How to use a rolling knife sharpener

Unboxing a good kitchen tool is satisfying right up until the moment you wonder whether you are about to use it wrong.

You are not. Here is the whole process.

Know the two parts

The roller carries two discs. One side is 400 grit diamond, which sharpens. The other is 1000 grit ceramic, which hones.

The oak base holds your knife at a set angle. One face is 15 degrees, the other is 20.

Six steps

1. Pick your angle. 20 degrees for Western chef's knives. 15 for Japanese or slicing knives.
2. Attach the knife. Set it on the matching face. The triple-layered N50 magnets lock it in place. Check the blade is flat against the guide.
3. Sharpen. Roller diamond side down on a flat surface next to the blade. Light pressure. Roll heel to tip, 10 to 15 passes.
4. Turn it over. Same again on the other side, so the edge stays even.
5. Hone. Flip the roller to ceramic. About 5 passes each side.
6. Test it. Wipe the blade and slice a sheet of paper. It should glide to the tip without snagging.

Three things people get wrong

Pressing too hard. The abrasives do the work. Weight does not help, it just removes steel you did not need to lose.

Forgetting the tip. Lift the handle slightly as you reach the end of the blade, so the roller follows the curve. Otherwise the tip stays dull while the rest is sharp.

Skipping the ceramic. The diamond disc leaves a burr. If you stop there the knife feels sharp for a day and then does not. The ceramic step is what makes the edge last.

Common questions

How long should this take?
For a slightly dull knife, 10 to 15 rolls a side with diamond and 5 with ceramic. A properly blunt knife needs more diamond passes to start.

How do I clean it?
Wipe the oak with a dry cloth. Brush filings off the discs with a soft brush. Do not wash the roller.

Can it fix a chip?
Small nicks, often yes, with extra diamond passes. Serious damage is a job for a professional sharpening service.

Why did another sharpener leave my knife duller?
Usually an inconsistent angle, or stopping after the coarse stage without honing. A coarse grit leaves a jagged edge that needs refining before it counts as sharp.

There are video guides here if you would rather watch than read.

Ready to try it? The Oakstone rolling knife sharpener holds 15° or 20° for you, with a 400 grit diamond disc to sharpen and a 1000 grit ceramic disc to hone. Free shipping Australia-wide and 30-day returns.