![Review: Smith's 2-Step Knife Sharpener](http://files.patiodaddiobbq.com/images/stuff/SmithSharpener_1_6.jpg)
As is often said, there is nothing in the kitchen more dangerous than a dull knife. And, as I've said before, I'm a knife freak, and I love them sharp enough to shave with. Although this is often referred to as "scary sharp", it's really about safety.
There are a few different kinds of "sharpening". First, you need a nice solid edge. You get this by creating a new edge about every six months or so, with normal household use. For this you can send them out to a professional, or you can tackle the job at home with something like the Warthog Sharpener.
Once you have a nice edge, you keep it sharp with regular honing with a steel. I try to be religious about using one before and after each serious use of my knives.
In between major sharpenings there will be times when your edge needs a tune-up that's too much for a steel, and too little for a major sharpening. This is where the Smith's 2-Step Sharpener really shines.
![Review: Smith's 2-Step Knife Sharpener](http://files.patiodaddiobbq.com/images/stuff/SmithSharpener_1_2.jpg)
As you can see by its name (and in the pictures above), this sharpener has two sides, or "steps". One is a set of carbide blades that set (or reset) the edge, and the other is a set of ceramic rods that sharpen the edge.
To use it, you simply start with a swipe or two through the carbide end as I've shown in the first picture. Then you simply flip it over and run the blade through the ceramic end a few times. That's it!
I cannot recommend this little tool highly enough. I get mine at Lowe's at less than $4. Get several and put them wherever you regularly use knives. If you are a competitive barbecue cook like me, keep one in your road kit at all times.
![Review: Smith's 2-Step Knife Sharpener](http://files.patiodaddiobbq.com/images/stuff/SmithSharpener_1_8.jpg)
Thanks to my occasionally odd but always lovely eldest daughter, Hailey, for her photographic assistance. Nobody can push a button like an eldest daughter.
Labels: review