beginner2 min read
5 Ways to Test If Your Knife Is Sharp
Quick tests from paper slicing to tomato gliding that tell you when your knife needs attention.
The Tests
- 1Paper test — slices cleanly without tearing.
- 2Tomato test — bites into skin under its own weight.
- 3Onion test — slides in without pressure or slipping.
- 4Fingernail test — edge catches at 45 degrees.
- 5Visual test — dull spots reflect light as bright dots.
When to Act
- 1Fails paper test → hone and retest.
- 2Still fails after honing → sharpen on a whetstone.
- 3Chips visible under light → professional sharpening.
