5 Common Knife Sharpening Mistakes (And How to Fix Them Fast)

5 Knife Sharpening Mistakes You’re Probably Making (And How to Fix Them)

There’s nothing like the feeling of slicing through a tomato with a razor-sharp knife—it’s pure satisfaction. But if your blades are dull, nicked, or just not cutting it anymore, you might be making some common sharpening slip-ups. Don’t worry, though—you’re not alone, and these mistakes are easy to fix. I’ve rounded up the top five blunders knife owners make when sharpening, plus simple solutions to get your edges back in top shape. And yes, we’ll talk about how our AdhaKen Whetstone can save the day. Ready to sharpen smarter? Let’s dive in!

knife sharpening mistakes #1: Using the Wrong Angle

Ever notice your knife still feels dull after sharpening? Chances are, you’re holding it at the wrong angle. Most kitchen knives need a 15- to 20-degree angle per side—too steep, and you’re grinding away too much metal; too shallow, and it won’t cut worth a darn.
Fix It: Find your knife’s sweet spot (check the manufacturer’s specs—ours at AdhaKen are designed for around 20 degrees). Use the AdhaKen Whetstone and keep a steady hand. A trick? Stack two coins under the blade spine for a rough 20-degree guide until you get the feel. Practice makes perfect!

knife sharpening mistakes #2: Skipping the Soak

If you’re jumping straight to sharpening without soaking your whetstone, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. A dry stone clogs with metal bits, scratches your blade, and makes the whole process harder than it needs to be.
Fix It: Give your AdhaKen Whetstone a good 10-15 minute soak in water before you start. You’ll see bubbles—that’s a sign it’s drinking up. Once it’s wet, it’ll glide smoothly, giving your knife a clean, sharp edge. No shortcuts here!

knife sharpening mistakes #3: Over-Sharpening Like a Maniac

More sharpening doesn’t always mean a sharper knife. If you’re grinding away for ages or pressing too hard, you’re likely wearing down your blade instead of refining it. Overdoing it can even create a wavy edge—yikes!
Fix It: Less is more. With the AdhaKen Whetstone, use light, even strokes—about 10-15 passes per side on the coarse grit, then switch to the fine grit to polish. Stop when it cuts paper cleanly. Trust me, your knife will thank you.

knife sharpening mistakes #4: Ignoring the Burr

Ever heard of a burr? It’s that tiny, feathery metal lip that forms on the edge when you sharpen one side. If you don’t smooth it off, your knife might feel sharp for a hot second—then flop. Ignoring it is a rookie mistake.
Fix It: After sharpening one side with the AdhaKen Whetstone, flip the knife and lightly run it over the stone a few times on the other side. Feel for the burr with your finger (carefully!)—once it’s gone, you’ve got a balanced edge. Finish with a few alternating strokes to seal the deal.

knife sharpening mistakes #5: Using the Wrong Tool for the Job

Pulling out a cheap electric sharpener or a random rock from the yard? That’s a recipe for disaster. The wrong tool can chew up your blade, leave uneven edges, or ruin the temper of the steel—especially on premium knives like ours.
Fix It: Stick to a quality sharpening stone like the AdhaKen Whetstone. It’s dual-sided (coarse for fixing dull blades, fine for honing), so you’ve got everything you need in one tool. Wet it, work it at the right angle, and you’ll turn a dull knife into a cutting machine without the drama.

Why Sharpening Right Matters

A sharp knife isn’t just about bragging rights—it’s safer, faster, and way more fun to use. Dull blades slip, tear food instead of slicing it, and make you work harder than you should. Fixing these mistakes doesn’t take fancy skills—just a little know-how and the right gear. That’s where our AdhaKen Whetstone comes in. It’s built for beginners and pros alike, turning sharpening from a chore into something you might actually enjoy.

Quick Sharpening Recap with AdhaKen

1. Soak the whetstone for 10-15 minutes.
2. Set your knife at a 20-degree angle.
3. Use light, even strokes—coarse side first, then fine.
4. Check for a burr and smooth it out.
5. Test the edge on paper or a veggie.

See? Not rocket science—just a few tweaks to your routine. Next time you’re prepping dinner or heading out to camp, you’ll feel the difference a properly sharpened blade makes.

Ready to Ditch Dull Blades?

Sharpening doesn’t have to be a headache. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll keep your knives performing like champs. Want to make it even easier? Get razor-sharp blades with our premium AdhaKen Whetstone—shop now and take your knife game to the next level. Happy sharpening!