With regular use in a home kitchen, knives get dull. The microscopic teeth on the blade's edge (the cutting edge) become bent, worn down, or broken off over time due to friction from cutting, contact with cutting boards, and general handling. It's just a natural part of using your knives!

Sharpening your knives keeps them performing at their best. A sharp knife makes cutting easier, safer, and more precise, reducing the risk of accidents and improving efficiency in the kitchen or workshop.

Yes! Regular sharpening prevents chips, cracks, and damage that occur when you use dull blades, keeping your knives in good condition for years.

A dull knife requires more force to cut, increasing the chances of slipping and losing control. Sharp knives allow you to slice cleanly with minimal effort, keeping your fingers safe.

Pull-through sharpeners are often marketed as quick and easy, and while that's partly true, they can be a bit too aggressive. For the average home cook who wants to keep their knives in good shape for a long time, they aren't ideal. They tend to remove more metal than necessary, which shortens the lifespan of your knives. They also create a less refined edge compared to other methods, which means your knives won't be as sharp as they could be. Think of it like this: a pull-through sharpener is like a quick haircut – it might look okay for a little while, but it's not the best for the health and long-term style of your hair (or your knives!).

The frequency depends on how often you use your knives and what you cut. For heavily used knives, sharpening every 2-4 weeks might be necessary. If you find yourself struggling to slice tomatoes or onions cleanly, or if your knife slips on food, it's probably time to sharpen. Don't wait until your knives are completely dull! Regular maintenance is key.

A sharp knife will slice cleanly through materials. A dull knife will slip, require more pressure, and may tear or crush food instead of slicing. A simple test is the "paper test": a sharp knife will cleanly slice through a piece of paper, while a dull knife will crumple or tear it.

Absolutely! Sharp knives make clean cuts, preserving the texture and integrity of delicate ingredients like herbs, meats, or vegetables, resulting in better-looking and better-tasting dishes.