When Does a Knife Justify Professional Sharpening?
The age-old question of whether to get your knife professionally sharpened can be a complex decision, often influenced by a variety of factors beyond just the initial cost of the knife. In this article, we will explore the considerations that make professional sharpening a worthwhile investment for your high-quality kitchen and hunting knives.
Factors Influencing Professional Sharpening Decisions
The decision to seek professional knife sharpening is not solely based on the knife's price. Several other elements play a crucial role in this decision. Let's delve into each one of these considerations in detail.
Knife Quality
Higher-end knives, especially those costing 100 or more, often feature better steel and craftsmanship. These qualities make professional sharpening a more worthwhile investment, as the expertise of a professional can enhance the knife's performance and longevity.
Sentimental Value
Some knives hold significant sentimental value. Even if these knives are relatively inexpensive, you might choose professional sharpening to preserve the quality and feel of the blade, which could have personal or historical significance.
Frequency of Use
If you frequently use a knife for precise tasks, investing in professional sharpening can extend its life and maintain its sharpness. Precise performance is crucial for tasks such as slicing meat, chopping vegetables, or executing intricate cuts during cooking.
Sharpening Skill
Your confidence in your own sharpening skills is another factor. If you lack the necessary tools or are not skilled enough to perform a thorough and lasting edge, professional sharpening may be necessary to maintain the knife's effectiveness.
Cost of Sharpening
Professional sharpening services can range from as low as $5 to as high as $20 or more. If the cost of sharpening is comparable to or exceeds the knife's value, you might want to reconsider professional sharpening, especially if the knife is an everyday tool.
Personal Sharing: My Journey with Knife Sharpening
Although I am not a professional chef, my father, who was one, introduced me to knife sharpening techniques. He taught me how to use a steel to maintain an edge and how to perform a more thorough grind if necessary. Over the years, my kitchen knives have aged, but they have remained in excellent condition due to their high-quality steel and my carefully maintained edge.
My kitchen knives, a 28-year-old wedding present from friends, have only been professionally ground once in their lifetime. The quality of these knives ensures they hold their edge exceptionally well, and they respond beautifully to honing techniques. This experience underscores the importance of both the knife's quality and the owner's sharpening skills in maintaining optimal performance.
Conclusion
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to when a knife justifies professional sharpening, commonly, knives costing around $50 or more are considered worthy of the investment. Personal preferences and circumstances will vary. For those with high-quality, sentimental, or frequently used knives, professional sharpening can significantly enhance their performance and longevity.