whether your whetstone is a waterstone or an oilstone. (Lest you think I'm being patronizing, I for one used to think "whet" was "wet" as in "water." This is not the case!) Then make sure you use that term in your YouTube search so that you find the right vids. Also, some waterstones require 15-30 minutes of soaking beforehand, while newer ones (ceramic, Arkansas) do not.

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Capable_Okra OP t1_j7mdpbl wrote

Thanks, I didn't even know oil sharpening was a thing so I will definitely be doing some research before I dive in.

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