You've had your kitchen knife for a while now, and you're not sure what it's made of. You know it's Dalstrong because you see the logo every time you use it.
Now it's starting to get dull. You want to take it to a professional to get it sharpened, but you're not sure what they would do to it. So you decide to take charge and learn how to sharpen your Dalstrong knife. We're here to teach you how to do it in the simplest way!
Let's start by identifying what Dalstrong series your kitchen knife belongs to. Then, we'll give you the steps to sharpen it and make it last.
Getting to Know Your Dalstrong Knife Set
Dalstrong has many knife sets. Therefore, it's important to identify what's yours so that you'll know how to sharpen a Dalstrong chef knife and other knives that come with it. In a series, several kinds can be included, such as a steak knife, bread knife, utility knife, Japanese knife, carving knife, and paring knife. Here's a quick guide to help you get to know Dalstrong's most popular kitchen knives.
Shogun
The Dalstrong Shogun Series set is Dalstrong's flagship line of knives. They are made with Japanese AUS-10V steel, known for their exceptional edge retention and stunning design elements.
A Shogun Series blade has an improved hardness. It's treated with heat to a Rockwell hardness of 62, making them resistant to chipping and corrosion. Plus, it features a beautiful Tsuchime finish, which helps reduce sticking and makes them easier to clean. Take a look at this Shogun knife series review if you need more details.
Gladiator
A more budget-friendly option is the Dalstrong Gladiator Series set. These kitchen knives are made with German steel, which is also known for its outstanding craftsmanship and world-class quality. The blades score 56 on the Rockwell hardness scale, making them slightly less resistant to chipping and corrosion than the Shogun Series.
However, they still offer peak performance and offer great value in a busy kitchen.
Phantom
These knives are made of stainless steel with high carbon content, which is known for its affordability and versatility. The Dalstrong Phantom Series has a Rockwell score of 58, making them suitable for cutting various food ingredients. They also feature a full-tang design, which provides extra strength and stability.
If you find that your knife is not among these popular series, you can find out what kind of knife you have here.
Why Your Dalstrong Knife Must Be Kept Sharp
Dalstrong knives are outstanding in quality and function, but even premium knives with long-lasting edges can get dull. When that happens, you must bring its sharpness back. Here's why.
It's safer to use a sharp knife
When you use a sharp chef’s knife, you're less likely to cut yourself than when you use a dull one. In addition, the minimal slicing resistance lets you exert less effort when using it, making it less likely to slip and cause an injury.
A sharp knife cuts better
A dull kitchen knife tends to crush food rather than slice it. This ruins the food's appearance and changes its taste and texture. Additionally, a dull knife is more likely to cause bruising and tearing, which can lead to the loss of nutrients.
It requires less effort to use than a dull one
This is because a sharp knife makes cutting through food easier, so you don't have to apply as much pressure. A sharp knife is also less likely to cause fatigue, so you can work for longer periods without getting tired.
How to Sharpen a Dalstrong Knife Using a Sharpening Stone
Now that you've identified your Dalstrong chef knife's series and its premium materials, it's time for you to know how to keep its edge.
1. Find a sharpening stone, which there are many types of. If you need to know what kind sharpens your knife well, check out this whetstone article.
2. Place the sharpening stone on a stable surface.
3. Wet the stone with water or oil. This will prevent the sharpening stone from clogging up with metal shavings and smoothen the whetting process.
4. Tilt your Dalstrong knife's edge on the stone at a 17 to 20-degree angle. This is the ideal edge-sharpening angle for your Dalstrong chef knife.
5. Use a back-and-forth motion to sharpen the blade. Additionally, you can pull the handle away from the stone as you whet the knife's edge to cover the entire length.
6. Flip the knife over and do it on the other side.
Quick Tips on Caring for Your Dalstrong Knife’s Edges
Part of learning how to sharpen your kitchen knife is knowing how to maintain its edge. Ideally, you'll want to avoid the whetstone as often as possible to keep the blade from thinning. A better way to do it is to ensure its edge is always in good shape. Here's how you can make that happen.
Wash it in the sink
Always handwash your knives. Use a sponge and dishwashing soap, and rinse it with faucet water. Doing so is gentler than putting it inside a dishwasher. It will also keep the knife's edge in good condition and prevent any damage to it. Dalstrong knives are dishwasher-safe, but handwashing is always best.
Get a suitable cutting board
Dalstrong knives are made of high-carbon steel, which can dull quickly if it comes in contact with a hard surface. So use a cutting board such as wood or something similar that's soft enough to protect the blade.
Use them often
Finally, Dalstrong knives are meant to be used regularly. Otherwise, store them properly. Wrap the blades in tissue paper or cloth, or better yet, a leather sheath. Stow them in a compartment, away from moisture.
With proper care, your Dalstrong knives will last for years to come.
Your Dalstrong’s Knives Will Remain Dominant in the Kitchen
It's important to identify what Dalstrong knife set you own so that you can sharpen the blades the way they should be sharpened. But running the knife on a whetstone is just half of the process. To completely take care of your Dalstrong knife, you also have to know how to maintain the sharpness of your knife's edges.
Skim through our reviews if you want to learn more about Dalstrong. We also have more articles about different knife brands and how to sharpen them, so go on and explore our website.
August 18, 2022
