Today at Ryo Miura Japan , we'll show you the essential steps to know if your Japanese knife is sharp. Don't miss it.
1. The invisible edge: it is noticeable (and very noticeable)
One of the great secrets of Japanese knives is their extreme sharpness. But it's one thing to see a beautiful knife, and another to know if it's truly sharp . To check this at home, there are some classic tests you can perform:
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The tomato test : if the knife cuts the skin of the tomato without pressure, it is sharp.
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The paper test : Try cutting a sheet of paper in mid-air. If the cut is smooth and snag-free, you're doing well.
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Hair or Chive Cutting : If you can cut a chive stem or a hair without it bending, you have a samurai-level knife.
These tests are not only interesting, but also useful. A good Japanese knife isn't just about how it looks, but how it performs.
2. Signs that it has lost its edge (even if it doesn't seem like it)
There are knives that look sharp but aren't. Here are some clues that indicate you need to sharpen it:
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You have to apply pressure to cut.
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The food breaks rather than being cut.
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The knife slips on the surface of the food.
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It loses direction and does not go "where it should."
All of this indicates that the blade is tired. And if the knife doesn't obey you, it starts to become more of a danger than a help.
3. The importance of sharpening well (and with the right stone)
If you want to keep your knives sharp, you need to sharpen them regularly. Ideally, use Japanese sharpening stones , starting with a medium grit (1000) and finishing with a fine grit (3000-6000).
Avoid wheel sharpeners or knives lying around. The better you take care of your edge, the more you'll enjoy cooking.
You don't need to sharpen every week, but you should keep an eye on it and take action when necessary. Wheel sharpeners or quick fixes can end up doing more harm than good. If you invest in a good knife, give it the care it deserves. It will pay you back in spades every time you cook.
Conclusion
At Ryo Miura Japan, we have a selection of high-quality Japanese sharpening stones, perfect for keeping your knives looking sharper. Discover them here.
