If you are ever in a situation where you need to sharpen your knife but don’t have a stone handy, there are some great tricks you can try. Some of these are really practical and will save you a lot of time!
One of the most effective and easiest tricks to use is a leather strop. Essentially, you will take the edge of your knife and drag it over the strop in a back-and-forth motion.
1. Use a Nail File
Nail files have a coarse surface and they work as well as a stone for sharpening knives. They are a great and easy way to get your knives razor sharp without needing a stone.
You can use this technique on your knife blade to sharpen it, just make sure that you are using a nail file with a coarse surface, and that you are careful when doing so.
This method is not as effective as other methods, but it will still give your knife a good edge without damaging it.
This is a great trick for those that don’t have any sharpening stones around, and you can also use it if you are travelling and need to sharpen your knives on the go. The only drawback is that it won’t get your blade as sharp as a stone will, so it is best to save this method for when you have a sharpening stone at home.
2. Use a Coffee Mug
If you don’t have a knife sharpening stone, but you’re having trouble keeping your knives sharp, a coffee mug is an easy and cheap way to get your blades looking razor sharp. The bottom of a ceramic mug has an unglazed area, which can be used to sharpen your knives.
Step 1: Turn the mug upside down and find the raw edge of the bottom. You should see some discoloration, which is a good sign that the ceramic is removing steel and sharpening your blade.
Place your knife at a 10 degree angle to the rough surface of the mug and run it across it slowly. Repeat this on both sides until you reach your desired level of sharpness.
3. Use a Ceramic Plate
Ceramic knives are an excellent addition to any kitchen, offering a sharp edge that stays razor-sharp for up to ten times longer than a steel knife. However, ceramic knives are incredibly brittle and can break easily if they are not properly cared for.
If you want to make your ceramic knife as sharp as possible, you can do so without a stone by using a ceramic plate. These are often found in most kitchens.
Place the blade of the knife you’re trying to sharpen against the plate at a 10deg angle, with the back of the blade facing away from you. Stroke the knife against the plate, keeping the same angle, for about five passes.
4. Use a Nail File with a Coarse Surface
If you have a nail file with a coarse surface, it can be used to make your knife sharp without the need for a stone. Simply run the blade across the file a few times per side.
This can work very well, but it is not the best alternative to a genuine sharpening stone for long term use. The abrasive ridges of some files are too rough and could damage the delicate structure of your nails.
* Coarse files in the 80-100 grit range are too rough for natural nails and can break them, making them more prone to breaking again. They are also dangerous to use on nails that have been shaped with acrylic or other enhancements.
5. Use a Nail File with a Fine Surface
One of the best ways to sharpen your knife is by using a nail file with a fine surface. This is because these files have abrasives that can easily remove dull edges.
Start by stroking the blade at a 10-degree angle against the rough surface of the nail file. Make sure that you cover the entire surface of each side with a stroke away from you, a flip over and a stroke towards you.
This method is not only easy but safe as well. It is also effective and can be used in the comfort of your home or camping area. It can be a lifesaver when you need to sharpen your knife without any tools.