Sharp Knives with Just Sandpaper? Here’s How I Do It

Grab a sheet of #180 or #240 grit "Wet-or-Dry" silicon carbide sandpaper. These are cheap and easy to find at most hardware stores or even Walmart. Lay the sandpaper, grit side up, right at the edge of a flat surface like your kitchen counter or a sturdy cutting board. This makes it way easier to control the knife. Hold your knife by the handle and slide the blade across the sandpaper at about a 20° angle. Imagine you’re slicing a thin layer off the sandpaper. Always move the knife forward, never backward or in circles. Don’t press too hard—just steady, even strokes. Flip the knife and repeat the same motion on the other side. Alternate sides every few strokes to keep things even. If your knife has a curve, lift the handle a bit as you move to make sure you hit the whole edge. This method is surprisingly effective and keeps my knives sharp without any fancy tools. #KitchenHacks #KnifeSharpening #DIYTips #Food #Cooking