What To Know
- Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the surface of the sharpening stone to reduce friction and improve the sharpening process.
- Similar to using a sharpening stone, hold the pizza cutter at a 20-degree angle against the whetstone.
- A pizza cutter roller can be used to flatten the pizza dough before slicing, resulting in a more uniform crust.
Pizza is an iconic dish enjoyed by people worldwide. Its crispy crust, melted cheese, and flavorful toppings make it a crowd-pleaser. However, an essential tool for creating perfect pizza is often overlooked: the pizza cutter. A sharp pizza cutter ensures clean, precise cuts, preventing your pizza from tearing or crumbling. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to sharpen your pizza cutter, enabling you to slice your pizza effortlessly.
Materials You’ll Need
- Pizza cutter
- Sharpening stone or whetstone
- Honing rod (optional)
- Lubricating oil (optional)
Methods of Sharpening
Sharpening Stone
1. Lubricate the Stone: Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the surface of the sharpening stone to reduce friction and improve the sharpening process.
2. Hold the Pizza Cutter: Grip the pizza cutter firmly with your dominant hand, placing the blade against the sharpening stone at a 20-degree angle.
3. Sharpen in Circular Motions: Use a gentle, circular motion to run the blade back and forth along the stone’s surface. Apply light to medium pressure, gradually increasing it as the blade sharpens.
4. Switch Sides: Once the first side of the blade is sharp, flip it over and repeat the process on the other side.
Whetstone
1. Soak the Whetstone: Submerge the whetstone in water for 10-15 minutes to prepare it for sharpening.
2. Hold the Pizza Cutter: Similar to using a sharpening stone, hold the pizza cutter at a 20-degree angle against the whetstone.
3. Sharpen in Long Strokes: Use long, even strokes to slide the blade along the whetstone’s surface. Apply consistent pressure throughout the sharpening process.
4. Repeat: Continue sharpening both sides of the blade until it reaches the desired sharpness.
Honing
After sharpening the pizza cutter, honing it with a honing rod can further refine the edge and extend its lifespan.
1. Lubricate the Honing Rod: Apply a few drops of lubricating oil to the honing rod.
2. Hold the Honing Rod: Hold the honing rod vertically and insert the pizza cutter blade into the slot.
3. Slide the Blade: Use gentle pressure to slide the blade up and down the honing rod in short, quick strokes.
4. Repeat: Repeat the process on both sides of the blade for 5-10 strokes.
Tips for Sharpening
- Use a Fine-Grit Stone: A fine-grit sharpening stone or whetstone will create a sharper, more refined edge.
- Maintain a Consistent Angle: Hold the pizza cutter at a consistent angle throughout the sharpening process to ensure an even edge.
- Don’t Over-Sharpen: Sharpening the pizza cutter too much can weaken the blade. Stop sharpening when the blade is visibly sharp.
- Clean the Blade: Wipe the blade with a damp cloth after sharpening to remove any metal shavings or debris.
Troubleshooting
- The Pizza Cutter Won’t Cut: If the pizza cutter still doesn’t cut after sharpening, check if the blade is bent or damaged.
- The Pizza Cutter Tears the Pizza: The blade may be too dull or chipped. Sharpen or replace the blade.
- The Pizza Cutter Slips: The blade may not be sharp enough or the cutting surface may be uneven. Sharpen the blade or use a different cutting surface.
Going the Extra Mile
- Use a Pizza Cutter Roller: A pizza cutter roller can be used to flatten the pizza dough before slicing, resulting in a more uniform crust.
- Sprinkle Flour on the Pizza: Dusting the pizza with flour before slicing will prevent it from sticking to the blade.
- Cut with Confidence: Once your pizza cutter is sharp, cut with confidence and enjoy perfectly sliced pizza every time.
The Bottom Line
Sharpening your pizza cutter is a crucial step in maintaining your kitchen tools and ensuring perfect pizza slicing. By following these simple steps and using the appropriate methods and materials, you can achieve a razor-sharp pizza cutter that will make your pizza-making experience a breeze.
Information You Need to Know
Q: How often should I sharpen my pizza cutter?
A: The frequency of sharpening depends on how often you use the pizza cutter. If you use it frequently, you may need to sharpen it every 6-12 months.
Q: Can I use a knife sharpener to sharpen a pizza cutter?
A: While it’s possible to use a knife sharpener on a pizza cutter, it’s not recommended. Knife sharpeners are designed for knives, and using them on a pizza cutter can damage the blade.
Q: What type of lubricating oil should I use?
A: Any light-weight lubricating oil, such as mineral oil or honing oil, will work well for sharpening a pizza cutter.
