You may not know, but...
A dull knife is more dangerous than a sharp one. Dull knives require excessive pressure, which can lead to slips. Moreover, not perceiving a blade as 'sharp' may result in using less care and caution. To maintain the effectiveness of your knives, using a quality blade sharpener is essential. Whetstones are superior to pull-through sharpeners for knife restoration, as they have a wider surface area, resulting in slower wear on your blade. In contrast, pull-through sharpeners often act more like a hone than a true knife sharpener. A steel hone only realigns the edge without sharpening, as it does not remove material, merely redistributes it. All knife steels will dull over time due to wear and tear. Without proper experience, one could over-sharpen a knife, damaging the edge. Sharpening involves material removal, and excessive removal can lead to structural issues, potentially causing the blade to snap. Cuts made with a sharp knife heal better and faster, with less scarring, as a sharp knife offers a clean cut that facilitates quicker healing. After sharpening, a sharpened knife will cut precisely in the direction you choose, thanks to the aligned and straightened edge. In contrast, a dull knife can lead to fatigue and exacerbate issues like carpal tunnel syndrome, as you must exert more effort to force the blade to cut. Regular scissor sharpening and knife restoration are vital to ensure all cutting tools remain effective and safe.