Should You Buy New Knives or Sharpen Your Existing Ones?

Posted by EdgePro on Mar 15th 2023

We all know that as time passes and we really wear down our knife sets, the blades can become incredibly dull and eventually useless. When this happens, you may be tempted to purchase a new set. This could be because you think it might be easier or maybe your only option now that the blades are worn down. Well, what if I told you that it is more efficient, more eco-friendly, cheaper, and just as easy to sharpen your dull knives and make them brand new again (or even better) with a quality knife sharpening tool?

Today, we are going to discuss why you should consider sharpening your existing knives before opting for a new set. Don’t worry. We will also talk about when you may need to buy a new set over choosing to sharpen dull ones so that you can make the most appropriate decision for yourself and specific circumstances.

Can You Sharpen Old Knives?

The answer is fairly simple. Yes, old knives can be sharpened as long as they are in okay shape. In fact, sharpening an old knife can often be an effective way to bring new life to a dull or damaged blade. The key is to ensure that the knife is in good enough condition to be sharpened, as some old knives may be beyond repair due to rust, corrosion, or other damage (we will get into this deeper later on in the article).

It is imperative to understand that sharpening an old knife requires proper technique and patience, no matter your chosen method. An old, dull knife can be brought back to life with a little patience and effort, and you can enjoy the benefits of a sharp, reliable blade in the kitchen once again.

Factors that Lead to The Purchase of New Knives

As we stated before, sharpening your knives can be a better option than purchasing a new set every time they become too dull to use; however, there are circumstances where sharpening old knives may not be a good idea. Typically, these reasons are due to extreme damage that can make sharpening the knife dangerous or prevent the knife from returning to a state of good quality.

Here are a few times you will want to opt to toss your old knife set and buy a new one instead:

  • Your knives have severely damaged blades: If the blade of your knife is severely damaged or has chips or nicks in it, it may not be possible to sharpen it effectively. This breakage can also cause potential injuries during sharpening, so it may be best to toss them out (responsibly, of course).
  • The knife has been sharpened to death and is wore out: Each time a knife is sharpened you lose a little metal at the edge of the knife. The edge gradually moves into a thicker part of the blade and becomes more difficult to resharpen. Most of the time it is worth the effort to sharpen, but sometimes you have to know when to throw in the towel and buy a new set.
  • Your knives are cheap and never performed well to begin with: Primarily speaking about knives that have serrations cut into both sides. These can not be sharpened and are considered throw away knives.

You should always err on the side of caution and seek professional advice if you have any doubts about whether your knife can be sharpened.

The Importance of Quality Knives

Since quality knives are made of high-quality materials and remain sharp for longer periods, they perform well and provide better results, making cutting easier and quicker. You can also achieve more precision and control when cutting with quality knives, as they have a better balance and weight distribution.

Low-quality knives are prone to slipping or breaking when used, which can be dangerous. On the other hand, the handles of quality knives are ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable and secure grip, while quality knives are designed with safety in mind. Their blades are also stronger and more durable, which minimizes injury risks.

Knives made from high-quality materials are designed to last and should not need sharpening as often. Your high-quality knives are usually made from corrosion-resistant stainless steel, so they won't need to be replaced as frequently, ultimately helping you save money in the long run.

How Often Should You Sharpen a Knife?

The more you use a knife, the more often it will need to be sharpened. If you use your knife daily, you may need to sharpen it once a week or every two weeks. You can also note that different types of knives require different levels of maintenance. For example, a chef's knife may need to be sharpened more frequently than a serrated knife.

If you take good care of your knife, including keeping it clean, dry, and properly stored, it may not need to be sharpened as often, as this all helps to preserve the quality of the blade, and a well-maintained knife can retain its sharpness for a more extended period.

In general, it's a clever idea to sharpen your knife before it becomes too dull because a dull knife can be more dangerous to use and can make cooking tasks more difficult. As a bottom line, if you notice that your knife is not performing as well as it used to, it may be time to sharpen it.

Investing in an Edge Pro Sharpener

If you are looking to sharpen your knives with a quality and innovative knife sharpener, we recommend you consider upgrading your knife sharpening game with the Edge Pro sharpener, a truly professional sharpener for all your dull knife needs!

Edge Pro's precision sharpener uses a guided sharpening system that ensures a consistent angle and pressure during sharpening. This results in perfectly sharpened blades every time, with a range of grits to achieve the desired level of sharpness.

The Edge Pro sharpener is also incredibly versatile, accommodating a wide range of knives, from small paring knives to large chef's knives, hunting knives, pocket knives serrated knives, scissors, and shears.

Everything about the Edge Pro was designed to make sharpening SIMPLE, with detailed instructions and a user-friendly design that ensures a quick and easy setup, even for beginners.

If you want your knives to remain sharp and quality, investing in an Edge Pro sharpener is wise. Its precision, versatility, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for achieving professional-level results at home.

Don't settle for dull knives any longer – get the Edge Pro sharpener today and forever have a crisp blade!