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A dull knife is a knife that isn't sharp. It makes it difficult to cut meat and even softer vegetables, like a tomato or an onion. In these cases, force is needed, and the cut isn't as precise.

The knife's edge is the meeting point of the two sides of the blade's cutting part. Even small damages, such as bent points or a tiny nick on the blade, are enough to compromise the utensil's performance.

Today, we're going to talk about dull knives: causes and solutions. Come along with Cutelaria CIMO!

What are the signs of a dull knife?

The best way to tell if a knife is dull is in your daily use: if you need to apply force to make a cut, the knife is dull. Ideally, when you try to run the blade, it should make precise, quick, and easy cuts.

You can also test a knife's edge. The most popular and simple test is cutting a sheet of bond paper. To do this, hold the sheet with one hand and, with the knife, make vertical cuts, from top to bottom, as if slicing something.

The cut should be precise and effortless. If the sheet tears, crumples, or requires any effort to cut, it means your knife is dull and needs to be sharpened.

Also read: TOP 5 best knife sharpeners from Cutelaria CIMO

Why does a knife lose its edge?

The main reason is misuse. Learn about the main ways this can happen:

1. Using the knife on rigid surfaces

When you use a knife on surfaces harder than its own steel, such as glass cutting boards or porcelain plates, the knife's edge wears down more.

Therefore, it is recommended to use wooden or polycarbonate cutting boards for support when making cuts.

Also read: What is the best steel for knives?

2. Storing the knife in a drawer without protection

When you store your knives in a drawer with other objects and without proper protection, the friction and impacts between the utensils dull the edge.

It is highly recommended to have a separate and specific place for cutting tools. But if that's not possible, it's essential to use blade protectors.

3. Washing the knife with the green side of the sponge or in the dishwasher

The green side of the sponge is abrasive, meaning it can wear down the knife's edge upon contact. Therefore, it is advisable to use the yellow side of the sponge when washing.

As for the dishwasher, it's the friction with other objects during the washing process that damages the edge. So, prefer to wash knives in the sink, the traditional way.

See: Barbecue knives: how to care for, sharpen, and preserve them?

4. Cutting bones

Bones and kebab skewers should be cut with a cleaver. These hard surfaces easily damage the knife's edge. In other words, prefer to use softer utensils for cutting.

5. Sharpening the knife incorrectly

To sharpen, it is necessary to know the correct angles and also the precise agility for the movements, otherwise it will not be good for the accessory's lifespan.

Another factor is always using the correct tools for sharpening. Sandpaper or motors are not recommended for this purpose, because they bring the blade to high temperatures, dulling the edge instead of sharpening it.

Read: Kitchen knives: 6 versatile types of knives

Main ways to restore a knife's edge

The main ways to restore a knife's edge are by using a sharpening steel, a file, or a stone with a grit between 800 and 1000. You can sharpen or hone the knife, depending on what it needs.

• Sharpening stone: Rubbing the blade against the stone to create a new sharp edge;

• Sharpening Steel: Realigns the existing edge without sharpening the blade;

• Electric sharpener: Motorized device for quick sharpening;

• Manual sharpener: Handheld tools with abrasive wheels or ceramic discs;

• Professional service: Seek professional help to properly sharpen the knife.

When a knife is not sharpened correctly, it makes cutting food a difficult and imprecise task. Therefore, maintaining a knife's edge in good condition is essential to ensure precise and safe cuts in the kitchen.

If you notice that your knife isn't cutting like it used to, it's time to make the necessary adjustments and restore the edge to improve its efficiency in meal preparation.

Now it's up to you! Take good care of your knives, as they are great allies in various kitchen preparations. Supplement your reading with our content on how to sharpen a knife with a sharpening steel? See the step-by-step guide!