Can I sharpen a single edge japanese knife with the MinoSharp?
1871306
No - and if you have a really good Japanese knife of any kinds, this is a poor sharpener when compared with a more complete sharpening system. I use an EdgePro. It takes more time to set up but a properly sharpened and cared-for Shun or Global knife should not require sharpening more than three or four times a year.
1374636
Well, I suppose you COULD take it to a blacksmith that specializes in Japanese swords, but because of the way the sword is made, it would be better simply to ask the blacksmith if he could make one from scratch, considering that if you actually FOUND a blacksmith capable of heat treating a reverse-blade katana, he would pretty much already have to re-grind the bevels of the sword, as it is slightly uneven in the grind,(due to the cheapness of the process used to make this sword for this price.), and THEN heat treat it, so that it doesn't warp or crack. all together, if you asked the smith to re-grind and then treat the sword, it would probably cost one or two hundred dollars for a quality job, and the sword would still be fairly weak compared to if you simply commissioned the smith to make one from scratch for probably five hundred dollars, with much higher quality steel. however, I see no need for it to be heat treated, as it is very sharp when it comes, and the wire-brushing used to make the "hamon" is fairly well done, and looks real, unless scrutinized by a trained eye. if you purchase a sword care kit with it, you can keep this sword for a long time, with a long cutting life, considering its based off of an anime. I got mine at the beginning of the year, and its still in perfect condition. as it is, this sword is still very good, and worth the money, but if you REALLY want a cheap sword with a real hamon, then you should go to http://www.trueswords.com/musashi-1060-carbon-steel-bamboo-warrior-sword-black-saya-p-4315.html for a VERY cheap, and VERY high quality katana with a real hamon. hope this helped! :)
1779230
Don't know. I'm using it for the Swiss Victorinox knives which have an Asian edge, at least the angle. But I think they aren't sharpened on one side only like a lot of Japanese knives.
333681
I have no exeprience using Shun knives; but I would probably steer clear of using this sharpener on one, mainly because the Shun's are expensive. I wouldn't want to run the risk of ruining a seemingly quality knife by running this across its blade. Honestly, though, I just don't know for certain.
244938
I use a soft mouse pad with fine sandpaper on it. Just Google how to sharpen a convex knife.
2150621
I would use a unit which has just a single long straight cutter coming out from the handle. Search for Hot Wire Foam Factory Crafters Hot Knife Kit here on Amazon. $35.
2044017
Yes, you can sharpen them with a commercial sharpener or hone the edges. I have read online that people have sent them in for sharpening and the CostCo website says that "all non-serrated knives are hand-sharpened on a whetstone, and finished on a Japanese leather wheel for the best quality cutting edge" so that would probably work too. Good luck!
1977762
see if you can download the user manual, as it shows you EVERYTHING you can sharpen. To answer your question though, yes.
395569
You'll never need to replace this blade. If you need to sharpen it you can remove the high quality Japanese made blade and get it professionally sharpened or do it yourself. Essentially you are buying the blade with this product. Quality Japanese kitchen knives of this length can easily run from $50-$100. I consider this a bargain because it can save you hours of time and time is money. Cheers
1115068
You need to know the proper edge angle for your Gyuto knife as this sharpener is designed for the 15 degree Asian style edge which is thinner and sharper than say the traditional American blade. I know Cook's Illustrated rated this Chef's Choice Pronto the very best of it's type, but I don't recall what month the article was in nor if they mentioned using it on other style knifes. Perhaps someone can do a search for you if you ask the question again. Sorry...Ron
1170550
You would need a thin sharp blade---and don't forget technique! If you have a favorite sushi place watch theblade used and ask if you will. They are friendly to customer question.
307055
I use it on the Shun Santoku that i have with no problems. It does not reach as far as the dots on the knife. Otherwise you have to take the knives into the store and have them shipped out to sharpen.
1514872
I wouldn't use a PP1 to sharpen this knife. use an Arkansas stone, a fine-grain grinding wheel or a butcher's rod-sharpener.
68365
I would like to know the answer to this question, too. The answer by Ms. Ledbetter doesn't do it. Does anyone know if this will sharpen santoku knives?
234237
I'll answer your second question first. Yes. I use it maybe every 2nd or 3rd time I use the knife. Just a few light strokes is all it takes and there is hardly any steel removed. As for your first question its not so easy. I looked into some Global Knives and it looks like they are sharpened to a 12.5 degree bevel. This sharpener is set to a 15 degree angle. Your first time using it, you will have to use lots and lots of strokes on the 1 slot to essentially grind away your 12.5 degree edge and create a 15 degree one. Its what I did going from a 22.5 degree angle on my knives to the 15 created by this. It won't "hurt" your knife so much as change it. Although I suspect you would be hard pressed to notice a 2.5 degree change in the cutting angle.
1476007
I cannot answer this question, as I do not know. I suggest that you contact the mfgr, if you need to sharpen it. The knife has asian characters written on it, which would lead me to believe that it needs to be angled the same as other asian knives.
394522
You can't use this for Santoku knives. They have different blade angles. You must get a model designed for Asian knives.