In every professional kitchen, sharp knives are essential for precision, safety, and speed. To learn more about expert knife maintenance, we spoke with Dominiek Vandermeulen, an award-winning chef and knife specialist from Knife Care Pro. Dominiek knows firsthand how crucial sharp knives are for delivering flawless results.
In this interview, he shares his top tips for maintaining razor-sharp kitchen knives and explains how Ardennes-Coticule sharpening stones contribute to better performance, both in professional kitchens and at home
Dominiek, why is it important to keep your kitchen knives sharp?
A sharp knife is the most important tool in any kitchen. Cutting with a dull blade is like driving a car with flat tires , it gets unstable, dangerous, frustrating and when cutting vegetables or fruit, due to more pressure on the knife you will lose a lot of juice ! Finally, it will increase the risk of slipping and accidental cuts. A properly sharpened knife glides effortlessly through ingredients, improving precision, efficiency, and safety.
What’s your first tip for maintaining sharp kitchen knives?
Don’t start trying just any sharpening system coming out of the blue ! When you love cooking, you will buy a quality kitchen knife. Don’t ruin it ! Use a high quality sharpening stone. I recommend Ardennes Coticule stones because they’re natural, long-lasting, and deliver a perfectly polished edge. These stones contain 30% to 45% garnets, which gently and evenly remove metal without scratching the blade. This ensures a smooth, razor-sharp finish every time. Regular sharpening with a Coticule stone will keep your knives in top condition and extend their lifespan significantly.
Looking for the best sharpening stone for your kitchen knives? Check out our guide to choosing the right stone for every type of knife and find the perfect match for your needs.
How often should home cooks sharpen their knives?
The moment you feel any resistance when cutting, just make 3 to 5 honing strokes with only water on the stone. Don’t wait too long, but you’re not always cutting tomatoes.. ;-) Moment will come where you need to create some slurry for a “light” sharpening, always finish by honing. Next, a more intense sharpening on the blue Coticule stone, finish by honing. Finally, a new initial sharpening will be needed. That’s where the Pyrenees stone comes in. So always start by fine honing, and go back as far as needed. With an Ardennes Coticule stone, the honing and sharpening process is quick and precise, making it easier to maintain sharp knives without over-grinding the blade.
Can you explain the difference between honing and sharpening?
Sure! Honing and sharpening serve different purposes when it comes to maintaining a blade. Honing is about realigning the edge of a knife that has bent slightly during use. It doesn’t remove material but straightens the blade, helping to maintain sharpness between sharpening sessions. Depending the type of knife, the blue or yellow Coticule stones are perfect for honing, thanks to their fine grit and smooth finish. Remove the slurry on the stones, add clean water on the surface and don’t apply any pressure on the knife…
Sharpening, on the other hand, involves removing a small layer of metal to create a new, sharp edge. For sharpening, we recommend using the Pyrenees stone for initial sharpening or the blue Coticule stone with slurry for more advanced work. Our stones are ideal because they offer both fine and fast sharpening without damaging the blade.
What’s your final tip for keeping kitchen knives sharp?
Dominiek: Golden rule: you don’t need to cut, that’s up to the knife, you just keep it in your
hand! A quality knife lasts a lifetime when always stored properly. Never toss them into a drawer where they can knock against other tools and damage the edge. Use a knife block, a magnetic strip, or blade guards to protect them. And, of course, avoid cutting on hard surfaces like glass or marble—stick to wooden or plastic cutting boards. A combination of proper storage, regular honing, and sharpening with an Ardennes Coticule stone will keep your knives sharp and performing at their best.
Ready to Keep Your Kitchen Knives Sharp?
Maintaining sharp knives doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools and proper care, you can keep your blades performing like new. Explore our handpicked selection of Ardennes-Coticule sharpening stones and discover how they can elevate your knife maintenance routine. Whether you're a home cook or a professional chef, these premium stones are the perfect solution for long-lasting sharpness.
Need help learning how to sharpen your knives properly? Check out our tutorials for step-by-step instructions on honing and sharpening your kitchen knives.
