HOW TO SHARPEN A KNIFE WITHOUT SHARPENING TOOLS

Let me guess... You spent all your money on knives, and now you don't have anything to sharpen them with. That's a true #knifenut problem, but we are here to give you some great ideas.

Actually, these sharpening tricks are great to know just in case you are out and about, and you need to sharpen your knives without access to traditional sharpening tools. Whether you're on a camping trip, in a remote location, or simply don't have sharpening tools on hand, these methods can help you maintain a sharp edge in the meantime. 

Warning: We do not recommend any of these sharpening methods over a proper stone or system. Let's dive in! 

Sharpening a Knife With Sandpaper

The good thing about using sandpaper for sharpening your knives is that you will know exactly with the type of grit that you are dealing with. Just as you would do with the stone method, start with a lower grit and work your way up until you reach the desired edge. 

Step-by-step process:

1. Get the sandpaper to be used, and place it in a flat surface.
2. Position the knife in the sand paper at the desired angle. 
3. Slide the knife back and forth on both sides.
4. Check for a burr as you sharpen.
5. Work your way up to finer grits if desired.
6. As always, strop the knife for better results.

Sharpening a Knife With a Dish (Plate or Cup)

When you flip a plate upside down, you'll notice a section without any coating, revealing the exposed ceramic underneath. This often overlooked area provides an unexpected opportunity. A surface to sharpen your knives! The results of this unorthodox method can be very effective, which is not surprising as there are many sharpening options made out of ceramic. It could take a bit longer, because the area you are sharpening with is very narrow. 

Step-by-step process:

1. Set a plate or dish upside down on a firm surface.
2. Place the edge of the knife in the exposed ceramic area at the desired angle.
3. Stroke the knife back and forth on both sides.
4. Strop.

Sharpening a Knife With a Brick

That's right. You can actually use a regular brick to sharpen a knife. The method is very similar to a regular sharpening stone, but you won't know that grit you are dealing with. Assume it's low, and take it very easy. We don't want you to ruin your knife. 

Step-by-step process:

1. Set the brick down in a firm surface, and pick the most even side of it to work on. 
2. Get it wet.
3. Place the knife at the desired angle, and stroke.
4. Keep inspecting the knife, and switching sides until the edge is restored.
5. Strop!

Sharpening a Knife On a Car Window

If you are out and about and your knife is dull, you can use your car's window to put an edge back on your blade. Pretty amazing, right? Here are the steps:

Step-by-step process:

1. Assuming you are not driving at the moment, roll your window down to about half way.
2. You will see the top edge of the window has been coated. Please the knife there at the desired angle.
3. Stroke the knife equally in both sides.
4. As always, regularly inspect the edge.
5. Also as always. Strop for killer results.

You will be surprised how well your knife can cut after any of these sharpening methods. As always, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right on your first try.