9 Reasons to Trust Professionals with Knife Sharpening

When it comes to maintaining your knives, you might think, "I can handle this." After all, how hard can sharpening a blade be? Harder than you might think if you want it done correctly, efficiently, safely, and well.

It's not just how well your knife cuts your steaks that's at stake. A dull blade might be the least of your worries. If your DIY attempt goes wrong, you waste your time, make a mess, and potentially ruin your knife. When you purchase a high-quality knife like a custom Benchmade Bugout or reliable EDC blade, you don't want to ruin it with your amateur attempts to sharpen it.

Let's look at nine reasons you should trust professionals to sharpen your knives.

1. Safety First, Cuts Last

Even if you know all the relevant knife-handling safety measures, it's easy to get injured when sharpening your blades. You are up close and personal with the business end of your knife and handling it in ways you aren't used to.

Professionals have the equipment to perform the job safely. Just as a dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one, professional sharpening tools are safer than many at-home kits. You may know your way around using your knives, but that's a different skill set from sharpening them. It's safest to leave that to the experts.

2. Don't Be a Tool

Knife sharpening isn't just about running the blade across a whetstone a few times. Professionals use specialized tools and equipment to achieve that perfect edge. They have everything from electric sharpeners to precision honing guides. Instead of investing in pricey gadgets you might only use once or twice a year, leave it to someone who's got the gear and knows how to use it.

3. Consistent Results

Sharpening a knife isn't just about making it sharp; it's about making it sharp in the right way. A professional sharpener knows how to maintain the correct blade-edge angle for each type of knife. Their precision approach ensures your knives cut better and last longer. Without the right know-how, you might end up with a knife that's too sharp on one side and dull on the other, or worse—one that's more dangerous than helpful.

4. Avoid the Grind

Improper sharpening can damage your knives over time. The blade you carefully researched and selected to meet your needs gets a tiny bit smaller each time it's sharpened. The metal you paid good money for ends up as dust on the sharpener. When you look at it that way, it's easy to see why this is serious business. You don't want to lose any more of your favorite Microtech switchblade to sharpening than necessary.

Over-sharpening, uneven edges, or using the wrong technique can all wear down the blade more quickly. Professionals know how much material to remove to keep your knife sharp without compromising its longevity. Improper sharpening can shave–or grind–years off the life of your knife.

5. Don't Stress the Mess

Sharpening a knife is messy, especially if you're using water or oil stones. You risk getting metal filings and grit everywhere. Then, you have to waste the time it takes to clean up the mess.

Professionals handle all the messy details, leaving you with only sharp knives and clean counters. Plus, it's a stress-free experience—you get to sit back and relax while someone else does the work. When you outsource the sharpening, you don't need to stress about the mess.

6. Different Knives, Different Lives

Not all knives are created equal. A telescoping OTF, a tactical knife, or even a serrated bread knife each require a different sharpening technique.

Professionals have the expertise to sharpen each type correctly, ensuring you don't ruin your favorite hunting, playing, protection, or kitchen tool. A professional knows that each blade needs customized treatment and will sharpen accordingly. They understand the nuances of each knife type, delivering an appropriate edge every time.

7. Fine Art

Knife sharpening is more than just a skill. It's an art. Professionals take pride in restoring your knives to their former glory, sometimes even better than they were when new. They make a fine art about giving your blade a fine edge. A professional will pay attention to every detail, from the blade's curve to the edge's polish. This level of craftsmanship turns a dull knife into a precision instrument.

8. Extra Time

You have better things to do than spend hours trying to sharpen your knives. Professionals do it faster, better, and more efficiently than most of us could. Tapping into their expertise means you spend less time sharpening and more time doing what you love—stalking through the bush, hunting, camping, chopping firewood, or binge-watching a new TV show. Your time is valuable, and sharpening pros help you make the most of it.

9. Peace of Mind

Knowing that your knives are in expert hands gives you peace of mind. You don't have to worry about whether you've sharpened them correctly or accidentally done more harm than good. You won't be concerned about whether you've unnecessarily worn down your best blade or gotten the sharpest edge possible. Professionals take the guesswork out of the equation, leaving you with perfectly sharpened knives and no worries.

When it comes to maintaining your knives, the decision to trust a professional sharpener is a wise one. For safety, efficiency, care over your collection, or simply the love of a well-maintained blade, trust professionals to sharpen your knives.

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Maintaining your knives might seem easy, but sharpening them properly can be challenging. A DIY attempt can lead to wasted time, mess, and even damaged knives. Check out this infographic for nine reasons to trust professionals with knife sharpening.