When Do You Know Your Knives Need to Be Sharpened Again?

A sharp knife makes cooking easier, safer, and more enjoyable. But how do you tell when your knives have lost their edge and need sharpening? It’s not always obvious, especially if you use them every day. Here’s how to know when it’s time to sharpen your blades again.

1. The Paper Test

Take a sheet of regular printer paper and try slicing through it with your knife.

• If the blade cuts cleanly and smoothly, your knife is still sharp.

• If it struggles, tears, or can’t slice through easily, it’s time to sharpen.

2. The Tomato Test

Tomatoes are perfect for testing sharpness because of their thin skin.

• A sharp knife slices right through without squashing the tomato.

• A dull knife will crush or tear the skin.

3. Slower Cutting and More Effort

If you find yourself pushing harder or taking longer to cut things like onions or meat, your knife is probably dull.

Using more force slows you down and increases the chance of slipping, which can cause accidents.

4. Visible Signs on the Blade

Look closely for small nicks, chips, or uneven edges on the blade. These can affect cutting performance and signal the need for sharpening.

5. Feeling the Edge

Carefully and gently run your thumb perpendicular to the blade (not along the edge) to feel if it’s still sharp.

If it feels smooth or rounded instead of crisp, your knife could use a sharpen.

Always be cautious when handling knives to avoid injury.

6. It’s Been a While Since Your Last Sharpen

If you haven’t sharpened your knives in several months (depending on how often you use them), it’s a good idea to check their sharpness.

Regular sharpening keeps your knives working at their best.

Final Tips

• Always use wooden or plastic cutting boards to protect your blades.

• Consider professional sharpening if you’re unsure or if the blade has significant damage.

• Sharpening your knives regularly makes cooking quicker, safer, and more enjoyable.

Don’t wait until your knife feels dull — testing and sharpening it when needed will make a big difference in your kitchen.