My Mother-in-Law’s Tool for Sharpening Knives: A Debate Resolved

When you sharpen a knife on a stone, you’re grinding away small amounts of metal to restore the blade’s sharpness. Sharpening stones typically come in different grits, from coarse (to reshape a dull blade) to fine (for honing a razor-sharp edge).
When to Use: Use a sharpening stone when your knife is no longer sharp, even after honing. This might be once every few months, depending on use.
Pros: Great for restoring a dull edge. Provides precision and can work on a wide variety of knives.
Cons: It requires a bit more time and skill to use properly. Overuse or incorrect technique can damage the blade.
The Verdict
While honing rods are great for maintaining the sharpness of a knife over time, sharpening stones are necessary for when the knife becomes dull. The best approach is to regularly use a honing rod to keep the edge aligned and to occasionally use a sharpening stone when the knife becomes dull or loses its effectiveness.

If you want to maintain your knives’ longevity, incorporating both tools into your kitchen routine is key. Use the honing rod more often, but don’t neglect the sharpening stone for those periodic, deeper sharpenings!