For a fishmonger, fisherman, or chef, a fillet knife is the best go-to tool when preparing your tasty fish delicacy. But to expertly get rid of the bones or cut your fish during preparation, it is always advisable to keep them in mint condition. Doing so will ensure safety for your hands and fingers. Want to learn the best way to sharpen a fillet knife? There are different methods for this; read on to know your general maintenance tips for your fillet knife.
Sharpening your fillet knife with technologically enhanced Devices
The cutting tool you will use to sharpen your knife is determined mostly by your location. In essence, if you are in a rural or urban setting, you will have to use the sharpening tools available in that location. Using your knife on another knife may be the best method to prepare your fish for a fisher. However, using sharpening steel will lessen the workload. On the other hand, a cook may use tools like an electric sharpener to sharpen the fillet knife. Some other effective means to sharpen your knife includes:
1. Using an electric sharpener
This method is recognized as the simplest way you can get your blunt fillet knife sharp. An electric sharpener makes preparing your meal easy as it does not just sharpen the blunt edges of your knife but also has the metal. To use this tool, put the knife edge through space on the top of the sharpener as many times as possible until your blade losses its bluntness.
2. Try a sharpening stone
A sharpening stone is also called the whetstone or diamond stone and is an age-old technique used to maintain your fillet knife. This method demands a higher level of control and skill because its manual sharpening technique is way complicated than an electric fillet knife sharpener. Moreover, fillet knives have very thin blades, and the whetstone can easily ruin the blade’s edge. To keep safe, it is best to practice with cheap knives.
To sharpen your blades with sharpening stones, you will want to focus more on the fillet knife sharpening angle because placing your tool the wrong way can potentially damage the blade. So, slide the edge of the blade over the whetstone the same way you slice your butter.
Make sure that the rear of your knife is positioned above your sharpening tool. It will make for easy forward and backward movement of your knife. If this technique does not work well for you, try using a coin to help properly position the knife. Then, place your fingers on top of the knife to ensure that it slides on the stone without causing injuries. Practice this sharpening technique on each side of your blade till you achieve the level of sharpness you want.
3. Sharpen your fillet knife with a sharpening rod
This method is also called the honing stage because you already have a sharp blade and probably want to hone the edges. To practice this technique, get a round metal steel and slide your knife over it.
Another unique attribute of this sharpening method is that the sharpening technique is similar to that of the sharpening stone. You will need to consider positioning the knife at the right angle. However, you may need to slide your knife facing an opposite direction from you because the procedure is complicated, and only experts are safe using this method.
Bonus tips on sharpening your fillet knife
In most cases, buying your mechanical sharpening tools may the allotted buffet. When this happens, many people may forgo the thought of getting a manual sharpening tool. It will surprise you to know that Apart from these advanced means to maintaining your fillet knife, other methods, such as using household items, work wonders. Moreover, they are affordable and are some of how to sharpen a fillet knife. Some of these household items include:
- Leather belt: this equipment is one accessory everyone likely has in their wardrobe. Although leather without a hard surface may seem impossible, it can keep your fillet knife sharp, but it works exceptionally. Simple move the cutting edge of your blade across the length of your belt. Many salons use this method to hone their saloon razors.
- Nail Filer: if you have this tool in your house, then you just got saved! A nail fail has an abrasive surface that polishes the blade. Run your blunt knife against the hard surface to sharpen your blade.
- Coffee Mug: no house does not have a coffee mug. If you do have this mug, you can kill two birds with one stone. To use this household gear as a sharpening tool, place the cup with the top facing down. You will see a rough part at its bottom. Run your fillet knife across the raw part to get the desired result. However, make sure to use a ceramic mug.
- Concrete: since almost every building is made with concrete, it becomes easy to sharpen your blade. Find a smooth surface and run the edge of the blade on it.
- Knives: did you know that you can use another knife to sharpen your fillet knife? Get a stronger knife and run the fillet knife on its thick spine.
FAQs
What is a fillet knife?
These are knives used to cut your meat or fish flawlessly. In essence, it is made purposely for cooking. It helps you cut out the backbone of your fish or meat without wastage. These knives are typically around 6.2inches and are made from stainless steel.
Will I get hurt using a fillet knife?
It is advisable to use this tool with care because it could harm you if not used carefully.
Conclusion
A fillet knife is very easy to maintain as long as you have the right sharpening tools like an electric sharpener, sharpening stove, or rod. However, these items may be expensive and cause a hole in your pocket. Household items like coffee mug, leather belt, nail Filer and concrete does an exceptional job of keeping the edge of your blade sharp. Using these tools are some of the best way to sharpen a fillet knife.
